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Mooddeell ## 2211002244
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................................................................................... 5
Installing the Eyepieces ..............................................................................................................5
Pointing the Telescope................................................................................................................5
TELESCOPE BASICS ...................................................................................................................6
Image Orientation ....................................................................................................................... 6
Focusing...................................................................................................................................... 7
Calculating Magnification ..........................................................................................................7
Determining Field of View......................................................................................................... 7
General Observing Hints............................................................................................................. 7
The Celestial Coordinate System................................................................................................8
Motion of the Stars...................................................................................................................... 9
CELESTIAL OBSERVING .........................................................................................................10
Observing the Moon .................................................................................................................10
Lunar Observing Hints.............................................................................................................. 10
Observing the Planets ...............................................................................................................10
Observing Deep Sky Objects- Star Hopping ............................................................................ 10
Seeing Conditions..................................................................................................................... 13
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY............................................................................................................ 13
TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE.................................................................................................. 14
Care and Cleaning of the Optics ............................................................................................... 14
Collimation of a Newtonian...................................................................................................... 14
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ..................................................................................................... 16
FirstScope Specifications.............................................................................................................. 16
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Congratulations on your purchase of the FirstScope telescope. The FirstScope uses a Dobsonian Mount which is a
simple, easy to use type – easy movement of altitude (up & down) and azimuth (side-to-side). The optical tube is a
Newtonian reflector design. The FirstScope is made of the highest quality materials to ensure stability and
durability. All this adds up to a telescope that gives you a lifetime of pleasure with a minimal amount of
maintenance.
This telescope was designed for the First Time User offering exceptional value. The FirstScope features a compact
and portable design with ample optical performance to excite any newcomer to the world of amateur astronomy. In
addition, your FirstScope telescope is ideal for terrestrial observations which will open your eyes with superb high
power viewing – select the object, aim, point, and focus.
The FirstScope telescope carries a two year limited warranty.
Some of the standard features of the FirstScope include:
• All coated glass optical elements for clear, crisp images.
• Smooth functioning, rigid Dobsonian alt-azimuth mount with simple controls for easy targeting.
• Designed to be used on a table top or other flat, sturdy surface.
• Quick and easy set up.
Take time to read through this manual before embarking on your journey through the Universe. It may take a few
observing sessions to become familiar with your telescope, so you should keep this manual handy until you have
fully mastered your telescope’s operation. The manual gives detailed information regarding each step as well as
needed reference material and helpful hints guaranteed to make your observing experience as simple and pleasurable
as possible.
Your telescope is designed to give you years of fun and rewarding observations. However, there are a few things to
consider before using your telescope that will ensure your safety and protect your equipment.
Warning
y Never look directly at the sun with the naked eye or with a telescope (unless you have the proper
solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
y Never use your telescope to project an image of the sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up
can damage the telescope and any accessories attached to it.
y Never use an eyepiece solar filter or a Herschel wedge. Internal heat build-up inside the telescope
can cause these devices to crack or break, allowing unfiltered sunlight to pass through to the eye.
y Do not leave the telescope unsupervised, either when children are present or adults who may not
be familiar with the correct operating procedures of your telescope.
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9
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Figure 1-1
1. Focuser 6. Arm
2. Secondary (Diagonal) Mirror-- inside 7. Tube End
3. Optical Tube 8. Primary Mirror -- inside
4. Lock Nut 9. Focus Knob
5. Base 10. Eyepiece
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Your telescope requires virtually no assembly. The telescope with its optical tube and mount are preassembled and
almost ready to use when taken out of the carton.
Two eyepieces are included – 20mm (15 power) and a 4mm (75 power). Insert an eyepiece and you are ready to use
the telescope. However, before beginning you should understand the functions and criteria of using a telescope in
the following sections.
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The eyepiece (or ocular) is an optical element that magnifies the image focused by
the telescope. Without the eyepiece it would be impossible to use the telescope
visually. Eyepieces are commonly referred to by focal length and barrel diameter.
The longer focal length (i.e., the larger the number) the lower the eyepiece
magnification (i.e., power). Generally, you will use low-to-moderate power when
viewing. For more information on how to determine power, see the section on
“Calculating Magnification”. The eyepiece fits directly into the focuser. To attach
the eyepieces:
1. Make sure the thumbscrews are not protruding into the focuser tube. Then,
insert the chrome barrel of the eyepieces into the focus tube (remove the
cap of the focuser first) and tighten the thumbscrews – see Figure 2-1.
2. The eyepieces can be changed by reversing the procedure as described above.
3. Locate objects with the low power eyepiece (15x) and then you can change to
high power (75x) to see more detail.
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The telescope is designed to be used on a table or other sturdy surface. The FirstScope is easy to move wherever
you want to point it.
plug up
Figure 2-1
y Loosen the Lock Nut by turning it counterclockwise and hold the Tube
End.
ght along the Optical Tube towards the object you want to find.
y Si
y Move the Tube End until you find the object you are searching for.
y Tighten the Lock Nut.
Note: You can leave the Lock Nut slightly loose and it will make it easy to
make slight changes in any direction by moving the Tube End.
Figure 2-2
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