6 replies to this topic

[Lardo5150]

very dumb question I am sure....

 

Finally got my new scope.  9.25 with CGEM II

 

Going through the instructions I have it balanced.

I assume once I am ready to start alignment, I need to RELEASE the RA and DEC correct?

 

Lattitude - This is not part of the motor correct?  I would just set this as close as possible to the intended target?

I did not really understand the instructitons on this one.  Do I need to search the lattitude of my location (Dallas) and make the mount the same on the guide?

[Garyth64]

No, do not release the RA and DEC.

 

You need to put your location into the hand set, and also set the mount for your latitude.  I know Polaris isn't exactly north, but try to get it in the eyepiece before you start the 2 or 3 star alignment.  The hand set also doesn't know if you are on standard time or daylight saving time, so make sure you have the right time entered in. (IIRC, the hand set does ask if the time is standard or DST.)

Edited by Garyth64, 24 May 2025 - 02:33 PM.

[Lardo5150]

No, do not release the RA and DEC.

ok...?  Then it sounds like i have a misunderstanding on how these work?

 

If I dont relase those, would that not prevent the motor from turning those pieces?

And what about the altitude (lattitude) adjustment?

[Garyth64]

Nope, it will not prevent the motors from turning.  It's made that way.  They actually have to be tightened.

 

Latitude adjustment?  You want the scope pointing north.  Turn the adjustment to get the  scope on Polaris, then use the two azimuth bolts to move the mount left or right.

 

I have a CGEMII mount and use it often at outreach events.

Edited by Garyth64, 24 May 2025 - 02:47 PM.

[Lardo5150]

Nope, it will not prevent the motors from turning.  It's made that way.  They actually have to be tightened.

 

Latitude adjustment?  You want the scope pointing north.  Turn the adjustment to get the  scope on Polaris, then use the two azimuth bolts to move the mount left or right.

 

I have a CGEMII mount and use it often at outreach events.

Ah excellent.  Maybe I missed that but the instructions were not clear on that...agin, maybe I missed it.

So those levers then are for safety and for balancing, but are to remain engaged when actually using the scope, correct?

 

Lattitude....this is the adjustment I was talking about.  My point being I did not know how to set it as I did not understand the directions on it.

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[Garyth64]

On page 9, it says to lock down the levers.  Loosen them lightly, if you're looking for object manually, and once on target, lock the levers down.  If not, the clock drive will not keep a target centered.

 

Before you start the alignment process, have the mount lined up to north, if you can see Polaris that is very helpful.  Then move both axis so that the index marks on both axis line up. Manually move the latitude, up or down with the adjustment screws/bolts.  One in front, one in back.  Also you may have to move the scope left or right.  Get Polaris in your eyepiece.  Then turn on the handset, follow the prompts, put in your data, and start the alignment procedure.

Every time you do it, it will get easier and easier.

Edited by Garyth64, 24 May 2025 - 03:24 PM.

[Garyth64]

Ah excellent.  Maybe I missed that but the instructions were not clear on that...agin, maybe I missed it.

So those levers then are for safety and for balancing, but are to remain engaged when actually using the scope, correct?

 

Lattitude....this is the adjustment I was talking about.  My point being I did not know how to set it as I did not understand the directions on it.

There's a large knob at the back and a bolt on the front.  Those allow you to adjust the latitude.

 

For balancing, do one axis at a time, and maybe do each one twice.  For my self, I lock the RA, and unloosen the DEC and balance the scope on that axis then lock it down. Loosen the RA lever and rotate the scope maybe 70 to 90 degrees, keeping a hand on the counter weight shaft, and adjust the Counter weights to balance the scope.  Return the scope to the home position and lock the levers.

 

Keep the levers locked but loosen them if you manually position the scope, then lock again.  Once the levers are locked and you have it pointed at Polaris and do the alignment process, do not unloosen them.  If you loosen them and move the scope, you're no longer in alignment.  Loosen the levers, when you are done, put the scope in the home position lock the levers, and then remove the scope and disassemble the mount.

Edited by Garyth64, 24 May 2025 - 03:21 PM.