9
A
ligning the finderscope
OPERATING YOUR TELESCOPE
Fig.a
Fig.b
Fig.c
Fig.d
These fixed magnification scopes mounted on the optical tube are very
useful accessories. When they are correctly aligned with the telescope,
objects can be quickly located and brought to the centre of the field.
Alignment is best done outdoors in day light when it's easier to locate
objects. If it is necessary to refocus your finderscope, sight on an object
that is at least 500 yards (metres) away. For 5x24 and 6x24 finderscope:
twist the end of the finderscope until focus is reached (Fig.a). For 6x30
finderscope: loosen the locking ring by unscrewing it back towards the
bracket. The front lens holder can now be turned in and out to focus.
When focus is reached, lock it in position with the locking ring (Fig.b).
Choose a distant object that is at least 500 yards away and point the
main telescope at the object. Adjust the telescope so that the object
is in the centre of the view in your eyepiece.
Check the finderscope to see if the object centred in the main
telescope view is centred on the crosshairs.
For the 5x24 finderscope, use the three alignment screws to centre
the finderscope crosshairs on the object (Fig.c). For the 6x30
finderscope with spring loading, adjust only the two small screws
(Fig.d).
1.
2.
3.
U
sing the Red Dot Finder
The Red Dot Finder is a zero magnification pointing tool that uses a
coated glass window to superimpose the image of a small red dot
onto the night sky. The Red Dot Finder is equipped with a variable
brightness control, azimuth adjustment control, and altitude
adjustment control (Fig.e). The Red Dot Finder is powered by a
3-volt lithium battery located underneath at the front. To use the
Finder, simply look through the sight tube and move your
telescope until the red dot merges with the object. Make sure to
keep both eyes open when sighting.
Azimuth
adjustment
control
ON/OFF
Brightness
Control
Altitude
Adjustment
Control
Battery cover
Sight Tube
Plastic
shipping
cover
Aligning the Red Dot Finder
Like all finderscopes, the Red Dot Finder must be properly aligned with the
main telescope before use. This is a simple process using the azimuth and
altitude control knobs.
Open the battery cover by pulling it down (you can gently pry at the 2
small slots) and remove the plastic shipping cover over the battery (Fig.f).
Turn on the Red Dot Finder by rotating the variable brightness control
clockwise until you hear a "click". Continue rotating the control knob to
increase the brightness level.
Insert a low power eyepiece into the telescope's focuser. Locate a bright
object and position the telescope so that the object is in the centre of the
field of view.
With both eyes open, look through the sight tube at the object. If the red
dot overlaps the object, your Red Dot Finder is perfectly aligned. If not,
turn its azimuth and altitude adjustment controls until the red dot is
merged with the object.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Fig.e
Fig.f
