Opticstar EQ1300-GT User manual

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2016
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Opticstar EQ1300-GT Equatorial Mount Instruction Manual

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2016
1
CAUTION!
Never look at the Sun through your telescope, the telescope’s finder
or the mount’s Polar scope as this will cause blindness. Observing
the Sun directly, even for a very short period, without the appropriate
protection can cause serious damage to your eyes.
.

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2016
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Instruction Manual
Please keep this instruction manual handy and always use this telescope mount as
described in this manual. Read the safety instructions below carefully to avoid damage to
the product and to avoid injury to yourself and others.
Attention
Never disassemble the mount, there are no serviceable parts inside. Disassembling the
mount will invalidate your warrantee and may cause damage or injury. In the event of a
defect please contact your dealer. Children should always use this product under the
supervision of adults.
Intended Use
This mount has been designed primarily for astronomical use. It can be used with an optical
instrument or similar device. Do not leave the mount under direct Sunlight as this can cause
damage to the mount or instrument mounted to it. Note that optical instruments can focus
Sun light into a point and cause a fire.
Observing the Sun
Never look at the Sun or close to the Sun through a telescope, the telescope’s finder scope
or the mount’s Polar scope as this will cause permanent blindness. Always use the
appropriate protection to observe the Sun through any telescope or through the naked eye.
Always use a full aperture Solar filter if you intend to observe the Sun with a telescope,
avoid Solar filters that can be attached to the eyepiece end, they are unsafe and can result
in damaging both your eyes and the telescope.
Chocking Hazards
Keep small parts, plastic bags and other packaging materials out of the reach of children.
Electric Hazards
Use the mount as described in the manual. Do not disassemble the mount as there is a risk
of electric shock. The mount is powered by 8 x D cell batteries, always use the
recommended batteries and make certain that the batteries have been inserted correctly.
Batteries
Damaged, old and discharged batteries can leak acid and cause burns if improperly
handled. Always handle and dispose batteries with care. Never heat up or throw batteries
into a fire as this can cause an explosion.
Opticstar Ltd
87 Washway Road, Sale, Greater Manchester, M33 7TQ. United Kingdom
Web: www.opticstar .com –Email: [email protected]
© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2016

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2016
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Opticstar EQ1300 GT Overview
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1. Telescope mounting saddle
2. DEC motor housing
3. DEC locking lever
4. Polar Scope cap
5. RA locking lever
6. DEC setting circle
7. RA setting circle locking knob
8. RA setting circle
9. Polar scope illuminator
10. Polar scope
11. R.A. motor housing
12. Counterweight shaft & locking nut
13. Counterweight with locking knob
14. Rear latitude adjustment T-bolt
15. Front latitude adjustment T-bolt
16. DEC motor cable
17. Azimuth adjustment knobs
18. Tripod platform
19. Handset cable
20. Tripod tension bolt
21. Tripod leg spreader
22. GOTO handset
23. Counterweight safety screw-cap

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2016
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Opticstar EQ1300 GT Handset & Motors
ST-4 Auto-guide port
Power ON/OFF switch
Handset port
DEC motor cable port
12VDC power socket
LED power light
RA Motor
Control Panel
DEC Motor
Control Panel
DEC motor cable port
Handset port
DSLR port (n.a.)
Handset
LED display
Red LED torch
LED torch Switch
Arrow Keys
Confirm key
Alpha-numeric keypad
+& -Keys
Mini USB port (n.a.).
RJ-45 handset port
RJ-22 Port
Help key

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Mount & Telescope Assembly
You will need a fair amount of space to unpack the parts and
assemble the mount and telescope. Please note that some
parts are heavy. Carefully remove all the parts and tools from
their packaging and lay them out on a flat surface.
When removing the tripod from the box hold it level to the
ground or the tripod leg extensions will slide out as they are not
locked in place. Do not throw packaging materials before
having assembled the mount. Look carefully through the
packaging materials as it is easy to miss smaller parts.
Pick up the tripod and fully spread the legs making certain that
the tripod platform (18) is level by adjusting the tripod’s legs,
then secure the legs by tightening the leg locking knobs until
firm. Before continuing assembling the tripod, you will need to
first assemble the leg spreader assembly as follows:
Thread the tension nut (24) into the silver threaded shaft (20)
as far as it will go, do not tighten the tension nut at this point
and ensure that the stop-washer is in position (25).
Pass the shaft (20) through the leg spreader (21).
Pass the leg spreader assembly through the base of the tripod
platform (18). Snap the e-clip (29) all the way onto the shaft,
the shaft should extend above the tripod’s platform at this point
when pushed from below. Note that slanting the shaft makes
the insertion of the e-clip easier.
Loosen both Azimuth adjustment knobs (17) on the mount-
head equally so that they are apart by just over 1cm.
Place the mount-head over the tripod platform and onto the
shaft so that protruding peg (28) on top of the tripod's platform
is positioned between the two Azimuth adjustments knobs (17).
If necessary, loosen the Azimuth adjustment knobs (17) further
for the peg to fit between them.
Tighten the T-handle (26) so the shaft screws-into the base of
mount-head until it feels firm, this secures the mount-head in
place. Make certain that the mount-head is secure before going
to the next step.
Line up the leg spreader braces so that each faces and
supports their corresponding tripod leg.
Tighten the tension nut (24) until the leg spreader presses
firmly against the tripod legs. Now lightly-tighten the two
Azimuth bolts (17).
Place the counterweight shaft locking nut over the threaded
end of the counterweight shaft (12) and screw it firmly in place.
Thread the counterweight shaft and counterweight locking nut
assembly (12) into the threaded hole under the declination
setting circle (6) and tighten firmly.
TIP To partially collapse the tripod for storage first remove the telescope and counterweights, loosen the
tension knob (24) enough so that you can freely rotate the leg spreader to partially collapse the legs. There
is no need to remove the tripod shaft unless you intend to completely collapse the tripod.
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LEG SPREADER
ASSEMBLY
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Setting the Mount’s Latitude
Latitude is the angular distance in degrees North or South from the Equator for
a location on the Earth’s surface. You will first need to establish your location’s
latitude and longitude. GPS devices including mobile phones will supply this
information that you will also later need to set up the handset. You can also
obtain the latitude and longitude for your location from a map or via an Internet
search-engine. A list of large cities and their longitudes and latitudes have been
listed on page10 for your convenience.
You will only need to physically set the mount’s latitude once for your current
location. It is important that you set the latitude without any load on the mount
at this point i.e. no counterweights and no telescope. It makes the process
easier, safer and without the need to balance the telescope prior to physically
setting the latitude.
To physically set the latitude for your mount you will need to use the two
latitude adjustment T-bolts (14, 15). By always loosening one T-bolt and
tightening the one opposite you will be able to revolve the upper part of the
mount-head until the latitude pointer points to the correct latitude on the
mount’s latitude scale (30). Once the latitude pointer points to the desired
latitude slowly tighten both T-bolts until they make contact. Do not overtighten.
You are now ready to mount the counterweight and optical tube to the EQ1300 GT mount.
Mounting the Counterweights
Before proceeding make certain that the counterweight shaft (12) is pointing to
the ground and that the DEC and R.A. locking levers are tight (3, 5).
Completely unscrew and remove the counterweight safety screw-cap (23) at
the end of the counterweight shaft (12).
Carefully lift a counterweight and loosen the counterweight locking knob (13)
enough to ensure that the hole in the counterweight is free of the floating
locking pin.
Carefully slip the counterweight to approximately halfway up the counterweight
shaft and tighten the counterweight locking knob firmly. Replace the
counterweight safety screw-cap (23).
You can position and secure the counterweight further up the counter-shaft if
you intend to mount a smaller telescope like an 80-100mm aperture refractor,
lower down if you intend to mount a heavy telescope.
Connecting the Handset
Use one of the two supplied black coiled cords to connect the handset to the handset port on the RA or DEC motor
control panel. Use the second coiled cord to connect the two DEC Motor Cable ports found on the RA and DEC motor
control panels respectively (page 4).
ATTENTION The two latitude adjustment T-bolts work in a push & pull fashion, in other words as you tighten
one you must always loosen the other. If you tighten one T-bolt without loosening the one
opposite, you will bend the bolts resulting to damage not covered by warranty.
ATTENTION The counterweight safety screw-cap (23) prevents counterweights from sliding entirely off the
counterweight shaft and must remain in place during normal use.
ATTENTION Only use original cables supplied with the mount, incorrectly wired cables can cause serious
damage to the mount.
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Mounting the Telescope
Ensure that the DEC and R.A. locking levers are tight (3, 5).
loosen both the large hand-wheel bolt and smaller safety thumb
screw on the mount’s saddle (1) so that they do not protrude into
the saddle.
Lift the optical tube and let it rest centrally on the saddle, tighten
the hand-wheel bolt. Make certain the hand-wheel and safety
thumb-screw have been firmly tightened and that the scope has
been secured before releasing.
Balancing the Telescope
It is necessary to correctly balance the mount and optical tube on the R.A. and DEC axes before proceeding. A well
balanced mount will be accurate, will extend the life of the motors, is safer and easier to use. Always hold the optical
tube firmly during all the steps of the balancing process as the tube could easily swing under its own weight.
Balancing the Optical tube round the R.A. Axis
Firmly hold the optical tube and slowly loosen the RA locking
lever (5). Rotate the optical tube so that the counterweight shaft is
parallel/horizontal to the ground. While holding the optical tube
unlock the counterweight locking knob (13) and carefully slide the
counterweight either way until the optical tube does not drift up or
down.
Once the optical tube is balanced tighten the counterweight
locking bolt, then tighten the RA locking lever in this order. Rotate
the scope round the R.A. axis so that the counterweight shaft is
pointing down and tighten the R.A. locking lever.
Balancing the Optical tube round the DEC Axis
Make certain that the counterweight shaft is pointing downwards and that the R.A. locking lever is locked before
proceeding.
While holding the optical tube so that it does not accidentally
swing freely loosen the DEC locking lever (3). The optical tube
will now be able to rotate freely around the DEC axis. If the
optical tube is mounted on rings loosen the ring locking knobs
that hold the optical tube in place just enough to be able to slide
the optical tube back and forth inside its own tube rings.
Slide the optical tube inside its rings to a position where the tube
is balanced. Once the optical tube is balanced tighten the ring
locking knobs and the DEC locking lever (3) on the mount.
Alternatively hold the optical tube and slightly loosen both the
hand-wheel bolt and thumb screw on the mount’s saddle (1). You
will need to move the whole of the optical tube assembly back
and forth to a position where the optical tube is balanced. Every
time you check for balance, at least the hand-wheel bolt must
tightened to prevent the optical tube slipping off the saddle.
Once balanced rotate the tube to point the same direction as the
Polar scope. Tighten the hand-wheel bolt and thumb screw (1).
TIP When dismounting the optical tube first loosen the safety thumb screw followed by the larger hand-wheel
while firmly holding the optical tube. When mounting an optical tube reverse the process, first tighten the
larger hand-wheel followed by the safety thumb-screw.
TIP The mount is supplied with a 4.5Kg counterweight but you may need an additional counterweight for heavy
equipment. Never overload the mount beyond its maximum 13Kg payload (excludes counterweights).
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© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2016
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Preparing your Mount and Telescope for Observation
The following figure shows a fully assembled telescope consisting of an Opticstar EQ1300 GT mount and 127mm
Opticstar-Ascension 127mm apochromatic triplet refractor.
The telescope is in Home Position and ready to Star Align via the mount’s handset. The following section outlines the
procedure of how to get your mount and telescope into Home Position. This is necessary so that you can Star-align
the complete telescope and subsequently issue GOTO commands.
Latitude
Levelled
mount
POLAR HOME POSITION
Front Tripod leg is aligned North
under the counterweight rod.

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2016
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Setting the Telescope to Polar Home Position
Please follow the list of steps below to set your mount and telescope in Home Position. Ensure that:
1. the tripod is level.
2. the mount’s latitude is correctly set for your observing location.
3. the counter-weight shaft points downwards.
4. the mount/telescope has been balanced.
5. both the mount and the telescope point towards Polaris if you are in the
Northern Hemisphere. Check that the two DEC and R.A. arrows are
opposite each other to confirm.
6. that the R.A. and DEC Locking levers have been tightened.
7. all fixings have been secured.
8. there is power to the mount.
Once you have assembled positioned and set the balanced telescope in
Home Position you will be ready to proceed with Star Alignment. Setting to
Home Position is necessary for the telescope to operate correctly.
Powering the EQ1300 GT Mount
The mount can be powered by a good quality regulated/switch-mode 12VDC power supply (pin positive) delivering a
minimum 3A of power. Alternatively insert eight D cell batteries (not supplied) in the battery pouch that came with the
mount. Observe the polarity when inserting the batteries, inserting batteries in the wrong way will cause complications
and the mount will not operate.
GOTO Telescope Star Alignment & Control
Once the telescope has been assembled, balanced and set to Home Position as described earlier in this document
you will be ready to Star-align. Insert a diagonal to the telescope’s drawtube if it is not a Newtonian reflector. Now
insert a medium power eyepiece (20mm-25mm) to the eyepiece drawtube and remove all dust covers. Secure all
accessories in place by tightening all holding locking-screws found on the focuser’s drawtube and other parts.
The following text describes the procedure of setting up the handset and Star-aligning your telescope. The diagram on
page 12 outlines the same but in a concise graphical form.
Handset Setup
With the power switch in the OFF position insert eight D cell batteries into the battery holder or connect the telescope
to a regulated mains PSU (12VDC ~3A, pin positive).
Plug one end of the coiled RJ-45 cable in either Handset port on the mount (page 4) and the other one into the RJ-45
port of the handset. Switch ON the telescope. The handset will light up accompanied by a short beep.
Please note that that the +and –keys on the handset keypad can be used to navigate the menus. Pressing the –key
for example a few times will get you back to the main menu from where you can issue GOTO commands once the
telescope has been Star-aligned.
Time & Date
You will be prompted to enter the date and time (yyyy:mm:dd & hh:mm:ss). Do so by navigating the entry fields using
the Arrow keys and typing in the values using the numeric pad on the handset. Once finished, press the oval Confirm
key to proceed.
Daylight Saving
Use the Up/Down Arrow keys to select Daylight Saving time by selecting the status (ON/OFF). Press the Confirm key
to proceed.
TIP Inputting an illegal value like the year may cause the handset to fail Initialisation. In such cases switch OFF
and then switch ON power before starting again.
HOME
POSITION