Vixen Porta User manual

Instruction Manual for
Altazimuth Mount

PREFACE
HANDLING AND STORAGE
WARNING
CAUTION
Never look directly at the sun. Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
Never look directly at the sun with your naked eyes or with the telescope or its finder scope or eyepiece.
Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
Thank you for your purchase of a Vixen “MOBILE PORTA” altazimuth mount with tripod.
●Do not leave the product inside a car in bright sunshine, or in hot places. Keep any strong heat radiation source away from
the product.
●When cleaning, do not use strong solvent such as paint thinners or similar products. 
●Do not expose the product to rain, water drops, dirt or sand.
●Blow off dust on lenses using a commercially available blower brush.
●Avoid touching any lens surfaces directly with your hands. In case a lens become dirty with fingerprints or general smears,
gently wipe it using a commercially available lens cleaner and lens cleaning paper or cloth or consult your local Vixen dealer.
●For storage, keep the product in a dry place and do not expose to direct sunlight.
2
●This manual describes the MOBILE PORTA with use of the A70Lf optical tube by way of example. You may occasionally find
descriptions in the text not relevant to your model. If you purchase the product with a telescope optical tube as a complete
package, be sure to read the instructions for your optical tube along with this manual.
Avoid touching the mount and tripod while the MOBILE PORTA is being operated using the manual slow motion control
handles, in the altitude and azimuth directions.
Do not leave the optical tube uncapped in the daytime.
Sunlight passing through the telescope optical tube or finder scope may cause a fire.
Do not use the product while travelling or walking, as injuries may arise from stumbling, falling or collision with objects.
Keep small caps, plastic bags or plastic packing materials away from children. These may cause choking or suffocation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
OBSERVATION
APPLICATION
SPECIFICATIONS
◎Observing the Moon P17
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◎Assembling the MOBILE PORTA Mount P 6
I. Setting up the Tripod P 6
II. Setting up the Multi-Arms P 6
The Arm Lock Disc P 7
Position Angle of the Multi-Arm P 7
III. Attaching the Slow Motion Control Handles P 7
Changing Tension of the Friction Stop Motion P 8
Changing Position Angle of the Slow Motion Control Handles P 8
1. Change the position of the dovetail mounting block to the altitude slow motion control handle. P 8
2. Change the position of the optical tube to the azimuth slow motion control handle. P 9
IV. Preparation for Mounting the Optical Tube P10
V. Attaching the Optical Tube P10
IV. Inserting an Eyepiece to the Visual Back P11
Magnification of the Telescope P11
VII. Attaching the Finder Scope P12
VII-1 Attach the Finder Scope (MOBILE PORTA-A70Lf) P12
VII-2 Attach the Finder Scope ( MOBILE-PORTA-A62SS, MOBILE PORTA-VMC95L ) P12
VIII. Balancing the Optical Tube P13
VIII-1 Balance an optical tube using tube rings. P13
VIII-
2
Balance an optical tube using a dovetail slide rail. P13
◎Operating the MOBILE PORTA Mount P14
I. Quick Slewing Motion P14
II. Fine Motion and Tracking P14
III. Viewing Terrestrial Landscape P14
IV. Aligning the Finder Scope P15
IV-1 Aligning the 6X24 Finder Scope on the A70Lf P15
IV-2 Aligning the XY Red Dot Finder II on the VMC95L/A62SS P16
Accessories Chart for Photography
P18
MOBILE PORTA Mount P19
MOBILE PORTA Telescope Packages P19
BEFORE USE
PREPARATION
◎Checking the Package Contents P 4
◎What is an Altazimuth Mount? P 4
◎Purpose of Using the Altazimuth Mount P 4
◎Name of Each Component P 5
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The MOBILE PORTA altazimuth mount contains the items listed below. Check if all the items are included.
The package consists of:
①MOBILE PORTA
altazimuth mount with tripod
②4mm Allen wrench
③3mm Allen wrench
④Slow motion control handles
⑤Accessory tray
⑥Instruction manual (This book)
BEFORE USE
◎Checking the Package Contents
◎What is an Altazimuth Mount?
◎Purpose of Using the Altazimuth Mount
4
①MOBILE PORTA altazimuth mount with Tripod
⑤Accessory tray
⑥Instruction manual
（This book)
④Slow motion
control handles
②Allen wrench of 4mm on a side
(For adjusting the tension
of the friction stop motion.)
③Allen wrench of 3mm on a side
(For adjusting the position of
the slow motion control handles.)
※The specifications are subject to change without notice.
An altazimuth mount features simple vertical and horizontal motion controls designed to easily point a telescope to the object you
want to view.
The altazimuth mounts can be assembled and handles easily. They are lightweight and easy to transport.

Tube Ring
Dovetail
Attachment
Plate
BEFORE USE
◎Name of Each Component
5
Lock Screw
Slow Motion
Control Handle
Eyepiece
Focus Knob
Erect-image
Prism Diagonal
Drawtube Lock Screw
Eyepiece Adapter
42mm to 31.7mm
Multi-arms
(Altitude and
Azimuth)
Fixing Bolt
(Reinforcement)
Finder Scope
Leg Brace
Accessory Tray
Tripod Leg
Extension Lock Screw
Foot
Dew Shield
Objective Lens (inside)
Optical Tube
Tube Rings and Dovetail Attachment Plate
Lock Screw
Lock Screw
Tube Ring
Tube RingTube Ring
Dovetail
Attachment
Plate
※The specifications are subject to change without notice.
Focus KnobFocus Knob
The contents of your MOBILE PORTA may differ when you purchase it as a mount package complete with an optical tube.
MOBILE PORTA-A70Lf
MOBILE PORTA-A62SS
Safety ScrewSafety Screw
Dovetail
Mounting Block
Dovetail
Mounting Block
Arm Lock Discs
(Vertical and
Horizontal)
Arm Lock Discs
(Vertical and
Horizontal)
Azimuth Slow Motion
Control Handle
Azimuth Slow Motion
Control Handle
Altitude Slow Motion
Control Handle
Altitude Slow Motion
Control Handle
Dovetail
Slide Bar
Dovetail
Slide Bar Dovetail
Slide Bar
Dovetail
Slide Bar
Eyepiece Adapter
Eyepiece Adapter
Eyepiece
Eyepiece
Diagonal Prism
Diagonal Prism
Eyepiece
Eyepiece
XY Red Dot
Finder II
XY Red Dot
Finder II
XY Red Dot
Finder II
XY Red Dot
Finder II
Focus Knob
Focus Knob
Eyepiece
Eyepiece
MOBILE PORTA-VMC95L

PREPARATION
◎Assembling the MOBILE PORTA Mount
6
Place the tripod on level and sold
ground to ensure the telescope is
stable during observation.
Adjust the height of the tripod as the
occasion demands.
To change the height, unfasten the
extension lock screws on the tripod
legs.
Move the legs to the desired length.
After that, fasten the extension lock
screws to hold the tripod legs securely
in place.
1
3
Pull the tripod legs apart until the leg
brace has been fully extended to let the
tripod stand by itself
Place the accessory tray over the center
of the leg brace and fix it in place by
turning it.
2 32
While holding the altitude multi-arm,
loosen the vertical arm lock disc to set
the angle of the altitude multi-arm to
your desired position.
Tighten the vertical arm lock disc
securely after setting up the altitude
multi-arm.
1
While holding the altitude multi-arm,
loosen the horizontal arm lock disc to
set up the orientation of the altitude
multi-arm to your desired direction.
Tighten the horizontal arm lock disc
securely after setting up the orientation
of the altitude multi-arm.
2
The position angle of the multi-arms can be changed at intervals of 15 degrees.
I. Setting up the Tripod
II. Setting up the Multi-Arms (Moveable Single Fork Arm)
Vertical Arm
Lock Disc
Vertical Arm
Lock Disc Vertical Arm
Lock Disc
Vertical Arm
Lock Disc
Accessory Tray
Accessory Tray
Leg Brace
Leg Brace
Extension Lock Screw
Extension Lock Screw
Horizontal Arm
Lock Disc
Horizontal Arm
Lock Disc Horizontal Arm
Lock Disc
Horizontal Arm
Lock Disc

Note 1: There are two worm gear shafts, one on either side
of the slow motion control unit. Use whichever one
you find more convenient.
Note 2: The two slow motion control handles are the same
and you can use whichever for vertical slow motion
control or for horizontal slow motion control.
The Arm Lock Disc
PREPARATION
7
Make sure that the multi-arm is snug in the set position. If the
multi-arm is locked in an unstable position, this may cause a
sudden loosening of the multi-arm. This could damage the
telescope or lead to injury.
Position Angle of the Multi-Arms
Check if the orientation of your telescope optical tube is
restricted by the MOBILE PORTA mount. This should be done
after you install the optical tube on the mount.
When locked in an
unstable position,
it causes a gap.
When locked in an
unstable position,
it causes a gap.
Attach the vertical and horizontal slow
motion control handles onto each of the
worm gear shafts. Orient the sleeve
portion of the handle so that the dent
on the sleeve goes to the flat portion of
the worm gear shaft. Push it onto the
worm gear shaft.
a)a)
No interference with the
optical tube in horizontal
direction.
No interference with the
optical tube in horizontal
direction.
b)
b)
c)
c) No interference with the
optical tube in vertical
direction.
d) No interference with the
optical tube in vertical
direction.
d)
■Bad Example■Bad Example
Flat Portion
Flat Portion Dent
Dent
Slow motion control handle
Slow motion control handle
Interference with the
optical tube in horizontal
direction.
Interference with the
optical tube in vertical
direction.
Interference with the
optical tube in horizontal
direction.
Interference with the
optical tube in vertical
direction.
III. Attaching the Slow Motion Control Handles
Worm Gear ShaftWorm Gear Shaft
Flat Portion
Flat Portion
Slow motion
control Shaft
Slow motion
control Shaft
Worm Gear Shaft
Worm Gear Shaft
Dent
Dent

PREPARATION
One excellent feature on the MOBILE PORTA is the friction stop mechanism. The telescope optical tube moves as you guide it by
hand, and stops as you release. However, you may need to adjust the tension of the friction stop motion in the altitude and azimuth
directions if you install a somewhat heavy optical tube or optional accessory on the mount.
The position angle of the slow motion control handles related to the dovetail mounting block and to the optical tube can be changed
at an interval of 15 degrees as the need arises.
It is not necessary to tighten the
tension adjustment screws completely.
It may cause too much resistance and
can lead to a malfunction.
Hold the optical tube firmly while
loosening the tension adjustment
screws as this may affect the balance.
Remove the optical tube from the
dovetail mounting block for safety.
While holding the optical tube in the
horizontal position, loosen the safety
screw first, and then, loosen the lock
screw to remove the optical tube.
Remove the lock screw to avoid
interference with the altitude slow
motion control handles.
1
There are three hex socket screws on
the side of the dovetail mounting
block. Loosen each of the screws with
the 3mm Allen wrench. (Do not loosen
these screws too much.)
2
The upper portion of the dovetail
mounting block becomes loose. Turn
the dovetail mounting block so that
its position related to the altitude
slow motion control handle is set to
your desired position angle.
3
Set the upper dovetail mounting block
to the position which is snug fit and
tighten the three hex socket screws
securely.
4
2 3 4
Replace the lock screw and attach the
optical tube to the dovetail mounting
block to finish.
5
8
Adjust the tension of the friction stop motion by loosening or tightening
the tension adjustment screws with the supplied 4mm Allen wrench.
III−1.Changing Tension of the Friction Stop Motion
III−2.Changing Position Angle of the Slow Motion Control Handles
1. Change the position of the dovetail mounting block to the altitude slow motion control handle.
Allen wrenchAllen wrench Allen wrench
Allen wrench
Tension
Adjustment
Screw
Tension
Adjustment
Screw Tension
Adjustment
Screw
Tension
Adjustment
Screw
2 Lock Screw2 Lock Screw
Lock ScrewLock Screw
1 Safety Screw1 Safety Screw
Dovetail Mounting Block
Dovetail Mounting Block
Take off
the lock screw
Take off
the lock screw

3
21
4
5 6
②LockScrew②LockScrew
①SafetyScrew①SafetyScrew
PlasticCapPlasticCap
PlasticCapPlasticCap
PulloutupwardPulloutupward
PREPARATION
Remove the optical tube from the
dovetail mounting block for safety.
While holding the horizontal multi-arm in
hand, loosen the safety screw first, and
then, loosen the lock screw to remove
the optical tube.
1
Remove the white plastic cap on the slow
motion control unit of the horizontal
multi-arm.
Take hold of the sides of the white plastic
cap and pull out it upward as shown in the
figure.
2
There are three hex socket screws on
the side of the upper block of the slow
motion control unit.
Loosen each of the screws with the
3mm Allen wrench while holding the
horizontal multi-arm. (Do not loosen the
screws too much.)
3
The azimuth multi-arm becomes loose.
Rotate the azimuth multi-arm so that its
position related to the azimuth slow
motion control handle is set to your
desired position angle.
4
3
21
4
5 6
Set the azimuth multi-arm to the
position and tighten the three hex
socket screws securely.
Replace the white plastic cap on the
slow motion control unit of the horizontal
multi-arm.
5
Attach the optical tube to the dovetail
mounting block to finish.
7
6
9
2. Change the position of the optical tube to the azimuth slow motion control handle.

IV. Preparation for Mounting the Optical Tube
V. Attaching the Optical Tube
Caution
PREPARATION
10

Turn the dovetail mounting block by
hand so that the lock screw is on top.
Loosen both the lock screw and safety
screw on the dovetail mounting block
fully so that space is available to
attach the dovetail attachment plate
(or dovetail slide bar).
Attach the optical tube to the dovetail
mounting block so that the dovetail
attachment plate fits the sunken adapter
block neatly.
Tighten the lock screw first onto the
centering notch of the dovetail attachment
plate until snug. Then, tighten the safety
screw securely. To remove the optical
tube, loosen the safety screw first.
-Take care not to drop the optical tube as it could result in serious damage. Make sure that the lock screw is tightened firmly
before you release your hand from the optical tube. Be sure to tighten the safety screw securely.
- Make sure that the dovetail attachment plate is flat against
the sunken mounting block. Tightening the lock screw with a
gap between these parts may cause the optical tube to fall.
Note: Rotate the optical tube as the need arises.
A70Lf: Loosen the lock knobs on the tube rings of the
optical tube and rotate the optical tube.
A62SS: Rotate the focuser unit to change the orientation of
the focus knobs/finder scope.
VMC95L: Move the position of the dovetail slide bar on the
optical tube.
1
2
Make sure that the dovetail
attachment plate is flat against
the sunken mounting block.
Make sure that the dovetail
attachment plate is flat against
the sunken mounting block.



DovetailMounting
Block
DovetailMounting
Block
Dovetail
MountingBlock
Dovetail
MountingBlock
LockScrewLockScrew
LockScrew
LockScrew
SafetyScrewSafetyScrew
21