6
power eyepiece to ferret out more detail, if atmospheric con-
ditions permit. If the image you see is not crisp and steady,
reduce the magnification by switching to a longer focal length
eyepiece. As a general rule, a small but well-resolved image
will show more detail and provide a more enjoyable view than
a dim and fuzzy, over-magnified image.
Imaging with the ED T CF Refractors
The ED T CF refractors make very capable astrographs for
your CCD or DSLR camera. To attach a DSLR camera, all you
will need is the appropriate T-ring for the make and model of
your camera, a 2" prime focus camera adapter, and 2" exten-
sion tube (available from Orion). Simply attach the T-ring to the
camera body and thread the 2" prime focus camera adapter
into the T-ring. Insert the barrel of the camera adapter into the
2" eyepiece holder on the ED T CF focuser, and secure it with
the thumbscrew.
The ED T CF refractors were designed to reach focus with
both DSLR and CCD cameras and additional accessories like
filter wheels and flip mirrors. Because of this, you will need
an extension tube to reach focus if you are only attaching the
camera without additional accessories.
Imaging equipment is sometimes heavier than a diagonal
and eyepiece. The dual-speed Crayford focuser is capable of
handling the weight of your CCD or DSLR camera. Adding
tension to the focuser drawtube will increase the amount of
weight the focuser can handle. Install your camera onto the
focuser during the day. Check the focuser for any slippage. If
the focuser drawtube slips under the weight of the camera,
you will need to add more tension to the focuser by tightening
the focus tension set screw (Figure 2).
Care & Maintenance
Give your telescope reasonable care and it will last a lifetime.
When not in use, keep its dust cover on as well as the dust
cap on the eyepiece opening. Keep the telescope inside its
packaging when not in use. Store it indoors or in a dry garage.
Do not leave the telescope outside except when using it. If a
scratch appears on the tube, it will not harm the telescope.
Smudges on the tube can be wiped off with standard house-
hold cleaners.
Dew
When you are ready to pack up your telescope at the end
of the night, avoid immediately storing it if you encountered
heavy dew and the telescope is damp. Instead, bring the
telescope inside and allow the moisture on the telescope to
evaporate. If dew forms on the objective lens, then leave the
dust cover off of the telescope until all the moisture has evap-
orated. Once the telescope has completely dried out, place it
back in storage.
Cleaning Optical Surfaces
In general, your telescope will only need to be cleaned on a
very minimal basis. Dust particles on the objective lens do not
effect the optical quality of your ED T CF. Loose dust can sim-
ply be blown off with air, using a compressed air can or blower
bulb (available from Orion). Any remaining dust is best left
alone, unless the build up is extreme. Finger prints and water
marks should be cleaned from your telescope’s objective
lens. Any quality optical lens tissue and cleaning fluid spe-
cifically designed for multi-coated optics can be used to clean
the telescope’s objective lens as well as the lenses of your
eyepieces and finder scope. Never use regular glass cleaner
or cleaning fluid designed for eyeglasses. Before cleaning
with fluid and tissue, however, blow any loose particles off the
lens with a blower bulb or compressed air, or lightly brush the
lens with a soft camel hair brush. Apply some cleaning fluid
to a tissue, never directly on the optics. Wipe the lens gently
in a circular motion, then remove any excess fluid with a fresh
lens tissue. Oily fingerprints and smudges may be removed
using this method. Use caution; rubbing too hard may scratch
the lens! Clean only a small area at a time, using a fresh lens
tissue on each area. Never reuse tissues.
