6. using Your telescope
Moving and aiming the telescope
The Observer 60mm TRZ is easy to maneuver. To move the tele-
scope up or down, loosen the altitude lock bolts on either side of the
telescope tube until the tube moves with slight pressure. To move the
telescope sideways, turn the azimuth lock knob counterclockwise
until the tube moves freely. Then point the telescope to the desired
position and tighten the altitude and azimuth lock bolts finger-tight.
To aim the telescope, simply sight along the length of the telescope
tube. Do not point the telescope near the Sun, as serious eye dam-
age could result.
To focus the image, turn the knurled focusing ring near the eyepiece
until the image is clear and sharp. Some refocusing of the image may
be necessary after zooming in or out.
Magnification
It’s best to start observing at low power, which provides a wider field
of view, until your target object is visible in the eyepiece. Then you
can zoom to higher magnifications, if desired, by rotating the zoom
ring. Keep in mind that with higher powers, an object will always
appear fainter and less sharp (this is a fundamental law of optics).
if You Wear Eyeglasses
Fold back the rubber eyeguard to allow your eyeglasses to get closer to
the eyepiece lens. Do not remove the eyeguard completely as it pre-
vents your eyeglass lens from contacting the telescope’s eyepiece lens,
which could scratch either one or both. If the field of view in the eyepiece
is narrowed with your glasses on (producing a “keyhole” effect), you
may prefer to observe without your glasses, in which case you’ll just
need to refocus the telescope until the image you see is sharp.
allowing Your telescope to Equilibrate
All optical instruments need time to reach “thermal equilibrium” with the
outdoor air. The bigger the instrument and the larger the temperature
change, the more time is needed. Allow at least a half-hour for your tele-
scope to adjust to the temperature outdoors. In very cold climates (below
freezing), it is essential to store the telescope as cold as possible. If the
scope has to adjust to more than a 40° temperature change, allow at least
one hour.
You’ll get better views if you are not looking over buildings or pave-
ment, as these radiate heat, causing “heat wave” air turbulence that
will distort the image you see through the telescope.
7. care and Maintenance
Give your telescope reasonable care and it will last a lifetime. Store it
in a clean, dry, dust-free place, safe from rapid changes in tempera-
ture and humidity. Do not store the telescope outdoors, although
storage in a garage or shed is OK. Keep the objective lens cap on the
front of the telescope when it is not in use.
general Maintenance
Your Observer 60mm refractor requires very little mechanical mainte-
nance. The optical tube is aluminum and has a smooth painted finish
that is fairly scratch-resistant. If a scratch does appear on the tube, it
will not harm the telescope. If you wish, you may apply some auto
touch-up paint to the scratch. Smudges can be wiped off with a soft
cloth and household cleaners such as Windex or Formula 409.
cleaning the optics
A small amount of dust or a few specks on the glass objective lens
will not affect the performance of the telescope. If dust builds up,
however, simply blow it off with a blower bulb or compressed air, or
lightly brush it off with a soft camel-hair brush. Avoid touching optical
surfaces with your fingers, as skin oil may etch optical coatings.
To remove fingerprints or smudges from a lens, use photographic-
type lens cleaning fluid and lint-free optical lens cleaning tissue. Don’t
use household cleaners or eyeglass-type cleaning cloth or wipes,
which often contain undesirable additives like silicone, which don’t
work well on precision optics. Place a few drops of fluid on the tissue
(not directly on the lens), wipe gently, then remove the fluid with
another dry tissue or two. Do not “polish” or rub hard when cleaning
the lens, as this will scratch it. The tissue may leave fibers on the lens;
these can be blown off with a blower bulb.
Never disassemble the optical tube to clean inner optical surfaces.
This should only be done by a trained optical technician.
one-Year limited Warranty
Orion Observer 60mm TRZ is warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from the
date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. During this warranty period Orion
Telescopes & Binoculars will repair or replace, at Orion’s option, any warranted instrument that proves to be defective,
provided it is returned postage paid to: Orion Warranty Repair, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076. Proof of pur-
chase (such as a copy of the original invoice) is required.
This warranty does not apply if, in Orion’s judgment, the instrument has been abused, mishandled, or modified, nor does
it apply to normal wear and tear. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which
vary from state to state. For further warranty service information, contact: Customer Service Department, Orion Telescopes
& Binoculars, P. O. Box 1815, Santa Cruz, CA 95061; (800) 676-1343.
orion telescopes & Binoculars
Post office Box 1815, santa cruz, ca 95061
Customer Support Help Line (800) 676-1343 • Day or Evening
