Celestron 21017 User manual

The CR-150 HD

6" Refractor

Model #21017

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

ii • Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTSABLE OF CONTENTS

ABLE OF CONTENTSABLE OF CONTENTS

ABLE OF CONTENTS

▲▲

▲INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................. 44

How to Use this Manual .................................................................................................................. 5

A Word of Caution .......................................................................................................................... 5

TheRefractor OpticalSystem.......................................................................................................6

▲▲

▲ASSEMBLING YOUR CR-150 HDASSEMBLING YOUR CR-150 HD

ASSEMBLING YOUR CR-150 HDASSEMBLING YOUR CR-150 HD

ASSEMBLING YOUR CR-150 HD ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................. 77

The CR-150 HDThe CR-150 HD

The CR-150 HD ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................... 88

Assembling the CG-5 Equatorial Mount............................................................. 9Assembling the CG-5 Equatorial Mount............................................................. 9

Assembling the CG-5 Equatorial Mount............................................................. 9

Setting Up the Tripod ......................................................................................................... 9

Adjusting the Tripod Height ................................................................................................ 9

Attaching the Accessory Tray ............................................................................................ 10

Attaching the Equatorial Mount ......................................................................................... 11

Attaching the R.A. Slow Motion Knob ..................................................................12

Attaching the Declination Slow Motion Knob ........................................................ 13

Attaching the Counterweight Bar and Counterweights .............................................14

Attaching the Telescope to the Mount .................................................................................15

Removing the Lens Cap ..................................................................................................... 16

Balancing the Telescope in R.A. ......................................................................................... 17

Balancing the Telescope in DEC ........................................................................................17

Adjusting the Mount in Altitude ......................................................................................... 18

Adjusting the Mount in Azimuth ........................................................................................18

Disassembling and Transporting Your CR-150 HD .............................................................19

Storing Your CR-150 HD .................................................................................................. 19

Technical Specification................................................................................................19

▲▲

▲TELESCOPE BASICSTELESCOPE BASICS

TELESCOPE BASICSTELESCOPE BASICS

TELESCOPE BASICS ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................... 2020

2020

Attaching the Accessories ...............................................................................................................20

The Star Diagonal ............................................................................................................. 20

The Eyepiece ....................................................................................................................20

Focusing ........................................................................................................................................22

Attaching the Finder................................................................................................................22

Aligning the Finder ........................................................................................................................23

Image Orientation .......................................................................................................................... 24

Your First Look ............................................................................................................................. 24

Daytime Observing ........................................................................................................... 24

Nighttime Observing ......................................................................................................... 25

Calculating Magnification ...............................................................................................................26

Determining Field of View .............................................................................................................26

General Photography Hints .............................................................................................................27

▲ ▲

▲ ASTRONOMY BASICSASTRONOMY BASICS

ASTRONOMY BASICSASTRONOMY BASICS

ASTRONOMY BASICS ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................... 2828

2828

The Celestial Coordinate System ..................................................................................................... 28

Motion of the Stars .........................................................................................................................29

Polar Alignment ............................................................................................................................. 30

Finding the Pole ............................................................................................................................. 31

Latitude Scales ..................................................................................................................32

Pointing at Polaris .............................................................................................................33

Declination Drift ..............................................................................................................34

Polar Alignment Finders .................................................................................................... 35

Aligning the R.A. Setting Circle ......................................................................................... 35

Table of Contents • iii

▲ ▲

▲ CELESTIAL OBSERVINGCELESTIAL OBSERVING

CELESTIAL OBSERVINGCELESTIAL OBSERVING

CELESTIAL OBSERVING ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................... 3636

3636

Observing the Moon ....................................................................................................................... 36

Observing the Planets .....................................................................................................................37

Using the Lens Cap Aperture Stop.............................................................................................37

Observing the Sun .......................................................................................................................... 37

Observing Deep-Sky Objects ........................................................................................................... 38

Using the Setting Circles ....................................................................................................38

Star Hopping .....................................................................................................................39

Viewing Conditions ........................................................................................................................41

Transparency ....................................................................................................................41

Sky Illumination ...............................................................................................................41

Seeing ...............................................................................................................................41

▲ ▲

▲ CELESTIAL PHOTOGRAPHYCELESTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

CELESTIAL PHOTOGRAPHYCELESTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

CELESTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................... 4343

4343

Short Exposure Prime Focus ........................................................................................................... 44

Piggyback ...................................................................................................................................... 46

Projection Photography ..................................................................................................................48

▲▲

▲TELESCOPE MAINTENANCETELESCOPE MAINTENANCE

TELESCOPE MAINTENANCETELESCOPE MAINTENANCE

TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE........................................................................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................... 4949

4949

Care and Cleaning of the Optics .......................................................................................................49

▲ ▲

▲ OPTIONAL ACCESSORIESOPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIESOPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................... 5050

5050

▲▲

▲THE MESSIER CATALOGTHE MESSIER CATALOG

THE MESSIER CATALOGTHE MESSIER CATALOG

THE MESSIER CATALOG ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................ 5353

5353

▲▲

▲LIST OF BRIGHT STARSLIST OF BRIGHT STARS

LIST OF BRIGHT STARSLIST OF BRIGHT STARS

LIST OF BRIGHT STARS ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................. 5656

5656

▲▲

▲FOR FURTHER READINGFOR FURTHER READING

FOR FURTHER READINGFOR FURTHER READING

FOR FURTHER READING ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................... 5757

5757

4 • Introduction

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Celestron world of amateur astronomy! For more than a quarter of a

century, Celestron has provided amateur astronomers with the tools to explore the

universe. The line of Celestron refractors continues in this proud tradition. Each

telescope is made of the highest quality materials to ensure durability and stability.

And, your Celestron refractor is versatile — it will grow as your interest grows. All

this adds up to a telescope that will give you a lifetime of pleasure with a minimal

amount of maintenance. All you need to do is take the time to familiarize yourself

with your Celestron telescope and its operation.

Introduction • 5

This manual is designed to instruct you in the proper use of your Celestron

refracting telescope. This includes assembly, initial use, and long term operation

and maintenance. There are four major sections to the manual. The first section

covers the proper procedure for setting up your Celestron refracting telescope.

The second section covers basic operations that are common to all telescopes. This

includes attaching the accessories, focusing, aligning the finderscope, and taking

your first look.

The third section deals with the basics of astronomy and using your telescope for

astronomical viewing. This includes polar alignment, aligning the setting circles and

using your Celestron for astronomical observations, both visual and photographic.

The last major section is on telescope maintenance, specifically on care and cleaning.

In addition to the major sections listed above, there is a list of optional accessories

for all models of Celestron refractors. This includes a brief description of the

accessory and its purpose.

Finally, there is a list of celestial objects visible through your Celestron telescope.

Included are the coordinates for each object, its brightness and a code which

indicates object type. In addition, there is a list of bright stars that can be used for

aligning the setting circles on the CG-5 equatorial mount.

You should keep your refractor manual handy until you have fully mastered your

telescope’s operation.

Your Celestron refractor is designed to give you hours of fun and rewarding observa-

tions. However, there are a few things to consider before using your telescope that

will ensure your safety and protect your eyes and your equipment.

WARNING !WARNING !

WARNING ! NEVERLOOKDIRECTLY AT THESUNWITHTHE NAKEDEYEORWITH

ATELESCOPE. PERMANENTANDIRREVERSIBLEEYEDAMAGEMAY

RESULT.

NEVERUSE YOURTELESCOPETO PROJECTAN IMAGE OFTHE SUN

ONTOANYSURFACE. INTERNAL HEATBUILD-UPCAN DAMAGETHE

TELESCOPEAND/OR ANYACCESSORIES ATTACHEDTO IT.

NEVERUSEANEYEPIECE SOLAR FILTERORAHERSCHELWEDGE.

INTERNALHEATBUILD-UPINSIDE THETELESCOPECANCAUSE

THESEDEVICESTOCRACK ORBREAK,ALLOWINGUNFILTERED

SUNLIGHTTO PASS THROUGHTO THEEYE.

NEVERLEAVETHETELESCOPEUNSUPERVISED,EITHERWHENCHIL-

DRENARE PRESENTOR ADULTSWHO MAYNOT BEFAMILIAR WITH

THECORRECTOPERATINGPROCEDURES OF YOURTELESCOPE.

NEVERPOINTYOUR TELESCOPEATTHE SUNUNLESSYOUHAVE THE

PROPERSOLAR FILTER. WHENUSINGYOUR TELESCOPEWITH THE

CORRECTSOLARFILTER, ALWAYSCOVERTHE FINDER. ALTHOUGH

SMALLINAPERTURE,THIS INSTRUMENT HASENOUGHLIGHTGATH-

ERINGPOWERTOCAUSEPERMANENT ANDIRREVERSIBLEEYE

DAMAGE. INADDITION,THE IMAGEPROJECTEDBY THEFINDERIS

HOTENOUGH TOBURN SKINOR CLOTHING.

How to Use This ManualHow to Use This Manual

How to Use This Manual

A Word of Caution!A Word of Caution!

A Word of Caution!

6 • Introduction

Developed in the early 1600s, the refractor is the oldest telescope design. It

derives its name from the method it uses to focus incoming light rays. The

refractor uses a lens to bend or refract incoming light rays, hence the name (see

Figure 1-1). Early designs used single element lenses. However, the single lens

acts like a prism and breaks light down into the colors of the rainbow, a phenom-

enon known as chromatic aberration. To get around this problem, a two-element

lens, known as an achromat, was introduced. Each element has a different index of

refraction allowing two different wavelengths of light to be focused at the same

point. Most two-element lenses, usually made of crown and flint glasses, are

corrected for red and green light. Blue light may still be focused at a slightly

different point.

In the world of astronomy, there are basically two different types of mounts;

Altazimuth and equatorial. Both derive their names from the axial motion of the

mount. The Altazimuth moves vertically (altitude) and horizontally (azimuth)

relative to the horizon. The equatorial mount has its axis of rotation tilted so that

it can be aligned with the Earth’s axis of rotation. When this is done, the telescope

(when fitted with an optional clock drive) can track the stars. The directional

movements on this mount are North/South and East/West. The Celestron CR-

150 HD, 6 inch refractor uses a German equatorial mount called the CG-5 mount.

Figure 1-1Figure 1-1

Figure 1-1

This cross sectional diagram shows the light path of a classical two-element refractor.This cross sectional diagram shows the light path of a classical two-element refractor.

This cross sectional diagram shows the light path of a classical two-element refractor.

The Refractor OpticalThe Refractor Optical

The Refractor Optical

SystemSystem

System

The MountThe Mount

The Mount

The CR-150 HD • 7

ASSEMBLINGASSEMBLING

ASSEMBLING YY

YOUROUR

OUROUR

OUR C R - 1 5 0 H DC R - 1 5 0 H D

C R - 1 5 0 H DC R - 1 5 0 H D

C R - 1 5 0 H D

AT POLARIS CAT POLARIS C

AT POLARIS C

The CR-150 HD (#21017) refracting telescope is offered on a German equatorial

mount. The CR-150 HD is shipped in two boxes. The first box includes the

optical tube and all of the standard accessories, which include:

• 20mm Plossl Ocular 1-1/4"

• Star Diagonal 1-1/4"

• 2x Barlow Lens 1-1/4", with built-in Camera Adapter

• 9x50mm Finder and Bracket

• Lens Cap with 112mm aperture stop

The second box contains the tripod, equatorial mount and the hardware

needed to set it up. Included are the:

• CG-5 German Equatorial Mount

• Counterweight Bar

• Two 5.1Kg (11 lb.) Counterweights

• Declination (DEC) Slow Motion Knob

• Right Ascension (R.A.) Slow Motion Knob

•AdjustableAluminium Tripod

• Accessory Tray

When setting up the telescope, find a large, clear area where the parts can be laid out

without fear of losing them. Start with the tripod and mount. Remove the contents of

the box and place them neatly on your work surface. Leave the optical tube in its box

until you are ready to attach it to the mount. Once your CR-150 HD has been

unpacked and assembled, you will not need the shipping boxes for everyday

storage and transportation. However, you should save them in case you decide to

ship your telescope via a common carrier.

Unpacking YourUnpacking Your

Unpacking Your

CR-150 HDCR-150 HD

CR-150 HD

8 • The CR-150 HD

1. Lens Cap (not shown) 9. Leg Extension Clamp

2. Dovetail Slidebar 10.LatitudeAdjustmentScrew

3. Declination Lock 11. Focus Knobs

4. Declination Setting Circle 12. Eyepiece

5.CounterweightShaft 13. Finderscope Bracket

6.Counterweights 14.Finderscope

7. Tripod Leg 15. Tube Mounting Rings

8. Accessory Tray 16.OpticalTube

Figure 2-1

The CR-150 HDThe CR-150 HD

The CR-150 HD

The CR-150 HD • 9

The tripod comes fully assembled with the metal plate, called the tripod head, that

holds the legs together at the top. In addition, the brackets that support the acces-

sory tray are also attached to the tripod.

Stand the tripod upright and pull the tripod legs apart until the leg brace

assembly for the accessory tray is fully extended (see figure 2-2). The tripod

will now stand by itself. To increase the stability, tighten the bolts that hold

the legs to the tripod head (use the appropriate size wrench from the supplied

set). This will help minimize any flexure or wobble of the legs.

Once the tripod is set up, you can adjust the height at which it stands. To do

this:

1. Loosen the knob on the leg clamp so that the tripod leg can be adjusted.

2. Slide the center portion of the tripod leg away from the tripod head until it is at

the desired height.

3. Tighten the knobs on each leg clamp to hold the legs in place.

Setting Up the TripodSetting Up the Tripod

Setting Up the Tripod

Adjusting the TripodAdjusting the Tripod

Adjusting the Tripod

HeightHeight

Height

Figure 2-2

Setting up the tripod requires nothing more than pulling the tripod legs away from the

tripod head. The height at which the tripod stands can be adjusted by sliding the slats

in the center of each leg toward or away from the tripod head.

Assembling the CG-5 Equatorial Mount

Tripod Head

10 • The CR-150 HD

With the tripod set up, you are ready to attach the accessory tray to the tripod.

There are three wing bolts that hold the accessory tray to the bracket.

1. Locate the three wing bolts.

2. Place the accessory tray over the bracket and position it so the thread

holes in the accessory tray are above the slotted holes in the bracket.

3. Insert the wing bolts up through the slotted holes in the bracket (see figure

2-3).

4. Thread the wing bolts into the holes in the accessory tray.

5. Tighten the wing bolts fully.

With the accessory tray in place, the tripod will be much more stable making it

easier to attach the mount and telescope.

Attaching the AccessoryAttaching the Accessory

Attaching the Accessory

TrayTray

Tray

Figure 2-3Figure 2-3

Figure 2-3

The CR-150 HD • 11

The equatorial mount allows you to tilt the telescope’s axis of rotation so that you

can track the stars as they move across the sky. The CG-5 mount is a German

equatorial mount that attaches to the tripod head (i.e., metal plate on the tripod). On

one side of the plate there is an “N” which signifies north. This side of the tripod will

face north when setting up for an astronomical observing session. Above the “N” is

a peg about 3/4" high that points straight up. To attach the equatorial head:

1. Locate the azimuth adjustment screws on the equatorial mount.

2. Retract the screws so they no longer extend into the azimuth housing

(rectangular extrusion) on the mount. Do NOT remove the screws sinceDo NOT remove the screws since

Do NOT remove the screws sinceDo NOT remove the screws since

Do NOT remove the screws since

they are needed later for polar alignment.they are needed later for polar alignment.

they are needed later for polar alignment.

3. Hold the equatorial mount over the tripod head so that the azimuth housing

is above the metal peg.

4. Place the equatorial mount on the tripod head so that the two are flush.

5. Tighten the knob on the underside of the tripod head to hold the equatorial

mount firmly in place. The knob is already attached and can NOTNOT

NOTNOT

NOT be

removed.

Attaching the EquatorialAttaching the Equatorial

Attaching the Equatorial

MountMount

Mount

Figure 2-4Figure 2-4

Figure 2-4

12 • The CR-150 HD

Attachingthe R.A.Slow Motion Knob

With the mount securely in place, you are ready to attach some of the accessories

(the telescope tube will be added last). Start with the Right Ascension (R.A.) slow

motion knob. The R.A. slow motion knob allows you to make fine pointing adjust-

ments in the direction the telescope is aiming (once it is attached to the mount). To

install the knob:

1. Locate the hard plastic shell under the R.A. shafts.

2. Remove either of the two oval tabs by pulling tightly.

3. Line up the flat area on the inner portion of the R.A. slow motion knob with

the flat area on the R.A. shaft.

4. Slide the R.A. slow motion knob onto the R.A. shaft.

The knob is a tension fit, so sliding it on holds it in place. As mentioned

above, there are two R.A. shafts, one on either side of the mount. It makes no

difference which shaft you use since both work the same. Use whichever one

you find more convenient. If, after a few observing sessions, you find the R.A.

slow motion knob is more accessible from the other side, pull firmly to remove

the knob, then install it on the opposite side.

Figure 2-5Figure 2-5

Figure 2-5

Telescope

Mounting Screw

DEC Lock

Lever

RA Lock

Lever

Mounting Platform

DEC Slow Motion

Knob

Altitude Adjustment

Control

Polar Housing

Cover

Azimuth Adjustment

Controls

Declination Setting

Circle

R.A. Slow Motion

Knob

Mounting Platform

Safety Screw

R.A. Setting

Circle

The CR-150 HD • 13

AttachingtheDeclinationSlowMotionKnob

LiketheR.A.slow motion knob, the DECslowmotionknob allows you tomakefine

pointing adjustments in the direction the telescope is pointed.

The DEC slow motion knob attaches in the same manner as the R.A. knob. The shaft

that the DEC slow motion knob fits over is toward the top of the mount, just below

the telescope mounting platform. Once again, you have two shafts to choose from.

Use the shaft that is pointing toward the ground. This makes it easy to reach while

looking through the telescope, something which is quite important when you are

observing.

1. Line up the flat area on the inner portion of the DEC slow motion knob with

the flat area on the DEC shaft.

2. Slide the DEC slow motion knob over the DEC shaft (see figure 2-6).

Figure 2-6Figure 2-6

Figure 2-6

14 • The CR-150 HD

Attaching the Counterweight Bar and Counterweights

The last item to be mounted before the telescope tube is the counterweight bar and

counterweights. Used to balanced the telescope, the counterweight bar attaches to

the opposite side of the mount as the telescope. To install the counterweight bar:

1. Retract the counterweight bar lock nut by turning it counterclockwise. This

will expose the threads on the end of the counterweight bar.

2. Thread the counterweight bar into the mount completely. Once again, itit

itit

threads into the mount opposite the telescope tubethreads into the mount opposite the telescope tube

threads into the mount opposite the telescope tube (see figure 2-7).

3. Tighten the counterweight bar lock nut fully for added support.

The counterweight bar is now installed. With the counterweight bar in place,

you are ready to attach the counterweights.

1. Lock the DEC clamp to hold the mount in place.

2. Remove the safety thumbscrew on the end of the counterweight bar.

3. Loosen the set screw on the counterweight itself so that the central hole of

the counterweight is unobstructed.

4. Slide the counterweight onto the counterweight bar. Move it high enough

to allow room for the second weight (see figure 2-7).

5. Tighten the set screw on the counterweight to hold it in position.

6. Repeat this process for the second weight.

7. Replace the safety thumbscrew on the end of the counterweight bar. The

thumbscrew will prevent the counterweights from sliding off the bar should

they ever become loose.

Figure 2-7Figure 2-7

Figure 2-7

The CR-150 HD • 15

With the mount fully assembled, you are ready to attach the telescope to the

mount.

The optical tube attaches to the mount using a dovetail slidebar that is fastened to

two tube rings that clamp around the tube.

•Before you attach the optical tube, fully tighten the right ascension and declinationBefore you attach the optical tube, fully tighten the right ascension and declination

Before you attach the optical tube, fully tighten the right ascension and declinationBefore you attach the optical tube, fully tighten the right ascension and declination

Before you attach the optical tube, fully tighten the right ascension and declination

clamps. This will prevent the telescope from moving suddenly once attached to theclamps. This will prevent the telescope from moving suddenly once attached to the

clamps. This will prevent the telescope from moving suddenly once attached to the

mount.mount.

mount.

1. Loosen the hand knob on the side of the CG-5 mount.

2. Slide the dovetail bar that is attached to the telescope's tube rings onto the

mounting platform of the CG-5 mount (see figure 2-8).

3. Tighten the knob on the CG-5 mount to hold the telescope in place.

NOTE:NOTE:

NOTE: Never loosen any of the knobs on the telescope tube or mount. Also, be sure

that the objective lens end of the telescope is pointing away from the ground at all

times.

Attaching the TelescopeAttaching the Telescope

Attaching the Telescope

to the Mountto the Mount

to the Mount

Figure 2-8Figure 2-8

Figure 2-8

This illustration shows the optical tube mounted on the CG-5 mount. The dovetail slide

bar has been attached to the telescope tube and is ready to attach to the CG-5 mount.

Tube RingsTube Rings

Tube Rings

DovetailDovetail

Dovetail

BracketBracket

Bracket

16 • The CR-150 HD

To eliminate undue stress on the mount, the telescope should be properly balanced

around the polar axis. 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 and position the telescope off to one side of the

mount (make sure that the balance bracket thumbscrew is tight). The

counterweight bar will extend horizontally on the opposite side of the

mount (see figure 2-9).

2. Release the telescope — GRADUALLYGRADUALLY

GRADUALLYGRADUALLY

GRADUALLY — to see which way the telescope

“rolls.”

3. Loosen the set screw on one or both counterweights.

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 set screw to hold the counterweight(s) in place.

These are general balance instructions and will reduce undue stress on the

mount. When taking astrophotos, this balance process should be done for the

specific area at which the telescope is pointing.

Figure 2-9Figure 2-9

Figure 2-9

The telescope should be balanced after all the standard accessories (i.e., star diagonal,

eyepiece, etc.) have been attached to the telescope. The correct procedure for attaching

these accessories is discussed in the section on “Telescope Basics.”

Balancing the TelescopeBalancing the Telescope

Balancing the Telescope

in R.A.in R.A.

in R.A.

The CR-150 HD • 17

The telescope should also be balanced on the declination axis to prevent any

sudden motions when the DEC clamp is released. To balance the telescope in

DEC:

1. Release the R.A. clamp and rotate the telescope so that it is on one side

of the mount (i.e., as described in the previous section on balancing the

telescope in R.A.).

2. Lock the R.A. clamp to hold the telescope in place.

3. Release the DEC clamp and rotate the telescope until the tube is parallel

to the ground (see figure 2-10).

4. Release the tube — GRADUALLYGRADUALLY

GRADUALLYGRADUALLY

GRADUALLY — to see which way it rotates around

the declination axis. DO NOT LET GO OF THE TELESCOPE TUBEDO NOT LET GO OF THE TELESCOPE TUBE

DO NOT LET GO OF THE TELESCOPE TUBEDO NOT LET GO OF THE TELESCOPE TUBE

DO NOT LET GO OF THE TELESCOPE TUBE

COMPLETELY!COMPLETELY!

COMPLETELY!

5. Slightly loosen the balance bracket thumbscrew and slide the telescope

either forward or backward until it remains stationary when the DEC clamp

is released. Do NOT let go of the telescope tube while the balanceDo NOT let go of the telescope tube while the balance

Do NOT let go of the telescope tube while the balanceDo NOT let go of the telescope tube while the balance

Do NOT let go of the telescope tube while the balance

bracket thumbscrew is loose.bracket thumbscrew is loose.

bracket thumbscrew is loose.

6. Tighten the thumbscrew firmly to hold the telescope in place.

Like the R.A. balance, 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.

Balancing the TelescopeBalancing the Telescope

Balancing the Telescope

in DECin DEC

in DEC

Figure 2-10Figure 2-10

Figure 2-10

As with R.A., the telescope should be balanced in DEC after all the standard accessories

(i.e., star diagonal, eyepiece, etc.) have been attached to the telescope.

18 • The CR-150 HD

For the purpose of polar alignment, there are two directions in which the mount

can be adjusted; vertically, which is called altitude and horizontally, which is

called azimuth. There are several ways to align on the celestial pole, some of which

are discussed later in this manual. This section simply covers the correct movement

of the mount during the polar alignment process. To adjust the mount in altitude (i.e.,

raise or lower the angle of the polar axis), turn the altitude adjustment lever:

• Turning the lever clockwise increases the angle at which the polar axis is

pointing

• Turning the lever counterclockwise lowers the angle at which the polar axis is

pointing.

The latitude adjustment on the CG-5 mount has a range of 40°, starting at 20°

going up to 60°.

For rough adjustments in azimuth, simply pick up the telescope and tripod and

move it. For fine adjustments in azimuth:

1. Turn the azimuth adjustment screws located on either side of the azimuth

housing. While standing behind the telescope, the knobs are on the front

of the mount.

• Turning the right adjustment knob clockwise moves the mount toward the

right.

• Turning the left adjustment knob clockwise moves the mount to the left.

Both screws push off of the peg on the tripod head, which means you may

have to loosen one screw while tightening the other. The screw that holds the

equatorial mount to the tripod may have to be loosened slightly.

Adjusting the MountAdjusting the Mount

Adjusting the Mount

in Altitudein Altitude

in Altitude

Adjusting the MountAdjusting the Mount

Adjusting the Mount

in Azimuthin Azimuth

in Azimuth

Figure 2-11Figure 2-11

Figure 2-11

The CR-150 HD • 19

The entire telescope and mount is light enough to pick up and carry outside for a

casual observing session. If, however, you want to transport your CR-150 HD to a

remote observing location, you must partially disassemble it. Here’s how:

1. Remove the telescope from the equatorial mount. Return it to the shipping

carton to ensure safe transportation.

2. Remove the three wing bolts that hold the accessory tray to the tripod.

3. Pull the accessory tray off the bracket.

4. Thread the wing bolts back onto the accessory tray once they are removed

from the bracket. This will eliminate the possibility of losing them.

5. Fold the tripod legs together and you are ready to transport your CR-150 HD

telescope.

The equatorial mount does NOTNOT

NOTNOT

NOT have to be removed if you are transporting the

telescope yourself. However, you may want to remove the counterweights from

the counterweight bar to lighten the mount.

If you are shipping the telescope via a common carrier, you should completely

disassemble the telescope and return all parts to their original shipping

container.

When not in use, your Celestron CR-150 HD can be left fully assembled and set

up. However, all lens and eyepiece covers should be put back in place. The

opening to the rear cell must also be covered. This will reduce the amount of

dust build-up on the optical surfaces and reduce the number of times you need

to clean the instrument. You may want to return everything to its original

shipping container and store all the parts there. If this is the case, all optical

surfaces should still be covered to prevent dust build-up.

Disassembling andDisassembling and

Disassembling and

Transporting Your CR-Transporting Your CR-

Transporting Your CR-

150 HD150 HD

150 HD

Storing Your CR-Storing Your CR-

Storing Your CR-

150 HD150 HD

150 HD

Below is pertinent technical information on your Celestron CR-150 HD refractor

telescope that you may find useful.

OPTICAL TUBE: CR-150 HDOPTICAL TUBE: CR-150 HD

OPTICAL TUBE: CR-150 HD

Optical System: Refractor

Aperture: 6" (150mm)

Focal Length: 1200mm (48")

F/ratio: f/8

Highest Useful Power Magnification: 360x

Lowest Useful Power Magnification: 21x

Resolution (arc seconds): 0.33

Photographic Resolution: 182 lines/mm

Light Gathering Power: 459x

Limiting Visual Magnitude: 13.4

Optical Tube Length: 50.5"

Weight

Optical Tube: 18.5 lbs.

TechnicalTechnical

Technical

SpecificationsSpecifications

Specifications

20 • Telescope Basics

TELESCOPE BASICSTELESCOPE BASICS

TELESCOPE BASICS

Once your telescope has been fully assembled, you are ready to attach the

accessories and have a look. This section deals with basic telescope opera-

tions that are common to all Celestron refractor telescopes.

There are several accessories that come standard with all the Celestron refractor

telescopes. The installation and use of each of these is described in this section.

The Star DiagonalThe Star Diagonal

The Star Diagonal

The star diagonal uses a mirror that reflects the light at a right angle to the light

path of the telescope. This allows you to observe in positions that are physi-

cally more comfortable than if you were to look straight through. To attach the

star diagonal:

1. Turn the set screw on the accessory adapter until it no longer extends into (i.e.,

obstructs) its inner diameter of the visual back.

2. Slide the chrome portion of the star diagonal into the accessory adapter (see

figure4-1).

3. Tighten the set screw to hold the star diagonal in place.

If you wish to change the orientation of the star diagonal, loosen the set screw

on the visual back until the star diagonal rotates freely. Rotate the diagonal to

the desired position and tighten the set screw.

The EyepieceThe Eyepiece

The Eyepiece

The eyepiece, or ocular, is an optical element that magnifies the image

focused by the telescope. The eyepiece(s) fits into either the accessory adapter

directly , the star diagonal, or an erect image diagonal (see

Optional Accessories

section). To attach an eyepiece:

1. Loosen the set screw on the star diagonal so that 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 (see figure

4-1).

3. Tighten the set screw to hold the eyepiece in place.

To remove the eyepiece, loosen the set screw on the star diagonal and slide

the eyepiece out. You can then replace it with another ocular.

Attaching theAttaching the

Attaching the

AccessoriesAccessories

Accessories

This manual suits for next models

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