DiscMounts Alt-Azimuth DM-6 Techical Manual - Page 4

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of the tripod. Having the telescope to the side may seem awkward at first, but it

is actually more convenient, even more so when an observing chair is used.

Mount the telescope mounting rings to the dovetail plate (CAUTION make

sure the screws do not go all the way through the rings and damage the

telescope). Tilt or slide the dovetail with rings into the tilt-in saddle so that the

telescope ring knobs or screws will be on top. Tighten both saddle locking knobs

down onto the dovetail plate. Make sure the clamps are in the top and bottom

dovetail V. Next, place the telescope in the mounting rings. Adjust the telescope

in the rings so that it is balanced (altitude axis not rotating). Continue tightening

the rings to prevent the telescope from sliding out. Keep in mind that best

balance will be completed below.

Best balance (Altitude (Alt) axis)

Balance should be performed first with the telescope set up with no

eyepiece (worst case light), then again with the heaviest eyepiece (worst case

heavy).

The Disc Mount will handle approximately 21/2 pounds' weight difference.

The weight spread can be larger or smaller depending on the weight, length of

the telescope, the height the heaviest eyepiece is above the center of gravity,

and the highest power being used. My 5.5" diameter, f-7, 24lb., refractor works

well when adjusted with a 0-21/2 pound differential. The movement at 250 power

is still smooth.

Worst case light balance

Install the telescope onto the DiscMount. Remove the front telescope dust

cover. Pull the dew shield out and rack the focuser all the way in. Install your

right angle diagonal (if it will stay in place when eyepieces are changed). If a

camera used for terrestrial photography will be used, then leave the diagonal out.

The idea is to set up the telescope in the lightest configuration that will be used.

Using the adjusting wrench provided, loosen the friction-adjusting nut on

the Altitude axis about ¼ turn, Now slide the telescope in the rings until it is

balanced (note the telescope does not abruptly fall like most mounts when slight

imbalance occurs. If the DiscMount has friction between the disc, the telescope

will slowly rotate). Now mark the position of the telescope in the rings (a small

piece of masking tape on the tube in front of the ring will work fine).

Worst case heavy balance

Keep in mind that if a right angle diagonal (etc.) is used with heavy

eyepieces, the center of gravity moves up (the tilt-in saddle mounting holes are

slightly off center to help compensate). Install the heaviest eyepiece (or camera

for terrestrial photography). Rack the eyepiece out to approximate infinity focus