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ABOUT MAGNIFICATION
The magnification power of a telescope indicates how much an image is
enlarged or how big and close it appears to the viewer. The focal length of
the eyepiece, combined with the focal length of the telescope, determine
the magnification power. To calculate the power of your telescope with any
particular eyepiece, simply divide the focal length of the telescope (360mm)
by the focal length of the eyepiece (indicated in ‘mm’ on the eyepiece collar).
USING YOUR TELESCOPE
1.
Take your telescope outside. Viewing objects through closed or open
windows is not recommended. Your view can be distorted by reflections in
the glass of a closed window or by air currents of differing temperatures
passing through an open window.
2.
Let your telescope adjust to the outside temperature. Your telescope will
perform much better if the lenses and the air inside the tube are the same
temperature as outside. It may take as long as 30 minutes to equalise the
temperatures when the difference in temperatures is extreme.
3.
Find a location far from glaring light. If you live in an urban area, your
viewing will probably improve the farther you move away from the city
lights. The sky glow of a town or city can dramatically reduce the
telescope’s performance and viewing capabilities.
When possible, avoid sudden temperature changes, as the moisture in the air
will condense on the objective lens. Should this occur after bringing your
telescope inside, leave the lens cap off the objective lens, tilt the objective
(front) lens face down, and wait until the telescope reaches room temperature.
With the diagonal mirror already attached and in place, we recommend starting
your viewing with the low-power 20mm eyepiece because it gives you the
widest angle with the brightest and sharpest views. To adjust the angle of the
telescope, loosen the azimuth lock knob by turning it anti-clockwise. Adjust the
telescope to the desired angle, then tighten the azimuth lock knob.
NOTE: When using the diagonal mirror, objects will appear right-side up in
your telescope, but reversed, like a reflection in a mirror. This is normal and
does not indicate a defect.
Care and Cleaning of Optics
Optical components of a telescope get dirty over time. Dirt or dust on a lens
should be removed only with the utmost care. A considerable amount of dirt or
dust would have to accumulate on the optical surface before your view would
be compromised.
1. Keeping any dust caps on during storage and transport will reduce dust
collection.
2. Condensation may collect on the optical surfaces when the telescope is not
in use. Remove the dust caps and allow the moisture to evaporate naturally.
Point the telescope downwards to minimise the accumulation of airborne
dust.
3. Once all moisture has evaporated, replace the dust caps.
The level of magnification required depends on the object being observed.
A lower magnification power with a wider field of view is good for observing
galaxies and nebulae. Higher magnification powers should only be used for
highly detailed observations of the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn, or any object
that is extremely bright.
For terrestrial applications, it is always recommended to begin viewing with
the 20mm low power eyepiece and switch to higher power only under bright
lighting conditions. This will help ensure that the best possible image quality
and detail are maintained.
When you use the 2 X Image Erector it will double the effective magnification
of the eyepiece being used. Thus, the 20mm eyepiece with the 2 X Image
Erector will yield 36 X. With the 4mm eyepiece, it will yield 180 X.
The two interchangeable eyepieces included
provide the following magnification powers:
Eyepiece
Power
20mm
18 X
4mm
90 X
THE 2 X IMAGE ERECTOR
When using your telescope with the diagonal mirror in place, everything you
see will be right-side up, but will be laterally reversed. That means that right
and left are reversed – like looking in a mirror. This is normal and is of no
consequence unless you are trying to follow motion or read signs, license
plates and similar items. To fix this, you can use the supplied 2 X Image
Erector. It is positioned
as shown in Picture 6.
You must first remove
the diagonal mirror,
then insert the 2 X Image
Erector. Finally, insert an
eyepiece. We recommend
the H20mm eyepiece.
Picture 6
360mm focal length (tube)
= 18 X magnification power
20mm focal length (eyepiece)
EXAMPLE
