INSTRUCTION MANUAL
NexStar 60 |
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NexStar 80 |
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NexStar 114 |
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S |
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INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................. |
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Warning........................................................................................................................................................................... |
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QUICK SETUP................................................................................................................................................................... |
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ASSEMBLY..................................................................................................................................................................... |
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Assembling the NexStar................................................................................................................................................ |
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Attaching the Telescope to the Tripod....................................................................................................................... |
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The Hand Control Holder.......................................................................................................................................... |
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The Star Diagonal...................................................................................................................................................... |
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The Eyepiece ............................................................................................................................................................. |
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Focusing .................................................................................................................................................................... |
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The Star Pointer Finderscope .................................................................................................................................... |
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Star Pointer Installation ......................................................................................................................................... |
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Star Pointer Operation ........................................................................................................................................... |
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HAND CONTROL.......................................................................................................................................................... |
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Attaching the Hand Control....................................................................................................................................... |
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Powering the NexStar................................................................................................................................................ |
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The Hand Control...................................................................................................................................................... |
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Hand Control Operation ................................................................................................................................................ |
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Alignment Procedure................................................................................................................................................. |
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Auto-Align ................................................................................................................................................................ |
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Two Star Alignment .................................................................................................................................................. |
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Quick-Align............................................................................................................................................................... |
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NexStar Re-Alignment .............................................................................................................................................. |
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Object Catalog............................................................................................................................................................... |
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Selecting an Object.................................................................................................................................................... |
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Slewing to an Object ................................................................................................................................................. |
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Tour Mode................................................................................................................................................................. |
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Direction Buttons .......................................................................................................................................................... |
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Rate Button................................................................................................................................................................ |
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Set Up Procedures ......................................................................................................................................................... |
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Tracking Mode .......................................................................................................................................................... |
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Tracking Rate ............................................................................................................................................................ |
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View Time-Site ..................................................................................................................................................... |
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Sidereal Time ........................................................................................................................................................ |
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Filter Limits........................................................................................................................................................... |
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RS-232................................................................................................................................................................... |
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User Defined Objects ............................................................................................................................................ |
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Get RA/DEC ............................................................................................................................................................. |
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Get Alt-Az................................................................................................................................................................. |
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Goto R.A/Dec............................................................................................................................................................ |
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Goto Alt-Az............................................................................................................................................................... |
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Utility Features.............................................................................................................................................................. |
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Steup Time-Site..................................................................................................................................................... |
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Anti-backlash ........................................................................................................................................................ |
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Slew Limits ........................................................................................................................................................... |
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Direction Buttons .................................................................................................................................................. |
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Light Control ......................................................................................................................................................... |
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Select Model.......................................................................................................................................................... |
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TELESCOPE BASICS.................................................................................................................................................... |
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Focusing .................................................................................................................................................................... |
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Image Orientation...................................................................................................................................................... |
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Calculating Magnification ......................................................................................................................................... |
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Determining Field of View........................................................................................................................................ |
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General Observing Hints ........................................................................................................................................... |
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CELESTIAL OBSERVING ........................................................................................................................................... |
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Observing the Moon.............................................................................................................................................. |
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Lunar Observing Hints .......................................................................................................................................... |
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Observing the Planets............................................................................................................................................ |
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Planetary Observing Hints..................................................................................................................................... |
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Observing the Sun ................................................................................................................................................. |
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Solar Observing Hints ........................................................................................................................................... |
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Observing Deep Sky Objects................................................................................................................................. |
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Seeing Conditions.................................................................................................................................................. |
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Transparency ......................................................................................................................................................... |
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Sky Illumination.................................................................................................................................................... |
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Seeing.................................................................................................................................................................... |
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TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE....................................................................................................................................... |
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Care and Cleaning of the Optics.................................................................................................................................... |
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Collimation.................................................................................................................................................................... |
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OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ....................................................................................................................................... |
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APPENDIX A - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................. |
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APPENDIX B – GLOSSARY OF TERMS ................................................................................................................... |
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APPENDIX C – RS 232 CONNECTION ...................................................................................................................... |
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Communication Protocol:...................................................................................................................................... |
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APPENDIX D – TIME ZONE MAPS ........................................................................................................................... |
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SKY MAPS ...................................................................................................................................................................... |
41 |
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Congratulations on your purchase of the Celestron NexStar! The NexStar ushers in a whole new generation of computer automated technology. Simple and friendly to use, the NexStar is up and running after locating just two alignment stars. It’s the perfect combination of power and portability. If you are new to astronomy, you may wish to start off by using the NexStar's built-in Sky Tour feature, which commands the NexStar to find the most interesting objects in the sky and automatically slews to each one. Or if you are an experienced amateur, you will appreciate the comprehensive database of over 4,000 objects, including customized lists of all the best deep-sky objects, bright double stars and variable stars. No matter at what level you are starting out, the NexStar will unfold for you and your friends all the wonders of the Universe.
Some of the many standard features of the NexStar include:
•Incredible 4°/second slew speed.
•Fully enclosed motors and optical encoders for position location.
•Computerized hand controller with 4,000 object database.
•Storage for programmable user defined objects; and
•Many other high performance features!
The NexStar’s deluxe features combined with Celestron’s legendary optical standards give amateur astronomers one of the most sophisticated and easy to use telescopes available on the market today.
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 NexStar, so you should keep this manual handy until you have fully mastered your telescope’s operation. The NexStar hand control has built-in instructions to guide you through all the alignment procedures needed to have the telescope up and running in minutes. Use this manual in conjunction with the on-screen instructions provided by the hand control. 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 NexStar 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 Never 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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Fork Arm
Base
Tripod Head
Coupling
Screw
Accessory
Tray
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Battery |
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Control |
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Pack |
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Outlet |
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Outlet |
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Install 8 AA batteries into the battery pack. Plug in the hand control and the battery pack into the outlets on the fork arm base.
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A) Remove the NexStar from its packaging. Spread the tripod legs apart until the center leg brace is fully extended and attach the accessory tray. B) Extend the tripod legs to the desired height. C) Set the telescope fork arm base into the tripod head and thread the coupling screw into the bottom of the base.
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Eyepiece |
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Focus Knob |
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A) Attach the included accessories. Loosen the thumb screw at the end of the focuser and remove the protective plastic cap. Insert the diagonal (60mm and 80mm models only) and low power eyepiece (25mm or 20mm) into the barrel of the focuser. B) Remove the front lens cover from the end of the telescope. C) Attach the Star Pointer finderscope and remove the plastic cover over the battery and turn-on the Star Pointer by rotating the dial on the side. (For instructions on aligning the Star Pointer, see the Assembly section of the manual).
The first time the NexStar is powered on the display will read Select Model. Use the Up and Down scroll buttons to select your NexStar model from the list and press ENTER. When the display reads NexStar Ready, press ENTER to AutoAlign the NexStar. The hand control display will ask you to move the telescope tube so that it is level with the ground and facing the north horizon. Use the direction arrow buttons on the hand control to position the telescope north and level. (See Astronomy Basics for help on finding north).
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Direction
Buttons
Up and Down
Scroll Buttons
Use the Up and Down scroll buttons and choose from the city database the closest city to your present location. Then input the necessary date and time information as instructed by the hand control. Press ENTER after each entry. (See Hand Control section of the manual for detailed alignment procedures).
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StarPointer Finderscope
Alignment Star
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Catalog Keys 
Object List
Button
TOUR Button
Press the TOUR button on the hand control. The hand control will display a list of objects that are visible for the date and location entered. Press INFO to read information about the object displayed. Press the DOWN scroll key to display the next object. Press ENTER to slew to (go to) the displayed object.
The NexStar will automatically choose an alignment star and slew the telescope close to that star. Once there, the display will ask you to use the arrow buttons to aim the Star Pointer at the star. If the star is not visible (perhaps behind a tree), press UNDO to select a new star. Next, focus and center the star in the eyepiece and press ALIGN. Repeat these steps for the second star alignment. When complete, display will read "Alignment Successful".
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The NexStar 60 GT
Refractor Telescope
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Objective Lens |
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Focuser Knob |
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Fork Arm |
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Star Diagonal |
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Hand Control |
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Eyepiece |
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Accessory Tray |
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Star Pointer Finderscope |
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Tripod |
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Tube Ring |
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The NexStar 80 GT |
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Refractor Telescope |
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Objective Lens |
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Focuser Knob |
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Fork Arm |
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Star Diagonal |
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Hand Control |
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Eyepiece |
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Accessory Tray |
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Star Pointer Finderscope |
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Tripod |
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Tube Ring |
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NexStar 114 GT
Reflecting Telescope
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Lens Cover |
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Hand Control |
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Optical Tube |
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Collimation Adjustment Knobs |
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Fork Arm |
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Tube Ring |
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Tripod |
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Focuser |
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Accessory Tray |
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Star Pointer Finderscope |
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The NexStar comes partially assembled and can be operational in a matter of minutes. The NexStar is conveniently packaged in one reusable shipping carton that contains the following accessories:
NexStar 60 GT |
NexStar 80 GT |
NexStar 114 GT |
20mm, 10mm, 4mm Eyepieces – 1¼" |
25mm, 10mm Eyepieces – 1¼" |
25mm Eyepiece – 1¼" |
1¼" Star Diagonal |
1¼" Star Diagonal |
10mm Eyepiece – 1¼" |
Star Pointer Finderscope and Mounting |
Star Pointer Finderscope and Mounting |
Star Pointer Finderscope and Mounting |
Bracket |
Bracket |
Bracket |
Deluxe Accessory Tray |
Deluxe Accessory Tray |
Deluxe Accessory Tray |
Battery Pack |
Battery Pack |
Battery Pack |
The Sky™ Level 1 Astronomy Software |
The Sky™ Level 1 Astronomy Software |
The Sky™ Level 1 Astronomy Software |
Telescope Control Software |
Telescope Control Software |
Telescope Control Software |
NexStar Hand Control w/ Object Database |
NexStar Hand Control w/ Object Database |
NexStar Hand Control w/ Object Database |
Assembling the NexStar
Your NexStar comes in two major sections: the optical tube with fork arm and the tripod. These sections can be attached in seconds using the quick release coupling screw located under the tripod mounting platform. Remove all of the accessories from their individual boxes. Remember to save all of the containers so that they can be used to transport the telescope. Before attaching the visual accessories, the telescope tube should be mounted to its tripod. First, install the accessory tray onto the tripod legs:
Tripod
Mounting
Platform
Fork Arm
Base
Accessory
Tray
Coupling
Screw
Center Support
Brace
Figure 2-1
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1.Remove the tripod from the box and spread the legs apart until the center leg brace is fully extended.
2.Locate the accessory tray, and place it on top of the tripod center support brace in between the tripod legs (see figure 2-1).
3.Insert the wing bolts through the holes from the bottom of the tripod support brace and thread them into the holes in the accessory tray. Tighten all bolts to ensure proper stability to the mount.
It is a good idea to adjust the height of the tripod before attaching the fork arm and tube. Minor adjustments can be made later. To adjust the height of the tripod legs:
1.Loosen the tripod leg locking bolt located on the side of each leg.
2.Slide the inner portion of each leg down 6" to 8" inches.
3.Tighten the tripod locking bolts to hold each leg in place.
Attaching the Telescope to the Tripod
With the tripod properly assembled, the telescope tube and fork arm can easily be attached using the quick release coupling screw located underneath the tripod mounting platform:
1.Hold the telescope tube assembly by the fork arm and place the fork arm base inside the tripod mounting platform.
2.Thread the coupling screw into the hole at the bottom of the fork arm base and hand tighten.
Your NexStar is fully assembled and is ready to attach the accessories.
The Hand Control Holder
The NexStar comes with a hand control that plugs into the side of the fork arm and can be stored in a holder that attaches to the side of any tripod leg (see figure 2-2). The back of the hand control has an opening that slides over the clip on the inside of the holder. To remove the hand control from its holder, gently lift the hand control upwards and remove it from the holder.
To attach the hand control holder to the tripod leg:
1.Orient the holder so that the flanges with the holes go on either side of the tripod leg with the flange facing the inside of the tripod. Note: the tripod legs should be extended to the desired height before installing the holder.
2.Insert the mounting bolt through the holes in the holder flange.
3.Thread the wing nut on the end of the bolt and tighten to secure the holder.
Hand Control
Holder Clip
Flange
Tripod
Leg
Figure 2-2 – The Hand Control Holder
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The Star Diagonal
(For 60mm and 80mm Models Only)
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:
1. Turn the thumbscrew on the eyepiece adapter at the end of the focuser |
Eyepiece |
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barrel until it no longer extends into (i.e., obstructs) the inner diameter |
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of the focus barrel. Remove the protective dust cap from the focuser |
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2.Slide the chrome portion of the star diagonal into the eyepiece adapter.
3.Tighten the thumbscrew on the eyepiece adapter to hold the star diagonal in place.
If you wish to change the orientation of the star diagonal, loosen the thumbscrew on the eyepiece adapter until the star diagonal rotates freely. Rotate the diagonal to the desired position and tighten the thumbscrew.
The Eyepiece
Star Pointer
Focus Knob
The eyepiece, or ocular, is the optical element that magnifies the image focused by the telescope. The eyepiece fits either directly into the
focuser (114mm model) or into the star diagonal (60mm and 80mm models). To install the eyepiece:
For 60mm and 80mm models:
1.Loosen the thumbscrew on the star diagonal so it does not obstruct the inner diameter of the eyepiece end of the diagonal. Remove the protective dust cap from the star diagonal's barrel.
2.Slide the chrome portion of the low power 25mm eyepiece (20mm for the NexStar 60 model) 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.
For 114mm model: |
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1.Loosen the thumb screw on the eyepiece adapter at the end of the focuser barrel and
remove the protective dust cap from the focuser barrel.
2.Slide the chrome portion of the low power 25mm eyepiece into the eyepiece
adapter.
3.Tighten the thumbscrew to hold the eyepiece in place.
To remove the eyepiece, loosen the thumbscrew on the eyepiece barrel 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 focuser. The NexStar uses eyepieces with a standard 1-1/4" barrel diameter.
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Focusing
To focus your telescope, simply turn either of the focus knobs at the eyepiece end of the optical tube (see figures 2-3 and 2.4). Turn the focus knob until the image is sharp. Once sharp, turn the knob towards you to focus on an object that is closer than the one you are currently observing. Turn the knob away from you to focus on a more distant object than the one you are currently observing.
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 mounting brackets. Before the Star Pointer is ready to be used, it must be attached to the telescope tube and properly aligned:
Sight Tube 
ON/OFF
Brightness Control
Azimuth
Adjustment
Control
Dovetail
Tightening
Screws
Altitude
Adjustment
Control Mounting Holes
(for 114 models)
Figure 2-5 – The Star Pointer Finderscope with Bracket
Star Pointer Installation
For 60mm model:
1.Slide the Star Pointer onto the dovetail mounting platform on top of the focuser assembly so that the sight tube is facing towards the front of the tube.
2.Tighten the two dovetail mounting screws to fasten the Star Pointer in place.
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Note
For 80mm model:
1.Slide the Star Pointer bracket into the dovetail mounting platform on top of the focuser assembly.
2.Orient the Star Pointer so that the sight tube is facing towards the front of the tube.
3.Secure the Star Pointer bracket by tightening the thumb screw on the mounting platform.
For 114mm model:
1.Remove the nuts from the studs where the Star Pointer will mount.
2.Mount the Star Pointer bracket by placing the bracket over the studs protruding from the tube and tightening it down with the supplied nuts. Orient the Star Pointer so that the sight tube is facing towards the front of the tube.
Star Pointer Operation
The star pointer is powered by a long life 3-volt lithium battery (#CR2032) located underneath the front portion of the Star Pointer. Like all finderscopes, the Star Pointer must be properly aligned with the main telescope before it can be used. This is a simple process using the azimuth and altitude control knobs located on the side and bottom of the Star Pointer. The alignment procedure is best done at night since the LED dot will be difficult to see during the day. Note: Before using the StarPointer, you must first remove the protective plastic cover over the battery.
1.To turn on the Star Pointer, rotate the variable brightness control (see figure 2-5) clockwise until you here a
"click". To increase the brightness level of the red dot, continue rotating the control knob about 180º until it stops.
Remember to remove the plastic cover over the battery, and always turn the power off after you have found an object. This will extend the life of both the battery and the LED.
2.Locate a bright star or planet and center it in a low power eyepiece in the main telescope.
3.With both eyes open, look through the glass window at the alignment star.
If the Star Pointer is perfectly aligned, you will see the red LED dot overlap the alignment star. If the Star Pointer is not aligned, take notice of where the red dot is relative to the bright star.
4.Without moving the main telescope, turn the Star Pointer's azimuth and altitude alignment controls until the red dot is directly over the alignment star.
If the LED dot is brighter than the alignment star, it may make it difficult to see the star. Turn the variable brightness control counterclockwise, until the red dot is the same brightness as the alignment star. This will make it easier to get an accurate alignment. The Star Pointer is now ready to be used .
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Attaching the Hand Control
The NexStar GT hand control has a phone jack type connector at the end of its cord. Plug the phone jack connector into the outlet at the base of the telescope’s fork arm. Push the connector into the outlet until it clicks into place and place the hand control into its holder as described previously in the Assembly section of the manual.
Battery Pack
Outlet
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Figure 3-1 – The NexStar GT Outlets |
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Powering the NexStar |
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The NexStar GT can be powered by the supplied battery pack or an optional 12v AC adapter. The power pack requires 8 |
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user supplied AA size alkaline batteries. To power the NexStar, insert the batteries into the battery pack and plug the round |
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post into the 12v outlet located on the side of the fork arm. Once the battery pack is plugged in, the NexStar will power on |
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and the hand control will display the message NexStar Ready. |
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In case of a loss of power, the optical tube can be moved by hand. However, when powered on, the telescope should always |
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be controlled via the hand control. The NexStar will lose its star alignment if moved by hand when powered on. |
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The Hand Control
The NexStar GT's hand controller is designed to give you instant access to all the functions the NexStar has to offer. With automatic slewing to over 4,000 objects, and common sense menu descriptions, even a beginner can master its variety of features in just a few observing sessions. Below is a brief description of the individual components of the NexStar GT hand controller:
1.Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Window: Has a dual-line, 16 character display screen that is backlit for comfortable viewing of telescope information and scrolling text.
2.Align: Instructs the NexStar to use a selected star or object as an alignment position.
3.Direction Keys: Allows complete control of the NexStar in any direction. Use the direction keys to center objects in the StarPointer finderscope and eyepiece.
4.Catalog Keys: The NexStar has a key on the hand control to allow direct access to each of the catalogs in its 4,000+ object database. The NexStar contains the following catalogs in its database:
Messier – Complete list of all Messier objects.
NGC – Many of the brightest deep sky objects from the Revised New General Catalog.
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