How do I change my Advanced GT – CG-5 mount’s latitude adjustment to less than 30 degrees or to near-polar latitudes?

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	How do I change my Advanced GT – CG-5 mount’s latitude adjustment to less than 30 degrees or to near-polar latitudes?

Answer The Advanced GT mount has two latitude adjustment screws that bear against the lowest part of the equatorial head, allowing fine adjustments in latitude. Unfortunately, they also limit the range in latitudes. Near-polar (circumpolar) latitudes and a wide band of tropical latitudes below 30 degrees are outside of this range.

Fortunately, there are workarounds to extend the capabilities of the mount so it can be used from more locations on the earth’s surface.

For tropical latitudes below 30 degrees, the RA motor cover will bump into the latitude thumbscrew and the tripod may interfere with the counterweight. Here are two things you can do.

Remove the plate that holds the latitude screw from the front side of the mount. Since it is on the same side as the counterweight, it is really not needed when the scope is in use, as equatorial head's weight is always resting on the back latitude screw. Taking the plate off allows the latitude of the head to be lowered to your location.

Now the counterweight may bump the tripod leg in the new, lowered position. To prevent this, take the equatorial mount head off the tripod, exposing the top of the tripod. You will see the square-shaped azimuth adjustment post. Unthread the post from its current position in line with the single tripod leg and move it to the threaded hole 180 degrees away located between the tripod legs. Reassemble the head to the tripod.

Caution: this rotation of the head on the tripod will shift the scope’s center of gravity, increasing the likelihood of toppling the mount. Tying or weighting of the opposing tripod leg is recommended in this situation.

For high, near polar latitudes, there is no removal of parts that will allow adjustments like those for tropical latitudes. Here your only recourse is to tilt back the tripod by shortening-lengthening the legs to increase the inclination of the polar axis. Again, caution is advised, as this will shift the scope’s center of gravity. Secure the tripod as needed to prevent toppling.

Article Details

Article ID:

1992

Created On:

Nov 03 2008 09:46 AM