Balancing The Telescope - Omegon EQ-1 Mode D'emploi

3.3 Balancing the telescope

It is very important to balance your telescope before doing any observing, in order to bring the axes into the
optimal balance. This procedure reduces the load on the telescope and gives the mount a much easier time.
If you follow this advice, you will have many years of pleasure with your telescope. Only when well balanced
will the telescope be able to execute very fine motions without large oscillations. This procedure is also very
important if you work with a tracking motor. This will only be able to move the telescope smoothly if the axes
are evenly loaded.
It is advisable to balance the telescope after it has been set up at the location where it is to be used and has
been equipped with the accessories to be used with it.
Balancing – proceed as follows:
Right Ascension
1. Loosen the RA axis of the telescope, but do not let go of the telescope tube.
2. Carefully test whether the telescope has a tendency to tilt to one side.
3. Slightly loosen the counterweight screw and push the counterweight forwards or backwards along its
shaft until the telescope no longer tilts to one side. It is now best to orientate the counterweight shaft
horizontally (see photo), before releasing the telescope. Still unlocked at the RA axis, the telescope should
now not move at all.
4. Now (in the horizontal position) re-tighten the RA axis thumbscrew
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