© Opticstar Ltd 2014
APPENDIX
Single-speed Focuser Adjustment
To set the single-speed AR80S focuser to a desired setting you will need to adjust the
tension using the single thumb-screw that can be found under the focuser.
Simply turn the thumb-screw Aone way to increase the Crayford focuser’s holding
capacity, turn the thumb screw the other way to reduce the holding capacity of the focuser.
Increasing the pressure will enable the focuser to hold more weight but the focuser will
become slightly less sensitive. As such it is important not to unnecessarily over-tighten the
thumb-screw.
Optics Care
Lenses and corrector plates can be treated as camera lenses for cleaning purposes.
What makes them difficult to clean is the large size of such optical elements.
The general rule is not to touch the optics and only clean them when absolutely
necessary, dust on the objective lens could be removed with very gentle strokes of a
camel hair brush available at camera shops.
Another way to remove dust from an optical surface is with compressed photographic air
which is free of contaminants.
Be careful and always make certain that the nozzle is propellant free. Hold the compressed air-can the right way up
as otherwise they can discharge liquid propellant which will stain the optics. Stains on optics can be removed with
optical cleaners used to clean photographic lenses. Always use compressed air at very low pressure as
contaminants that may have landed on the lens could scratch the glass surface, never rush the cleaning process.
CAUTION: You can remove condensation from the optics with a hair-dryer set to ‘cold’. Otherwise bring the
telescope inside and let condensation to dissipate before putting on the cover. Place the telescope on
a table and not on the floor. Never try to remove condensation using a cleaning cloth or similar, this
will most likely smear the optics.
Applications
The AR80S Gold telescope can be used as a guide scopes for auto-guiding motorised/GOTO telescope mounts in
conjunction with an appropriate guide camera and auto-guide controller. Complete auto-guide camera kits include
the Opticstar AG130M CA, AG131M CA and AG131C CA. Such kits consist of a guide-camera, auto-guide
controller, cables, adapters and software to auto-guide with. Depending on the camera you use an extension may
be needed to bring the camera to focus.
The AR80S F5 is also suited for wide field deep-sky imaging due to its low focal ratio, solid structure and Crayford
focuser. It is suited for deep sky imaging when coupled with DSLR cameras or light-weight cooled astronomical
cameras.
87 Washway Road, Sale
Greater Manchester
M33 7TQ
United Kingdom
