3
1. Parts list
Qty. Description
1
Optical tube assembly
2
Tube mounting rings
1
Equatorial mount with setting circles
2
Slow-motion control cables
1
Counterweight shaft
1 Counterweight
3
Adjustable wood tripod legs
3
Tripod leg attachment bolts (w/washers and wing nuts
attached)
3
Tripod leg lock bolts
1
Accessory tray
3
Accessory tray screws (w/washers and wing nuts attached)
1
25mm (40x) Kellner eyepiece (1.25" barrel diameter)
1
10mm (100x) Kellner eyepiece (1.25" barrel diameter)
1
5x24 crosshair finder scope
1
Finder scope bracket
1
Allen wrench
1
Tube dust cap
C
ongratulations on purchasing your new ShortTube™ 4.5" EQ reflector telescope! It is a terrific starter
instrument for exploring some of the many exotic wonders our universe has to offer. Designed to be
compact and easy to use, this telescope will provide many hours of enjoyment for the whole family. It is
your ticket to a journey of discovery in the fascinating hobby of amateur astronomy.
With the ShortTube 4.5" EQ you’ll marvel at the stunning variety of mountains, craters, and valleys on
the surface of our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon. Looking farther out into the solar system, you’ll
be awed by Saturn’s rings and by the perpetual dance of Jupiter’s brightest moons. And gazing still far-
ther into space, you’ll be able to locate hundreds of mind-boggling “deep-sky” objects—sparkling star
clusters, glowing nebulas, and incredibly distant galaxies—that will dazzle and amaze you.
If you have never used a telescope before, we would like 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
constellations; a star wheel, or planisphere, available from nature stores or astronomical suppliers, 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.
table of contents
1. Parts List ............................................................................................................................. 3
2. Assembly ............................................................................................................................ 4
3. Balancing the Telescope .................................................................................................... 4
4. Aligning the Finder Scope .................................................................................................. 5
5. Setting Up and Using the Equatorial Mount ...................................................................... 5
6. Collimating the Optics (Aligning the Mirrors) ...................................................................... 7
7. Using Your Telescope—Astronomical Observing ............................................................... 7
8. Care and Maintenance ...................................................................................................... 10
9. Specifications ..................................................................................................................... 10
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.
