Orion 7152 - User Manual

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Summary

Polar Scope Installation

Mount Preparation and Polar Scope Attachment

Prepare the mount by removing the bubble level and attaching the polar scope using existing knobs.

Attaching the Illuminator

Install the polar scope illuminator onto the front of the polar scope for reticle illumination.

Safety Warning: Sun Observation

Strict warning against observing the sun without proper solar filters to prevent eye damage.

Polar Scope Operation and Alignment

Mount Orientation and Illuminator Power

Point the mount to the celestial pole and power the illuminator using the battery cap and brightness dial.

Focusing and Reticle Verification

Focus the polar scope eyepiece and verify the reticle pattern is visible and clear.

Northern Hemisphere Polar Alignment

Use the reticle's graduated circle and Polaris to achieve polar alignment for Northern Hemisphere observing.

Advanced Polar Alignment

Southern Hemisphere Polar Alignment

Use the reticle pattern and the star Octans to achieve polar alignment for Southern Hemisphere observing.

Determining Polaris Orientation

Methods to determine the correct position of Polaris relative to the Celestial Pole for accurate alignment.

Polar Scope Calibration Steps

Detailed steps to calibrate the polar scope's optical axis with the mount's R.A. axis.

Summary

Polar Scope Installation

Mount Preparation and Polar Scope Attachment

Prepare the mount by removing the bubble level and attaching the polar scope using existing knobs.

Attaching the Illuminator

Install the polar scope illuminator onto the front of the polar scope for reticle illumination.

Safety Warning: Sun Observation

Strict warning against observing the sun without proper solar filters to prevent eye damage.

Polar Scope Operation and Alignment

Mount Orientation and Illuminator Power

Point the mount to the celestial pole and power the illuminator using the battery cap and brightness dial.

Focusing and Reticle Verification

Focus the polar scope eyepiece and verify the reticle pattern is visible and clear.

Northern Hemisphere Polar Alignment

Use the reticle's graduated circle and Polaris to achieve polar alignment for Northern Hemisphere observing.

Advanced Polar Alignment

Southern Hemisphere Polar Alignment

Use the reticle pattern and the star Octans to achieve polar alignment for Southern Hemisphere observing.

Determining Polaris Orientation

Methods to determine the correct position of Polaris relative to the Celestial Pole for accurate alignment.

Polar Scope Calibration Steps

Detailed steps to calibrate the polar scope's optical axis with the mount's R.A. axis.

The Orion® Illuminated Polar Scope for Sirius™ Pro AZ/EQ-G Mount (#7152) is an external accessory designed to facilitate accurate polar alignment for astrophotography when using the Sirius Pro AZ/EQ-G mount in equatorial mode. While the SynScan hand controller offers a built-in polar alignment routine, this polar scope provides a convenient and often preferred alternative due to its ease of use and the speed at which polar alignment can be achieved.

Function Description:

The primary function of the polar scope is to provide a visual aid for aligning the mount's Right Ascension (R.A.) axis with the celestial pole. This alignment is crucial for long-exposure astrophotography, as it ensures that the telescope tracks celestial objects smoothly across the sky, preventing star trails. The polar scope features an illuminated reticle pattern that allows users to precisely position Polaris (for the Northern Hemisphere) or specific stars in Octans (for the Southern Hemisphere) relative to the celestial pole.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model Number: #7152
Compatibility: Specifically designed for the Sirius™ Pro AZ/EQ-G Mount.
Illumination: Red LED illumination for the reticle, powered by a CR2032 lithium button cell battery.
Reticle Pattern: Features a graduated circle for Northern Hemisphere alignment (with orbits for years 2012, 2020, and 2032 to account for Polaris's precession) and four small circles labeled "Octans" for Southern Hemisphere alignment.
Focus: The eyepiece has a knurled ring for focusing the reticle image.
Mounting: External mounting onto the Sirius Pro AZ/EQ-G mount, replacing the bubble level.
Adjustment: Utilizes the mount's elevation adjustment handle and azimuth adjustment knobs for coarse alignment, and dedicated alignment screws on the polar scope bracket for fine calibration.

Usage Features:

Installation: The polar scope attaches to the mount by loosening two existing attachment knobs, removing the bubble level, and then securing the polar scope bracket with the same knobs. The illuminator then attaches to the front of the polar scope.
Illumination Control: The illuminator is turned on by rotating the battery cap clockwise. Brightness can be adjusted using a smaller brightness dial. To turn off, the battery cap is rotated counterclockwise until the LED light extinguishes.
Focusing: The reticle image can be focused by rotating the knurled ring on the polar scope's eyepiece.
Northern Hemisphere Polar Alignment:
- Point the mount towards the North Celestial Pole (NCP) and set the R.A. axis's elevation to the local latitude.
- Locate Polaris within the polar scope's reticle.
- Use the mount's elevation adjustment handle and azimuth adjustment knobs to move Polaris into the appropriate position within the graduated circle, considering its current orbit around the NCP based on the year (referencing the 2012, 2020, and 2032 circles).
- The orientation of Polaris can be determined either by visually locating Kochab (in the Little Dipper) or by using the "Polaris Position in P.Scope=HH:MM" display from the SynScan hand controller, which provides a more accurate orientation.
Southern Hemisphere Polar Alignment:
- Point the mount towards the South Celestial Pole (SCP) and set the R.A. axis's elevation to the local latitude.
- Locate the four dim stars of Octans within the polar scope's field of view.
- Use the mount's elevation adjustment handle and azimuth adjustment knobs to move these stars into the four small circles labeled "Octans" on the reticle.
Safety Warning: Emphasizes the critical importance of never looking directly at the Sun through the telescope without a professionally made solar filter that completely covers the front of the instrument, to prevent permanent eye damage. Adult supervision is recommended for young children using the telescope.

Maintenance Features:

Battery Replacement: The illuminator uses a CR2032 lithium button cell battery. To replace, unscrew the battery cover, insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing up, and then screw the cover back on.
Polar Scope Calibration: This is a crucial maintenance step to ensure the polar scope is accurately aligned with the mount's R.A. axis. It is recommended to perform this during daylight hours and involves three steps:
- Step 1: Align Polar Scope's Optical Axis with the Center of the Reticle:
  - Center a distant landmark in the reticle using the mount's azimuth and elevation controls.
  - Loosen the polar scope lock bolt, rotate the polar scope 180 degrees, and re-tighten.
  - If the object moves off-center, adjust the three alignment screws on the polar scope (using a 1.5mm Allen key) to move the object halfway back to center. This involves loosening one screw by 1/4 turn and tightening the other two.
  - Repeat until the object remains centered after a 180-degree rotation.
- Step 2: Align Vertical Line of the Reticle:
  - Level the polar scope horizontally using its bubble level and re-tighten attachment knobs.
  - Point the polar scope at a distant object with a vertical reference line.
  - Loosen the locking bolt, rotate the polar scope so the 0-6 line in the reticle is parallel to the vertical reference, and re-tighten the locking bolt.
- Step 3: Align Polar Scope Optical Axis with Mount's R.A. Axis:
  - Center a distant landmark in the reticle using the mount's azimuth and elevation controls.
  - Loosen the R.A. clutch wheel and rotate the R.A. axis 180 degrees.
  - If the object moves off-center, adjust the three alignment screws on the front of the polar scope bracket (those with raised heads, using a 2.5mm Allen key) to move the object halfway back to center.
  - Before adjustment, loosen the three recessed locking screws (also with a 2.5mm Allen key) by a couple of turns. When adjusting, loosen one alignment screw 1/4 turn and tighten the other two.
  - Repeat until the object stays centered when the R.A. axis is rotated 180 degrees.
  - Finally, lightly re-tighten the three recessed locking screws to secure the alignment.
Storage: Ensure the illuminator is turned off after use to conserve battery life.