Paramount GEM User Guide
72 | P a g e
XT60 DC Power Connector
The female XT60 DC power connector on the rear hour angle panel and the three male connectors on the
Instrument Panel are ideal for supplying through-the-mount DC power to your astronomical equipment.
XT60 connectors are rated to carry up to 500V DC at 30A (15,000W DC maximum) and can accept 12 AWG
wires, which is more than sufficient to power all the direct current astronomical devices at the telescope.
Pre-made cables with XT60 connectors, and XT60 cable adapters are readily available and relatively
inexpensive. For example, search the Web for “XT60 2.1 mm cables.” Adapters to convert from the male
XT60 connector to an Anderson Powerpole™ connector are also ubiquitous.
The Paramount External power ports and through the mount cabling
are intended to be used with direct current (DC) power sources only.
Never power devices through the mount using an alternating current
(AC) power source.
Azimuth Adjuster Knobs
The base of the Paramount incorporates a circular plate inside the mount’s rectangular base and allows
the mount to rotate about a vertical axis through the center of the mount. This rotation permits the
azimuth of the polar axis to be changed when aligning the mount to the celestial pole. The Azimuth
Adjustment Knobs push against a bar that is mounted to the circular plate and provide the means to rotate
the plate, even when the mount if fully loaded.
The Azimuth Adjustment Knobs work in opposition – one must be loosened before the other can be
tightened. The knob that is tightened rotates the azimuth axis; the knob that is loosened provides
“clearance” for the axis to rotate.
Provided the opposite knob is sufficiently loose, the azimuth axis can be rotated by tightening the opposite
knob, without applying excessive force. Note that a fully loaded mount may make rotating the base plate,
and the knobs, more difficult. If necessary, insert a 5/32 hex wrench into the center of the adjustment
knob to assist rotation.
• Tightening the right knob moves azimuth east.
• Tightening the left knob moves azimuth west.
Before making any adjustments to the azimuth of the polar axis:
• Make sure the rotating plate is close to its center position so there is a maximum amount of
rotation in both directions.
To Next Page
Loading...