Equatorial mounts are one of the most popular types of mounts. However, unlike alt-azi mounts, their setup is a little more complicated. Don’t let that concern you as here we provide an easy way to setup a telescope equatorial mount.
Following is a step-by-step procedure to set up your equatorial mount. Photographs illustrate each step. At the end of the article there is a timelapse of me setting up my mount and telescope. You can use this to fill in any gaps as see how I go about setting up my telescope.
For those unsure about some of the aspects of equatorial mounts, you may like to review German Equatorial Mounts.
How to Setup a Telescope Equatorial Mount
Before starting, you will need to have on hand a few items:
Your equatorial mount and telescope. Make sure that you have the tripod and counter-weights.
The manual for your mount. This is needed in case you need to locate a feature or come across a problem. If you don’t have a manual search online for it.
A compass or compass app on your phone.
A small spirit level.
Step 1: Place and orient the tripod
The first step is to place the tripod. You want to select a fairly level spot with a clear view of the sky. Try to stay well clear of buildings as they can reduce clarity if they are warmer than the air surrounding them.
You must orient the mount so that it is facing the correct direction.
If you look at the top of your tripod you will see the central hole through which a bold passes through to secure the mount. You will also see a small post sticking up. This small post is called an azimuth stop post. On the mount itself, there are two screws which tighten against each side of this post. They are used to refine the alignment of the mount. For visual purposes, an accurate alignment is not necessary.
The bolt hole and azimuth stop post are essential for aligning the tripod correctly.
Extend the legs of the tripod all the way. Once that is done move the tripod until the bolt hole and azimuth stop post are aligned approximately with the north-south line with the post on the side of your local celestial pole. For example, in the northern hemisphere, the azimuth stop post should be on the north side (see photograph on the right).
Once it is approximately oriented use your compass to align it more accurately. To do this stand back from the mount a little. With a little experimentation, you should be able to get it close enough. Remember that you will need to account for magnetic declination if you use a handheld compass. If you are using an app make sure that you select true north rather than magnetic north.
Step 2: Level the Tripod
Once you have the tripod oriented correctly you can proceed to leveling it. First, place the level parallel to the north-south line and level it in that direction. You change the level by making a leg or two slightly shorter.
Keep in mind that you may need to adjust more than one leg. Also, press the mount firmly into the ground to prevent settling once you place the mount on the tripod.
Once it is level in that direction, move the level so that it is perpendicular to the north-south line and repeat the process.
Moving the legs this second time will almost certainly change the level that you previously completed. As such, you need to check the level of the north-south line again. Any re-adjustment will require you to check the other direction.
For visual purposes, the leveling does not need to be overly accurate, so just get it reasonably close.
The orienting and leveling of the tripod becomes more important if you move into astrophotography.
Step 3: Place the Mount on the Tripod
Mounts can be quite heavy and difficult to handle. They can be awkward to handle because if you try to carry them incorrectly they may rotate leading to you dropping it. Before starting, work out the best way for you to pick up and carry the mount.
Also, study the top of the tripod and the bottom of the mount to determine how the mount is secured. While you are doing so find the azimuth bolts on the mount (one is shown in the photograph below) and screw them out enough for the azimuth spot post to go between them.
Lift the mount and place it on top of the tripod. You will need to align the mount correctly with the securing bolt and azimuth stop post.
The mount should sit stabily on the tripod but hold it in place while you tighten the securing bolt. Once the bold is tight screw in the two azimuth bolts so that they are in an equal amount and pressing firmly against the azimuth stop post.
At this stage the mount is secure.
You must now adjust the mount’s altitude to match your latitude. There are several ways to determine your latitude. If you are not sure do a search using the name of your location followed by ‘latitude’. Adjust the altitude bolts so that the angle matches your latitude. In the photograph it is set for 32 degrees.
One of the bolts will be a little higher than the other. To increase the angle, unscrew the top bolt a little and tighten the lower one. Always loosen one and then tighten the other.
Step 4: Attach Accessory Tray and Counterweights
With the mount secure you can attach the accessory tray. This is normally secured to the bottom of the bolt that secures the mount. The accessory tray allows for the storage of eyepieces and adds rigidity to the tripod.
At this point attach the counterweight(s) to the counterweight bar. They must be attached to ensure that after you have placed your telescope it doesn’t move unexpectedly. If it does, it may crash into the tripod causing damage. On some mounts, you may need to extend and lock the bar into place. Place the weight(s) at the end of the bar so that you know the mount will not move.
At the end of the bar there may be a bolt to remove before placing the counterweight(s). Ensure that it is replaced once the weight is in place. Also, lock the weight(s) in place using the bolt on the weights.
For extra security, check that the two axes of the mount are locked in place.
Step 5: Place Your Telescope on Your Mount
This is probably the most nerve-racking part of the procedure. While handling your telescope, be very careful. Making a miscalculation and releasing it before it is properly secure is easy.
Depending on the design of your telescope, you may need first to place your mounting plate and tube rings. The plate is more accurately called a dovetail plate, and it is this that attaches to the telescope. The tube rings are attached to the plate. The photograph on the right shows the dovetail plate and tube rings attached to the mount.
Other designs allow the dovetail plate and tube rings to remain on the telescope tube. This is usually the case for Newtonian reflectors.
If the dovetail plate and tube rings are separate, place it on the mount and tighten the fastening screws. For now, place it centrally on the mount. Once you know where it needs to be placed, you can place it appropriately in the future. Marking the plate helps with this.
Open the tube rings and place your telescope in them. While ensuring you keep hold of your telescope close and secure both rings. Before letting go of the telescope, give it a bit of a wiggle to ensure it is secured correctly.
Step 6: Attach Finderscope and Accessories
A finderscope is an important accessory, allowing us to find objects in the sky quickly. Place the finderscope and secure it.
Next, add any items that you will use during your observation session. This includes things like a diagonal and an eyepiece. These must be in place as they will affect balancing the telescope in the next section. You should also put the focusser in an approximately focused position. If you don’t know where it is, don’t worry about it too much. Once you have focussed it, note the position so that you know next time. If your telescope has a dew cover extend it.
Step 7: Balance the Mount in DEC
Two axes on a telescope equatorial mount must be adjusted during the setup. Namely, these are the Right Ascension axis (RA) and the Declination axis (DEC).
The RA axis is balanced by moving the telescope forward or backward. This can be achieved by moving the telescope between the tube rings or by moving the dovetail plate. It is recommended to move both so that both are as central as possible.
The DEC axis is balanced by changing the location of the counterweight(s). Remember to lock the weight(s) into place.
Balance DEC Axis
We recommend that you balance the DEC axis first. Ensure that the RA axis is locked and unlock the DEC axis. Keeping a firm grip of the telescope and/or counterweight bar move the axis and gauge how over-balanced it is. Return the axis to where it was initially (this is called the home position) and lock it into place.
Relocate the weight(s) before checking the balance again by repeating the previous step. Repeat the process until the mount does not move when you release it. When the balance is close, moving the weight(s) without returning the mount to the home position is possible. Just be careful.
Balance RA Axis
With the DEC axis balanced, you can move onto the RA axis. With the DEC axis parallel to the ground, ensure that the DEC axis is locked and unlock the RA axis while you have a firm grip on the telescope. You will get an idea of what the balance is like. Move the telescope to the home position. This is a safer location for the adjustment. Move the telescope and/or dovetail plate to get a better balance. Repeat the last step until the telescope does not move when you release it. Always return the mount to the home position before moving the telescope.
Your telescope will be balanced and ready to move to the last step.
Step 8: Align your Finderscope with the Main Telescope
It can be difficult to find objects in the main telescope due to a small field of view. A finderscope is a small telescope that has a wider field of view.
It is best to align your finderscope during daylight hours. This is because it is easier.
First, find an object in the distance. A tree is a good choice. Move your telescope by loosening both the DEC and RA axes. You may have difficulty finding the object as the movements are not intuitive. It becomes easier with practice. This is hampered somewhat as you also need to focus the telescope.
With a distinctive object centered in the telescope, move to the finderscope. Use the three screws to adjust where the finderscope is pointing until it is centered on the same object as in the main scope. To adjust, loosen one screw and tighten at least one other. The photograph on the right illustrates what should be seen. The main image is that in the main telescope and the insert is what is visible in the finderscope.
They do not need to be perfectly aligned. You need to be able to get the object you are interested in in the field of view of the main telescope.
With the finderscope aligned your equatorial mount and telescope is setup ready for use.
Additional Items
While not relevant to all mounts, there may be other items to add. The images in this article are of a motorized Skywatcher EQ6 mount. Like all motorized mounts, some cables will need to be attached. These should be provided with the mount.
Attach the hand controller and the power source. Once done, you can turn the mount on and enter the required information on the hand controller. This information includes the time and your location latitude and longitude.
Motorized mounts come with many benefits. Other than providing a go-to function, they can be connected to a computer and controlled via planetarium software.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you now understand how to setup a telescope equatorial mount.
The first time you setup your equatorial mount it may take a bit of time before the telescope is ready for use. Don’t let this concern you as once you have done it a few times, it will be much quicker.
As indicated, it is a good idea to setup the telescope while it is light. This allows you to clearly see what you are doing.
Most importantly, you must ensure that the telescope can not move unexpectedly. Don’t place your telescope on the mount until the conterweight(s) are attached. Keep hold of the telescope when it is not secured. Never unlock and release the telescope before you have balanced it. Always return the telescope to the home position to move the optical tube while it is on the mount.
We have articles on the use of specific brands of telescopes. They include Celestron and Gskyer.
I found astronomy while working in dark rural locations. Initially, I explored the night sky and learnt the constellations before purchasing a pair of binoculars to further my knowledge of the sky.
My first telescope was a 200 mm Newtonian reflector on an equatorial mount. I found that this telescope had a steep learning curve but was a rewarding experience.
As time progressed, I became interested in astrophotography. This resulted in purchasing a 110 mm refracting telescope and a dedicated monochrome-cooled astronomical camera. This resulted in another very rewarding steep learning curve that far surpassed the experience with my first telescope.
I have joined Telescope Guru to share my knowledge of telescopes and astronomy.
