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[mbfbigsky]

I recently acquired a Starfield Gear60 Quad. The online information that accompanies the sales of this scope says that it includes a tilt mechanism.

"A precise tilter mechanism, which allows for adjustment to match the telescope to the camera for optimal performance." There are of course no instructions to be found anywhere on the use of this scope, except perhaps, Youtube videos, which don't address any of the details that pertain to the "how to."

 

I am trying to get back into astrophotography after many years absent. "In the good old days ," everything came with well-written, logical instructions outlining how to use the items just purchased. Today, it seems that one has to spend hours watching videos, which may or may not address the very issue that you need. But I digress. Perhaps Cloudy Nights is the "new User Manual" for today, filling the huge gaping hole between the "no instructions," which accompany your purchases and the "YouTube videos" which are at best, hit and miss. I hope so.

 

Getting back to my questions: 

1. What exactly does the tilt mechanism do? Not having any explanation except that this scope comes with one, I assume it is something that would make the plane of the scope parallel to plane of your camera sensor. Correct? Incorrect?

 

2. How would I know if I need to use the tilt mechanism? Is there a way to measure, or is it just a visual determination, like looking at a photo?

 

3. And finally, how do you use the tilt mechanism? I don't want to just start cranking on screws to see what happens. Where is one supposed to find out how to use this marvelous invention? I am hoping that someone on "Cloudy Nights" will have the answer to this question.

 

I am attaching two photos of the rear of the scope, which shows four sets of screws. Once again, I am assuming this is where one would adjust the tilt mechanism, if needed. I will of course just try taking some photos without adjusting anything until I can get a clear answer as to when and how I might need to adjust something. Thank you for listening. Change is difficult .

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Edited by mbfbigsky, 14 November 2024 - 10:20 AM.

[MarMax]

The best setting would be flat assuming the rest of the kit is correct. I also have no information on your tilter other than it appears to have two tilt adjustment screws, one on each side of the lock screw. These as a "quad" should be 90 degrees apart.

 

I would start by verifying the adjustment and lock screws. You can loosen the eight tilt adjustment screws a couple of turns and then the four lock screws a half a turn or so. This should allow you to see the play in the tilter and confirm if the tilt adjustment and lock screw assumption is correct.

 

If correct you want to verify that the tilt adjustment screws are backed out enough so the tilter can sit flat. Once you confirm flat you tighten the lock screws and then set the tilt screws back in until contact is felt. You don't want to tighten the lock screws, just snug with a little contact is all you need.

 

Hopefully your kit performs to your satisfaction with the "flat" setting. If not, you'll need to dive deeper into the available tilt and backfocus tools (NINA and ASTAP) and begin making tilt adjustments.