Explore Scientific TWILIGHT Series, Manual

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7
AR DOUBLET SERIES
by the cradle handle to make sure the ring is secure before pulling the instrument all the
way out. Although our telescopes are designed with portability in mind, it is important to
use proper lifting techniques to prevent back injury and/or strained muscles. Whenever
possible, use two people to move or lift the equipment and make use of wheeled devices
like carts or dollies for additional aid.
DEW SHIELD
The dew shield is an important part of your telescope because it slows moisture build-
up on the objective lens and can reduce image interference caused by ambient light. On
each model in this series, the dew shield is pre-attached.
DIAGONAL
Astronomical observation usually requires the telescope to tilt up significantly, which
can make straight-thru viewing awkward and uncomfortable. A diagonal solves this
comfort problem by using a mirror to direct the light at a 90° angle toward the eyepiece,
which is positioned perpendicular to the optical tube assembly (OTA) making the image
more accessible. Equipped to fit both 1.25” and 2” eyepieces, your telescope’s diagonal
houses a precision-polished, two-inch mirror that is 99% reflective to maximize light
transmission. To install the diagonal, begin by removing the dust covers from the
focuser’s drawtube and the diagonal itself. Loosen the screws on the drawtube’s tension
collar, and slide the barrel of the diagonal into the drawtube. Tighten the three tension
screws to secure it firmly. Should one of these tension screws accidentally become loose,
the barrel of the diagonal is tapered to prevent it from falling out of the focuser. The
1.25” eyepiece adapter or 2” eyepieces can be secured in the diagonal by tightening the
tension screws on the compression ring lock. The 1.25” adapter also has a compression
ring to secure eyepieces that are inserted into it.
CRADLE RINGS
Please note: On our 102mm AR Doublet Achromatic Refractor, you will need to install
the finder scope before you put on the cradle ring assembly. On all of our other telescope
models, the finder scope can be installed after the cradle rings are in position.
To attach any of the AR Doublet models to a mount you will need to use the individual
model’s included cradle ring set. Engineered to snugly grip its particular telescope,
each extruded aluminum cradle assembly includes a hinged ring system, a slotted carry
handle and a felt-lined interior that protects the tube’s delicate surface. The rings are
attached to a dovetail saddle plate to secure your scope to a mount. To attach cradle
rings to your OTA, release the locking mechanism on each ring by loosening the metal
thumbscrews and then separate the rings. Position your OTA within the rings, close them
and retighten the thumbscrews until the tube is secure. If you are only repositioning
the tube, you probably will not need to remove the assembly completely. Instead, you
can undo the lock on each ring so that the tube is loose enough in the rings to slide back
and forth or rotate. Be careful to hold the tube securely so that you do not lose control
of it while the cradle rings are loose. Once the tube is in the desired position, be sure to
retighten each lock. Finding the right placement of the cradle ring assembly involves
finding your individual scope’s balance point, which depends largely on the accessories
you will be using. Before attempting to find this point, you should make sure the diagonal