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4.2.4. Using your telescope
Selecting an Eyepiece:
1. Always begin viewing with the lowest power eyepiece. (Note: a 25 mm focal length
eyepiece has a lower power than a 10 mm one.) A formula can be used to determine the power
of each eyepiece: Telescope focal length divided by eyepiece focal length equals magnification.
Ex. 400mm ÷ 25mm = 16X (magnification). The rule of thumb is that the magnification should
not be too much larger than the OTA aperture, otherwise view and color distortion may occur.
2. A 45° Erecting Diagonal Prism may be included in the R80 or MC90 telescope. The
Erecting Diagonal Prism is used to erect the image you will see. Astronomical telescopes are
designed in such a way that the image you see may be UPSIDE DOWN and REVERSED. This
is perfect for viewing celestial bodies. However, it will feel strange when observing a land object
or a bird.
Focusing Telescope:
1. After selecting the desired eyepiece aim the telescope tube at a land-based target at
least 200 yards away (e.g. A telephone pole or building). Fully extend focusing tube by turning
the focus knob.
2. While looking through selected eyepiece, slowly retract focusing tube by turning
focusing knob until object comes into focus.
Aligning Finderscope:
1. Look through main telescope tube and establish a well-defined target (see focusing
telescope section). Tighten all lock knobs (Declination, Latitude, Right Ascension, Horizontal
Axis) so that telescope’s aim is not disturbed.
2. Turn on the red dot finder and look through the finder window. Adjust the red dot
alignment screws to center the red dot on the object.
3. Now, objects located with the finderscope first will be centered in field of view of the
main telescope.
4.2.5. Go to the Moon
After performing these setups, the mount is ready to GOTO and track objects. One of
the most common objects is the Moon.
Press MENU button, select “Select and Slew” by press ENTER button. Select “Planets,
Sun, Moon”, and using ▲ or ▼ button to select Moon. Press ENTER. The telescope will
automatically slew to the Moon and lock on. It will automatically begin to track once it locks on to
it. Use the arrow keys to center the Moon in your eyepiece, if it is not centered. Press BACK key
to stop GOTO during the slew. Press ENTER key to stop the tracking.