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Any quality optical lens cleaning tissue and optical lens cleaning fluid specifi-
cally designed for multi-coated optics can be used to clean the glass surface of
the Parsec’s optical window. Never use regular glass cleaner or cleaning fluid
designed for eyeglasses.
Before cleaning with fluid and tissue, blow any loose particles off the surface with
a blower bulb or compressed air. Then apply some cleaning fluid to a tissue, never
directly on the optics. Wipe the optical surface 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 cause
scratches.
Store the Parsec in the included hard carrying case. Keep the camera in a dry
location away from direct sunlight.
slightly to compensate for disturbances like these, but the camera can not. Keep
these factors in mind when choosing an observing site for astronomical imaging.
For the best astro-images, we recommend finding a location with dry air, some
altitude, and away from city or streetlights. Even a nearby hilltop in the countryside
can provide better viewing conditions than many convenient backyard locations.
8.3. using Focal reducers and Barlow lenses
Focal reducers and barlow lenses change the effective focal length of a telescope.
These lenses are inserted between the camera and telescope when imaging to
change image scale.
Focal reducers serve to decrease the focal length of your telescope. This increas-
es the field of view seen by the camera (decreases camera magnification). This
can be very useful for obtaining images of wide-field deep sky objects, such as the
Andromeda Galaxy or the Pleadies star cluster. Focal reducers will usually thread
onto the nosepiece of the Parsec.
Barlow lenses increase the focal length of your telescope, which makes the cam-
era’s field of view narrower (increases camera magnification). This is useful for
planetary imaging. Keep in mind that when the focal length is doubled, the image
will become four times dimmer, so a longer exposure may be necessary. Barlow
lenses are generally inserted in the focuser’s drawtube and secured with the
thumbscrew on the focuser’s drawtube, and the Parsec’s nosepiece is inserted
into the barlow and secured with the thumbscrew on the barlow lens.
8.4. Filters
Any standard Orion 2" filter will thread into the 2" nosepiece of the Parsec. Light
pollution filters, or special light pollution filters designed for imaging (such as the
Orion SkyGlow Imaging Filter) improves image contrast from urban areas with
severe light pollution.
For the Parsec 8300M, we recommend using a motorized filter wheel, such as
the Orion Nautilus to easily manage LRGB or narrowband filters to assemble a
color image.
8.5. uSB Extension Cable
Most imaging setups may require extra distance to comfortably reach from Parsec
to the computer. We recommend purchasing a 10’ USB extension cable if you
need more cord length (available through Orion, check the catalog and/or www.
OrionTelescopes.com). Do not exceed 20’ of cable length or you may start to
experience connection problems.
8.6. Care and Maintenance
When the Parsec is not in use, the dust cap should be replaced on the end of the
nosepiece. This prevents dust from accumulating on the Parsec’s optical window.
If significant dust does accumulate on the optical window, or the optical surface is
touched, then it should be cleaned.
