3
Table of Contents
1. Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3. Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. Balancing the Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5. Using Your Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6. Setting Up and Using
the Equatorial Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7. Collimating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
8. Astronomical Observing . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
9. Astrophotography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
10. Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
11. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
1. Unpacking
The entire telescope will arrive in three boxes, one containing
the tripod, one containing the equatorial mount, and the third
box containing the optical tube. Be careful unpacking the
boxes. We recommend keeping the boxes and original pack-
aging. In the event that the telescope needs to be shipped to
another location, or returned to Orion for warranty repair, hav-
ing the proper packaging will ensure that your telescope will
survive the journey intact.
Make sure all the parts in the Parts List are present. Be
sure to check each box carefully, as some parts are small.
If anything appears to be missing or broken, immediately
call Orion Customer Support (800-676-1343) or email
support@telescope.com for assistance.
2. Parts List
Box #1
1
Tripod
2
Counterweights
1
Tripod support tray
Box #2
1
Equatorial mount
1
Hand controller
1
Battery pack
1
Nylon hook and loop adhesive strip
Box #3
1
Optical tube
2
Tube rings
1
Tube ring mounting plate
1
25mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece
1
10mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece
1
9x50 Finder scope
1
Finder scope bracket with O-ring
1
Collimation cap
1
Camera adapter
1
Dust cover
C
ongratulations on your purchase of a quality Orion telescope. Your new Atlas 8 EQ is designed for
high-resolution viewing of astronomical objects. With its precision optics, and its superb Atlas mount,
you’ll be able to locate and enjoy hundreds of fascinating celestial denizens, including the planets, Moon,
and a variety of galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters.
These instructions will help you set up and properly use your telescope. Please read them over thor-
oughly before getting started.
WARNING:
Never look directly at the Sun
through your telescope or its finder scope—even
for an instant—without a professionally made
solar filter that completely covers the front of the
instrument, or permanent eye damage could
result. Young children should use this telescope
only with adult supervision.
Figure 1b.
The Atlas 8 EQ mount.
Power cord
jack
Power
indicator light
Hand
controller
jack
Right
ascension
setting circle
Right
ascension
lock lever
