Orion SteadyPix Deluxe Camera Mount

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How do I track Celestial Objects with an Equatorial Mount?
When you observe a celestial object through the telescope, you’ll see it drift slowly across the field of view. To keep it in the field, if your equatorial mount is polar-aligned, just turn the R.A. slow-motion control. The Dec. slow-motion control is not needed for tracking, but may be required to center the object. Objects will appear to move faster at higher magnifications, because the field of view is narrower.

A DC motor drive system can be mounted on all Orion equatorial mounts to provide hands-free tracking. Motor drive systems are typically offered as an optional accessory. Objects will then remain stationary in the field of view without any manual adjustment of the R.A. slow-motion control. A dual-axis motor drive is necessary for astrophotography.

What is the advantage of a dual axis electronic drive over a single axis drive?
A dual axis drive motorizes both axes of motion of the equatorial mount. It provides the basic tracking function as well as fine control of the telescope position in any direction. A dial axis system comes in especially handy foot observing at high powers and is a must for long-exposure astrophotography.

How do I drive my telescope?
One of the benefits of a telescope on an equatorial mount is that it can accept an electronic motor drive to “track” the motion of the stars.

Without a drive an object will drift out of the field of view (due to the earth’s rotation). And, while every equatorial mount come with “slow motion” control controls that allow you to reposition the scope by hand to keep objects in view, an electronic drive does this automatically by exactly countering the rate of Earth’s rotation. It lets you observe that planet or nebula continuously without having to manually tweak the telescope’s potion again and again.

There are two basic types of electronic drive systems; single axis and dual axis. A single axis drive is a single motor that couples to the R.A. axis of the equatorial mount and drives the scope from East to West to provides basic star tracking. For general astronomical observing, a single axis drive is usually sufficient.

A dual axis drive motorizes both axes of motion of the equatorial mount. It provides the basic tracking function as well as fine control of the telescope position in any direction. A dual axis system comes in especially handy for observing as high powers and is a must for long-term astrophotography.

So, why not let your telescope do the driving!

When I use my motor drive, the moon drifts from the field of view.
The moon moves at a slightly slower rate from East to West than sidereal rate, so the motor speed needs to be reduced. If it North or South, the polar alignment should be checked.