ORION TELESCOPES & BINOCULARS FunScope 9766 Manuals

Newtonian Reflector #9766 instruction Manual IN 374 Rev. A 08/09 FunSc pe 2 3 Funscope Parts (refer to Figure 1) 1 20mm eyepiece: The eyepiece is the part of the telescope that you actu- ally look through to see things. The focal length of the eyepiece and the telescope determines the magnifying power. Magnification is discussed in more detail in the Using Your Telescope section 2 Red-dot finder reflex sight: This is a special “finder” that helps you aim the telescope and locate objects in the sky for viewing. The Red-dot finder generates a red LED “dot” that shows where your telescope is aimed. The use of the Red-dot finder is discussed in the Getting Started section. 3 Optical tube: This is the main component of the telescope. 4 Focuser: This is where the eyepiece is inserted, and how sharpness is adjusted. Details of the focuser are shown in Figure 2. 5 Altitude tension adjustment knob: By tightening and loosening this knob, you can change the amount tension in the altitude (up/down) motion of the telescope. 6 Altazimuth base: This wooden base provides a stable base for the tele- scope. It allows you to move the telescope in altitude (up/down) and azimuth (left/right). 7 10mm eyepiece: The higher-power eyepiece that comes with the FunScope. Eyepieces are discussed in the Magnification section. 8 Rubber feet: Three feet provide support for the FunScope and are skid free. This allows you to place the FunScope on smooth surfaces. Figure 2 shows detail of the focuser: 9 Focus Wheels: The focus wheels are used to bring objects into focus. By turning them you move the rack-and-pinion focuser (4) in and out. 10 Eyepiece securing thumbscrews: These thumbscrews are used to keep the eyepiece (1) secure in the focuser (4). Items not shown: Primary Mirror: The large spherical mirror inside the optical tube (3) gathers incoming light and focuses it with its parabolic shape. Secondary Mirror: The secondary mirror is located near the opening of the optical tube (3) and reflects the focused light from the primary mirror into the eyepiece (1). assembly Assembly of the FunScope is very easy. Carefully remove the protective pack- aging. Your FunScope arrives assembled from the factory. You just need to Congratulations on your purchase of a FunScope telescope. Your new FunScope is easy to use and arrives from the fac- tory almost fully assembled! Only the finder and eyepieces need to be installed. These instructions will help you set up and use your FunScope telescope, please read them thoroughly. The FunScope will provide years of enjoyment of many night-sky treasures including breathtaking views of the Moon, planets, and even some bright deep sky objects. Figure 1: Overview of the FunScope 1 4 5 8 2 6 3 7 8 10 9 4 5 install the visual accessories. These will be found in a box within the main box. Please save all original packaging. This will help protect your FunScope if you wish to transport it or in the unlikely event repair service is necessary. Parts list 1 Red-dot finder reflex sight (2) 1 20mm eyepiece (1) 1 10mm eyepiece (11) When unpacking the telescope it is suggested that you save the internal packaging. In the unlikely event the product needs to be returned the shipping materials can be re-used to ensure it arrives safely at its destination. attaching the red-dot Finder Remove the two metal thumbscrews from the optical tube (Figure 3). Place the bracket of the Red-dot finder (2) on the tube so that the holes in the bracket slide over the two threaded posts on the tube. The EZ Finder should be ori- ented so that it appears as in Figure 1. Thread the thumbscrews back onto the posts to secure the Red-dot finder in place. inserting the Eyepiece Loosen the eyepiece securing thumbscrews (10). Insert the chrome barrel of the 20mm eyepiece (1) into the focuser (4) and secure it with the thumbscrews. Set aside the 10mm eyepiece (11) for use later. Your telescope is now fully assem- bled and should resemble Figure 1. Remove the dust cap from the front of the telescope when it is in use. Replace it when you are finished observing. Getting started It’s best to get a feel for the basic functions of the FunScope during the day, before observing astronomical objects at night. This way you won’t have to orient yourself in the dark! Find a spot outdoors where you’ll have plenty of room to move the telescope, and where you’ll have a clear view of some object or vista that is at least 1/4 mile away. It is not critical that the tele- scope be exactly level, but it should be placed on a relatively flat surface to ensure smooth movement. The FunScope was designed specifically for visual observation of astronomi- cal objects in the night sky. Like all Newtonian reflector telescopes, it is not suited for daytime terrestrial usage because the image in the eyepiece is inverted (upside-down). Placing the Funscope One of the great assets of the FunScope is its extremely portable size. Due to its overall short height, you will find that viewing while sitting next to the telescope is the most comfortable. If you wish to raise the telescope off the ground so that it can be used while standing or sitting in a chair, then a plat- form, such as a milk crate or table can be used. altitude and azimuth (aiming the telescope) The FunScope altazimuth base (6) permits motion along two axes: altitude (up/down) and azimuth (left/right) (Figure 4). Moving the telescope up/down and right/left is the “natural” way people search for objects; which makes pointing the telescope intuitive and easy. Figure 2: Details of the focuser Figure 3: Thumbnuts for installing Red-Dot Finder bracket Figure 4: The StarBlast has two axes of motion: altitude (up/down) and azimuth (left/right). Altitude Azimuth 10 9 1