Balancing the telescope tube is essential to good slewing and tracking. Putting the guide scope on top of the tube messes with the balance in two axes. Both axes must be brought back into balance by moving the counterweight under the tube. Use the following method to do this:
First, point the tube straight level south and check the balance on the front and back ends of the tube. To do this get a firm grip on the handle at the mirror end and then pull down on the silver “nut” on the west DEC arm. This pulls the worm away from the gear allowing the axis to swing freely. If the imbalance is large, the scope may swing wildly to the heavy end. This is why you should have a firm grip on the handle! Balance the weight be sliding the counterweight forward and back until it is fairly well balanced.
You’re not done yet. There is a second imbalance due to the added weight to the TOP of the tube. This also needs to be addressed or the imbalance will return when the telescope is moved from level south position.
To do this, point the telescope straight up and down by firmly holding the handle and pulling down on the worm nut. The telescope will move freely. Now the imbalance will either pull back or pull forward on the tube. Move the counterweight in or out on the shaft by turning it on the thread. Moving the counterweight OUT will pull the tube FORWARD. After you are statisfied, give a quick check in the level south position to ensure you are still good there.
Repeat the procedure if needed.
Remember that the telescope will no longer be pointing to where it thought it was pointing! MANUALLY (via the handbox) center a known star in the viewfinder and re-synch. You should be good to go!
