Orion SIRIUS 9995 - Manual (Page 8)

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it with the counterweights down as pictured in Figure 1. Again,
you have to rotate the scope in right ascension so that the
counterweight shaft is positioned horizontally. Then rotate the
scope in declination so it points to where you want it near the
horizon.
To point the telescope directly south, the counterweight shaft
should again be horizontal. Then you simply rotate the scope
on the declination axis until it points in the south direction.
To point the telescope to the east or west, or in other directions,
you rotate the telescope on its right ascension and declina-
tion axes. Depending on the altitude of the object you want to
observe, the counterweight shaft will be oriented somewhere
between vertical and horizontal.
Figure 9 illustrates how the telescope will look when pointed
at the four cardinal directions: north (Figure 9a), south (Figure
9b), east (Figure 9c) and west (Figure 9d).
The key things to remember when pointing the telescope are
that a) you only move it in right ascension and declination, not
in azimuth or latitude (altitude), and b) the counterweight and
shaft will not always appear as it does in Figure 1. In fact it
almost never will!
7. the sirius EQ‑G Dual‑axis
controller
The Sirius EQ-G with dual-axis hand controller will automati-
cally track any celestial object as the Earth rotates. You can
also use the controller’s directional buttons to center objects
within your telescope’s finderscope or eyepiece. For imaging
purposes, the controller provides several guide speed rates so
a camera can be accurately guided during a long exposure.
attaching the Dual‑axis controller
The dual-axis controller has a cable with a modular connector
on one end. Plug the modular connector into the jack on the
control panel of the mount (Figure 9.1) until it clicks into place.
The nylon hook-and-loop strips have been provided so the
dual-axis hand controller can be placed in a convenient posi-
tion on the mount when not in use. Place the “hooks” strip on
the back of the dual-axis hand controller, and the “loops” strip
on the mount in a convenient location. Make certain the loca-
tion of the strip on the mount will not cause the dual-axis hand
controller to interfere with the motions of the mount or tele-
scope.
You can reduce the chances of getting your hand controller,
power supply, or other cables tangled during use of the Sirius
EQ-G by using the included wireclip. The clip also reduces
mechanical strain on the cable. The wire clip is adhesive
backed for easy attachment to any convenient location on the
mount.
Powering the sirius EQ‑G Mount
The Sirius EQ-G should be powered by a 12V DC power supply
(tip positive) capable of producing continuous current with a mini-
mum of 2 amps. We recommend using a portable rechargeable
battery, like the Dynamo or Dynamo Pro available from Orion.
If you are using a portable battery like the Orion Dynamo, use
the supplied 12V DC power cable (male cigarette lighter plug
on one end, standard 12V DC power plug on the other end)
to connect the battery to the 12V DC power jack on the con-
trol panel of the mount (Figure 9.1). Make sure the Dynamo’s
power switch is in the “on” position after connecting.
Note: The power indicator LED on the mount (near the power
switch) will begin to flash when the battery power is low. When
the battery power is extremely low, the LED will flash rapidly.
Recharge or replace the battery as needed.
Functions of the Dual‑axis Hand controller
There are three main categories of control buttons on the dual-
axis controller (Figure 9.2):
Figure 9.1. The Sirius EQ-G control panel.
Autoguider
jack
Power switch
Power indicator light
12V DC power
jack
Hand
controller
jack
Speed
buttons
Directional
buttons
Set button
Figure 9.2. The Sirius EQ-G Dual Axis hand controller.