Vixen Sphinx SXP - Manual (Page 16)

Chapter 1 PREPARATION
1
3
4
2
2-2 2-2
3 3
1-1 1-1 2-1 2-1 1-2 1-2
. Balancing the Equatorial Mount
Balancing the Mount in Declination
TelescopeTube with Dovetail Slide Bar
CAUTION
Ⅵ
Why Balance the Mount?
The Vixen SXP mount is a German equatorial mount, in which the rotating RA axis and rotating DEC axis cross each other at right angle.
The axes are rotated by using movements of gears on the each axis to get maximum stability and limit the stress on the gears. If the
equatorial mount is in an unbalanced state, it will increase stress to the gears and this could result in damage or erratic operation.
Precise slewing requires a high level of accuracy in rotation of both axes and is important in eliminating stress to the gears. Make sure to
balance the equatorial mount properly in RA and DEC accordingly.
An optical tube weighing 1.3kg (2.8 lb.) or less is not balanced with the SXP mount.
Take care not to drop the optical tube assembly as it could seriously damage the equipment or lead to injury. Pay close attention to
the security of the telescope tube and do not excessively loosen the lock knobs on the equipment.
CAUTION
Do not loosen the lock knob too much in balancing. This could drop off the telescope tube or lead to
injury.
Loosen the R.A. clamp while holding the counterweight bar (1-1)
and turn the telescope tube until the
DEC. axis comes to horizontal (1-2). Tighten the R.A. clamp and
loosen the DEC. clamp. Be sure to hold the optical tube or
counterweight in hand while loosing the clamps.
Release the telescope gradually to see which way the telescope rotates around the declination axis.
If the telescope tube starts rotating as you release, it shows there is an imbalance in DEC.
To determine the balance point, loosen the lock knob that hold the telescope tube to the dovetail-plate
mounting block and slide the telescope tube either forward or backward until it remains stationary.
Tighten the lock knob (and the safety screw) securely to hold the telescope tube in place.
Tighten the DEC clamp to finish this adjustment.
Counterweight
Bar
Counterweight
Bar
R.A. Clamp DEC. Clamp
Decl. Axis
R.A. Clamp DEC. Clamp
Decl. Axis
Lock Knob Lock Knob
Lock Knob Lock Knob
Dovetail Slide Plate Dovetail Slide Plate
Standstill Standstill
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