Paramount GT-1100 Robotic Telescope Mount

page 30 Paramount User’s Guide
Engaging the Worm and Gear
To engage RA axis worm with the gear, first make sure that the axis is balanced properly.
Then grab the counterweight shaft with one hand and turn the RA balance Knob counterclockwise
until you feel that the worm and gear have made contact. Gently wiggle the RA
axis using the counterweight bar to be sure the worm is actually seated into the gear. Again
turn the knob counterclockwise to a full stop.
Once the knob has been rotated counterclockwise to a full stop, rotate it clockwise about
one knob click (that is, 1/10 of a turn). This will hold the worm very close to the gear, not
allowing it to pull away in an out-of-balance situation, while not actually forcing the worm
into the gear. Spring plungers on the worm gears accomplish the actual force that holds the
worm into the gear.
Figure 18 – RA Balance Knob
Attaching the Optical Tube Assembly to the Versa-Plate
Dovetail Use
The Versa-Plate has four custom knobs that are attached to brass plungers for applying
pressure on the telescope dovetail. Smaller optical tube assemblies will only utilize two or
three of these. It is best to place the Versa-Plate in the east-west direction with the
counterweight shaft vertical. With the plate in this orientation, you can muscle the telescope
into position without the risk of it sliding off. We recommend placing the dovetail knobs
“uphill” (that is, with the telescope pointing to the west) so that when they are tightened you
are not trying to lift the telescope while loading the brass plungers.
Attaching Rings
The four separate mounting configurations provided on the Versa-Plate accommodate
several popular telescope ring systems. The holes are drilled and counter-bored for ¼-20
SHCS (socket head cap screws).