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3. Tighten the two screws on the side of the mounting track to secure the Star Pointer to the dovetail bracket.
Star Pointer Operation
The star pointer is powered by a long life 3-volt lithium battery (#CR2032) located underneath the front portion of the Star Pointer. Like
all finderscopes, the Star Pointer must be properly aligned with the main telescope before it can be used. This is a simple process using the
azimuth and altitude control knobs located on the side and bottom of the Star Pointer. The alignment procedure is best done at night since
the LED dot will be difficult to see during the day.
1. To turn on the Star Pointer, rotate the variable brightness control (see figure 3-3) clockwise until you here a "click". To increase
the brightness level of the red dot, continue rotating the control knob about 180º until it stops. Remember to remove the plastic
cover over the battery, and always turn the power off after you have found an object. This will extend the life of both the
battery and the LED.
Azimuth Control
Knob
Dovetail Mounting Bracket
Mounting Track
ON/OFF
Variable Brightness
Control
Altitude Control
Knob
Figure 3-3: The Star Pointer Finderscope with Mounting Bracket
Glass Window
2. Locate a bright star or planet and center it in a low power eyepiece in the main telescope.
3. With both eyes open, look through the glass window at the alignment star.
4. If the Star Pointer is perfectly aligned, you will see the red LED dot overlap the alignment star. If the Star Pointer is not aligned,
take notice of where the red dot is relative to the bright star.
5. Without moving the main telescope, turn the Star Pointer's azimuth and altitude alignment controls until the red dot is directly
over the alignment star.
If the LED dot is brighter than the alignment star, it may make it difficult to see the star. Turn the variable brightness control
counterclockwise, until the red dot is the same brightness as the alignment star. This will make it easier to get an accurate alignment. The
Star Pointer is now ready to be used.
Quick Release
Knob
Figure 3-4
Removing the Optical Tube
The NexStar SE dovetailed quick release bracket allows you to adjust the optical
tube for proper balancing or remove the tube for safe storage. To adjust or remove the
tube from the base, simply loosen the quick release clamp knob (see figure 3-4) and
slide the tube back towards the rear cell of the tube.
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