ASTRO-PHYSICS 400QMD Quick Start Manual - Page 10

Browse online or download pdf Quick Start Manual for Telescope ASTRO-PHYSICS 400QMD. ASTRO-PHYSICS 400QMD 11 pages. German equatorial mount with dual axis quartz micro-drive

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FITTING RIGHT ASCENSION ENCODER HOUSING

1. If the encoders were purchased with the 400 mount, it is likely that the right ascension axis adapter and encoder
housing have already been installed. Please continue to read these directions since you may need to remove
and reinstall the encoders if you use a polar alignment scope.
2. If the encoders were purchased separately, the silver-colored R.A. axis adapter may be inside the R.A. axis
encoder housing. If it is, remove it now.
3. Since the polar axis telescope and R.A. axis adapter thread into the same location, you will need to switch back
and forth between them as needed. If you use the JMI "NGC MAX" or "Mini MAX" Digital Setting Circles, you can
use the "polar align" mode in these units instead of a polar axis finder scope!
4. Thread the R.A. axis adapter into the end of your R.A. axis (If your polar alignment scope is fitted you must
remove this first.) Use moderate hand pressure to tighten the R.A. adapter since you may need to remove it to
install the polar alignment telescope at a later time.
5. If you look into the black encoder housing, you will see the encoder itself mounted at the rear of the housing.
When this installation procedure is complete, the encoder shaft will insert into the center hole of the R.A. axis
adapter. This allows the encoder to read the motion of the R.A. shaft as the right ascension axis moves.
6. Now thread the R.A. encoder housing onto the R.A. axis housing. You may need to wiggle the encoder housing
gently to engage the shaft of the encoder (located within the R.A. axis housing) with the hole in the center of the
R.A. axis adapter. Again, use moderate hand pressure as you may wish to remove this at some time.
The hardware for your encoders is now installed. For actual set-up procedures for "Micro MAX", "Mini MAX" or "NGC
MAX" digital readouts, refer to the relevant operating manual.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

If you remove the R.A. encoder frequently, you may wish to use a very tiny amount of auto grease on the mating
threads.
09-25-02
A
Right ascension (R.A.) encoder housing (encoder mounted inside)
C
Right ascension axis adapter
J
Right ascension axis housing
K
Location to thread in encoder housing
L
Encoder lead socket (phone plug input)