Panther TTS-160 User manual

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Sidemount Dovetail saddles
User manual

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Contents
Introduction.....................................................................................................................................3
Product safety.................................................................................................................................3
Receiving the Sidemount Dovetail Saddle ......................................................................................4
Installation.......................................................................................................................................4
Remove Top Mount Assembly (counterweight arms and top dovetail saddle) ............................4
Install Sidemount Dovetail Saddle..............................................................................................6
Mounting the telescope(s) ..........................................................................................................8
Balancing and adjusting the telescope .......................................................................................9

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Introduction
TTS-160 Sidemount Dovetail Saddle is an optional accessory to be installed
and used on the TTS-160 telescope mount. It’s made to receive standard
dovetails of the “Vixen” style (approximately 45mm (1.75”) wide and 12 degree
side angles). The capacity is approximately 8 kg telescope weight.
The Sidemount Dovetail Saddle is installed on the side of the mount head. It is
possible to install Sidemount Dovetail Saddles on one or both sides of the
mount head to accommodate one or two telescopes.
With the Sidemount Dovetail Saddle installed the TTS-160 mount solution
becomes extremely compact and easy to transport as no counterweights is
needed.
NOTICE:
The TTS-160 Panther Mount is described in its own user manual. Please read
that user manual before you start using the Sidemount Dovetail Saddles.
Product safety
WARNING:
Never point a telescope towards the sun without a proper full aperture solar
filter.
Do never look in the eyepiece when the mounting is slewing during daytime as
the telescope might pass the sun.
Always setup the mounting on a level surface so that it cannot fall over.
The mounting consists of heavy parts –be careful not to drop these.
Always keep a hand on the telescope when the dovetail adapter is not tightened
(for balancing etc.). All dovetails must have a security stop in each end ensuring
the dovetail can’t slide out of the dovetail saddle.
Electrical safety:
The mounting must be powered from a 12V battery with a 3 Amp fuse. Always
connect all cables to the mount and peripherals before connecting the
battery power.
Disconnect the battery power when the mounting is not in use.
WARNING:
Never use mains power and a power supply for outdoor use.

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Receiving the Sidemount Dovetail Saddle
The Sidemount Dovetail Saddle is unpacked from the shipping box and is
immediately ready for use. The delivered parts are:
- Sidemount Dovetail Saddle assembly
- Conical brass axle adapter
- M8 screw for mounting the Sidemount Dovetail Saddle (note that this
screw is shorter than the screw used for mounting the Top Mount
Saddle)
Installation
This section describes how to mount the Sidemount Dovetail Saddle on the
TTS-160 Panther mount.
Remove Top Mount Assembly (counterweight arms and top
dovetail saddle)
Setup the Pier and install the mount head onto the pier. This gives stable work
conditions.
Loosen and remove the two M8 screws in each end of the altitude axle. Use a
metric 6mm Allan key.

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Release the two altitude clutch handles and rotate the counterweight arms to a
horizontal position.
Remove the two brass axle adapters. They are conical in shape and locks a
little in the end of the axle. To free them give the opposite side of the Top Mount
Assembly a light blow with the hand.
When both the brass axle adapters are loose remove them and the Top Mount
Assembly.
Store the Top Mount Assembly, two brass axle adapters and two M8 screws for
later use.
WARNING:
The brass axle adapters comes out quite abrupt. Keep a firm grip to the Top
Mount Assembly and the brass axle adapters.

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Install Sidemount Dovetail Saddle
It’s very easy to install the Sidemount Dovetail Saddle.
Insert the brass axle adapter into the Sidemount Dovetail Saddle.
WARNING:
Never tighten the Altitude lock on the Dovetail Saddle without having the brass
axle adapter inserted. This will bend and damage the lock.

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Insert the brass axle adapter into the altitude axle end. The Saddle lock screws
must be upwards. Secure with the M8 Screw. Use a 6mm metric Allan key to
tighten the screw.
Do not overtighten the screw.

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Mounting the telescope(s)
The Sidemount Dovetail Saddle are suited for telescopes up to approximately
8kg.
The telescope must have a “Vixen”style dovetail mounted. The dovetail must
have a security screw at the front end.
Open the locking screw on the Sidemount Dovetail Saddle so much that the
dovetail can be inserted into the bottom om the saddle and tilted into position.
Tighten the Saddle lock screws.
WARNING: Ensure that the dovetail locking screws
are tightened before letting go of the telescope

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Balancing and adjusting the telescope
To balance the mount in altitude direction do the following:
1. release the altitude lock screw
2. With a firm grip to the telescope loosen the two saddle lock screws a little –only
enough to allow the dovetail to slide in the saddle
3. Slide the dovetail in the saddle until the telescope is balanced
4. Lock both saddle screws and the altitude lock.
Balancing in Azimuth direction is not necessary.
If two telescope placed on each side of the mount head are used these must be
aligned using adjustable tube rings.