SKY-WATCHER EQ8 User Manual

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PART II: POLAR ALIGNMENT
2.5 Align the Polar Scope
Before using the polar scope for polar alignment, the polar scope itself must be calibrated to
ensure the pattern in the polar scope is aligned to the mount’s R.A. axis. This includes two
calibration routines:
Routine 1 - Align the pattern plate to the rotating axis of the polar scope
1. Choose a xed object (the Polaris at night, or a faraway object in daytime); put the reticle
in the FOV of the polar scope on the object by adjusting the two azimuth adjustment knobs
and the latitude jackscrew of the EQ8 mount. Tighten the R.A. axis.
2. Rotate the large knurled ring on the polar scope for exactly half a turn (Fig 2.5a).
Fig. 2.5a
Large knurled
ring
3. If the object remains at the center of the reticle in the polar scope after the rotation, then it
means the polar scope’s pattern plate has been aligned to the polar scope’s rotating axis
and no calibration is needed.
4. If the object deviates from the reticle, then use a 1.5mm Allen wrench to adjust the three
small Allen screws on the polar scope (Fig. 2.5b) to eliminate the deviation to HALF. (Fig.
2.5c)
Fig. 2.5b Fig. 2.5c
6. Repeat steps 1-4 a few times until the object keeps at the center of the reticle when rotat-
ing the mount in R.A. axis
Note:
• When adjusting the Allen screws, loosen one screw only ¼ of a turn, and then tighten the
other two.
• Do not over tighten the Allen screws; it might damage the pattern plate in the polar scope.
• Do not loosen one screw completely or loosen more than one screw at a time; otherwise,
the pattern plate in the polar scope will be disengaged and further adjustment is impossi-
ble.
• If the pattern plate does disengage, remove the polar scope’s eyepiece by turning the
knurled ring counterclockwise and then engage the pattern plate again.
PART II: POLAR ALIGNMENT
1. Release the R.A. clutch and level the counterweight rod, then lock the R.A. clutch again.
2. Choose a xed object (the Polaris at night, or a faraway object in daytime); put the reticle
in the FOV of the polar scope on the object by adjusting the two azimuth adjustment knobs
and the latitude jackscrew of the EQ8 mount.
3. Rotate the mount in R.A. axis for half a turn exactly. Tighten the R.A. clutch after the rota-
tion.
4. If the object remains at the center of the reticle in the polar scope after the rotation, then it
means the polar scope’s rotating axis has been aligned to the R.A. axis and no calibration
is needed.
5. If the object deviates from the reticle, then adjust the three small adjustment screws as
shown in Fig. 2.5d to eliminate the deviation to HALF.
Routine 2 - Align the rotating axis of the polar scope to the R.A. axis of the mount
Fig. 2.5d
Adjustment
Screws
6. Repeat steps 1-5 a few times until the object keeps at the center of the reticle when rotat-
ing the mount in R.A. axis

SKY-WATCHER EQ8 Specifications

General

Brand	SKY-WATCHER
Model	EQ8
Category	Racks & Stands
Language	English