N ext, we want to tighten the Declination Axis screw, and loosen the other one, for balancing the Right Ascension Axis. The Right Ascension, or R/A axis, is the one that your weight is screwed into. The other setting circle here is for this axis. Once we have loosened the screw holding this axis, we want to get the weight adjusted so that the scope can swing from side to side, again, staying in place wherever you place it. Balancing the scope saves wear and tear on your mount's gears, and allows for easy movement when looking for objects. You never really loosen the d screws all the way up, but just enough so that the scope moves with just a slight resistance on either axis. Usually, once you have balanced the R/A axis, the weight need not be moved again, so when you take the scope down, just un-screw the weight, shaft and all, and store it this way. This is a picture of balancing the Right Ascension Axis.

And finally, a picture showing the final balance:

Ok. Now that we have the scope balanced so that it will move in either direction freely, and stay put wherever we let go of it, it's time to "Polar Align" it. First, we will need to set the "Latitude Adjustment" to our particular Latitude, which can be obtained by calling a nearby airport, and asking what the latitude is for your area. The object of adjustment to the latitude, is to have the scope point right at the North Star when the Declination axis is set to 90 degrees, and the R/A axis is set to your latitude.

While aligning the scope to the North Star, have the weight pointing straight down also. Now... all scopes' latitude adjustment scales are not accurate, and there are always "differences" in actual latitude and the setting scale. SO... with the declination setting circle set exactly to 90 degrees and the weight pointing straight down, BOTH axis' LOCKED at this point, simply move the Latitude adjustment until the North Star is centered in the scope. You may have to move the base of the mount, or the whole tripod to one side or the other now to center the North Star. The closer you can get the North Star to the center of the eyepiece, the better the mount will track, and the more accurate the setting circles will be for finding objects by their "Celestial Coordinates".

Also important, is to have the base of the mount level. This can be accomplished by using a small level, and adjusting leg heights until the base is level. Most mounts have a screw stop for the Latitude adjustment on them. Once you have set the Latitude, it's a good idea to set this stop screw so that the scope doesn't "creep down" during your observing session.

Now that you have completed this process, (and just so that you know, when you actually do this set-up a few times, it will take mere minutes to complete), we are ready to track objects that we find by simply turning only the gear on the R/A Axis. As the object moves across the sky, simply turn the R/A axis, and follow it. This is also the axis a motorized mount would move. VERY IMPORTANT!! As you use the scope to find objects, NEVER move the base of the mount once it is aligned, and NEVER allow the weight to be in a position higher than the scope tube, as it may slide down and damage the scope or mount. If the weight seems to want to become higher then the scope, you have to turn the scope around on the mount, and then rotate the tube. REMEMBER.. the Polar Axis MUST remain pointing at the North Star. Also be careful that the eyepiece does not fall out of the scope as you turn it.