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4. Attach mount to tripod base. Place the mount
onto the tripod head using the built-in handles on
the mount (see Fig. 15). Note the “arrow” and
“N” graphic printed on the front side of the mount.
Place this over the leg that is pointing toward “true”
North (south if you are using the telescope in the
Southern Hemisphere). There are “keyed” detents
in the base, rotate the mount so that the mount
seats fi rmly into the “keys“ on the tripod base.
Firmly tighten the three (3) threaded lock knobs at
the bottom of the tripod mounting base.
5. Attach the segmented counterweight shaft
to the mount. (See Fig. 17). There are three (3)
threaded shafts pre-assembled at the factory, one
(1) master and two (2) extensions. The master
is attached fi rst, and is the shaft with threaded
receivers on both ends. The extensions have a
threaded male and female on each end (see Fig.
18). At the end of the extension shaft is a knurled
safety cap which needs to be removed to install the
counterweights.
Attach the counterweight(s) to the
counterweight shaft.
Look through the hole in the counterweight and
note the pin blocking the hole. Tilt the counterweight
slightly and the pin moves out of position, clearing
the hole. If the pin does not move, unscrew the
counterweight lock knob to allow the pin to move
out of the center hole.
A single 11 pound counterweight is standard.
Some OTAs, due to their weight, include additional
counterweights; if so equipped, you may need to
use all three (3) counterweight shaft extensions to
achieve proper balance.
Unscrew the safety cap from the counterweight
shaft. Holding the counterweight (see Fig. 18)
so the lock knob points toward the ground,
install the counterweight(s) to approximately the
Fig 17: Thread-on counterweight shaft
Fig 15: Place mount base on tripod. Point the “N” on
the front of the mount to True North.
Fig 16: Tighten three (3) knobs at underside
Fig 18: Thread on additional counterweight shaft(s),
counterweight (2) as needed. Affi x safety cap.
AudioStar #497 HANDBOX
Getting Started
16