counter weights on EQ mount

[localdealer]

Hi, I recently got a refractor telescope on an EQ mount and was wondering if anyone had any advice or resources on how to set up the counterweights.

Thanks,

R

[Cornelius Varley]

This will be covered in the manual.

Peter

[Parus major]

As in balancing?

What I tend to do is if I've got two different masses I put the smaller one at the top closest to the mount and the big one at the far end and check the balance. I then move the smaller one along until I get a balance point. It's easier to do if you're moving the smaller one.

[localdealer]

I bought it second hand with no manual.

James, thanks for the advice, so its just a case of moving the weights up and down untill it feels balanced?

[Cornelius Varley]

If it is a Skywatcher you can download all the manuals from here. The manuals will probably be adequate for other brands aswell.

Peter

[Parus major]

Yes, basically. It's to do with a mass being twice as far down exerts twice the force. Or something, I'm a Biologist.

what mount is it? Skywatcher do pdf manuals on their website, even one that's best fit would do you.

[steelfixer]

Very basic explanation.

Assemble the kit complete with ep weights ect.

Whilst holding the tube slacken the clutch on the side of the mount (not the one directly under the tube.)and rotate the tube down and the weights up.

You will now have the bar that holds the weights horizontal.

By releasing the tube you will find it will want to either go up or down.

If it goes down you need to move the weights out along the bar. if up then the weights need to come in a bit.

Keep adjusting until you reach a point where you can place the tube in any position and it will stay there.

[localdealer]

I've downloaded a manual, its not the same tripod but it covers the theory, thanks for the help