Using The Equatorial Wedge - SKY-WATCHER star adventurer mini User Manual

Mounting Plate
Azimuth
Adjustment
Bubble
Knob
Level
Appendix III: The Optional Equatorial Wedge
If you plan to do a lot of astrophotography with SAM then you should
seriously consider purchasing the Equatorial Wedge (wedge). This
accessory makes the fine pointing control that is necessary for polar
alignment procedures much more easily accomplished than using a
standard tilt/pan head or ball mount.
The Equatorial Wedge includes the following key parts:
Mounting Plate: The Mounting Plate includes a 1/4 inch threaded bolt for
attaching a camera or standard camera accessory, such as a ball mount.
Stopper
Stopper: The Stopper acts as a safeguard against your camera payload
slipping out of the Saddle of the Equatorial Wedge should you let go of it
Altitude
before tightening the Mounting Plate Locking Knob.
Scale
Azimuth (Horizontal) Adjustment Knob: This knob enables fine pointing
Altitude Lock
of the wedge in the right and left directions (azimuth directions). It is
Handle
especially useful when making fine adjustments for the Easy and Advanced
Polar Alignment Procedures.
Altitude (Vertical) Adjustment Knob: This knob enables fine pointing of
the wedge in the up and down (altitude) directions. It is especially useful
Altitude
when making fine adjustments for the Easy and Advanced Polar Alignment
Adjustment
Procedures.
Knob
Altitude Scale: This scale indicates the altitude setting of the wedge. Note
that for polar alignment procedures, the altitude of your wedge is equal to
the latitude of your observing site if your wedge and tripod are set to level.
Bubble Level: A built-in level to assist you in setting your tripod and
wedge to level. Note that a perfectly level tripod is not a requirement
for using SAM in equatorial mode, but it does make the polar alignment
adjustments a bit easier.
Altitude Lock Handle: Loosen this handle slightly before making latitude
adjustments, then re-tighten when finished.
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