Balancing your AstroMaster telescope

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	Balancing your AstroMaster telescope

Answer For your altitude-azimuth AstroMaster scope (designated by AZ), there is no balancing necessary. Use the pan handle and its clutch to stabilize any imbalance there may be by locking it down.

For the equatorial models (designated by EQ), the scope must be balanced in both axes. First, lock the declination axis so that the tube is parallel to the polar axis. Then unlock the RA (polar) axis and rotate the scope until the counterweight shaft is horizontal. Slowly release the scope. If it swings either way, it needs to be rebalanced. Carefully move the counterweight(s) towards the mount if it is heavy on the weight end, away from the scope if it is heavy on the tube end. Repeat the balance check and adjust again as necessary until there is no or minimal swinging.

For declination, place the scope so that the counterweight is low, tube is high and lock the RA axis. Push the tube so that it is parallel to the ground. If it swings either way, carefully loosen the tube clamps and push the tube in the rings away from the heavy end to rebalance. Repeat the balance check and adjust again as necessary until there is no or minimal swinging.

Article Details

Article ID:

1820

Created On:

Oct 07 2008 01:53 PM