iOptron SMARTSTAR IEQ45TM - Manual (Page 14)

14
NOTE: Thread the polar scope eyepiece all the way in after polar alignment, before put the Polar
Scope Cover back on. Otherwise, the polar scope eyepiece could be stuck inside the Polar Scope
Cover to cause R.A. axis jamming.
NOTE: If you are located in southern hemisphere, Sigma Octantis will be chosen for Polar Alignment.
For example, on May 20, 2010, 20:00:00 in Sydney, Australia (Lat S33º51’36” and Long E151º12’40”),
600 min ahead of UT, the Sigma Octantis Position is 1hr21.8m and 64.4m.
STEP 9. Install Counterweight(s)
iEQ45 TM mount comes with two 11lb (5kg) counterweights (CWs). Use one or both CWs as required
for your particular OTA. Additional CW(s) or shaft extension bar may be needed to balance a heavier OTA.
Remove the CW Safety Screw on the end of the CW shaft. Loosen the CW Locking Screw on the
side of the CW (there is a CW pin inside) and slide the CW into the shaft as shown in Figure 15(a). Tighten
the CW Locking Screw to hold the CW in place. Tighten the CW Safety Screw.
CAUTION: For safety reasons, the CW Safety Screw must be installed and tightened to prevent the
CW from dropping off the end of the CW shaft. This can cause serious personal injury.
When the OTA load is over 22lb (10kg), an optional CW shaft extension, as shown in Figure 15(b) or
extra counterweight(s) may be needed. They are available from iOptron.
(a) (b)
Figure 15
STEP 10. Attach and Balance an OTA on the Mount
After attaching an OTA and accessories to the mount, the mount must be balanced to ensure
minimum stress on the mount’s gears and motors. There are four (4) Clutch Screws on R.A. axis and one
Clutch Handle on DEC axis. Each axis will rotate freely after the related clutch screws are released. The
balancing procedure should be performed after the CWs, OTA, and any accessories are installed.
CAUTION: The telescope may swing when the R.A. and DEC clutch screws or handle are released.
Always hold on to the OTA before you release the clutch screws or handle to prevent it from
swinging. It can cause personal injury or damage to the equipment.