Recently I have acquired a new telescope - the Skywatcher Explorer 150PDS with an EQ3-2 mount and tripod. The EQ stands for equatorial, as there are different types of mounts. To me, this is a huge telescope with many different abilities to enhance my astronomy and astrophotography and help me to learn more about the sky! It arrived in three huge boxes, which were extremely exciting to open, and see just how many pieces my new telescope is made up of. My dad helped me to put it together, and to lift some of the heavier components! I was really shocked to see the size of it all, as it is so much bigger than I expected. I also didn’t really expect it to have counterweights that are as heavy as they are, but it shows how much equipment there is and how much it needs to be balanced! I spent a while setting it up with my dad, as it is so much more intricate than my other telescopes, so we had to follow the instructions step by step to make sure it is completely accurate. The whole process of setting it up was so exciting as I could not wait to use it and see just how good it is, however, it is fairly confusing so don’t worry if it confuses you too!
How to set up your equatorial telescope mount
Note: This is for an EQ3-2 and an EQ5 mount as I have an EQ3-2, so disregard this part if it is not useful to you.
Tripod set up
Adjust the tripod legs by loosening the height adjustment clamp and gently pull the lower section of the legs. Spread the legs out so it is stable, and make sure not to over tighten the clamps.
Attach the accessory tray by securing it with the screws, and attach the mount to the tripod, by aligning the metal dowel on the tripod head with the gap between the azimuthal adjustment knobs underneath the mount. Tighten the knob to secure the mount to the tripod.
Telescope assembly
Install the counterweight, by locating the counterweight rod and screwing it in its designated hole. Tighten the locknut so it is locked against the mount. Unscrew the cap from the end of the counterweight rod and slide the counterweights roughly halfway across the rod, and tighten them before replacing cap.
Attach the mounting plate by positioning it on the mounting bracket and secure by tightening the locking screws.
Unfasten the tube rings from the telescope by releasing the thumb nuts and opening the hinges. Attack them to the mount using bolts, and slide the telescope in to them until it is balanced in the centre. Close the hinges and fasten it securely.
Finderscope assembly
Slide the finderscope bracket onto into its rectangular slot, before tightening the screw to hold it in place.
Remove the rubber ring from the finders cope bracket and place it halfway up along the finders cope tube. Position the finderscope into its mount by sliding it in until the rubber ring fits the mount.
Eyepiece assembly
Reflector - unscrew the thumbscrews on the end of the focus tube and remove the plastic cap. Re-tighten the screws to hold the eyepiece in place.
And there you have it! Your telescope should be set up! You may need the instructions the first few times if you take it apart for transportation - like I did, but soon, you will be able to do it in your sleep! Check out my next few posts that will explain how and why you should align, balance, polar align and ensure your telescope is as accurately set up as possible.
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