Specifications

Adjusting the mount for polar alignment (Losmandy)

Note: Currently the system is designed to operate only in the Northern Hemisphere. A Future

release of the firmware will allow the system to operate from the Southern Hemisphere.

In order for the clock drive to track accurately, the telescope's axis of rotation must be parallel to

the Earth's axis of rotation, a process known as polar alignment. Polar alignment is achieved

NOT by moving the telescope in R.A, or DEC, but by adjusting the mount vertically, which is

called altitude, and horizontally, which is called azimuth. This section simply covers the correct

movement of the telescope during the polar alignment process. The actual process of polar

alignment, (Making the telescope's axis of rotation parallel to the Earth's) is described later

in this manual in the section on Polar Alignment. To adjust the mount in altitude:

1. Locate the altitude adjustment knob - directly below the counterweight shaft.

2. Turn the altitude adjustment knob until the mount is at the right elevation. Each

complete revolution of the knob raises or lowers the polar axis

3.2°.

The altitude range is from 14° to 64°. If you live at latitudes closer to the poles, you will need the

Zero Degree Latitude Adapter which is sold as an optional accessory by Losmandy and increases

the latitude range from 0° to 84°. To adjust the mount in azimuth:

Locate the azimuth lock screws and adjustment knobs on the back of the mount.

2. Loosen the

two

azimuth lock screws on each side of the mount.

3. Turn either of the azimuth adjustment knobs until the polar axis is pointing in the right

direction. Each complete revolution of the knob is

.82°.

4. Tighten the azimuth lock screws to hold the mount in place.

The mount can be moved ± 8.5

in azimuth using these knobs. Keep in mind that adjusting the

mount is done during the polar alignment process only. Once polar aligned, the mount must

NOT be moved. Pointing the telescope is done by moving the mount in right ascension and

declination. Once the appropriate adjustments have been made and telescope is aligned on the

celestial pole, apply power to the controller and the telescope will track.