How To REALLY Set Up An Equatorial Telescope Mount - Beginners only please! Reflactor

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Simple step-by-step telescope setup method for new users. This shows a simple six-step method to quickly set up any equatorial telescope mount. This video will help end the myth that equatorial mounts are hobbykillers. I also demonstrate the geometry trick that makes the North Star so helpful. I demonstrate a polar scope accessory for polar alignment.
#equatorial #mount #setup #telescope #reflactorguy
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More info: This video shows a simple way to set up an equatorial telescope mount. I demonstrate the math trick that makes the North Star (Polaris) so useful for latitude. I use a globe and a small toy telescope to demonstrate it. I demonstrate how to use a Polar Scope for polar alignment.
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26 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 125

@southerncross4956 7 месяцев назад

I am a retired mechanical technician, the EQ mount is a real bear to rap your brain around. I have watched many video about it, I have caused it and hate it with a great passion. BUT you have soothed my angry brow with reason and logic for my level of understanding the EQ. A thank you is weak but have added a “like” and prescribing to your channel.

@reflactor 7 месяцев назад

I was in the same boat when I bought this equatorial mount. It took a while to figure out a logical approach to setting them up as quickly as possible. Thanks for the like and subscribing. If push comes to shove, you can always convert many of the equatorial mounts into a "fake" Alt-Az mount in about one minute. Here's the video that shows you how: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--VX_u6DMMhI.html

@uniformn8n 3 месяца назад

This is by far the best "how to" video I've ever seen on EQ mount setup. Thank you very much, I feel like I might actually be able to use mine properly now.

@reflactor 3 месяца назад

Thank you for the kind words! I had so much trouble stumbling through the setups for my EQ mount that I felt obligated to share the steps. Have fun!

@Matt-xn4pr Месяц назад

Literally the best vid in EQ mounting. I love how clearly you explained where rhe latitude comes from

@reflactor Месяц назад

Thank you for the kind words - I'm glad it was helpful!

@Shellback13202 3 дня назад

As others have said, what a wonderfully explained video. I'm learning this so I can help my son with his first telescope. Thanks!

@reflactor 3 дня назад

I'm glad it was helpful. I hope you and your son have a blast with his telescope. Even if you don't get it polar aligned, you can still use it manually for lots of fun sky targets. Clear skies!

@user-ij5rs7xq5y Год назад

The first RU-vidr that mentioned us southern hemisphere folk lol!

@reflactor Год назад

I could never forget about you all - it's half the planet! Clear skies!

@Sassbag1 2 месяца назад

Being a complete newbi this was awesome for me to watch, I have never used any or even looked through one but have always wanted to. So I retired, and love learning a new thing! I bought myself a complete telescope which came with this mount. I was so scared to touch it because I know how fragile the telescope is. Thank you very much for teaching an old woman how to enjoy the beautiful skies of Oklahoma!

@reflactor 2 месяца назад

Thank you for the kind words. We were all new to this hobby once. I'm still learning new stuff every day. Congrats on the new telescope - have fun!

@frustratedempl0yee 3 месяца назад

This is the Best video i have ever watched on youtube.

@reflactor 3 месяца назад

Thank you for the very kind words. Admittedly, that is very motivational for me to get moving on the videos I have planned. :)

@JANDLWOODWORKING Год назад

This was a HUGE Help for a beginner Thank you so much!!!

@reflactor Год назад

Thanks! I was in the same boat a few months ago and wanted to share everything I'd learned. Clear skies!

@JANDLWOODWORKING Год назад

@@reflactor I bought an old Meade 4550 reflector to get started with. the mount is old but works we will see how it goes before I pull the trigger on a newer scope

@reflactor Год назад

@@JANDLWOODWORKING Buying used is a GREAT way to get into the hobby. Every one of my telescopes is used (formerly abused and neglected). It gives you a chance to get a feel for things without being afraid of ruining them. Clear skies!

@BenBreeg1138 Год назад

Video saved! My FIL gave us a telescope and we are just getting started with it. This is a great tutorial!

@reflactor Год назад

Thanks for watching - I hope the video helps you get setup quickly. Have fun with your new telescope! I recommend the Moon, the planets, and then try to find the Orion Nebula (it's worth the effort). Clear skies!

@spartanbritto 9 месяцев назад

Great video, loved the minute details, learned many things, 👍👍

@reflactor 9 месяцев назад

Thank you for watching. Have fun with your telescope!

@timwhitlock3500 Год назад

Great lesson! IMO the hobby killer is the altazimuth mount. I find constant fiddling with two axes to keep the target in the FOV is frustrating for me. I remember the little Sears EQ refractor I had in high school didn't show a lot but at least I could keep the target centered with simple twists of the RA slo-mo control. And the learning curve was not difficult even for my 15 year old self.

@reflactor Год назад

I understand. My first telescope was a cheap alt-az refractor (with a locking bar). It was very frustrating and I got out of the hobby for about ten years until I built my own Dobsonian using Richard Berry's book. Thank you for watching!

@gee6607 5 месяцев назад

Sir, that was very clear and concise ...thank you

@reflactor 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad it was useful. Clear skies!

@pepeimc Год назад

Well explained John. Not so easy at the beginning, but once mastered an eq is really convenient.

@reflactor Год назад

Thank you. They are worth learning thanks to the convenience factor of the single tracking knob. At star parties visitors can easily track the targets themselves. Clear skies!

@reallifeengineer7214 3 месяца назад

Great video! My telescope did not show up with ANY instructions on the eq mount. Your video saved me hours of reverse-engineering “how would I have designed this to work like, if I were to have designed the world’s first eq mount”. 🤣 Thank you. 😊

@reflactor 3 месяца назад

Happy to help. This video was the culmination of a lot of trial and error, stumbling my way through EQ setup. When I'd finally figured it out, I just had to share it so other folks did't waste their time like I did.

@joemann2178 Год назад

Great explanation, it's quite a lot for beginners to understand, but with your drawings and globe it ought to be simpler for people to visualise why and what they are adjusting on the EQ mount for alignment. Well done! 😁👍

@reflactor Год назад

Thanks for watching! It was fun to research and learn about why each step is important. Clear skies!

@aritanner609 Год назад

Bought my Skymax couple days ago and during learning found your videos. Easiest subscribe button press ever :D

@reflactor Год назад

Thank you! Your kind words really made my day. :) This is certainly a passion project. Have tons of fun with your new telescope! Clear skies!

@bradleycarlson6081 10 месяцев назад

The polar alignment scope is nice; however, a beginner need not worry too much with this fine adjustment. Just getting close to polaris is fine, especially when using low powers. If viewing at higher power and/or longer period, one may need to also adjust the DEC axis knob slightly. But for me, this is less of a annoyance than two axis of an ALT/AZ mount. And no "Dobson hole" issues!

@reflactor 10 месяцев назад

You are right. By chance I had a polar alignment scope and wanted to include it in case anybody else had one and wondered what it was for. But generally, it isn't really needed. The Dobson's Hole is for real! It can be a challenge to work around. Clear skies.

@dude75011 3 месяца назад

Thank You 😇

@reflactor 3 месяца назад

Happy to help!

@marcorc5167 7 месяцев назад

This was a perfect explanation, thanks a lot for the video! Will try my telescope in the next few days and report back using your advice.

@reflactor 7 месяцев назад

I'm glad it was helpful. Have fun!

@HJMJH Год назад

Thank you so much.

@reflactor Год назад

Thank you for watching. Clear skies!

@nathanhaber1513 4 месяца назад

Thanks!

@reflactor 4 месяца назад

Wow! Thank you very much - These videos are a lot of fun to make, but admittedly, gifts like this are a really nice surprise.

@tanusreepaul9839 10 месяцев назад

Perfect demonstration

@reflactor 10 месяцев назад

I'm glad it was helpful. Clear skies!

@shrikantlimaye4168 5 месяцев назад

Nice video! Very helpful; Thank you!!

@reflactor 5 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful! Clear skies!

@JoeJaguar Год назад

The video goes into lots of detail this will definitely help a lot of new people and they will find it handy how to work the equatorial mount I also appreciate the comment to my channel cheers

@rogerarts1 Год назад

Thanx! very clear explanation! Now go outside and try myself!

@reflactor Год назад

Glad it helped. Have fun!

@hivoltage52 5 месяцев назад

Awesome video Dude, I learned so much !

@reflactor 5 месяцев назад

Glad it helped. Have fun!

@erikkayV 8 месяцев назад

Ha, Un-loosen? So you are tightening the leg. Or just loosening or unscrewing. Just some light hearted teasing. Thank you for the video, it helped me out tremendously.

@reflactor 8 месяцев назад

Good catch. I think I recorded that at 6:00am - I clearly needed more coffee, lol.

@nathanhaber1513 4 месяца назад

Wow, thank you so much!!!!

@reflactor 4 месяца назад

I'm glad you found the video helpful. Clear skies!

@brenthann2623 Год назад

thank you so much for this video.

@reflactor Год назад

Thank YOU for watching. Hope it helps a little. Clear skies!

@GarethRidout Год назад

This is great - thanks so much!

@reflactor Год назад

Glad you found it helpful! Thank you for watching.

@jmKali 10 месяцев назад

Thank you ❤

@reflactor 10 месяцев назад

Hope it helps!

@RestorationAustralia Год назад

Very cool telescope.😊

@reflactor Год назад

Thanks!

@user-qr4rr7ki9c 5 месяцев назад

Please consider a video showing how to polar align an older fork mounted right ascension declination telescope Like the Meade lx3 from 1980s . I’m trying hard but no success Thank you george

@reflactor 5 месяцев назад

I will eventually find a good used one to tinker with. Then I'll be able to make a video for it.

@littlesunny63 Год назад

Great, easy to understand video John. I know you’re a big dob guy, so. You still favor the dob?

@reflactor Год назад

Thanks for watching. Yah, I was really dragged into it kicking and screaming, lol. It was originally just a restoration project, but then I thought I'd give it a try.

@littlesunny63 Год назад

@@reflactor I know the feeling. I have a couple EQ things 😳. I keep pushing them aside thinking I’ll get to them one day. Dreading the EQ mount. Dobs are sooooo friendly.

@seanflewin9803 День назад

No wonder its called a hobby killer what a carry on to look at some stars for half an hour

@reflactor День назад

After a few times, it does get pretty quick to set up. Those first few times, though, can be a challenge.

@Astronurd Год назад

Leveling an equatorial mount isn’t important like it is with an alt/az. It will still track accurately as long as it’s polar aligned. The declination axis also should be balanced but this is not possible with your scope fittings. You always pick the position in which the counterweight is lowest.

@reflactor Год назад

Thank you for watching. Clear skies!

@edgaralvarez7195 3 месяца назад

Best video explaining this, so, i have a question, do i have to "set" the tripod pointing to the North Star every single time i'm using the telescope ?

@reflactor 3 месяца назад

Well, it depends on your tripod. In theory you are setting your polar axis to true north. If your tripod has adjustments, then there is some leeway.

@stevevanderzwaag808 Год назад

Hi I really love your videos. I’m new to this and I’m buying a telescope to start a hobby with my kids we just love it. I left you a comment on your other video 2021 ISS time lapse. Just had some questions if you could please answer. It would be a huge help for us. Appreciate it

@reflactor Год назад

Thank you for watching! Feel free to ask any questions you like and I'll try my best to answer. I'm a frequent visitor to the Everything Telescopes group on Facebook too if that works better for you.

@bauertime 9 месяцев назад

I've had one for 25 years and never knew about the fine tuning knobs. I always thought it was almost impossible to get it on the north star by adjusting the legs while looking through the polar scope.

@reflactor 9 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching. I'm glad it was useful for you.

@AmatureAstronomer 7 месяцев назад

I am a dyslexic beginner. Equatorial mounts are difficult.

@reflactor 7 месяцев назад

If you follow the steps carefully, it should get you all lined up. Clear skies!

@gequiros Год назад

Hey pal, BTW, how is Loren Ball doing ? i used to talk A LOT with him on different subjects, anyways, such a great guy And BTW, nice tutorial....

@reflactor Год назад

As far as astronomical discoveries go, he's probably one of the most accomplished modern astronomers around. Thanks for watching!

@catgoddess1190 3 месяца назад

I just got one of these, and there is NO instructional manual with it? This is my first telescope to boot. Hoping this video will let me get it setup correctly and easily. In any case, it's unlikely I will have it ready for the solar eclipse on Monday :( I have also emailed the company so hopefully they will get this info to me (along with a warranty card) in a short period of time.

@reflactor 3 месяца назад

I wish you the best of luck. Equatorials are a tough "first telescope" mount (at least I thought so). The good news is you can still use them without getting exact alignment. You can also make them sortof work like an alt-az mount. Just be careful on the balancing so they don't fall over (depending on the weight of your telescope): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--VX_u6DMMhI.html

@randallmarchant3443 3 месяца назад

I got exactly the same rig as a gift from a family member. Do you perhaps know which motor drives fit this EQ for planetary tracking please?

@reflactor 3 месяца назад

That's a good question. Unfortunately I don't - I never motorized it.

@chetanyasharma8618 3 месяца назад

nice job making the video helped me (whether i should buy an eq mount or a mount) actually i wanted to ask which telescope you are using and is it good for me as i am Beginner. Thank you

@reflactor 3 месяца назад

I always highly HIGHLY recommend a Dobsonian telescope, especially an 8 inch if you can afford one. They show up from time to time on Facebook Marketplace. If I were on a desert island and could only have one telescope, it would be a 32 inch Obsession Dobsonian... just kidding, it would be an 8 inch Dobsonian.

@chetanyasharma8618 3 месяца назад

@@reflactor thank you for your recommendation i really appreciate that, but Dobsonian telescope are not my type and will not be a great choice for me because i live in a place which is surrounded by tree and have some light pollution so i have to go like 100 meter away from my home or go on my house rooftop (which is really tough if i have a Dobsonian telescope ) So i was thinking of buying cassegrain telescope with an EQ mount (I know it is hard to setup the eq mount but as you know it provide a large range of motion) so i am thinking of buy either celestron astromaster 90EQ maksutov-cassegrain telescope or 127EQ model of it and liked your telescope also thats the reason why i was asking the name of it BY the way thanks for your efforts.

@reflactor 3 месяца назад

I've had very good luck with Maksutov-Cassegrains and they aren't too expensive. I've never had a Schmidt-Cassegrain though (those were very popular, made by Celestron. Be sure to read up on the 127EQ. The mount is a bit wobbly.

@denmark2798 5 месяцев назад

Effectively, the equatorial mount and the act of polar aligning it, is simple proof that the world is a globe and not a "flat earth".

@reflactor 5 месяцев назад

Excellent point. However, I doubt many flat earthers are into astronomy.

@njoroge_mn 3 месяца назад

Kindly assist . (I recently bought a celestron 130Eq-Md Telescope ) Still on the learning curve especially on what value I should mount it on if when I check at my latitude it reads -1.25552 ? ( I live In Nairobi Kenya. Kindly assist . Thanks

@reflactor 3 месяца назад

It sounds like you are just south of the equator, so your latitude is 1.25 degrees South. This means you won't be able to see the North Star (it is always below the horizon for you). However, as mentioned in the video, there is a "South Star" called Polaris Australis ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigma_Octantis ). It is fairly dim, but it will work if you can find it.

@kisho2679 7 месяцев назад

istead using a poarscope, which smartphone app does the same?

@reflactor 7 месяцев назад

You may want to try this free app (I use it a lot): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6-_58mSGz1Q.html

@markyakubovsky3380 4 месяца назад

Rookie question- I have a Celestron Nexstar 6SE, and I really don't care much for the electric ALtAz mount and setup. Is a 6 inch SCT too big to put on a manual Eq mount?? I can't seem to find any info on it. Thx..

@reflactor 4 месяца назад

A 6 inch SCT should work fine on an EQ mount. You just have to get the proper connection method (usually a Vixen dovetail block).

@markyakubovsky3380 4 месяца назад

Thx!! @@reflactor

@michaelmccorkle8906 7 месяцев назад

Someone help me understand this. What are the reasons you have to set your longitude? I really don't understand this type of mount.

@reflactor 7 месяцев назад

I think you mean latitude, but it comes down to a quirk of geometry. You're technically setting it to point at the North Star (Polaris). Because the North Star is so far away and, in theory, it lies along the earths axis, the angle of the North Star above the horizon (no matter where you are in the northern hemisphere). The angle that the North Star is above the horizon happens to match whatever your latitude is (no matter where you are in the northern hemisphere). There's a visual explanation for this in the video. Have fun!

@beldarin 3 месяца назад

You feature my exact mount in your thumbnail, but not in the actual video. 😢

@reflactor 3 месяца назад

Hmmm, I think I took the photo the same day as the video. I'll double check it tonight. Which EQ mount do you have?

@beldarin 3 месяца назад

@@reflactor Oh thank you so much, but it's ok, I figured out the bit I was stuck on, I had the mount fully rotated when I attached the scope, the rest went well. ☺️ The rest of the video is very interesting, I'll be referring back to it I think

@reflactor 3 месяца назад

At that point in time, I had two identical EQ mounts, the only difference was color. One was shiny aluminum and the other was anodized golden color.

@lornaz1975 Год назад

I think we are all wondering, where did your daughter get such a small pocket size telescope and what size eyepieces does it take lol!?!

@reflactor Год назад

LOL, it was an accessory with her AstroPhysicist Barbie.

@JimmyBackbeat Год назад

The Skywatcher mounts bottoms out at 62° while I live at 62,5°. Does this mean that they are useless to me?

@reflactor Год назад

Good question. In theory, EQ mounts should all be able to tilt from 0 to 90. It's unfortunate that Skywatcher put that limit on yours. However, I think it might be easily solvable. Have you tried putting a book or something under one leg to "tilt" it that extra half degree?

@EvenTheDogAgrees Год назад

@@reflactor Or just don't fully level the tripod. Achieves the same, doesn't require you to lug extra stuff around to prop up that leg. With equatorial mounts, it doesn't really matter whether the tripod is level, as long as the mount itself is polar aligned. So a couple of degrees high, to give you that headspace for polar alignment, shouldn't pose any problems.

@RyykerHendrix-hg8wm 8 месяцев назад

Trying to set my skywatcher adventurer star tracker 2i the app doesnt come up on playstore. I downloaded synscan but cant connect to the device. The illuminator cant be on with the camera mount slider. So. Yeah, not feeling the “joy of astrophotgraphy yet!!

@reflactor 8 месяцев назад

My experience with the smart goto telescopes is only with pretty ancient technology - I don't really know how to use the apps to control the telescopes (but I hear that it's pretty awesome when they do). You may want to seek out specialized interest Groups on Facebook. They can be super helpful.

@gt4748 Год назад

The music.....

@DanielLaRusso-Do 11 месяцев назад

Great video! Thank you very much sir! Cheers from 40,6 latitude 22,9 longitude 😉😂

@reflactor 11 месяцев назад

Thanks! From your coordinates, you're either in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean (22,9West) or the middle of the Aegean Sea (22,9East). My only advice is to swim!

@DanielLaRusso-Do 11 месяцев назад

Aegean!