EVscope tripod operation and maintenance

General notes

 * Extend the legs slowly. (The leg extension stops are robust but plastic; they may be damaged by pulling the legs out too quickly or too forcefully.)
 * Do not twist leg extensions. (There are internal guides to keep the leg extension orientation constant that may be damaged by twisting)
 * Keep the leg tubes clean of dirt and grease. (The leg extensions do not require lubrication.)

Operation

 * Unfold the legs outward at the tripod head. If the legs are too stiff or loose, use Tripod Tool 2 to adjust the tension of the bolts.
 * (Optional) Select the tripod leg angle. At the top of each leg is a stop that may be pulled out to allow three settings of leg angle (splay).
 * Greater leg splay lowers the telescope and provides a wider base, increasing stability and reducing wind-induced vibration.
 * The default angle (minimum splay) is suitable for all but exceptional circumstances.
 * Widely splayed legs become a tripping hazard, ensure they are well marked.
 * Open the clamps and extend the legs. A good starting length is to extend the upper tube half way and lower tube fully.  Close all clamps.
 * This is a convenient telescope height and allows full use of the upper tube for leveling.
 * Set up the tripod on a hard surface. Adjust the height if necessary.
 * If the surface is soft there may be settling that will decrease pointing and tracking accuracy. Placing wide, hard objects under the feet can help.
 * Center the bubble in the embedded level by adjusting the length of the upper leg extensions.
 * Ensure the telescope is supported at all times when releasing the leg clamps.
 * Once the tripod is level, press down firmly on the tripod head to test stability.
 * Mount the telescope straight down on the tripod head. Alternately tighten to two locking bolts until just firm.  Over tightening the locking bolts will unnecessarily increase wear of the bolts, tripod, and telescope base.
 * Do not mount the telescope on the tripod without tightening the locking bolts.
 * Periodically check the locking bolt tightness during use, temperature changes can loosen them.

Maintenance

 * The leg tube clamps should close easily and yet hold the extensions firmly. If you can slide the extension with the clamp closed, use Tripod Tool 1 to tighten the nut opposite the clamp lever.  Adjust in small increments (1/8 turn or less) with the clamp closed until the extension cannot be moved.  Do not overtighten.  (Tightening the nut with the clamp open will allow the clamp T-head bolt to turn in the lever.  If necessary, remove the bolt/lever completely, rotate until the bolt head is aligned with the leg, and reinstall.)
 * If the leg tube clamp rotates on the upper tube, the upper (smaller) bolt on the clamp assembly is loose. With the clamp open, ensure the assembly is fully seated on the upper tube and use Tripod Tool 3 to tighten the bolt.  Adjust in small increments (1/8 turn or less) until the clamp assembly is firmly attached to the upper tube and does not rotate.  Do not overtighten.
 * This video provides excellent instruction on repairing the leg clamps on similar Benro tripods.