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make it more convenient to attach the necessary accessories as well as remove the front lens cover and install batteries when they
are needed.
You are now ready to attach the included visual accessories onto the telescope optical tube.
The Star Diagonal
The star diagonal diverts the light at a right angle from the light path of the
telescope. For astronomical observing, this allows you to observe in positions
that are more comfortable than if you were to look straight through. To attach the
star diagonal:
Figure 3-2 - The visual accessories
Eyepiece
Visual
Back
Star
Dia
g
onal
1. Turn the thumbscrew on the visual back until its tip no longer extends into (i.e.,
obstructs) the inner diameter of the visual back.
2. Slide the chrome portion of the star diagonal into the visual back.
3. Tighten the thumbscrew on the visual back to hold the star diagonal in place.
If you wish to change the orientation of the star diagonal, loosen the thumbscrew
on the visual back until the star diagonal rotates freely. Rotate the diagonal to the
desired position and tighten the thumbscrew.
The Eyepiece
The eyepiece, or ocular, is the optical element that magnifies the image focused
by the telescope. The eyepiece fits into either the visual back directly or the star diagonal. To install the eyepiece:
1. Loosen the thumbscrew on the star diagonal so 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.
3. Tighten the thumbscrew to hold the eyepiece in place.
To remove the eyepiece, loosen the thumbscrew on the star diagonal and slide the eyepiece out.
Eyepieces are commonly referred to by focal length and barrel diameter. The focal length of each eyepiece is printed on the
eyepiece barrel. The longer the focal length (i.e., the larger the number) the lower the eyepiece power or magnification; and the
shorter the focal length (i.e., the smaller the number) the higher the magnification. Generally, you will use low-to-moderate
power when viewing. For more information on how to determine power, see the section on “Calculating Magnification.”
Barrel diameter is the diameter of the barrel that slides into the star diagonal or visual back. The NexStar uses eyepieces with a
standard 1-1/4" barrel diameter.
The Star Pointer Finderscope
The Star Pointer is the quickest and easiest way to point your telescope exactly at a desired object in the sky. It's like having a
laser pointer that you can shine directly onto the night sky. The Star Pointer is a zero magnification pointing tool that uses a
coated glass window to superimpose the image of a small red dot onto the night sky. While keeping both eyes open when
looking through the Star Pointer, simply move your telescope until the red dot, seen through the Star Pointer, merges with the
object as seen with your unaided eye. The red dot is produced by a light-emitting diode (LED); it is not a laser beam and will not
damage the glass window or your eye. The Star Pointer comes equipped with a variable brightness control, two axes alignment
control and a quick-release dovetail mounting bracket. Before the Star Pointer is ready to be used, it must be attached to the
telescope tube and properly aligned:
Star Pointer Installation
1. Locate the dovetail mounting bracket on the rear cell of the optical tube.
7
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