Opticstar EQ700 User manual

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
0
Opticstar EQ700- Equatorial Mount Instruction Manual

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
1
CAUTION!
Never look at the Sun through your telescope, the telescope’s finder
or the mount’s Polar scope as this will cause blindness. Observing
the Sun directly, even for a very short period, without the appropriate
protection can cause serious damage to your eyes.
.

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
2
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Instruction Manual
Please keep this instruction manual handy and always use this telescope mount as
described in this manual. Read the safety instructions below carefully to avoid damage to
the product and to avoid injury to yourself and others.
Attention
Never disassemble the mount, there are no serviceable parts inside. Disassembling the
mount will invalidate your warrantee and may cause damage or injury. In the event of a
defect please contact your dealer. Children should always use this product under the
supervision of adults.
Intended Use
This mount has been designed primarily for astronomical use. It can be used with an optical
instrument or similar device. Do not leave the mount under direct Sunlight as this can cause
damage to the mount or instrument mounted to it. Note that optical instruments can focus
Sun light into a point and cause a fire.
Observing the Sun
Never look at the Sun or close to the Sun through a telescope, the telescope’s finder scope
or the mount’s Polar scope as this will cause permanent blindness. Always use the
appropriate protection to observe the Sun through any telescope or through the naked eye.
Always use a full aperture Solar filter if you intend to observe the Sun with a telescope,
avoid Solar filters that can be attached to the eyepiece end, they are unsafe and can result
in damaging both your eyes and the telescope.
Chocking Hazards
Keep small parts, plastic bags and other packaging materials out of the reach of children.
Electric Hazards
Use the mount as described in the manual and do not disassemble the mount. If your
mount includes an R.A. drive this can be powered by 6 x AA batteries, always use the
recommended batteries and make certain that the batteries have been inserted correctly.
Batteries
Damaged, old and discharged batteries can leak acid and cause burns if improperly
handled. Always handle and dispose batteries with care. Never heat up or throw batteries
into a fire as this can cause an explosion.
Opticstar Ltd
87 Washway Road, Sale, Greater Manchester, M33 7TQ. United Kingdom
Web: www.opticstar .com –Email: [email protected]
© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
3
Opticstar EQ700 Overview
1. Telescope mounting saddle
2. Hand-wheel
3. DEC locking lever
4. R.A. locking lever
5. Polar scope cap
6. DEC slow motion control
7. DEC setting circle
8. Latitude scale
9. counterweight shaft locking nut
10. R.A. slow motion control
11. Counterweight shaft
12. R.A. setting circle
13. Counterweight locking bolt
14. Azimuth adjustment knob 1/2
15. Front latitude adjustment T-bolt
16. Rear latitude adjustment T-bolt
17. Counterweight
18. Azimuth adjustment knob 1/2
19. Tripod platform
20.Counterweight shaft safety screw
21.Tripod tension bolt
22. Tripod leg spreader
23. Leg spreader tension nut
24. Tripod legs
25. Tripod tension bolt T-handle
2
1
3
5
6
7
10
11
9
17
13
20
15
18
22
23
25
24
14
21
19
16
24
24
12
4
8

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
4
Mount & Telescope Assembly
You will need a fair amount of space to unpack the parts and
assemble the mount and telescope. Please note that some
parts are heavy. Carefully remove all the parts and tools from
their packaging and lay them out on a flat surface.
When removing the tripod from the box hold it level to the ground or
the tripod leg extensions will slide out as they are not locked in place.
Do not throw any packaging materials before having successfully
assembled the mount. Look carefully through the packaging
materials as it is sometimes easy to miss smaller parts.
Pick up the tripod and fully spread the legs (24) making certain
that the tripod platform (19) is level by adjusting the tripod’s
legs, then secure the legs by tightening the leg locking knobs
until firm. Before continuing assembling the tripod, you will
need to first assemble the leg spreader assembly as follows:
Thread the tension nut (23) into the silver threaded shaft (21)
as far as it will go, do not tighten the tension nut at this point
and ensure that the stop-washer is in position (25).
Pass the shaft (21) through the leg spreader (22).
Pass the leg spreader assembly shaft through the base of the
tripod platform (19). Snap the e-clip (29) all the way onto the
shaft, the shaft should extend above the tripod’s platform at this
point when pushed from below. Note that slanting the shaft
makes the insertion of the e-clip easier.
Loosen both Azimuth adjustment knobs (14, 18) on the mount-
head equally so that they are apart by just over 1cm.
Place the mount-head over the tripod platform and onto the
shaft so that protruding peg (27) on top of the tripod's platform
is positioned between the two Azimuth adjustments knobs (14,
18).
If necessary, loosen the Azimuth adjustment knobs (14, 18)
further for the peg to fit between them.
Tighten the tripod tension bolt T-handle (25) so the shaft
screws-into the base of mount-head until it feels firm, this
secures the mount-head in place. Make certain that the mount-
head is secure before going to the next step.
Line up the leg spreader braces so that each faces and
supports their corresponding tripod leg.
Tighten the tension nut (23) until the leg spreader presses
firmly against the tripod legs. Now lightly-tighten the two
Azimuth bolts (14,18).
Place the counterweight shaft locking nut (9) over the threaded
end of the counterweight shaft (11) and screw it firmly in place.
Thread the counterweight shaft (11) and counterweight shaft
locking nut (9) assembly into the threaded hole under the
declination setting circle (7) and tighten firmly.
TIP To partially collapse the tripod for storage first remove the telescope and counterweights, loosen the
tension knob (23) enough so that you can freely rotate the leg spreader to partially collapse the legs. There
is no need to remove the tripod shaft unless you intend to completely collapse the tripod.
14
16
15
19
21
22
25
23
25
28
27
29
26
LEG SPREADER
ASSEMBLY
19
21
22
23
25
26
24
24

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
5
Setting the Mount’s Latitude
Latitude is the angular distance in degrees North or South from the
Equator for a location on the Earth’s surface. You will first need to
establish your location’s latitude. GPS devices including mobile phones
will supply this information. You can also obtain the latitude for your
location from a map or via an Internet search-engine. A list of large cities
and their longitudes and latitudes have been listed on page 8 for your
convenience.
You will only need to physically set the mount’s latitude once for your
current location. It is important that you set the latitude without any load
on the mount at this point i.e. no counterweights and no telescope. It
makes the process easier, safer and without the need to balance the
telescope prior to physically setting the latitude.
To physically set the latitude for your mount you will need to use the two
latitude adjustment T-bolts (15, 16). By always loosening one T-bolt and
tightening the one opposite you will be able to revolve the upper part of
the mount-head until the latitude pointer points to the correct latitude on
the mount’s latitude scale (8). Once the latitude pointer points to the
desired latitude slowly tighten both T-bolts until they make contact. Do not
overtighten.
You are now ready to mount the counterweight and optical tube to the EQ700 mount.
Mounting the Counterweights
Before proceeding make certain that the counterweight shaft (11) is pointing to
the ground and that the DEC and R.A. locking levers are tight (3, 4).
Completely unscrew and remove the counterweight safety screw-cap (20) at
the end of the counterweight shaft (11).
Carefully lift a counterweight and loosen the counterweight locking knob (13)
enough to ensure that the hole in the counterweight is free of the floating
locking pin.
Carefully slip the counterweight to approximately halfway up the counterweight
shaft and tighten the counterweight locking knob firmly. Replace the
counterweight safety screw-cap (20).
You can position and secure the counterweight further up the counter-shaft if
you intend to mount a smaller telescope like an 80-100mm aperture refractor,
lower down if you intend to mount a heavy telescope.
Mounting the Telescope
Ensure that the DEC and R.A. locking levers are tight (3, 4).
Loosen the large hand-wheel bolt on the mount’s saddle as seen
on the image on the right so that it does not protrude into the
saddle.
Lift the optical tube and let it rest centrally on the saddle, tighten
the hand-wheel bolt. Make certain the hand-wheel has been
firmly tightened and that the scope has been secured before
releasing.
ATTENTION The two latitude adjustment T-bolts work in a push & pull fashion, as you tighten one you must
loosen the other. Otherwise the bolts may bend resulting to damage not covered by warranty.
ATTENTION The counterweight safety screw-cap (20) prevents counterweights from sliding entirely off the
counterweight shaft and must remain in place during normal use.
4
19
3
11
10
6
1
2
1
2
3
15
16
18
8

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
6
Balancing the Telescope
It is necessary to correctly balance the mount and optical tube on the R.A. and DEC axes before proceeding. A well
balanced mount will be accurate, safer and easier to use. Always hold the optical tube firmly during all the steps of the
balancing process as the tube could easily swing under its own weight.
Balancing the Optical tube round the R.A. Axis
Firmly hold the optical tube and slowly loosen the RA locking
lever (4). Rotate the optical tube so that the counterweight shaft is
parallel/horizontal to the ground. While holding the optical tube
unlock the counterweight locking knob (13) and carefully slide the
counterweight either way until the optical tube does not drift up or
down.
Once the optical tube is balanced tighten the counterweight
locking knob, then tighten the RA locking lever in this order.
Rotate the scope round the R.A. axis so that the counterweight
shaft is pointing down and tighten the R.A. locking lever.
Balancing the Optical tube round the DEC Axis
Make certain ensure that the counterweight shaft is pointing downwards and that the R.A. locking lever (3) is locked.
While holding the optical tube so that it does not accidentally
swing freely loosen the DEC locking lever (3). The optical tube
will now be able to rotate ‘freely’around the DEC axis. If the
optical tube is mounted on rings loosen the ring locking knobs
that hold the optical tube in place just enough to be able to slide
the optical tube back and forth inside its own tube rings.
Slide the optical tube inside its rings to a position where the tube
is balanced. Once the optical tube is balanced tighten the ring
locking knobs and the DEC locking lever (3) on the mount.
Alternatively hold the optical tube and slightly loosen the hand-
wheel bolt on the mount’s saddle (1). You will need to move the
whole of the optical tube assembly back and forth until the optical
tube is balanced. It is important that every time you check for
balance, the hand-wheel bolt is tightened to prevent the optical
tube slipping off the saddle.
Once balanced rotate the tube to point the same direction as the
Polar scope. Tighten the hand-wheel bolt (1).
In certain cases, the DEC axis may be stiff and the optical tube
too light to balance the optical tube as outlined. You can
alternatively balance the optical tube round the DEC axis with the
R.A. axis rotated by 90 degrees as seen in the image on the
right.
Special care needs to be taken when doing so, especially when
balancing heavier telescopes. Always make certain that the R.A.
locking lever (4) is tight taking special care when you slide the
optical tube in its mounting rings which is recommended, or when
sliding the optical tube back and forth on the mount’s saddle (1).
13
4
4
4
4
1

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
7
Preparing your Mount and Telescope for Observation
The following figure shows a fully assembled telescope consisting of an Opticstar EQ700 mount and an ARC 102
achromatic refractor.
The telescope is in Home Position and ready to track the sky and various celestial objects via its R.A. and DEC slow
motion controls. The following section outlines the procedure of how to get your mount and telescope into Home
Position. This is necessary so that you can track the night sky via the R.A slow motion control alone.
Levelled
mount
POLAR HOME POSITION
Latitude
Front Tripod leg is aligned North
under the counterweight rod.

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
8
Setting the Telescope to Polar Home Position
Please follow the list of steps below to set your mount and telescope in Home Position. Ensure that:
1. the tripod is level.
2. the mount’s latitude is correctly set for your observing location.
3. the counter-weight shaft points downwards.
4. the mount/telescope has been balanced.
5. both the mount and the telescope point towards Polaris if you are in the
Northern Hemisphere.
6. that the R.A. and DEC Locking levers have been tightened.
7. all fixings have been secured.
8. there is power to the mount.
Once you have assembled positioned and set the balanced telescope in Home
Position you will be ready to proceed. Setting to Home Position is necessary for
the telescope to operate correctly and track the night sky with the aid of the
R.A. manual control alone.
Longitudes & Latitudes List
City
Longitude
latitude
City
Longitude
Latitude
Aberdeen
57o09’ N
4o07’ W
Londonderry
55o00’ N
0o07’ W
Bangor
54o39’ N
5o40’ W
London
51° 29' N
0° 0' W
Bath
51o23’ N
2o22’ W
Manchester
53o28’ N
2o14’ W
Belfast
54° 36' N
5° 55' W
Newcastle upon Tyne
54o58’ N
1o37’ W
Birmingham
52° 29' N
1° 56' W
Newry
54o11’ N
6o21’ W
Bristol
51o27’ N
2o35’ W
Norwich
52o37’ N
1o17’ E
Cambridge
52o12’ N
0o07’ E
Nottingham
52o57’ N
1o08’ W
Cardiff
51° 28' N
3° 10' W
Omagh
54o36’ N
7o15’ W
Coventry
52o24’ N
1o31’ W
Oxford
51o46’ N
1o15’ W
Dundee
56o27’ N
2o59’ W
Peterborough
52o35’ N
0o15’ W
Edinburgh
55° 55' N
3° 11' W
Plymouth
50o22’ N
4o10’ W
Glasgow
55° 52' N
4° 17' W
Reading
51o27’ N
0o58’ W
Inverness
57o28’ N
4o14’ W
Sheffield
53o23’ N
1o28’ W
Ipswich
52o04’ N
1o10’ E
Southampton
50o54’ N
1o24’ W
Leeds
53o48’ N
1o33’ W
Swansea
51o37’ N
3o57’ W
Liverpool
53o24’ N
2o59’ W
York
53o58’ N
1o06’ W
HOME
POSITION

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
9
APPENDIX I: Monthly Sky Watch
JANUARY
Gemini
MGN
NGC2392
The Eskimo Nebula is a planetary nebula close to the double star 63 Geminorum. It can be viewed in an 80mm
telescope but requires magnifications around x120 to make up its shape.
9.35
M35
Large and bright open cluster in the constellation of Gemini. It consists of hundreds of stars and provides excellent
views though binoculars and small telescopes.
5.5
Monoceros
NGC2264
The Christmas Tree Cluster is a large and bright star cluster with nebulosity. It shares the same space with the Cone
Nebula.
4.7
M50
An open star cluster in the constellation of Monoceros. larger telescopes will reveal a large number of stars in a 'heart-
shaped' figure.
5.9
NGC2506
Open cluster.
7.6
Canis Major
M41
The Small Beehive in Canis Major is a cluster of approximately 100 stars with some white dwarfs and red giants, the
largest of which is a red hue 6.3 magnitude star located in the centre.
5.0
Puppis
M46
A large and rich open cluster located close to the Orion Nebula. M46 is about a degree east of M47 in the sky, so the
two fit well in the field of a wide-angle telescope.
6.5
M47
Open cluster with large numbers of randomly arranged stars.
4.5
M93
Bright open cluster with around 80 stars. Its core resembles an arrowhead.
6.5
FEBRUARY
Ursa Major
MGN
M81
Bode’s Galaxy is one of the brightest galaxies in the Messier catalogue, it is located close to the M82.
8.5
M82
The Cigar Galaxy is separated by 150,000 light years from the M81 and is approximately ten times smaller.
9.5
Cancer
M44
The Beehive cluster is an open cluster that contains many double stars.
4.0
M67
The King Cobra is the oldest cluster known. A 4 to 6 inch telescope will show the fainter stars within the cluster.
7.5
Leo
NGC2903
This spiral galaxy is one of the best galaxies for small scopes. It shows a halo and bright core.
9.1
Hydra
M48
An open cluster of around 80 stars.
5.5
MARCH
Leo
MGN
M105
The M105 is an elliptical galaxy with a bright core that grows fainter towards the edge.
11.0
M65
Spiral galaxy that along with the M66 and NGC3628 form the Leo Triplet.
10.5
Coma Berenices
NGC4565
The Needle galaxy is one of the brightest members of the Coma I Galaxy Cloud. It is a face-on spiral galaxy
9.6
Covus
M68
Globular cluster low in the sky which makes it more challenging to observe.
9.0
Canes Venatici
M106
A large and bright galaxy with two spiral arms that are visible in larger telescopes.
9.5
Virgo
M104
The Sombrero Galaxy is virtually an edge-on galaxy that has a large bright core. A dark lane runs across its length
cutting the galaxy splitting it in two.
9.5

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
10
APRIL
Ursa Major
MGN
M81
Bode’s Galaxy is one of the brightest galaxies in the Messier catalogue.
8.5
M82
The Cigar Galaxy is separated by 150,000 light years from the M81 and is approximately ten times smaller.
9.5
Coma Berenices
M64
The Black Eyed galaxy has taken its name from a dark dust lane near located its centre.
9.0
Virgo
M58
A barred spiral galaxy. Large telescopes will reveal it’s structure at higher magnifications.
11.0
M85
A bright galaxy that appears as a cross between a spiral and elliptical galaxy.
10.5
M87
A gigantic elliptical galaxy that resembles a very rich star cluster.
11.0
M88
Spiral galaxy that appears as an elongated glow in smaller telescopes.
11.0
Canes Venatici
M51
The Whirlpool Galaxy is a face-on galaxy. Under favourable conditions it is possible to visually observe its spiral arms.
8.0
M3
Globular cluster with around 500 stars. Best observed at higher magnifications.
7.0
MAY
Canes Venatici
MGN
M63
The Sunflower Galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy. Large telescopes may reveal a degree of detail.
8.5
Coma Berenices
M100
Face-on spiral galaxy with a low surface brightness. The two main spiral arms are only visible in large telescopes.
10.5
Scorpius
M4
The Cat’s Eye is a bright globular cluster. A large telescope is needed to start resolving individual groups of stars.
7.5
M6
The Butterfly Cluster is a bright open cluster that lies close to the centre of our Galaxy.
4.5
M7
Ptolemy’s Cluster is a bright open cluster of around 80 stars.
3.3
Coma Berenices
M53
Globular cluster. Higher magnifications will begin to resolve some detail.
8.5
JUNE
Hercules
MGN
M13
The Hercules Cluster is perhaps the finest in the Northern Hemisphere consisting of around 400,000 stars.
7.0
NGC6210
Planetary nebula with a blue tint. Higher magnifications will reveal its structure.
9.0
Serpens
M5
This globular cluster is better observed at medium magnifications.
7.0
Dragon
NGC6543
The Cat’s Eye is a bright planetary nebula. Large telescopes may show its central star at higher magnifications.
8.8
NGC4565
The largest edge-on galaxy as seen from Earth. It appears as a long streak of light with a bright core and a dark lane.
10.3
Ophiuchus
M9
Dense and bright globular cluster partially obscured by interstellar dust.
9.0
M10
Well resolved globular cluster.
7.5
M14
Large and bright globular cluster.
9.5
M19
Globular cluster.
8.5
M62
Globular cluster at least three fast rotating stars in its centre known as pulsars.
8.0
M107
Globular cluster possibly obscured by interstellar dust.
10.0
IC4665
Open cluster.
4.2

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
11
JULY
Lyra
MGN
M57
The Ring Nebula is a great example of a planetary nebula that is visible in a smaller telescope, the M57 takes
magnification very well. The M57 is illuminated by a central white dwarf or planetary nebula nucleus of 15.75
magnitude.
9.5
Vulpecula
M27
The Dumbbell Nebula is the brightest nebula in the sky. Larger instruments may show hints of colour and also its
central star. The central region of the nebula is marked by a pattern of dark and bright cusped knots and their
accompanying dark tails.
7.5
NGC6885
Open cluster consisting of around 30 stars.
9.1
Scutum
M11
The Wild Duck cluster with around 3,000 stars.
7.0
Sagittarius
M8
The Lagoon Nebula can be seen to the unaided eye under dark skies. Larger telescopes will reveal the nebula’s
interesting structure.
5.0
M17
The Omega Nebula has around 30 stars set in its mass where star formation is taking place. Larger instruments will
reveal considerable detail.
7.0
M20
The Trifid Nebula is a hot red emission nebula surrounded by a blue reflection nebular made of dust. It displays 3
radial lanes that become apparent in moderate size telescopes.
5.0
M22
Globular cluster consists of over half a million stars. It will resolve well in larger telescopes. M22 is one of the closer
globular clusters to Earth at a distance of around 10,600 light years.
5.1
M23
Open cluster with 150 identified members, the brightest being of magnitude 9.2.
6.9
M25
A loose open cluster of around 600 stars. A pleasant sight in telescopes under low powers.
4.9
M55
Open cluster with a loose collection of stars.
7.0
NGC6603
Open cluster superimposed over a rich stellar region.
11.1
Cerpens Cauda
NGC6611
Open cluster.
6.0
AUGUST
Cygnus
MGN
NGC6866
Open cluster.
5.5
Pegasus
M15
Bright and compact globular cluster. Larger telescopes will resolve stars its periphery and also round its centre.
6.2
Aquarius
M2
Globular cluster with around 100,000 stars.
7.5
NGC7009
The Saturn Nebula resembles the shape of Saturn, it takes magnification well. It is a complex planetary nebula
consisting of a halo, jet-like streams, multiple shells and small-scale filaments and knots.
8.3
Vulpecula
NGC6940
Open cluster over a rich star field. Will show individual stars in a moderate size telescope.
6.5
SEPTEMBER
Andromeda
MGN
NGC7662
A captivating planetary nebulae situated between Andromeda and Lacerta. It has a faint at its centre that is variable. A
small telescope will reveal a star-like object with slight nebulosity. A 6" telescope at x100 magnification will reveal a
slightly bluish disk.
8.6
Cassiopeia
M52
Star cluster with hundreds of stars.
10.7
Pegasus
NGC7320
This galaxy is the brightest member of the so-called Stephan’s Quintet.
16.8

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
12
OCTOBER
Andromeda
MGN
M31
A large and bright galaxy. Although it appears more than six times as wide as the full Moon, only the brighter core is
visible to the naked eye.
4.5
M32
Situated by M31 in Andromeda the M32 is a dwarf elliptical galaxy about 2.65 million light-years away from Earth.
10.0
Cassiopeia.
M103
A bright open cluster of 170 stars.
6.4
NGC457
The Owl open Cluster is close to the M103 and consists of approximately 100 colourful stars.
6.7
NGC663
A reasonably bright cluster with around 400 stars found close to the M103.
7.10
NGC7789
A spectacular cluster with over 1,000 stars.
8.28
Cetus
M77
A near face-on galaxy with an extremely bright centre, its outer parts are difficult to distinguish.
10.5
Triangulum
M33
The Triangulum Galaxy is a dim face-on spiral 3 million light years from Earth. It can be observed under very good
conditions.
7.0
NOVEMBER
Cassiopeia
MGN
M103
Open cluster located in Cassiopeia with around 170 stars.
7.0
Perseus
NGC869
Open cluster that in small telescopes appears as a beautiful assemblage of bright stars in a rich star field. The cluster
is dominated by bright blue stars and also hosts a few orange stars that add to the visual effect.
3.7
NGC884
Open cluster with around 500 stars. It is very close to NGC869, the two can be observed as a pair.
6.1
M34
Star cluster in the constellation of Perseus. In small scopes only the brightest stars are visible forming a X shape.
6.0
Taurus
M45
The Pleiades star cluster consists of around 500 stars surrounded by gas and dust only visible in large instruments. It
is also home to several brown dwarf stars Otherwise the cluster is dominated by hot blue stars of very high luminosity
that have formed within the last 100 million years.
1.39
Hyades
The closest open cluster to our Solar System. A V shaped group of its brighter stars outline the head of the Bull in the
constellation of Taurus.
0.5
Camelopardalis
M1
The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant.
9.0
DECEMBER
Auriga.
MGN
NGC1907
Open cluster.
8.19
M36
Open cluster that consists of a dozen brighter stars against a background of fainter stars.
6.5
M37
An interesting open cluster with hundreds of stars. Fainter stars surround the central 9th magnitude red hue star near
the centre adding to the cluster’s attraction.
6.0
M38
A 220 million years old open cluster with dark lanes with bright and double stars being present.
7.0
Orion
M42
An easy object to observe and enjoy with any type of instrument. Will take magnification very well. At its centre, the
Trapezium which is a group of four stars causes the nebula to emit light by heating the surrounding gas clouds.
5.0
M43
A bright emission nebula in the constellation of Orion, in reality part of the M42. It takes magnification well to reveal
faint stars in the nebula and detail at its edges.
7.0
NGC1981
Open cluster in Orion with around 40 stars.
4.2
Lepus
M79
Globular cluster.
8.5

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
13
APPENDIX II: Troubleshooting
Question/Issue
Remarks
Solution
What are the power requirements?
Telescope
1. 8 x D 1.5VDC battery cells or
2. A 12VDC ~3A regulated mains power supply
Red Dot Finder
1. 2 x LR41 type batteries
The handset gets stuck at the
Initialisation phase.
Reset the handset and try again making certain that
data inputs are correct.
The telescope does not move.
No power reaches the
telescope.
Make certain the telescope is switched on. Check
the cables and batteries/power-supply.
The telescope is slewing erratically
and/or the handset resets.
Not enough power.
Use new batteries or an appropriate mains
regulated (12VDC ~3A) Power Supply.
How do I reset the handset to
factory settings and start again?
Follow the menus, i.e.
Welcome Screen > Setup > Reset
The telescope misses its target after
a ‘Successful Alignment’
Not enough power.
Loose parts.
1. Use new batteries / regulated 12VDC 3A PSU
2. Check that the longitude and latitude locking
levers are tight.
3. Check that cables like the handset and motor
cables do not prevent free movement.
It has not been possible to
successfully align the telescope.
Telescope
1. Check the batteries/PSU.
2. Prior to Star Alignment …
a. the telescope must be in the Home Position.
b. Check mount physical latitude setup.
Handset
1. Set Time Zone to 00:00:00 (UK).
2. Check the Longitude & Latitude settings.
3. Check the Date & Time settings.
4. Check the Daylight Saving value settings.
Why is the image through the
telescope reflected or inverted?
This is normal with astronomical telescopes.
I have removed the Optical Tube lid
and I am using an eyepiece but I
can still not see anything through
the telescope.
1. Astronomical targets that are out of focus will not
appear at all. This can also include bright
targets like the Moon.
2. The field of view is relatively small. The
target may be outside the field of view.
Can I use the telescope as is to
observe the Sun?
Observing the Sun
without protection will
permanently damage
your eyes.
You must use a dedicated, full aperture Solar filter.
Can the telescope track the Sun?
Observing the Sun
without protection will
permanently damage
your eyes.
First align the telescope. Then follow the menus to
select Solar Rate, i.e. Welcome Screen > Setup >
Tracking Rate > Solar Speed.
How does the compass show
North?
The compass points to
magnetic North.
The Red part of the needle points North.
The bubble level has several
smaller bubbles and not a single
large one.
Let the bubble level rest for a few minutes, the
smaller bubbles will reform into a single larger
bubble.

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
14
CAUTION!
Never look at the Sun through your telescope, the telescope’s
finder or the mount’s Polar scope as this will cause blindness.
Observing the Sun directly, even for a very short period,
without the appropriate protection can cause serious damage
to your eyes.

© Opticstar Ltd 2013-2015
15
Opticstar Ltd
87 Washway Road, Sale, Greater Manchester, M33 7TQ. United Kingdom
Web: www.opticstar .com –Email: [e-mail]