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

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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

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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.)

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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