3
1. Parts List
Qty. Description
1
Optical tube assembly
1
German-type equatorial mount
1
Large counterweight
1
Small counterweight
1
Counterweight shaft
3
Tripod Legs with mounting hardware
1
Accessory tray with mounting hardware
1
Accessory tray bracket
2
Slow-motion control cables
1
Polar axis finder scope
1
Plastic cover for polar axis finder scope
2
Optical tube mounting rings
1
6x30 achromatic crosshair finder scope
1
Finder scope bracket
1
Mirror star diagonal (1.25")
1
25mm (40x) Plössl eyepiece (1.25")
1
10mm (100x) Plössl eyepiece (1.25")
1
Objective lens dust cap
1
Lens Shade
1
Lens Shade dust cap
4
Assembly Tools (2 wrenches, Phillips screwdriver,
flat-head screwdriver key)
C
ongratulations on your purchase of a quality Orion telescope! Your new Skywatcher 120 EQ Refractor
is designed for high-resolution viewing of astronomical objects. With its precision optics and equatorial
mount, you’ll be able to locate and enjoy hundreds of fascinating celestial denizens, including the plan-
ets, Moon, and a variety of deep-sky galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters.
If you have never owned a telescope, we are pleased 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 con-
stellations; a star wheel, or planisphere, available from Orion or from your local telescope shop, will
greatly help. 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 getting started.
Table of Contents
1. Parts List............................................................................................................................... 3
2. Assembly .............................................................................................................................. 4
3. Balancing the Telescope....................................................................................................... 5
4. Aligning the Finder Scope .................................................................................................... 6
5. Setting Up and Using the Equatorial Mount......................................................................... 7
6. Using Your Telescope–Astronomical Observing ................................................................... 11
7. Astrophotography.................................................................................................................. 14
8. Terrestrial Viewing................................................................................................................. 15
9. Care and Maintenance ......................................................................................................... 15
10. Specifications........................................................................................................................ 15
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.
