3
Table of Contents
1. Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3. Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5. Setting Up and Using the
Equatorial Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6. Using Your Telescope—
Astronomical Observing . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
7. Terrestrial Viewing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8. Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
9. Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
10. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1. Unpacking
The entire telescope system will arrive in one box. Be careful
unpacking the box. We recommend keeping the original ship-
ping container. In the event that the telescope needs to be
shipped to another location, or returned to Orion for warranty
repair, having the proper shipping container will help ensure
that your telescope will survive the journey intact.
Make sure all the parts in the Parts List are present. Be
sure to check box carefully, as some parts are small. If any-
thing appears to be missing or broken, immediately call
Orion Customer Support (800-676-1343) or email
support@telescope.com for assistance.
2. Parts List
Qty.
Description
1
Optical tube assembly
1
Optical tube dust cover
1
25mm (62x) Sirius Plössl eyepiece (1.25")
1
Mirror star diagonal
1
6x26 correct-image finder scope
1
Polar axis finder scope
1
Dovetail finder scope bracket with O-ring
1
Equatorial mount
3 Tripod
legs
1
Counterweight shaft
1
Large Counterweight
1
Small Counterweight
1
Tripod accessory tray
1
Accessory tray bracket
2
Slow-motion control cables
1
Soft carry case
3
Assembly tools (large and small wrench,
Phillips head screwdriver)
2
Optical tube attachment knobs with lock washers
and flat washers
1
Polar axis finder scope cover
3. Assembly
Assembling the telescope for the first time should take about
30 minutes. No tools are needed other than the ones provid-
ed. All screws should be tightened securely to eliminate
flexing and wobbling, but be careful not to over-tighten or the
threads may strip. Refer to Figure 1 during the assembly
process.
During assembly (and anytime, for that matter), do not touch
the surface of the telescope’s meniscus lens or the lenses of
the finder scopes or eyepiece with your fingers. The optical
surfaces have delicate coatings on them that can easily be
damaged if touched inappropriately. Never remove any lens
W
elcome to a new world of adventure.
Your new StarMax 127mm EQ is designed for high-resolution observing of
astronomical objects, and can also be used for terrestrial exploration. With its precision optics and equatorial mount, you’ll be
able to locate and enjoy hundreds of fascinating celestial objects, including the planets, Moon, and a variety of deep-sky galax-
ies, nebulas, and star clusters.
If you have never owned a telescope before, we would like to welcome you to amateur astronomy. Take some time to familiarize
yourself with the night sky. Learn to recognize the patterns of stars in the major constellations. With a little practice, a little
patience, and a reasonably dark sky away from city lights, you’ll find your telescope to be a never-ending source of wonder,
exploration, and relaxation.
These instructions will help you set up, properly use and care for your telescope. Please read them over thoroughly before get-
ting 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.
