How to use the polar axis scope – Vixen Sphinx SXP User Manual

Page 53

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Chapter 5 APPLICATION

CAUTION

Polar Axis Scope Components

Polar Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere

Polar Axis

Tow

ard t

he N

orth

Celestial Pole

Declination Cap

Polar Axis Cap

Polar Axis

Tow

ard t

he N

orth

Celestial Pole

Declination Cap

Polar Axis Cap

1

2

3

Eyepiece of the Polar Axis Scope

Date Graduation Circle

(2-day increments)

Line Mark

Water Level

Time Graduation Circle

(10-minute increments)

Meridian Offset Scale

(Between E20 and W20

at 5-degree increments)

Knurled Ring

(for focusing)

Time Meridian Indicator
Eyepiece

. How to Use the Polar Axis Scope

What is Polar Axis Scope?

After setting up the telescope, locate the SXP mount so that its R.A. axis points toward the north celestial pole if you use the telescope in the
Northern hemisphere. If your intention is not to take lengthy astrophotography, you don't need to align the R.A. axis to the celestial pole
precisely. A rough setting will work well for visual observation. While looking for the polar star, locate the mount so that it faces toward the
north and the elevation of the R.A. axis matches the latitude of your observing site.

*

Inaccurate polar alignment could result in trailed stars and field rotation in your imaging device.

*

It is not possible to use the SXP mount in the north latitude over 70 degrees and in the south latitude over 70 degrees.

Set up the telescope on a flat and hard ground where you can see Polaris in the sky. Point
the polar axis of the SXP mount in the direction of north as shown in the figure. Adjust the
tripod legs so that will the tripod is as level as possible.

Take off the declination cap and polar axis cap. These caps can be removed readily by
twisting counter-clockwise.

Turn on the power switch of the mount and advance the initial settings until the telescope's
home position screen appears on the screen of the STAR BOOK TEN.

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