Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Step 6: Align the Finderscope
The Finderscope helps you locate distant objects before viewing them through the main Telescope’s Eyepiece. But it must be prop-
erly aligned to provide exactly the same angle and view. Follow these steps to align the Finderscope:
1. With the 20mm Eyepiece in place, look at a stationery object at least 300 feet (90 meters) away. It is best to do this outside in
broad daylight. Adjust the tilt or pan to get the object centered in the Telescope’s view and securely tighten everything on the
Tripod.
2. Now turn the Focusing Knob until the object is in perfect focus.
3. Finally, adjust the position of the Finderscope until the object you’re viewing is centered in the Finderscope’s crosshairs. (NOTE:
Images viewed through the Finderscope will be upside down. This is normal and common to all high-powered telescopes.) Reposi-
tion the Finderscope by loosening and tightening the 3 screws on the middle ring, one by one. You may need to adjust each screw
a few times to get the object perfectly centered. Take your time. It’s critical to have your Finderscope exactly aligned with your
Telescope.
Step 4: Insert 20mm Eyepiece into Diagonal Mirror
Fit the 20mm Eyepiece into the open end of the Diagonal Mirror
and tighten the screw to secure it. (See Fig. 2) NOTE: You also have
a 4mm Eyepiece for increased magnification. If using the 3X Barlow
Lens, you will need to affix it between the Diagonal Mirror and the
Eyepiece. (See Fig. 3)
Step 5: Attach Finderscope to Telescope
Remove the knurled chrome bolts on the Finderscope Bracket. Line up
the holes on the Bracket with the holes on the Telescope and replace
the bolts. Tighten the bolts securely. (See Fig. 4)
Best ways to use your Telescope
- For viewing the night sky, it’s always best to be far away from any glaring lights. Even the glow from a nearby town can dramati-
cally reduce the Telescope’s performance.
- Before finding a planet or star cluster to observe, allow your Telescope to adjust to the outside temperature. If it’s very cold, this
could take 20 to 30 minutes. Your Telescope performs best when the air inside the tube matches the temperature outside.
- Always start with the 20mm Eyepiece. It will give you the widest angle and the brightest image. Then you can use the 4mm Eye-
piece and/or the Barlow Lens to get a closer view. The constant rotation of the Earth will require that you reposition your Telescope
for extended viewing.
- If you are bringing in your Telescope from the cold outdoors to a warm house, the moisture in the air could condense on the
main objective lens. Take the lens cap off and tilt the Telescope downward. This will prevent dust from collecting on the lens while
you let it reach room temperature. Then replace the lens cap.
Care and Cleaning of your Telescope
If you keep the dust caps and lens cover on your Telescope and avoid touching the lenses and mirrors, you should need only minor
cleaning. Extensive cleaning is usually only necessary every few years or so.
Compressed air can be used to remove surface dust. Always spray some air out of the can first before using it on your Telescope’s
lens, as dust or moisture may have accumulated in the discharge tube. Only use compressed air in short bursts, not a continuous
blast of air.
NEVER USE A CLOTH TO CLEAN THE LENS UNLESS IT IS SPECIFICALLY MADE FOR FINE OPTICS.
If you cannot remove any smudges or particles, take the Telescope to an optical professional for cleaning.
How to find Planets and Star Formations
Knowing where to look is the key to any astronomical observation. Astronomy magazines and the internet are good sources of
information for the location and visibility of different celestial objects, depending on where you live. As the planets and constella-
tions change position from month to month, you will always know where to point your Telescope.
Tighten Bolt