Orion ATLAS EQ-G User Manual download pdf (Page 8)

What if you need to aim the telescope directly north, but at an

object that is nearer to the horizon than Polaris? You can’t do

it with the counterweights down as pictured in Figure 1. Again,

you have to rotate the scope in right ascension so that the

counterweight shaft is positioned horizontally. Then rotate the

scope in declination so it points to where you want it near the

horizon.

To point the telescope directly south, the counterweight shaft

should again be horizontal. Then you simply rotate the scope

on the declination axis until it points in the south direction.

To point the telescope to the east or west, or in other directions,

you rotate the telescope on its right ascension and declina-

tion axes. Depending on the altitude of the object you want to

observe, the counterweight shaft will be oriented somewhere

between vertical and horizontal.

Figure 9 illustrates how the telescope will look when pointed

at the four cardinal directions: north (Figure 9a), south (Figure

9b), east (Figure 9c) and west (Figure 9d).

The key things to remember when pointing the telescope are

that a) you only move it in right ascension and declination, not

in azimuth or latitude (altitude), and b) the counterweight and

shaft will not always appear as it does in Figure 1. In fact it

almost never will!

7. The Atlas EQ-G Dual-Axis

Controller

The Atlas EQ-G with dual-axis hand controller will track any

celestial object as the Earth rotates. You can also use the con-

troller’s directional buttons to center objects within your tele-

scope’s finderscope or eyepiece. For imaging purposes, the

controller provides several guide speed rates so a camera can

be accurately guided during a long exposure.

Attaching the Dual-Axis Controller

The dual-axis controller has a cable with a large, serial con-

nector (DB-9) on one end. Plug the serial connector into the

jack on the faceplate of the mount (Figure 9.1). Use the captive

screws to secure the serial connector in place.

The nylon hook-and-loop strips have been provided so the

dual-axis hand controller can be placed in a convenient posi-

tion on the mount when not in use. Place the “hooks” strip on

the back of the dual-axis hand controller, and the “loops” strip

on the mount in a convenient location. Make certain the loca-

tion of the strip on the mount will not cause the dual-axis hand

controller to interfere with the motions of the mount or tele-

scope being used.

You can reduce the chances of getting your hand controller,

power supply, or other cables tangled during use of the Atlas

EQ-G by using the included wire clip. The clip also prevents

mechanical strain on the cord when being used. The wireclip is

adhesive backed for easy attachment to any convenient loca-

tion on the mount.

Powering the Atlas EQ-G Mount

The Atlas EQ-G should be powered by a 12V DC power sup-

ply (tip-positive) capable of producing continuous current

with a minimum of 2 amps. We recommend using a portable

rechargeable battery, like the Dynamo or Dynamo Pro avail-

able from Orion.

If you are using a portable battery like the Orion Dynamo, use

the supplied 12V DC power cable (male cigarette lighter plug

on one end, standard 12V DC power plug on the other end) to

connect the battery to the 12V DC power jack on the faceplate

of the mount (Figure 9.1). Make sure the Dynamo’s power

switch is in the “on” position after connecting.

Functions of the Dual-Axis Hand Controller

There are three main categories of control buttons on the dual-

axis controller (Figure 9.2).

1. Speed buttons

2. Directional buttons

3. Set button

The dual-axis hand controller is equipped with a red LED light

in each button to indicate operation. An individual button’s LED

will illuminate when the button is pressed. If a button combina-

tion is entered, all LEDs will illuminate to indicate a successful

operation.

Speed Buttons

The three buttons located near the top of the dual-axis hand

controller (Guide, Slow, and Fast) are used to set the slewing

and guiding speed of the mount.

Directional Buttons

The directional buttons allow complete control of the mounted

telescope’s position during slewing or tracking. The Left and

Right directional buttons control movements about the right

ascension (R.A.). axis. The Up and Down directional buttons

control movements about the declination (Dec.) axis.

Set Button

The Set button is used to set the dual-axis hand controller to

operate in either Northern or Southern hemisphere locations.

Note: The Go button is not used in normal operation of the

dual-axis controller.

Tracking Objects with the Dual-Axis Hand

Controller

In order for your Atlas EQ-G mount to accurately track celestial

objects as they appear to migrate across the night sky, your

mount must be properly polar aligned. For more details on

polar alignment, please consult section 6 of this manual.

Once the power switch is turned on, the dual-axis controller

begins to track by rotating the R.A. axis motor at the default

(sidereal) rate. The Dec. axis motor will not rotate. As long as

the mount has been properly polar aligned, it should not be

necessary to adjust the Dec. axis for accurate tracking. If you

notice a lack of tracking precision at the default (sidereal) rate,

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Orion ATLAS EQ-G User Manual Page 8

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