6
OPERATING YOUR TELESCOPE
To magnify images in the telescope, you need to insert an eyepiece (ocular) into the end of the focuser
assembly. Insert the desired eyepiece and lightly tighten the thumbscrews to hold the eyepiece in place.
Barlow lens can be used to increase magnification of the eyepiece. Install the barlow lense directly into
the end of the focuser, then insert the eyepiece into the barlow lense. (Fig. f)
To locate an object in the eyepiece, first locate the object in the
finderscope view. The finderscope allows magnification of a
larger area than the higher power telescope view. Finderscope
should be aligned during daytime before use.
The focus knobs at the base of the focuser uses a rack-and-pinion
system to focus the magnified images seen through the telescope.
Turn the knobs slowly until the objects are in focus.
U
sing the oculars
Replace the dust cap over end of telescope whenever not in use. This prevents dust from settling on mirror
or lens surface. Do not clean mirror or lens unless you are familiar with optical surfaces. Clean finderscope
and eyepieces with special lens paper only. Cleaning and aligning of optical elements should be preformed
by an experienced technician every two years. Eyepieces should be handled with care, avoid touching
optical surfaces.
Telescopes require about 30 minutes to equalize with surrounding temperature and humidity. This minimizes
heat wave distortion inside telescope tube and allows telescope to adapt to ambient moisture conditions.
P
roper care for your telescope
Fig.f
The equatorial mount has controls for both conventional
altitude (up-down) and azimuthal(left-right) directions of
motion. These two directions are recommended for large
direction changes and for terrestial viewing. Use the large
knurled knob near the base of the mount for azimuthal
adjustments, and the altitude adjustment T-bolts for
altitude adjustments. (Fig. c)
In addition, this mount has right ascension (hour angle)
and declination direction controls for polar-aligned
astronomical observing. Loosen the lock knobs to
make large direction changes. Use the control cable
for fine adjustment after the lock knobs have all
been locked. (Fig. d)
Dec. fine adjustment
R.A. fine adjustment
R.A. scale
Dec. lock knob
Dec. scale
Altitude adjustment
(up-down)
Azimuth adjustment (left-right)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
An additional scale is included for the altitude axis. This allows polar
alignment for your local latitiude. (Fig. e)
U
sing
the EQ1 mount
Fig.c
Fig.d
Fig.e
Barlow
Eyepiece
