How do I correctly setup an equatorial telescope mount in the southern Hemisphere?
I have a Tasco telescope with an equatorial mount.
I know how to assemble it, but have little idea on how to set it up correclty. How do I set all the various R.A. and declination dials? Once setup, do I ever move the base ? It has many dials and knobs, I know that it should be possible to set it so that it tracks objects in the sky (no motor though). But don't understand how that is achieved.
I know how to assemble it, but have little idea on how to set it up correclty. How do I set all the various R.A. and declination dials? Once setup, do I ever move the base ? It has many dials and knobs, I know that it should be possible to set it so that it tracks objects in the sky (no motor though). But don't understand how that is achieved.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Thanks Seth, I have seen this info. (.../how_to_set_up_an_equa
Moving the base
---------------------
Sorry, I meant to say "rotation of the base of the mount". The base of the mount can be rotated and there is a 360 degree dial, but the instructions seem to say, set it and forget it.
I see no further use for this 360 degree ring. And as I have to locked the base of the mount inline with the dial on the tripod, I was wondering what is the point of it ? The 0 marker (i originally thought) would indicate North, but that clearly doesn't as I (here down-under) am supposed to set it South.
The 2 links you give in yr second comment look good and I shall study them to see what else I need to do.
If you know anymore about the purpose of the base ring I would be grateful. It just seems that i am missing something important and need to know what it is
:-)
Moving the base
---------------------
Sorry, I meant to say "rotation of the base of the mount". The base of the mount can be rotated and there is a 360 degree dial, but the instructions seem to say, set it and forget it.
I see no further use for this 360 degree ring. And as I have to locked the base of the mount inline with the dial on the tripod, I was wondering what is the point of it ? The 0 marker (i originally thought) would indicate North, but that clearly doesn't as I (here down-under) am supposed to set it South.
The 2 links you give in yr second comment look good and I shall study them to see what else I need to do.
If you know anymore about the purpose of the base ring I would be grateful. It just seems that i am missing something important and need to know what it is
:-)
Yes, that 0 mark should face South for you. There is not much need for it to rotate, because you can always rotate the whole tripod. The best setting for that dial is one that gives the most stability and usability of the mount. For example, you don't want it set so that one of the tripod's legs is always in your way. Also, the setting shown in that first link puts the scope's center of mass right over one of the legs, which gives better stability.
Does that help?
-Seth
Does that help?
-Seth
ASKER
Ok,
So in theory then, the 360 degree markings have no value what so ever, I could, simply align the base of the mount to be centered over any of the three legs. And as you say, once locked, then entire tripod can be moved to ensure that the mount is aligned with South.
The only value (I see) of a rotating mount is to allow for fine tuning South if you were close, but not quite facing South with the tripod and don't want to move the entire structure again.
But that still makes no use of the 360 degree ring, it just uses a compass and the ability of the mount to swivel.
I know, I know, this seems quite pedantic, something I am known for, but I am keen to set this thing up right and I still find the base ring something of a mystery. What gets me even further confused is the entire lack of marking on the rotating base itelf. Surely they could have placed a mark on it to show where to align the zero mark. The instructions rely on a best-guess approach.
Perhaps the ring is simply a "feel good" feature designed to make it appear more scientific than it really is. After all the R/A and Declination dials are marked with degree markings And a pointer!
- landau
So in theory then, the 360 degree markings have no value what so ever, I could, simply align the base of the mount to be centered over any of the three legs. And as you say, once locked, then entire tripod can be moved to ensure that the mount is aligned with South.
The only value (I see) of a rotating mount is to allow for fine tuning South if you were close, but not quite facing South with the tripod and don't want to move the entire structure again.
But that still makes no use of the 360 degree ring, it just uses a compass and the ability of the mount to swivel.
I know, I know, this seems quite pedantic, something I am known for, but I am keen to set this thing up right and I still find the base ring something of a mystery. What gets me even further confused is the entire lack of marking on the rotating base itelf. Surely they could have placed a mark on it to show where to align the zero mark. The instructions rely on a best-guess approach.
Perhaps the ring is simply a "feel good" feature designed to make it appear more scientific than it really is. After all the R/A and Declination dials are marked with degree markings And a pointer!
- landau
You are correct. It is not something you would typically need to adjust. I suppose some people might use it to fine tune, but I never adjusted it once I had it so that the legs were not in my way and the telescope was stable. It really is a somewhat redundant feature.
Hope that helps,
-Seth
Hope that helps,
-Seth
It would probably be best for me to direct you to a link for this. Here is one specifically for Southern Hemisphere:
http://www.btow.com.au/how_to_set_up_an_equatorial_tele.htm
-Seth