How to use an equatorial mount?
Using an equatorial mount may seem complicated at first, but once you learn how to use it, it can be a very useful tool for observing celestial objects and taking photos of the sky. Here are some steps to use an equatorial mount:
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Set up the mount: First, make sure the mount is level and well balanced. Adjust the position of the mount so that it points toward the North Celestial or South Celestial Pole , depending on your location in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.
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Find the North Star: To use an equatorial mount, it is important to find the North Star. Use a compass to find the general direction of the north celestial or south celestial pole. Then, use a pole star finder or the finderscope on your telescope to find the pole star.
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Align the mount: Once you've found the North Star, adjust the mount so that it points toward it. Use the altitude and azimuth adjustment screws to point the mount toward the North Star.
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Find the celestial object: Use the telescope or camera to find the desired celestial object. It may be helpful to use a star chart or sky map to help locate the celestial object.
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Use fine motion: To adjust the position of the telescope or camera smoothly and precisely, use the fine motion controls on the equatorial mount. Use the fine motion control on the right ascension axis to track the object as it moves from east to west. Use the fine motion control on the declination axis to track the object as it moves north or south.
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Continue observing: Once you have adjusted the position of the telescope or camera using fine motion, continue observing the celestial object and adjusting its position as necessary to keep it in the field of view.
It is important to note that using an equatorial mount requires practice and patience. Continue practicing and adjusting the position until you can track celestial objects in the sky with precision and ease.
Fine motion controls
Fine motion on an equatorial mount refers to the ability to adjust the position of the telescope or camera very smoothly and precisely while tracking a celestial object in the sky. There are two fine motion controls on an equatorial mount: the fine motion control on the right ascension (RA) axis and the fine motion control on the declination axis (DEC).
Fine motion control on the right ascension axis allows you to adjust the telescope or camera to the east or west while tracking a celestial object in the sky. This is important because celestial objects move from east to west due to the Earth's rotation. Fine motion control on the declination axis allows you to adjust the telescope or camera to the north or south while tracking a celestial object in the sky. This is important because celestial objects change their position relative to the declination axis due to the tilt of the Earth's axis.
It is important to note that fine movement on a non-motorized equatorial mount will not be as smooth and precise as with a motor. However, it is a valuable skill that you can improve with practice and will allow you to track celestial objects in the sky without needing a motor.
Can a motor be installed on all equatorial mounts?
No, but some manufacturers such as Bresser or Sky-watcher make RA and DEC motors for their equatorial mounts with the aim of smoothing movements and facilitating the tracking of objects in the sky, however, it is important to say that these equipment are not treated of GoTo systems that, unlike motorization, what it does is receive a series of commands from the user and positions the telescope on a certain object.
If you are thinking of purchasing a telescope with an equatorial mount, do so, because they are much more robust and allow better tracking of objects in the sky. Our advice is, if you have the budget, to choose a mount that allows motorization in the future, that is motorized or that has the GoTo system or the possibility of installing it, especially if the objective is to take astrophotos.
Here are some telescopes with equatorial mounts:
If you already have a telescope, but want to improve its stability, you can purchase a mount, motor, or GoTo system for the one you already have:
If you have any questions, it doesn't hurt to ask, you can contact us through atencionalcliente@astrotelescopios.es or through our Whatsapp available on the web.