Rowan Astronomy AZ75 User manual

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01/4/2022 ©2022Copyright Rowan Engineering Ltd. Page 1
AZ75 Alt-Azimuth Mount.
Rowan Astronomy
Rowan Engineering Ltd.
Unit 8 Overfield
Banbury
Oxon
OX16 4XR
[phone]
www.rowanastronomy.com
[e-mail]

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AZ75 Alt-Azimuth Mount.
Please read all instructions before attempting to set up your AZ75 mount.
The AZ75 is very rugged; however, like any precision instrument, it can be damaged by improper handling.
Please refer to the diagram below for an illustration of the mount.
Altitude Axis Clutch
Altitude lock
Optional Counter
Weight Shaft
Optional Saddles.
DSC mounting holes
Azimuth Axis Clutch
Mounting capacity.
The AZ75 has a capacity of 15kg per side depending on the lengths of the telescopes in use.
Generally it is recommended to mount the heavier of the 2 scopes on the left side of the mount in the saddle
shown. And if using one telescope attach this also on the left side of the mount as the left side is designed to
have a slightly higher capacity than the right.
If using a counterweight shaft attach this on the right side of the mount in the central M16 hole of the saddle or
using the counterweight mounting flange.
Azimuth and Altitude Clutches.
The clutches are fully adjustable and can be set over a wide range to give the required amount of friction to the
axis.(NOTE: these are removed for shipping, refit before using the mount)
Altitude Lock
Gently tighten to hold the telescope in position while there is an imbalance when changing eyepieces. It must
be fully released for push-to movements and slow-motion tracking.

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Altitude Safety Stop.
The altitude safety stop is fitted to the rear side of the Altitude axis.
This prevents an unbalanced telescope swinging uncontrollably downwards when the altitude lock or clutch is
not holding the axis from rotating.
The altitude safety stop should be considered an ‘emergency’ safety measure.
The socket head bolt may be removed should the user wish to allow the Altitude axis to freely rotate 360
degrees, but doing so will remove the function of this safety feature.
Safety stop socket head bolt.
Safety stop.
Nexus DSC
When purchasing a Nexus DSC with the AZ75 mount, the Nexus will be pre-configured to use Telescope 1 with
the AZ75 encoders.
If you are using an existing Nexus DSC, go to the Settings >Telescope >Adjust screen and enter the settings
as shown below.

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Encoder Specification.
128,000 ticksper rev. on each axis.+5v, GND, Channel A & Channel B
**Ensure encoder cable pin-out is correct**
Incorrect wiring may damage the encoder module and/or DSC.
We recommend only using an original AZ75 Astro Devices or Rowan Astronomy cable.
If performing maintenance to the mount at any time, do not allow any magnetic or magnetised objects to come
in proximity to the internal magnetic encoder rings.
See Web site for
colour photo.

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Connecting Nexus DSC with SkySafari with Wi-fi
Seup the AZ75 with the Nexus DSC and turn on the Nexus DSC.
On your smart device go the the Wi-fi settings and in the list of available Wi-fi connections, select the Nexus
DSC Wi-fi.
Ignore the warning indicating limited or no internet connection and connect to the Nexus.
Open the SkySafari application on your smart device.
Click the Settings Icon at the bottom of the screen and scroll down the settings page to Telescope Setup.
Open the Telescope settings page and enter the settings as shown in the table below.
You may need to close and re-start SkySafari when changing the setting above.
When SkySafari is started it now connects to the Nexus DSC and the cross hair should sync with the telescope
pointing position. When the telescope is moved the cross hair will follow the telescopes position
You can then scroll around the planetarium and select objects. Clicking Goto at the bottom of the SkySafari
screen will send the new object co-ordinates to the Nexus DSC. The Nexus DSC will then indicate the direction
and angle to move the telescope to acquire the new object.
Cleaning
When required wipe over with a clean cloth preferably microfiber and a light spray of wax furniture polish. Don’t
use strong chemical cleaning solutions.
Maintenance.
Occasionally grease the clutch and axis lock threads with light grease such as Lithium or similar grease.

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Mounting base
The base has options for M10, M12 or 3/8” UNF threads depending on the tripod in use.
A array of M6 tapped holes allows the fitment of 4 x low head socket cap bolts to provide a location spigot
suitable for popular 60mm and 65mm tripod recesses. The ‘spigot’ helps centre the AZ75 into the tripod recess
for easy alignment when attaching to the tripod.
The bolts can be removed when fitting to a flat top tripod or pier.
Fit 4x low socket head bolts in position A for EQ6 style tripod head.
Fit 4 x low socket head bolts in position B for EQ5 style tripod head.
Technical Specification
CNC machined aluminium and black anodised finished and fitted with stainless steel hardware.
Mount weight 4.1Kg
Mount weight with 2 x V saddles 4.4kg
Payload Capacity: 15Kg per side.
Operating temperature range 40C to -20C
Renishaw high resolution encoders (128,000 counts / rev) to interface with DSC's (option).
Options for M10, M12 or 3/8” threaded base.
Range of optional accessories available.
For further information or advice about using or adjusting the AZ75 please e-mail Rowan Astronomy at
[e-mail] or contact us on our office number [phone]
A .pdf version of this instruction sheet with higher resolution photos is available in the support section of
www.rowanastronomy.com