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The eyepiece, or ocular, is the optical element that magnifies the image focused by the telescope. The eyepiece
fits into either the visual back directly or the star diagonal. To install the eyepiece:
1. Loosen the thumbscrew on the star diagonal so it does not obstruct the inner diameter of the eyepiece end of the
diagonal.
2. Slide the chrome portion of the eyepiece into the star diagonal.
3. Tighten the thumbscrew to hold the eyepiece in place.
To remove the eyepiece, loosen the thumbscrew on the star diagonal and slide the eyepiece out.
Eyepieces are commonly referred to by focal length and barrel diameter. The focal length of each eyepiece is
printed on the eyepiece barrel. The longer the focal length (i.e., the larger the number) the lower the eyepiece
power or magnification; and the shorter the focal length (i.e., the smaller the number) the higher the
magnification. Generally, you will use low-to-moderate power when viewing. For more information on how to
determine power, see the section on “Calculating Magnification.”
Barrel diameter is the diameter of the barrel that slides into the star diagonal or visual back. The NexStar uses
eyepieces with a standard 1-1/4" barrel diameter.
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The Star Pointer is the quickest and easiest way to point your telescope exactly at a desired object in the sky. It's
like having a laser pointer that you can shine directly onto the night sky. The Star Pointer 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.
While keeping both eyes open when looking through the Star Pointer, simply move your telescope until the red
dot, seen through the Star Pointer, merges with the object as seen with your unaided eye. The red dot is
produced by a light-emitting diode (LED); it is not a laser beam and will not damage the glass window or your
eye. The Star Pointer comes equipped with a variable brightness control, two axes alignment control and two
quick-release dovetail mounting brackets (one for the NexStar telescope and one for mounting the Star Pointer
on other sized telescopes). Before the Star Pointer is ready to be used, it must be attached to the telescope tube
and properly aligned:
Star Pointer Installation
1. First, remove the two 8-32 x ¼" screws located on the top portion of the telescope's rear cell.
Azimuth Control
Knob
Dovetail Mounting Bracket
Mounting Track
ON/OFF
Variable Brightness
Control
Altitude Control
Knob
Figure 1-5: The Star Pointer Finderscope with Mounting Bracket
Glass Window