Question 1

Payment methods

Accepted Answer

You may pay by credit card or using PayPal at checkout.

Question 2

Shipping

Accepted Answer

Processing Times
Orders of in stock items will ship from AstroTrac in 2-3 business days. If for some reason we are out of stock on an item and that fact was not displayed on our website, we will be in contact with you via phone or e-mail as quickly as possible. The vast majority of items on this website will ship from AstroTrac, yet there are a few items that will drop-ship directly from the manufacturer.
 
Shipping Costs
If you wish to check the shipping costs for an individual item, simply add the item to your cart and fill in your delivery address details.  The fastest and cheapest shipping option will be calculated.
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Import duty
Customs fees/tariffs are not included in shipping calculations and are not the responsibility of AstroTrac. For these fees, please contact your local customs office.
 
Domestic orders
AstroTrac’s automated international shipping system does not offer Post Office service within the United Kingdom.

Question 3

Warranty

Accepted Answer

All items manufactured by AstroTrac carry a 12 month warranty from the date of purchase. Should you wish to make a warranty claim, you will need to cover the cost of shipping to the AstroTrac factory address. If we find a manufacturing fault, we will repair or replace at our discretion and cover the costs of shipping back to you. If we deem the problem to have been caused by misuse, or accidental damage, then we will contact you to let you know, and provide you a quote for repair and return shipping.
 
Request a Return Merchandise Authorisation number for a return to our UK factory.

Question 4

Returns

Accepted Answer

AstroTrac wants you to be fully satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return the item(s) for a full refund, less shipping and handling fees. Please read the details below for more information.
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Section 1 - STANDARD RETURN
AstroTrac customers may return merchandise purchased from AstroTrac up to thirty (30) days after receipt of merchandise for a full refund of the purchase price. A full refund will be given provided the product is returned in new condition, complete in its original packaging, with all warranty cards, accessories, manuals, etc. included. Shipping charges will not be refunded unless the return is a result of an AstroTrac error (see Section 2).  Additionally, AstroTrac is not responsible for the costs of return shipment to our facilities. If your return relates to an initially-defective product, please see section 4 below.
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If you wish to return merchandise for a refund or exchange, it is required that you complete a request for a RMA number (Return Merchanise Authorization) beforehand. Returns without an RMA number will not be accepted. This RMA number must be located on the shipping label. DO NOT write or affix the RMA number (or anything else!) on the product or its internal or external boxes! It is the customer's responsibility to make sure the merchandise is securely packaged and insured for the full purchase price. AstroTrac will not be held responsible for lost or damaged packages.
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Returns will be processed by AstroTrac as quickly as possible. Please allow 7-10 business days from AstroTrac’s receipt of your package for credit card refunds, and thirty (30) days after original date of purchase if you paid by personal check.
 
When the product is received and inspected, AstroTrac will contact you via email to confirm receipt of the item. Upon inspection, if there are any issues or questions regarding the condition of the returned product we will notify you at that time.
 
Any merchandise that does not arrive in new condition will be subject to a minimum 10% restocking fee. Missing parts, packaging, instructions, warranty cards, etc., as well as damage or other detrimental effects to merchandise, will result in higher restocking fees. Restocking fees will be determined by AstroTrac after inspecting the merchandise. To avoid damage to the manufacturer’s original, labeled packaging (which will affect credit/refund value), customers must outer-box the merchandise they are returning to AstroTrac. Please do not write, place labels or stickers on the manufacturer’s original packaging. If the product was not outer-boxed by AstroTrac when shipping to you, as is sometimes the case with larger merchandise, this requirement does not apply; but in this case, please do not write upon or otherwise mark the original packaging, other than with the return-shipping label.
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Returns will not be accepted after 30 days without prior approval from AstroTrac management. AstroTrac will work with customers who have special circumstances, especially in regards to gifts, but reserves the right to refuse returns after thirty (30) days has elapsed.
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Section 2 - ASTROTRAC SHIPPING ERROR
In the unlikely event that you receive the wrong item(s) from AstroTrac, please complete a request for a RMA number. AstroTrac will arrange to have the incorrect item(s) picked up from your home or office, and we will ship the correct item(s) to you at no additional cost. The customer will never pay additional shipping if AstroTrac is at fault.
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Section 3 - PRODUCT DAMAGED IN SHIPMENT
Customers should always inspect packages and their contents as soon as possible after delivery. If there are any shipping damages, the customer must report the damage immediately to the carrier of the package (UPS etc.). The carrier will arrange to inspect the package and return the box and its contents to AstroTrac. We will send a replacement as soon as we have confirmation that the damaged order is on its way back to AstroTrac.
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Customers should NEVER send damaged merchandise directly back to AstroTrac (or anywhere else!) without an RMA. If this happens, AstroTrac will not be able to collect insurance on the damaged goods and AstroTrac will not accept the returned merchandise. We will always do our best to replace damaged goods as quickly as possible, but the customer must follow the proper procedures to receive the replacement merchandise at no charge.
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Section 4 - DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE
If you receive an item you believe to be defective, please contact AstroTrac via e-mail and we will discuss the problem with you. We will do our best to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. Defective products are under the domain of the manufacturer, yet AstroTrac will provide assistance and support in dealing with the manufacturer. The various manufacturers have different methods of handling defective products, but legally they are required to repair or replace the item in a reasonable amount of time. Standard return policy (Section 1) applies if the item is returned for a refund.

Question 5

Privacy

Accepted Answer

This privacy notice discloses the privacy practices for astrotrac.com. This privacy notice applies solely to information collected by this web site. It will notify you of the following:
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What personally identifiable information is collected from you through the web site, how it is used and with whom it may be shared.
What choices are available to you regarding the use of your data.
The security procedures in place to protect the misuse of your information.
How you can correct any inaccuracies in the information.
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Information Collection, Use, and Sharing
We are the sole owners of the information collected on this site. We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone.
We will use your information to respond to you, regarding the reason you contacted us. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your request, e.g. to ship an order.
Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about specials, new products or services, or changes to this privacy policy.
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Your Access to and Control Over Information
You may opt out of any future contact from us at any time. You can do the following at any time by contacting us via the email address or phone number given on our website:
Find out what data we have about you, if any.
Change/correct any data we have about you.
Have us delete any data we have about you.
Express any concern you have about our use of your data.
 
Security
We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline. Wherever we collect sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a closed lock icon at the bottom of your web browser, or looking for "https" at the beginning of the address of the web page.
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While we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, billing or customer service) are granted access to personally identifiable information. The computers/servers in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment.
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If you feel that we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should contact us immediately via email.
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Orders
We request information from you on our order form. To buy from us, you must provide contact information (like name and shipping address) and financial information (like credit card number, expiration date). This information is used for billing purposes and to fill your orders. If we have trouble processing an order, we'll use this information to contact you.
 
Cookies
We use "cookies" on this site. A cookie is a piece of data stored on a site visitor's hard drive to help us improve your access to our site and identify repeat visitors to our site. For instance, when we use a cookie to identify you, you would not have to log in a password more than once, thereby saving time while on our site. Cookies can also enable us to track and target the interests of our users to enhance the experience on our site. Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information on our site.
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Sharing of information
We use an outside shipping company to ship orders, and a credit card processing company to bill users for goods and services. These companies do not retain, share, store or use personally identifiable information for any secondary purposes beyond filling your order.
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Links
This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of any other site that collects personally identifiable information.
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Surveys & contests
From time-to-time our site requests information via surveys or contests. Participation in these surveys or contests is completely voluntary and you may choose whether or not to participate and therefore disclose this information. Information requested may include contact information (such as name and shipping address), and demographic information (such as post/zip code, age level). Contact information will be used to notify the winners and award prizes. Survey information will be used for purposes of monitoring or improving the use and satisfaction of this site.

Question 6

Terms & Conditions

Accepted Answer

AstroTrac Limited, also known as AstroTrac, shall not be responsible for any inaccuracies, typographical errors or omissions found on this web site. We reserve the right to make product information and pricing changes without notice. Specifications, features and promotions about product found on this web site are obtained from the manufacturer and may be changed by the manufacturer without our knowledge at any time.
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Compliance with consumer eligibility rules required by the manufacturer to qualify for factory rebates or other similar promotional programs shall not be the responsibility of AstroTrac.
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Any consumer complaint or special compensation requests resulting from such promotional programs is between the purchaser and the manufacturer and shall not involve AstroTrac.
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AstroTrac assumes no liability for the use of any information posted or for the use of any product described on this web site.
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This site and its contents, unless specifically noted, are copyright AstroTrac. All rights reserved. Manufacturer's logos or trademarks are copyrighted by their respective owners.
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All prices on the AstroTrac website are displayed exclusive of VAT (sales tax) for the benefit of international customers. At checkout, VAT will automatically be added for European customers where applicable.

Question 7

I'm new to AstroTrac.  What setup will get me started?

Accepted Answer

You will be able to get some great astro shots with an AstroTrac, your DSLR and a fast lens (f/4 or better).  For widefield shots, you can simply mount the AstroTrac on your tripod and your camera on a ballhead on top of the AstroTrac.  For longer focal lengths (greater than around 200 mm f/l), you will need extra rigidity. You can achieve this by mounting the AstroTrac on your tripod using our Wedge.

If you use a small telescope, you can achieve extra rigidity by mounting the scope on a Castor Head on top of the AstroTrac with a counterweight system.

To summarise, you can get started with 2-3 min widefield tracked exposures using an AstroTrac TT320X-AG and Polar Scope in conjunction with a tripod and camera.

Question 8

I'm new to AstroTrac.  What setup will get me started?

Accepted Answer

You will be able to get some great astro shots with an AstroTrac, your DSLR and a fast lens (f/4 or better).  For widefield shots, you can simply mount the AstroTrac on your tripod and your camera on a ballhead on top of the AstroTrac.  For longer focal lengths (greater than around 200 mm f/l), you will need extra rigidity. You can achieve this by mounting the AstroTrac on your tripod using our Wedge.

If you use a small telescope, you can achieve extra rigidity by mounting the scope on a Castor Head on top of the AstroTrac with a counterweight system.

To summarise, you can get started with 2-3 min widefield tracked exposures using an AstroTrac TT320X-AG and Polar Scope in conjunction with a tripod and camera.

Question 9

Can I travel on an airplane with your equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The TT320X-AG's unique folding design makes it easy to carry in the aircraft hold or overhead luggage. The TT320X-AG looks rather unusual in an x-ray, so you may find it useful to print out the manual to show staff as you pass through security checks prior to boarding the aircraft.

Question 10

Can I travel on an airplane with your equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The TT320X-AG's unique folding design makes it easy to carry in the aircraft hold or overhead luggage. The TT320X-AG looks rather unusual in an x-ray, so you may find it useful to print out the manual to show staff as you pass through security checks prior to boarding the aircraft.

Question 11

Can I use the AstroTrac at low latitudes?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Like any other portable equatorial mount used at the equator, polar alignment is challenging and the polar scope is of no use. Other than that, the AstroTrac works fine at all latitudes.
 
You can use a compass to find North and an inclinometer to set the latitude (the TW3100 had a built in level and scale for this). For longer f/l work, you will need to drift align the mount.
 
If you are just using a camera and small to medium focal length < 200 mm f/l, you should be fine with a ball head mounted on the AstroTrac. For long focal lengths, we recommend using a Castor Head and counterweight system.

Question 12

Can I use the AstroTrac at low latitudes?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Like any other portable equatorial mount used at the equator, polar alignment is challenging and the polar scope is of no use. Other than that, the AstroTrac works fine at all latitudes.
 
You can use a compass to find North and an inclinometer to set the latitude (the TW3100 had a built in level and scale for this). For longer f/l work, you will need to drift align the mount.
 
If you are just using a camera and small to medium focal length < 200 mm f/l, you should be fine with a ball head mounted on the AstroTrac. For long focal lengths, we recommend using a Castor Head and counterweight system.

Question 13

How should I store my equipment?

Accepted Answer

Avoid extremes of temperature and humidity if possible. Protect the unit from fine particles such as sand and dust, and fluff/hair from clothing. The screw thread is lightly greased and very fine so it can attract these objects which can affect the tracking speed or stop tracking altogether.

Question 14

How should I store my equipment?

Accepted Answer

Avoid extremes of temperature and humidity if possible. Protect the unit from fine particles such as sand and dust, and fluff/hair from clothing. The screw thread is lightly greased and very fine so it can attract these objects which can affect the tracking speed or stop tracking altogether.

Question 15

Can I use grease or lubrication on my equipment?

Accepted Answer

The stainless steel screw runs in a brass nut/carriage, so this combination is to a degree self lubricating.
We don't recommend additional lubrication in the form of oil, grease or synthetics as it attracts dust and dirt which can jam the screw.

Question 16

Can I use grease or lubrication on my equipment?

Accepted Answer

The stainless steel screw runs in a brass nut/carriage, so this combination is to a degree self lubricating.
We don't recommend additional lubrication in the form of oil, grease or synthetics as it attracts dust and dirt which can jam the screw.

Question 17

TT320X-AG Manuals and Power Supply Guide

Accepted Answer

AstroTrac TT320X Instruction v1.0 English
AstroTrac TT320X Instruction v1.0 French
New RJ45 Male Plug to RJ12 Male Plug 3M
TT320X-AG Power Supply Guide

Question 18

TT320X-AG Manuals and Power Supply Guide

Accepted Answer

AstroTrac TT320X Instruction v1.0 English
AstroTrac TT320X Instruction v1.0 French
New RJ45 Male Plug to RJ12 Male Plug 3M
TT320X-AG Power Supply Guide

Question 19

How do I assemble the TT320X-AG, PS-01 Polar Scope and TW-3100 Wedge?"

Accepted Answer

The TW3100 Wedge ships with three M4x12 mm socket head cap screws and a suitable hex key. The three screws go through the TW3100 Wedge top plate and into the back of the AG. The three screws give three possible mounting angles for the AG - at approximately 10, 2 & 6 o'clock.  Typically you setup the AstroTrac with the arms in the 2/6 o'clock position (depending on viewpoint!) or facing up and to the East.
 
The TW3100 Wedge mounts to the tripod by means of the central standard 3/8" screw hole (or by three metric M8 screws to an adapter plate.
 
A Castor Head attaches either via the 3/8" screw hole to the 3/8" screw on top of the AG, or by means of three M4x12 mm socket head cap screws through the base. To attach through the base, it's necessary to remove the circular camera mounting plate from the head of the AG by removing the three small hex screws. You then need to carefully remove the base of the Castor Head from the body by loosening the RA friction lever (watch out you don't loose the small round brass friction disc which may drop out!). Then attach to the head of the AG with the three M4 screws.

Question 20

How do I assemble the TT320X-AG, PS-01 Polar Scope and TW-3100 Wedge?"

Accepted Answer

The TW3100 Wedge ships with three M4x12 mm socket head cap screws and a suitable hex key. The three screws go through the TW3100 Wedge top plate and into the back of the AG. The three screws give three possible mounting angles for the AG - at approximately 10, 2 & 6 o'clock.  Typically you setup the AstroTrac with the arms in the 2/6 o'clock position (depending on viewpoint!) or facing up and to the East.
 
The TW3100 Wedge mounts to the tripod by means of the central standard 3/8" screw hole (or by three metric M8 screws to an adapter plate.
 
A Castor Head attaches either via the 3/8" screw hole to the 3/8" screw on top of the AG, or by means of three M4x12 mm socket head cap screws through the base. To attach through the base, it's necessary to remove the circular camera mounting plate from the head of the AG by removing the three small hex screws. You then need to carefully remove the base of the Castor Head from the body by loosening the RA friction lever (watch out you don't loose the small round brass friction disc which may drop out!). Then attach to the head of the AG with the three M4 screws.

Question 21

What is the cable that's shipped with the TT320X-AG?

Accepted Answer

The cable is for something called "Autoguiding."  You fix a smaller camera to your set-up and use the smaller camera to track a single star and, via some software, control your AstroTrac. It's a more advanced level of guidance that allows you to take more detailed "deeper" photos.  Not all AstroTrac users will want to use the autoguiding feature but we ship the cable with the kit regardless. More details can be found on Wikipedia

Question 22

What is the cable that's shipped with the TT320X-AG?

Accepted Answer

The cable is for something called "Autoguiding."  You fix a smaller camera to your set-up and use the smaller camera to track a single star and, via some software, control your AstroTrac. It's a more advanced level of guidance that allows you to take more detailed "deeper" photos.  Not all AstroTrac users will want to use the autoguiding feature but we ship the cable with the kit regardless. More details can be found on Wikipedia

Question 23

How do I mount a lens to an AstroTrac TH3010 or Berlebach Castor Head?

Accepted Answer

You can achieve this with a Vixen style dovetail clamp attached directly to the Castor Head with 2 x M6 screws and a Vixen style dovetail bar attached to a lens mount (clamped to the lens).

Question 24

How do I mount a lens to an AstroTrac TH3010 or Berlebach Castor Head?

Accepted Answer

You can achieve this with a Vixen style dovetail clamp attached directly to the Castor Head with 2 x M6 screws and a Vixen style dovetail bar attached to a lens mount (clamped to the lens).

Question 25

What do I do at the end of the TT320X-AG's tracking duration?

Accepted Answer

Once the AstroTrac has reached the end of it's two hour tracking duration, you need to rewind it, and re-aim your camera as it will also 'rewind' approximately 2 hours in RA. If you're careful not to nudge your setup, you shouldn't need to re-polar align, but it's a good idea to check it, just in case.

Question 26

What do I do at the end of the TT320X-AG's tracking duration?

Accepted Answer

Once the AstroTrac has reached the end of it's two hour tracking duration, you need to rewind it, and re-aim your camera as it will also 'rewind' approximately 2 hours in RA. If you're careful not to nudge your setup, you shouldn't need to re-polar align, but it's a good idea to check it, just in case.

Question 27

Is there a pause function for the TT320X-AG?

Accepted Answer

No.  However, you can return the unit to the home position at any time; it is not necessary to leave the unit running for 2 hours at a time.

Question 28

Is there a pause function for the TT320X-AG?

Accepted Answer

No.  However, you can return the unit to the home position at any time; it is not necessary to leave the unit running for 2 hours at a time.

Question 29

After I turn on my AstroTrac, it's noisy and seems like it's jamming.  It's driving to the start position or is slow and nontracking."

Accepted Answer

This is very likely due to a low voltage power supply. In 75% of these cases, the AA batteries need to be replaced or the power supply needs to be changed to 12V. Unfortunately, it can be misleading because the unit still beeps and flashes when the power is low but the unit won’t run for long.  If you're running from batteries, it's worth checking to make sure you've got a healthy 12 V when connected to the AstroTrac.
 
If you're getting a continuous buzzing noise and the screw isn't turning, then the motor is stalling. You can give the drive arm a gentle push to see if it will move. If not, it's best not to force it. With luck, the drive arm will move and you can clean the screw with a toothpick or toothbrush. Don't use any lubricant or WD40 as it will attract dirt.
 
If the above fails, request a RMA# to return your equipment to our UK factory.  Please do not try to disassemble it yourself, as the 1-year limited warranty will become void.

Question 30

After I turn on my AstroTrac, it's noisy and seems like it's jamming.  It's driving to the start position or is slow and nontracking."

Accepted Answer

This is very likely due to a low voltage power supply. In 75% of these cases, the AA batteries need to be replaced or the power supply needs to be changed to 12V. Unfortunately, it can be misleading because the unit still beeps and flashes when the power is low but the unit won’t run for long.  If you're running from batteries, it's worth checking to make sure you've got a healthy 12 V when connected to the AstroTrac.
 
If you're getting a continuous buzzing noise and the screw isn't turning, then the motor is stalling. You can give the drive arm a gentle push to see if it will move. If not, it's best not to force it. With luck, the drive arm will move and you can clean the screw with a toothpick or toothbrush. Don't use any lubricant or WD40 as it will attract dirt.
 
If the above fails, request a RMA# to return your equipment to our UK factory.  Please do not try to disassemble it yourself, as the 1-year limited warranty will become void.

Question 31

My unit is not powering on.

Accepted Answer

It could be a power supply issue.  If you're using a 12 V supply, try an alternate supply.  If you're using batteries, try fresh batteries.  If it's still not resolved, check the battery holder with a multimeter, if possible.
 
If the above fails, request a RMA# to return your equipment to our UK factory.  Please do not try to disassemble it yourself, as the 1-year limited warranty will become void.

Question 32

My unit is not powering on.

Accepted Answer

It could be a power supply issue.  If you're using a 12 V supply, try an alternate supply.  If you're using batteries, try fresh batteries.  If it's still not resolved, check the battery holder with a multimeter, if possible.
 
If the above fails, request a RMA# to return your equipment to our UK factory.  Please do not try to disassemble it yourself, as the 1-year limited warranty will become void.

Question 33

My unit doesn't beep.

Accepted Answer

First, check the volume settings by gently pressing the volume button repeatedly. If you don't hear a beep each time you press the button and the LED doesn't change colour, check if it happens in both the North & South tracking directions.  Then try a small adjustment to the "stop" screws either side of the motor chassis tightening or loosening them 1/2 a turn at a time.

Question 34

My unit doesn't beep.

Accepted Answer

First, check the volume settings by gently pressing the volume button repeatedly. If you don't hear a beep each time you press the button and the LED doesn't change colour, check if it happens in both the North & South tracking directions.  Then try a small adjustment to the "stop" screws either side of the motor chassis tightening or loosening them 1/2 a turn at a time.

Question 35

The unit beeps and the LED turns green, then red again."

Accepted Answer

Adjust "stop" screws either side of motor chassis.  Screws will need to be loosened until LED stays green and the unit will run fowards and backwards.

Question 36

The unit beeps and the LED turns green, then red again."

Accepted Answer

Adjust "stop" screws either side of motor chassis.  Screws will need to be loosened until LED stays green and the unit will run fowards and backwards.

Question 37

The tracker won't open.

Accepted Answer

This may happen if you shut the unit before the drives arms fully returned to the home/stow position, possibly bending one of the sensor pins.  Hold the unit up to a bright light and look closely at the unit from the side  - you should be able to see three small pins in the gap between the upper drive arm and clear plastic guard. If any of the pins appear bent, request a RMA# to send the unit back to our UK factory for assessment and repair.

Question 38

The tracker won't open.

Accepted Answer

This may happen if you shut the unit before the drives arms fully returned to the home/stow position, possibly bending one of the sensor pins.  Hold the unit up to a bright light and look closely at the unit from the side  - you should be able to see three small pins in the gap between the upper drive arm and clear plastic guard. If any of the pins appear bent, request a RMA# to send the unit back to our UK factory for assessment and repair.

Question 39

How do I collimate the Polar Scope?

Accepted Answer

1.  Mount the TT320X-AG so that the polar scope cross hairs are centered on a distant point or preferably a star.
 
2.  Without moving the polar scope arm, rotate the polar scope through 360 degrees and check to see if the cross hairs remain centered on the point.
3.  If the cross hairs orbit the point as you rotate the polar scope, you’ll need to adjust the reticle centering.
4.  Unscrew the polar scope illuminator from the polar scope barrel. Looking into the threaded illuminator hole in the polar scope barrel you should be able to see the edge of the reticle cell and a small slot for the LED light to shine. You need to make sure the slot stays roughly in position as you complete the following procedure as it is possible for the reticle cell to rotate during centering so the led and slot no longer line up. This will prevent the reticle illuminating properly.
5.  There are three small set screws in the polar scope barrel spaced at 120 degrees. To avoid rotation of the reticle cell, make sure you make adjustments in small steps.
6.  Decide which way you need to move the reticle and loosen the set screws which you want to move the reticle towards by half a turn and tighten the set screws on the opposite side by the same amount.
7.  Repeat steps 3 – 6 until the reticle is centered.
8.  Be careful not to overtighten the set screws or you may damage the reticle cell or reticle glass.
To focus the image of the star on the reticle, first screw the eyepiece in/out until the reticle is in focus. Next, loosen the single set screw in the front of the polar scope body which grips the long plastic objective lens tube. You can then screw the  long plastic objective lens tube until the star is in focus. Gently tighten the single set screw once focused.

Question 40

How do I collimate the Polar Scope?

Accepted Answer

1.  Mount the TT320X-AG so that the polar scope cross hairs are centered on a distant point or preferably a star.
 
2.  Without moving the polar scope arm, rotate the polar scope through 360 degrees and check to see if the cross hairs remain centered on the point.
3.  If the cross hairs orbit the point as you rotate the polar scope, you’ll need to adjust the reticle centering.
4.  Unscrew the polar scope illuminator from the polar scope barrel. Looking into the threaded illuminator hole in the polar scope barrel you should be able to see the edge of the reticle cell and a small slot for the LED light to shine. You need to make sure the slot stays roughly in position as you complete the following procedure as it is possible for the reticle cell to rotate during centering so the led and slot no longer line up. This will prevent the reticle illuminating properly.
5.  There are three small set screws in the polar scope barrel spaced at 120 degrees. To avoid rotation of the reticle cell, make sure you make adjustments in small steps.
6.  Decide which way you need to move the reticle and loosen the set screws which you want to move the reticle towards by half a turn and tighten the set screws on the opposite side by the same amount.
7.  Repeat steps 3 – 6 until the reticle is centered.
8.  Be careful not to overtighten the set screws or you may damage the reticle cell or reticle glass.
To focus the image of the star on the reticle, first screw the eyepiece in/out until the reticle is in focus. Next, loosen the single set screw in the front of the polar scope body which grips the long plastic objective lens tube. You can then screw the  long plastic objective lens tube until the star is in focus. Gently tighten the single set screw once focused.

Question 41

My illuminator isn't working.

Accepted Answer

If the scope is a few years old, try replacing the batteries (1.5v LR41 button batteries).  If it's a recent purchase, try cleaning threads in the illuminator.

Question 42

My illuminator isn't working.

Accepted Answer

If the scope is a few years old, try replacing the batteries (1.5v LR41 button batteries).  If it's a recent purchase, try cleaning threads in the illuminator.

Question 43

The tube thread is stripped and the polar scope is full of black debris.

Accepted Answer

This may happen if you try to unscrew the tube without first removing the set screw.  You can try to wrap the tube with PTFE plumber's tape found in your local hardware shop.  In some cases, this damage may not be repairable.

Question 44

The tube thread is stripped and the polar scope is full of black debris.

Accepted Answer

This may happen if you try to unscrew the tube without first removing the set screw.  You can try to wrap the tube with PTFE plumber's tape found in your local hardware shop.  In some cases, this damage may not be repairable.

Question 45

TW3100 Wedge Manual

Accepted Answer

AstroTrac TW3100 Wedge Instruction Manual - v1.1 English

Question 46

TW3100 Wedge Manual

Accepted Answer

AstroTrac TW3100 Wedge Instruction Manual - v1.1 English

Question 47

How do I assemble the TT320X-AG to the TW-3100 Wedge?

Accepted Answer

The TW3100 Wedge ships with three M4x12 mm socket head cap screws and a suitable hex key. The three screws go through the TW3100 Wedge top plate and into the back of the TT320X-AG. The three screws give three possible mounting angles for the TT320X-AG - at approximately 10, 2 & 6 o'clock.  Typically you setup the AstroTrac with the arms in the 2/6 o'clock position (depending on viewpoint!) or facing up and to the East.
 
The TW3100 Wedge mounts to the tripod by means of the central standard 3/8" screw hole (or by three metric M8 screws to an adapter plate).
 
The TH3010 Head attaches to the TT320X-AG either via the 3/8" screw hole to the 3/8" screw on top of the TT320X-AG, or by means of three M4x12 mm socket head cap screws through the base. To attach through the base, it's necessary to remove the circular camera mounting plate from the head of the TT320X-AG by removing the three small hex screws. You then need to carefully remove the base of the TH3010 Head from the body by loosening the RA friction lever (watch out you don't loose the small round brass friction disc which may drop out!). Then attach to the head of the TT320X-AG with the three M4 screws.
 
Please see the downloadable product manuals in the support section for more detail.

Question 48

How do I assemble the TT320X-AG to the TW-3100 Wedge?

Accepted Answer

The TW3100 Wedge ships with three M4x12 mm socket head cap screws and a suitable hex key. The three screws go through the TW3100 Wedge top plate and into the back of the TT320X-AG. The three screws give three possible mounting angles for the TT320X-AG - at approximately 10, 2 & 6 o'clock.  Typically you setup the AstroTrac with the arms in the 2/6 o'clock position (depending on viewpoint!) or facing up and to the East.
 
The TW3100 Wedge mounts to the tripod by means of the central standard 3/8" screw hole (or by three metric M8 screws to an adapter plate).
 
The TH3010 Head attaches to the TT320X-AG either via the 3/8" screw hole to the 3/8" screw on top of the TT320X-AG, or by means of three M4x12 mm socket head cap screws through the base. To attach through the base, it's necessary to remove the circular camera mounting plate from the head of the TT320X-AG by removing the three small hex screws. You then need to carefully remove the base of the TH3010 Head from the body by loosening the RA friction lever (watch out you don't loose the small round brass friction disc which may drop out!). Then attach to the head of the TT320X-AG with the three M4 screws.
 
Please see the downloadable product manuals in the support section for more detail.

Question 49

I've misplaced the TW3100 Wedge screws.  What size are they?

Accepted Answer

You will need three M4 x 12 mm Socket Head Screws to fix the TT320X-AG to the TW3100 Wedge.

Question 50

I've misplaced the TW3100 Wedge screws.  What size are they?

Accepted Answer

You will need three M4 x 12 mm Socket Head Screws to fix the TT320X-AG to the TW3100 Wedge.

Question 51

On the TW3100 Wedge, there is a black knob with red button.  What is it for?"

Accepted Answer

The black knob is known as the "latitude locking lever" and correct use is described on page 5 of the manual at the end of the section "Setting your latitude" - it just needs to be tightened gently after setting latitude.

Question 52

On the TW3100 Wedge, there is a black knob with red button.  What is it for?"

Accepted Answer

The black knob is known as the "latitude locking lever" and correct use is described on page 5 of the manual at the end of the section "Setting your latitude" - it just needs to be tightened gently after setting latitude.

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I'm new to AstroTrac. What setup will get me started?

I'm new to AstroTrac. What setup will get me started?

Can I travel on an airplane with your equipment?

Can I travel on an airplane with your equipment?

Can I use the AstroTrac at low latitudes?

Can I use the AstroTrac at low latitudes?

How should I store my equipment?

How should I store my equipment?

Can I use grease or lubrication on my equipment?

Can I use grease or lubrication on my equipment?

TT320X-AG Manuals and Power Supply Guide

TT320X-AG Manuals and Power Supply Guide

How do I assemble the TT320X-AG, PS-01 Polar Scope and TW-3100 Wedge?"

How do I assemble the TT320X-AG, PS-01 Polar Scope and TW-3100 Wedge?"

What is the cable that's shipped with the TT320X-AG?

What is the cable that's shipped with the TT320X-AG?

How do I mount a lens to an AstroTrac TH3010 or Berlebach Castor Head?

How do I mount a lens to an AstroTrac TH3010 or Berlebach Castor Head?

What do I do at the end of the TT320X-AG's tracking duration?

What do I do at the end of the TT320X-AG's tracking duration?

Is there a pause function for the TT320X-AG?

Is there a pause function for the TT320X-AG?

After I turn on my AstroTrac, it's noisy and seems like it's jamming. It's driving to the start position or is slow and nontracking."

After I turn on my AstroTrac, it's noisy and seems like it's jamming. It's driving to the start position or is slow and nontracking."

My unit is not powering on.

My unit is not powering on.

My unit doesn't beep.

My unit doesn't beep.

The unit beeps and the LED turns green, then red again."

The unit beeps and the LED turns green, then red again."

The tracker won't open.

The tracker won't open.

How do I collimate the Polar Scope?

How do I collimate the Polar Scope?

My illuminator isn't working.

My illuminator isn't working.

The tube thread is stripped and the polar scope is full of black debris.

The tube thread is stripped and the polar scope is full of black debris.

TW3100 Wedge Manual

TW3100 Wedge Manual

How do I assemble the TT320X-AG to the TW-3100 Wedge?

How do I assemble the TT320X-AG to the TW-3100 Wedge?

I've misplaced the TW3100 Wedge screws. What size are they?

I've misplaced the TW3100 Wedge screws. What size are they?

On the TW3100 Wedge, there is a black knob with red button. What is it for?"

On the TW3100 Wedge, there is a black knob with red button. What is it for?"

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