Explore Scientific Explore FirstLight 10" f/5 Dobsonian, Instruction Manual

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Setup

III

Assembling the Base

 NOTE!

While assembling the base, you will need a Phillips screwdriver, a 2mm hex wrench and an 
open-end wrench. We recommend assembling on a soft surface to avoid damaging the parts 
of the base. 

 IMPORTANT!

Note that the studs are height-adjustable. It is therefore not necessary to screw in the studs 
until they stop. 
Important: Make sure that only approx. 4 mm of the stud heads are visible in the holes for the 
quick fasteners. So the quick fastener and the stud head will interlock and all parts are firmly 
connected. For that, install the studs accordingly in height (see Fig. A1).

STEP 1 (Fig. 3):
The base supports the optical tube assembly (OTA) and allows the OTA to be rotated 360°. 

1.  Put the first bottom plate (Fig. 1, A) on the floor and place the rubber feet (Fig. 1, S) over 

the outer drill holes.

2.  Screw each rubber foot down with a woodscrew (Fig. 1, N).

STEP 2 (Fig. 4):
1.  Insert a plastic sleeve (Fig. 1, R) into the drill hole in the middle of both bottom plates 
     (Fig. 1, A + B).
2.  Screw four threaded bolts (Fig. 1, L) into the outer drill holes of bottom plate on top.
3. Put both bottom plates on top of each other.
4.  Bolt both bottom plates together with the fine-thread screw (Fig. 1, P) and the safety nut 

(Fig. 1, O). Place one ring washer (Fig. 1, Q) on each side between the screw head or nut 
and the plastic sleeve.

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Tools Required

STEP 3 (Fig. 5):
1.  Put all side parts (Fig. 1, C-F) on the floor.
2.  Screw the threaded bolts (Fig. 1, L) into the small drill holes of both 

side parts (Fig. 1, C + D).

3.  Insert two quick fasteners (Fig. 1, M) into the large drill holes of 

both side parts and the bridge (Fig. 1, E) and four quick fasteners 
into the drill holes of the front part (Fig. 1, F). 

 NOTE!

Make sure that the opening at the bottom of the quick fasteners is 
pointing to the drill hole on the edge. An arrow at the notch for the 
Phillips head is showing the right direction.

STEP 4 (Fig. 6):
1.  Set up the left side part (Fig. 1, C) and put the bridge (Fig. 1, E) with 

its drill holes for the quick fasteners (Fig. 1, M) over the threaded 
bolts (Fig. 1, L).

2.  Tighten the quick fasteners with a Phillips screwdriver.

SW-17

PH-2 (6mm)

2 mm

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

max.

4 mm

Fig. A1