attaching the telescope optical tube
to the tripod
The telescope optical tube attaches to the tripod by using the mounting
bracket on the bottom of the optical tube and the mounting platform of the
tripod. Before starting, make sure all of the knobs on the tripod are locked.
1. Remove the protective paper covering the optical tube.
2. Loosen the top right knob by turning it counterclockwise. This allows
you to tilt the tripod platform up 90°. After tilting the platform up,
tighten the knob to secure it in place.
3. The images below center shows the bottom of the optical
tube, the tripod platform, and where they will attach
to each other.
4. Under the center of the tripod platform you will see a knob which
contains a ¼ x 20 screw that will securely attach the platform to the
telescope optical tube.
5. You can put the ¼ x 20 screw into the threaded hole of the Travel
Telescope 60 in the mounting bracket of the telescope optical tube. Hold
the optical tube with one hand while threading the screw clockwise until
tight with the other hand.
6. Lastly, loosen the knob for the tripod platform and lower the platform
down to the level position.Then, tighten the knob securely.
moving the travel scope manually
The Travel Scope is easy to move wherever you want to point it. The up and
down (altitude) is controlled by the Pan Handle. The side-to-side (azimuth)
is controlled by the Azimuth Locking Knob. Both knobs are loosened when
turned counterclockwise and tightened when turned clockwise. When both
knobs are loose you can find your objects easily (through the Finderscope
which is discussed shortly) and then lock the controls.
installing the diagonal and eyepiece
The diagonal is a prism that diverts the light at a right angle to the light
path of the telescope. This allows you to observe in a position that is more
comfortable than if you had to look straight through. The Travel Telescope
diagonal is an erect image model that corrects the image to be right side
up and oriented correctly left-to-right which is much easier to use for
terrestrial observing. Also, the diagonal can be rotated to any position
which is most favorable for you. To install the diagonal and eyepiece:
1. Make sure the two thumbscrews on the rear
of the telescope tube do not protrude into the
opening before installation. The plug up cap
is removed from the opening at the rear of the
telescope tube, and the caps are removed from
the barrels on the diagonal. Insert the small
barrel of the diagonal all the way into the rear
opening of the telescope tube. Then tighten the
two thumbscrews.
2. Put the chrome barrel end of one of the
eyepieces into the diagonal and tighten the
thumb screw. When doing this make sure the
thumbscrew is not protruding into the diagonal before inserting
the eyepiece.
3. The eyepieces can be changed to other focal lengths by reversing the
procedure in step 2 above.
aligning the Finderscope
Use the following steps to align the Finderscope:
1. Locate a distant daytime object and center it in the low power (20 mm)
eyepiece in the main telescope.
2. Look through the eyepiece end of the Finderscope and take notice of the
position of the same object.
3. Without moving the main telescope, turn the adjustment thumbscrews
located around the Finderscope bracket until the crosshairs of the
Finderscope are centered on the object chosen with the main telescope.
4. If the image through the Finderscope is out of focus, rotate the eyepiece
of the Finderscope for a clear view.
Note: Objects viewed through a Finderscope are upside down and
backwards which is normal.
telescope basics
Focusing
To focus your Travel Telescope turn the focus knob located near the rear of
the telescope.
note:
Remove the front lens cap of the Travel Telescope optical tube prior
to attempting your observation.
note:
If you wear corrective lenses (specifically glasses), you may want to
remove them when observing with an eyepiece attached to the telescope. If
you have astigmatism, corrective lenses should be worn at all times.
installing & using the barloW lens
Then, insert an telescope also comes with a 3x Barlow lens which triples
the magnifying power of each eyepiece. However, the greatly magnified
images should only be used under ideal conditions. To use the Barlow lens,
remove the diagonal and insert the Barlow directly into the focuser tube.
You then insert an eyepiece into the Barlow lens for viewing.
note:
Start by using a low power eyepiece as it will be easier to focus.
general observing hints
When using any optical instrument, there are a few things to remember to
ensure you get the best possible image.
Objective Lens
Eyepiece
Adjustment
Screws
3x Barlow lens
