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The refracting telescopes can use eyepieces and diagonals of a 2” barrel diameter. To use a 2” barrel eyepiece, the
1¼” eyepiece adapter must first be removed. To do this, simply loosen the two chrome thumbscrews located around
the focuser barrel (see figure 2-12) and remove the 1 ¼” adapter. Once removed, a 2” eyepiece or accessory can be
inserted directly into the focuser barrel and secured with the two thumb screws.
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
magnification (i.e., power) 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.”
M
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In order to properly balance your telescope, you will need to move your telescope manually at various portions of
the sky to observe different objects. To make rough adjustments, loosen the R.A. and DEC clutch knobs slightly
and move the telescope in the desired direction.
Both the R.A. and DEC axis have lock levers to clutch down each axis of the telescope. To loosen the clutches on
the telescope, rotate the lock levers counterclockwise.
B
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To eliminate undue stress on the mount, the telescope should be properly balanced around the polar axis in R.A. In
addition, proper balancing is crucial for accurate tracking if using an optional motor drive. To balance the mount:
1. Release the R.A. Clamp (see figure 2-13) and position the telescope off to one side of the mount (make sure
that the mounting bracket screw is tight). The counterweight bar will extend horizontally on the opposite side
of the mount (see figure 2-14).
2. Release the telescope — GRADUALLY — to see which way the telescope “rolls.”
3. Loosen the counterweight locking screw on the counterweight.
4. Move the counterweights to a point where they balance the telescope (i.e., it remains stationary when the R.A.
clamp is released).
5. Tighten the locking screw to hold the counterweights in place.
These are general balance instructions and will reduce undue stress on the mount. When taking
astrophotographs, this balance process should be done for the specific area at which the telescope is
pointing.
Figure 2-13
R.A. Clamp
DEC Clamp