Gordon 92444 User manual

REFRACTOR TELESCOPE
900mm Focal Length - 60mm Aperture
Model 92444
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our Web site at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Copyright 2004 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form
without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
For technical questions, or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
®
©
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY,
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL WARNINGS
AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SAVE THIS MANUAL
You will need this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating,
inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures, parts list and assembly diagram.
Keep your invoice with this manual. Write the invoice number on the inside of the front
cover. Keep this manual and invoice in a safe and dry place for future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result inserious injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WORK AREA
1. Keep your viewing area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas
invite accidents.
SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 2
UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure all the parts shown on the Parts List on page 15
are included. If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the
number shown on the cover of this manual as soon as possible.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
Item Description
Focal Length 900mm.
Focal Ratio f/15.
Aperture 60mm.
Mount Equatorial.
Accessories 20mm (45x) & 4mm (225x) Eyepieces (1.25”).
1.5x Image-Erecting Eyepiece (1.25”).
3x “Barlow” Lens (1.25”).
90°Star Diagonal (1.25”).
Moon Filter.
5x24 Finder Scope.
Aluminum Tripod with Accessory Tray.
Screwdriver.
Scope Type Refractor.
Scope Dimensions 53-1/2” Long x 2-1/2” Diameter (Tube).
4-1/8” Long x 3-5/8” Diameter (Objective Lens Housing).
Maximum Tripod Height 46-1/2” High (With Lens Tray).
Weight 11.2 Pounds.

5. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, and use common sense when oper-
ating this instrument. Do not use theTelescope while tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while
operating this product may result in serious personal injury.
6. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper
footing and balance enables better control of the Telescope in unexpected
situations.
SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 3
PERSONAL SAFETY
1. Maintain labels and nameplates on this product. These carry important infor-
mation. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
2. Never look directly at the sun with the naked eye or with theTelescope.
Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
3. Never use theTelescope to project an image of the sun onto any surface.
Internal heat build-up can damage the Telescope and/or any accessories that
may be attached to it and possibly cause a fire.
4. When using theTelescope, always cover the Finder Scope with the correct
Solar Filter. Although small in aperture, this instrument has enough light gather-
ing power to cause permanent and irreversible eye damage.
PRODUCT USE AND CARE
1. Store theTelescope out of reach of children and other untrained persons.
This instrument can be dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
2. Do not force the Telescope. Use the correct Telescope for your applica-
tion. The correct Telescope will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it
is designed.
3. Maintain this product with care. A properly maintained Telescope is less likely
to malfunction and is easier to control. Do not use a damaged Telescope. Tag
a damaged Telescope “Do not use” until repaired.
4. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and
any other condition that may affect theTelescope’s operation. If damaged,
have the instrument serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by
poorly maintained equipment.
5. Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your

SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 4
model. Accessories that may be suitable for one Telescope may become haz-
ardous when used on another Telescope.
SERVICE
1. Service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service
or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.
2. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions
in the “Inspection, Maintenance, And Cleaning” section of this manual.
Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions may
create a risk of injury.
1. The warnings and cautions discussed in this manual cannot cover all pos-
sible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be understood by the
operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into
this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
2. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
PARTS DESCRIPTIONS
1. NOTE: It is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the main parts of
the Telescope prior to assembling and operating the instrument.
2. Objective Lens (1): The Objective Lens is where the light enters from the
object you are observing. The larger the Lens, the more light the telescope is
able to gather. The larger the Lens, the more able the Telescope is to see farther
objects and get better image resolution (quality). (See Figure A, next page.)
3. Finderscope (2): The Finderscope is used to find your object before viewing it
through the Eyepiece (21, 22). The Finderscope has a lower power than the
Eyepiece, and therefore it is easier to find objects in the Finderscope first.
(See Figure A.)
4. Eyepiece (21, 22): The Eyepiece is the opening on the Telescope where you
view your object. The design of the Telescope allows you to use Eyepieces of
different sizes to change the magnification. (See Figure A.)
5. Focus Knob (4): The Focus Knob is used to move the Eyepiece forward and

SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 5
back to sharpen the image. An image that is out of focus will appear fuzzy or
blurry. (See Figure A.)
6. Star Diagonal Mirror (5): The Star Diagonal Mirror allows you to view objects
that are at a 90 angle from the direction the Telescope is pointing. The Star
Diagonal also allows convenient and comfortable viewing when the Telescope is
pointed at, or near the zenith (i.e., directly overhead). The resulting image is right
side up, but will be reversed from left to right. (See Figure A.)
OBJECTIVE LENS (1)
FINDERSCOPE (2)
FOCUS KNOB (4)
STAR DIAGONAL
MIRROR (5)
EQUATORIAL MOUNT (6)
COUNTERWEIGHT (7)
DECLINATION
SLOW MOTION CONTROL
(8)
RIGHT ASCENSION
SLOW MOTION CONTROL
(9)
TRIPOD (10)
20MM EYEPIECE
OR
4MM EYEPIECE
(21, 22)
FIGURE A
DECLINATION
LOCKING SCREW
(18)
RIGHT ASCENSION
LOCKING SCREW
(17)
0

10. Right Ascension Slow Motion Control (9): The Right Ascension Slow Motion
Control allows the Telescope to be moved in right ascension (east/west) in very
small movements and fine adjustments (as opposed to manually moving the
Telescope in large and quick movements). (See Figure A.)
11. Tripod (10): The Tripod is the stand the Telescope rests on. The Tripod has
Tightening Screws (13) which can be tightened and loosened to make adjust-
ments to the Telescope, or to move it to a new object. (See Figure A.)
12. 3x Barlow Lens (23): The 3x Barlow Lens increases the magnification of the
Telescope. For example, a 175x magnification can be increased to 525x with a
3x Barlow Lens. The highest magnification power of the 3x Barlow Lens should
only be used for large and bright objects such as the moon and the brightest
planets, as well as for nights with optimal observation conditions. Do not use the
3x Barlow Lens and the 1.5x Erect Image Eyepiece (24) in conjuction with the
Star Diagonal Mirror ( 5) as this produces a particularly low resolution level with
the result that the image can no longer be sharply focused. (See Figure B.)
13. 1.5x Erect Image Eyepiece (24): When using an astronomical Telescope, the
image will appear erect but as a mirrored image. The 1.5x Erect Image Eyepiece
serves to correct the mirrored image. (See Figure B.)
14. Optical Filter (25): The Optical Filter is used to eliminate the effect of atmo-
spheric haze, provides images with increased contrast, and helps reduce the
effects of ultraviolet rays. (See Figure B.)
SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 6
8. Counterweight (7): The Counterweight allows the Telescope to be properly
balanced in order for it to move smoothly in both axes (laterally and vertically).
Proper balance is essential for accurate tracking. (See Figure A.)
9. Declination Slow Motion Control (8): The Declination Slow Motion Control
allows the Telescope to be moved in declination (north/south) in very small move-
ments and fine adjustments (as opposed to manually moving theTelescope in
large and quick movements). (See Figure A.)
7. Equatorial Mount (6): The Equatorial Mount is a type of mounting that allows
the Telescope to be aligned with the earth’s axis in order to track the motion of
the sky as the earth revolves. (See Figure A.)
1.5x ERECT IMAGE EYEPIECE
(24)
OPTICAL FILTER
(25)
3X BARLOW LENS
(23)
FIGURE B

SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 7
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
To Attach The Accessory Tray:
1. The Accessory Tray (27) attaches to the Center Support Brace (14). Insert the
three Wing Screws (28) through the three mounting holes in the Center Support
Brace, and thread the Wing Screws into the mounting holes. Make sure to firmly
tighten the Wing Screws to ensure proper stability of the Tripod (10).
(See Figure C.)
TRIPOD (10)
WING SCREW (28)
WING SCREW (28)
WING SCREW (28)
CENTER SUPPORT BRACE (14)
ACCESSORY TRAY (27)
FIGURE C
To Attach The Counterweight:
1. Insert the Counterweight Bar (12) through the Counterweight (7). Screw the
Counterweight Bar clockwise into the axis of the Equatorial Mount (6). Then,
tighten the Screw on the side of the Counterweight to secure the Counterweight
in place. (See Figure D.)
COUNTERWEIGHT BAR (12)
COUNTERWEIGHT (7)
SCREW
EQUATORIAL MOUNT (6)
FIGURE D

SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 8
To Attach The Declination Slow Motion Control:
1. Attach the Declination Slow Motion Control (8) to the Equatorial Mount (6) by
tightening the Set Screw on the Control Cable. NOTE: The Set Screw should be
firmly tightened on the flat surface of the Cable Holder. (See Figure E.)
To Attach The Right Ascension Slow Motion Control:
1. Attach the Right Ascension Slow Motion Control (9) in the same way as the
Declination Slow Motion Control was attached. (See Figure E.)
DECLINATION
SLOW MOTION CONTROL
(8)
SET SCREW
RIGHT ASCENSION
SLOW MOTION CONTROL
(9)
SET SCREW SET SCREW
CABLE
HOLDER
FIGURE E
To Attach The Optical Tube:
EQUATORIAL MOUNT
(6)
1. Remove the two Wing Nuts and Washers from the threaded posts located at
the bottom of the Optical Tube (19). (See Figure F, next page.)
2. Place the Optical Tube (19) on the Equatorial Mount (6) so that the two threaded
posts are inserted through the two mounting holes on the top of the Equatorial
Mount. (See Figure F.)
3. Retighten the two Washers and Wing Nuts onto the two threaded posts to secure
the Optical Tube (19) on the Equatorial Mount (6). (See Figure F.)

SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 9
WASHER
WING NUT
THREADED
POST
OPTICAL TUBE
(19)
EQUATORIAL
MOUNT
(6)
FIGURE F
To Attach The Eyepiece And Star Diagonal Mirror:
1. Remove the protective Lens Cap (20) from the Focuser. (See Figure G.)
2. Insert the chrome end of the Eyepiece (21, 22) into the Star Diagonal Mirror (5),
and lock the Eyepiece in place with the Thumb Screw located on the side of the
Star Diagonal Mirror. (See Figure G.)
3. Insert the barrel end of the Star Diagonal Mirror (5) into the Focuser, and lock the
Star Diagonal Mirror in place with the Thumb Screw located on the side of the
Focuser. (See Figure G.)
To Attach The 1.5x Erect Image Eyepiece Or 3x Barlow Lens:
1. The Telescope features a 1.5x Erect Image Eyepiece (24), typically used for
daytime terrestial viewing. The Eypiece corrects the image you see in the Tele-
scope, so that the image is both right side up and corrected from left to right. To
attach the 1.5x Erect Image Eyepiece, remove the Star Diagonal Mirror (5) and
insert the Eyepiece into the Focuser. Then use the low power 20mm Eyepiece
(21), inserting it into the 1.5x Erect Image Eyepiece. (See Figure H.)
FIGURE G FIGURE H
STAR DIAGONAL
MIRROR
(5)
EYEPIECE (21, 22)
FOCUSER
1.5X ERECT IMAGE EYEPIECE (24)
OR
3X BARLOW LENS (23)
EYEPIECE
(21, 22) FOCUSER

SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 10
2. The Telescope also features a 3x Barlow Lens (23) which triples the magnifying
power of each Eyepiece (21, 22). To attach the 3x Barlow Lens, remove the Star
Diagonal Mirror (5) and insert the 3x Barlow Lens into the Focuser. Then use the
low power 20mm Eyepiece (21), inserting it into the 3x Barlow Lens.
(See Figure H.)
To Attach The Finderscope:
1. Loosen the two Set Screws located on the base of the Finderscope (2).
(See Figure I.)
2. Slide the base of the Finderscope (2) onto the mounting bracket on the top of the
Optical Tube (19). Then, retighten the two Set Screws to lock the Finderscope in
place. (See Figure I.)
To Align The Finderscope:
1. Attach the 20mm Eyepiece (21) to the Star Diagonal Mirror (5).
(See Figure G.)
2. Locate a distant daytime object, and center the object in the 20mm Eyepiece
(21). (See Figure I.)
3. View into the Finderscope (2), and observe the position of the same object.
(See Figure I.)
4. Without moving the Telescope, turn the Adjustment Thumb Screws located on the
side and bottom of the Finderscope (2) until the crosshairs of the Finderscope
are centered on the alignment object. (See Figure I.)
ADJUSTMENT THUMB SCREW ADJUSTMENT THUMB SCREW
ADJUSTMENT THUMB SCREW
20MM
EYEPIECE
(21)
FIGURE I

SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 11
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The Observation Site:
1. NOTE: Since it takes considerable time to observe a star, the Telescope should
be located in an open site where light is at a minimum and the largest possible
celestial area can be clearly seen.
2. IMPORTANT: Always keep the Telescope’s accessories clean and dry. Use the
Accessory Tray (27) to hold the accessories while the Telescope is in use.
To Find An Object:
1. In order to use the setting circles on the Equatorial Mount (6), the Mount must
first be aligned with the earth’s axis of rotation. To do so, observe the Latitude
Scale and move the Equatorial Mount to the latitude of your location. This must
be done each time you move the Telescope to a new location. NOTE: If you do
not know your latitude, it can be found on most road atlases of your area.
(See Figure J.)
2. There are two ways to move the Telescope in declination (north/south). For large
and quick movements, loosen the Declination Locking Screw (18) and manually
move the Telescope. Then, when your Telescope is in the desired position re-
tighten the Declination Locking Screw. For very small movements and fine
adjustments use the Declination Slow Motion Control (8). To avoid damage, do
not attempt to force movement when the Declination Cable has reached the
stop. (See Figures A and J.)
DECLINATION
SETTING CIRCLE
LATITUDE SCALE
RIGHT ASCENSION
SETTING CIRCLE
FIGURE J
3. There are two ways to move the Telescope in right ascention (east/west). For
large and quick movements, loosen the Right Ascension Locking Screw (17) and
manually move the Telescope. Then, when your Telescope is in the desired
position retighten the Declination Locking Screw. For very small movements and

SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 12
fine adjustments use the Right Ascension Slow Motion Control (9).
(See Figures A and J.)
To Balance The Telescope:
1. NOTE: Prior to each use, the right ascension axis of the Telescope should
always be properly balanced so that it may move smoothly in
both axis. To
balance the right ascension axis, move the Counterweight Bar (12) so it is paral-
lel (horizontal) to the ground. Slowly loosen the Right Ascension Locking Screw
(17) and observe whether the Optical Tube (19) moves. If the Optical Tube
moves, loosen the Screw on the Counterweight (7) and slide the Counterweight
up or down the Counterweight Bar until the Optical Tube remains stationary in
the parallel position to the ground. Then, retighten the Right Ascension Locking
Screw and the Screw on the Counterweight. (See Figures A and D.)
To Adjust The Focus:
1. NOTE: Always adjust the focus with an Eyepiece (21, 22) of lower magnification,
and then change the Eyepiece to another one having the required magnification.
Whenever the Eyepiece is changed, readjust the focus.
2. Adjust the focus by turning the Focus Knob (4) back and forth. (See Figure A.)
3. Since stars are always moving, focus on a neon sign or lamp over 1/2 mile away.
When the image is focused roughly, adjust the focus by turning the Focus Knob
(4) back and forth until the image is made clear. Without turning the Focus Knob,
point the Telescope to catch a star and the focus will normally be found to be
correct. (See Figure A.)
To Adjust The Image Orientation:
1. When viewing with the Star Diagonal Mirror (5), the image will be erect, but
reversed from left to right (mirrored). You may remove the Star Diagonal Mirror
and insert the 1.5x Erect Image Eyepiece (24) to correct the mirrored image.
(See Figure H.)
2. When viewing straight through, with the Eyepiece (21, 22) inserted directly into
the Telescope, the image will be inverted. Also, the image when viewed through
the Finderscope (2) is inverted. (See Figure I.)

SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 13
Magnification:
1. The following magnification values are achieved when using the 20mm Eyepiece
(21), 4mm Eyepiece (22), 3x Barlow Lens (23) and 1.5x Erect Image Eyepiece
(24): (See Figure K.)
E
y
e
p
iece Ma
g
nification Magnification
With
1.5x Erect Ima
g
e E
y
e
p
iec
e
Magnification
With
3x Barlow Lens
20mm 45x 68x 135x
4mm 225x 338x 675x
FIGURE K
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING
1. Before each use, inspect the general condition of the Telescope and its acces-
sories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken
parts, wet or dirty parts, and any other condition that may affect its safe opera-
tion. If a problem occurs, have the problem corrected before further use.
Do not use damaged equipment.
2. When cleaning: The Telescope is a precision optical instrument and should be
kept away from dust and moisture. Should the lenses become dirty, blow off the
dust particles before cleaning the lenses. Then, clean the lenses gently with a
moistened lens tissue. The lenses should not be taken apart, and the surface of
the lenses should be kept free of finger smudges. The exterior of the Telescope
may be cleaned with a clean cloth and, if necessary, a mild detergent. Do not
use any solvents. Do not immerse any part of the Telescope in any liquids.
3. When storing: Keep the Telescope in a dry, dust free location out of reach of
children. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations as the moisture in the air will
condense on the Objective Lens (1). Should this happen, place the Objective
Lens not too close to a source of heat, and allow the moisture to evaporate
slowly.
4. All maintenance, service, or repairs not listed in this manual are only to be
attempted by a qualified technician.

SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 14
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY
DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR
DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT
HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS
QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR
DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE
UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSEDTECHNICIANS, AND NOT BYTHE BUYER. THE BUYER
ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL
PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION
OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
SKU 92444 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 15
NOTE:
Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not available individually as
replacement parts.
20
1
19
2
3
21, 22
5
20
4
8
9
17
27
10
13
28 14
15
16
7
12
6
18
11
23
24
25
26
Part # Description Part # Description
1 Objective Lens 15 Equatorial Head Mounting Screw
2 Finderscope 16 Tripod Mounting Head
3 Bracket 17 Right Ascension Locking Screw
4 Focus Knob 18 Declination Locking Screw
5 Star Diagonal Mirror 19 Optical Tube
6 Equatorial Mount 20 Lens Caps (Qty. 2)
7 Counterweight 21 20mm Eyepiece
8 Declination Slow Motion Control 22 4mm Eyepiece
9 Right Ascension Slow Motion Control 23 3x Barlow Lens
10 Tripod 24 1.5x Erect Image Eyepiece
11 Mounting Platform 25 Optical Filter
12 Counterweight Bar 26 Screwdriver
13 Tripod Tightening Screws 27 Accessory Tray
14 Center Support Brace 28 Wing Screws (Qty. 3)