Is my telescope compatible with my latitude?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the compatibility of a Newtonian Celestron Astromaster 114EQ telescope with the user's latitude of -15º. Participants explore the implications of the telescope's mount adjustment range of 20 to 60 degrees and its effects on polar alignment and tracking capabilities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the telescope can be used correctly at -15º latitude given the mount's adjustment range of 20 to 60 degrees.
  • Another participant suggests that polar alignment is necessary for effective tracking.
  • It is noted that the elevation angle required for polar alignment matches the user's latitude, implying a need to point the telescope at 15 degrees above horizontal.
  • Concerns are raised about the mount's inability to reach the necessary angle for proper tracking due to the minimum elevation limit.
  • Participants discuss potential physical limitations, such as the counterweight hitting the tripod at lower angles.
  • Suggestions are made to modify the tripod or adjust the balance weights to avoid interference with the tripod legs.
  • Some participants propose practical solutions, such as tilting the tripod or repositioning the mount on the tripod for better clearance.
  • There is a mention of casual observing techniques that do not require precise alignment, suggesting that minor misalignments may not significantly impact casual use.
  • One participant expresses concern about whether their position would affect tracking capabilities, indicating uncertainty about the implications of the tripod's limitations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views regarding the telescope's compatibility with the user's latitude, with some suggesting practical adjustments while others highlight potential limitations. No consensus is reached on the overall impact of these limitations on tracking performance.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the telescope's performance may be affected by physical constraints related to the tripod and counterweights, but the exact implications for tracking and observation remain unresolved.

MadAtom
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Is my telescope "compatible" with my latitude?

I have a Newtonian Celestron Astromaster 114EQ (CG-2 equatorial mount) and the manual says: "The Astromaster CG-2 mount can be adjusted from about 20 to 60 degrees [...]".

The latitude where I'm is -15º. What does this excerpt means for me. I wouldn't be able to use it correctly from where I am?
 
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I think the mount has to be polar aligned to be useful in tracking correctly.
 


20-60 degrees (probably) refers to the range of possible elevation angles (above the horizon) of the telescope mount.
 


Hmm, yeah it it turns out the elevation angle you need to point the telescope at for polar alignment is just equal to your latitude, so you'd need to point it at 15 deg above horizontal to see the south celestial pole. If 20 deg is indeed the minimum elevation, then it sounds like the telescope can't get low enough. Interesting...
 


well... the circle that indicates the latitude has a range from oº to 90º so, in reality, I'm able to set my 15º latitude. But, according to that exert, I wouldn't be able to track "well"? What would be the real effects of that limitation?

Because of the weather I'm not able to make tests and I have no prior experience with telescopes... actually, when it came, when I was tracking objects, I was moving the scope by increasing and decreasing latitude...:redface:
 


That is odd. My only guess is that below 20 degrees, the counterweight might hit the tripod.
 


russ_watters said:
That is odd. My only guess is that below 20 degrees, the counterweight might hit the tripod.

Yeah, exactly! below 20º (and depending on the direction of it...) the weights can hit a leg of the tripod! this problem is over when you set a latitude near 20. I hope it's just that...
 


You probably need to improvise with your balance weights as they will collide with the tripod. You can try mounting them higher up on the shaft to gain clearance, or use diy weights with a slimmer profile. I believe the CG-2 has a 1/2" shaft, so you should be able to substitute a shorter length of all thread if it is too long.
 


You could set the tripod on a 5 degree south-facing slope, or modify the tripod to tilt it 5 degrees. Then check it to be sure that the scope is still steady.

OF
 
  • #10


nice looking scope :)
should provide years of fun sky watching

attachment.php?attachmentid=54128&stc=1&d=1356044150.jpg


yup I see the problem
My suggestion would be to tilt the tripod a bit, ie. 1 or 2 of the legs shorter than the other 1 or 2. Then clamp the tripod legs firmly to the ground to stop it falling over. The problem is probably only be when looking at a particular area of the sky.

or you can get rid of the tripod and mount the EQ mount on a pillar giving you more room to swing around

Dave
 

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  • #11


If the tripod has a post that the mount rests against to adjust the 'azimuth' setting, you might try removing that post and position it on the other side of the tripod. These tripods usually give you two options to position the mount on the tripod. One (shown in the above picture) has a tripod leg facing north and one where a tripod leg faces south. You will note that the tripod leg in the configuration shown above interferes with the full range motion of the mount about the RA axis. Put the post in the opposite position and you will have more clearance. Of course there's always a part of the sky where the weights will interfere with the tripod.
 
  • #12


Maybe we are making more of this than is deserved. Back in olden days, I would just plunk my SkyScope tripod on the ground, and "eyeball" the polar axis to the north star. Not very accurate, but good enough. If you are 5 degrees off but are using the scope only for casual observing, I wouldn't worry about it, you can easily compensate for this manually.

OF
 
  • #13


davenn said:
My suggestion would be to tilt the tripod a bit, ie. 1 or 2 of the legs shorter than the other 1 or 2. Then clamp the tripod legs firmly to the ground to stop it falling over.

Yeah, that could work too but won't be necessary. thank you.
 
  • #14


chemisttree said:
If the tripod has a post that the mount rests against to adjust the 'azimuth' setting, you might try removing that post and position it on the other side of the tripod. These tripods usually give you two options to position the mount on the tripod. One (shown in the above picture) has a tripod leg facing north and one where a tripod leg faces south. You will note that the tripod leg in the configuration shown above interferes with the full range motion of the mount about the RA axis. Put the post in the opposite position and you will have more clearance. Of course there's always a part of the sky where the weights will interfere with the tripod.

Yeah, that works too. Actually I can move it 360º... Thank you.
 
Last edited:
  • #15


I found a way to balance the weights in which the scope is well balanced and still don't hit the tripod legs! I was more concerned if it would affect my tracking, I mean if I couldn't use the DEC/RA due to my position (silly... I know...), although this tripod inconvenient could really affect my observations with that scope... thank you all! Now... any of you know how to make the rain stop?
 
  • #16


MadAtom said:
I found a way to balance the weights in which the scope is well balanced and still don't hit the tripod legs! I was more concerned if it would affect my tracking, I mean if I couldn't use the DEC/RA due to my position (silly... I know...), although this tripod inconvenient could really affect my observations with that scope... thank you all! Now... any of you know how to make the rain stop?

Move to south Texas.
 

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