7
Assembly
We recommend marking the position of the altitude wheels so that everything works on the first try next time
you assemble the telescope. We recommend using luminescent paint or stickers that enable you to assemble the
telescope in complete darkness so your eyes can adapt to the night sky faster. These are available from model-
making sources.
Now look at the mirror box from above. You will see knobs and triangular pieces sticking out
from each corner of the mirror box. Loosen the knobs, making sure that they don´t come off
and fall onto the main mirror.
Unwrap the truss pairs. Each pair of trusses is connected by a metal bracket that has a groove
in it. Slide the bracket with the groove over the threaded rod then tighten the knob to lock
the truss in place. Do this for all four trusses.
Important: After you have tightened the knobs the trusses will be secured to the mirror box BUT they will still be
able to swing freely from side to side, which means they could bump into surrounding equipment or people if not
carefully monitored.
Important: During the attachment of the secondary mirror assembly make sure that you
have control of the secondary mirror assembly at all times. If you are doing this for the first
time you will need a few minutes to get accustomed to the procedure. The help of a second
person is suggested.
Separate the truss tube pairs until each tube meets the one next to it. This creates a perfectly
aligned hole that aligns with an attachment point on the bottom of the secondary assembly.
The telescope is designed to have the focuser oriented on the right side, so that the red dot finder is above the
focuser when you move the telescope. To determine the right side, stand facing the silver handle of the mirror box.
Turn the secondary mirror assembly so that the focuser is on the right.
Hold the secondary mirror assembly with one hand while you align the truss holes and the
threaded hole of the secondary mirror assembly. Once aligned, insert the small knobs with
screws (C) and partially tighten them. Be sure to insert the screws from the outside of the
secondary mirror assembly. It may be helpful to use the lip of the truss tubes to steady the
secondary mirror assembly while inserting the screws.
Do not fully tighten the screws until all four screws are inserted correctly – trying to force
a screw into the threaded hole on the secondary assembly will damage the thread. If
assembled correctly, that screws will go into the threads without the use of force. After all four screws are placed
into the threaded holes in the secondary assembly, tighten the screws being sure not to over tighten.
Important: With the rocker box on the ground place the mirror box into the rocker box. Do NOT use the trusses to
pick up the mirror box.
Install a clutch on each side of the rocker box. To install, place the clutch with the white
tension pad facing the altitude wheel into the hole nearest the end with the sliver handle.
Attach the clutch by screwing in the large knob until the tension pad presses firmly against
the wheel. The clutches enable the telescope to move up and down but not slip.
