COMPUTERIZED TELESCOPE
ITEM #31153
SkyProdigy 130
SkyProdigy 70
SkyProdigy 90
ITEM #22089
ITEM #22091
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Warning
SkyProdigy Models
ASSEMBLY
Assembling SkyProdigy
Attaching the Hand Control Holder
Attaching the Fork Arm to the Tripod
Attaching the Telescope to the Fork Arm
The Star Diagonal
The Eyepiece
Focusing
Attaching the Hand Control
Powering SkyProdigy
The StarPointer Finderscope
StarPointer Installation
StarPointer Operation
HAND CONTROL
The Hand Control
Aligning SkyProdigy
StarSense Alignment
Manual StarSense Alignment
Solar Sytem Alignment
Rene Alignment
Object Catalog
Selecting an Object
Slewing to an Object
SkyTour Button
Identify Button
Direction Buttons
Motor Speed Button
Help Button
Menu Button
Basic Level Menu Items
Time and Location
View/ GOTO Location
Utility Features
Backlight
LCD Contrast
Get Version Info
Restore Defaults
Menu Level
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Advanced Level Menu Items
Database Setup
Telescope Setup
Tracking
Slew Limits
Direction Buttons
Cordwrap
Backlash Compensation
StarSense Camera
SKYPRRODIGY MENU TREE
TELESCOPE BASICS
Focusing
Image Orientation
Calculating Magnication
Determining Field of View
General Observing Hints
CELESTIAL OBSERVING
Observing the Moon
Lunar Observing Hints
Observing the Planets
Planetary Observing Hints
Observing the Sun
Solar Observing Hints
Observing Deep Sky Objects
Seeing Conditions
Transparency
Sky Illumination
Seeing
TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE
Care and Cleaning of the Optics
Collimation
APPENDIX A - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
APPENDIX B – GLOSSARY OF TERMS
APPENDIX C – TIME ZONE MAP
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INSTRUCTION MANUAL [Continued]
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of Celestron’s SkyProdigy
telescope! SkyProdigy ushers in a whole new generation of
computer automated technology. It combines electronic motors,
a digital camera and internal *StarSense™ Technology to create
an automatic, instant alignment telescope that requires no input
from the user. Simply turn it on, push a button and enjoy the
view! It’s that easy. If you are new to astronomy, you may wish
to start o by using SkyProdigy's built-in Tour feature, which
commands SkyProdigy to nd the most interesting objects in
the sky and automatically slews to each one. Or if you are more
experienced , you will appreciate the comprehensive database
of over 4,000 objects, including customized lists of all the best
deep-sky objects, planets and bright double stars. No matter
what level you are starting out, SkyProdigy will unfold for you
and your friends all the wonders of the Universe.
Some of the many standard features of SkyProdigy include:
• Maximum 3.5°/second slew speed
• Fully enclosed motors and optical encoders for position
location
• StarSense™ sky alignment digital camera for sky mapping
• Computerized hand controller with 4,000 object database
• Storage for programmable user dened objects; and
• Many other high performance features!
SkyProdigy’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.
SkyProdigy’s Computerized Hand Control has built-in instructions
to guide you through all the features needed to have the
telescope up and running in minutes. Use this manual in
conjunction with 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 SkyProdigy 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. See warning below.
*Celestron’s SkyProdigy telescope uses an integrated imaging camera and patented StarSense Technology to automatically align
itself with the night sky and determine where the telescope is currently pointing.The camera automatically captures an image of the
sky, which is processed internally to positively identify the stars in the image. Once a positive match is found, SkyProdigy determines
the coordinates of the center of the captured image. The process is automatically repeated two more times so that the system has
three known alignment points that can be used to make an accurate model of the night sky. From this information the user can
select any celestial object in the hand controller’s database, and SkyProdigy will automatically move itself to the correct position.
*The SkyProdigy’s internal camera does not have an external output allowing users to view or save the captured images. The captured
images are used internally solely for the purpose of self-aligning the SkyProdigy telescope.
WARNING
• Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with a telescope (unless you have the proper
• Never use your telescope to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the telescope
• Never use an eyepiece solar filter or a Herschel Wedge. Internal heat build-up inside the telescope can cause these devices
• Never leave the telescope unsupervised, either when children are present or adults who may not be familiar with the
solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
and any accessories attached to it
to crack or break, allowing unfiltered sunlight to pass through to the eye
correct operating procedures of your telescope
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SkyProdigy 70 Telescope
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1. Objective Lens 8. Tripod Coupling Screw
2. Fork Arm 9. Focus Knob
3. On/Off Switch 10. Star Diagonal
4. Computerized Hand Control 11. Eyepiece
5. Tripod 12. StarPointer Finderscope (not shown)
6. Tripod Leg Extension Clamp 13. StarSense Camera
7. Accessory Tray 14. Telescope Tube
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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SkyProdigy 90 Telescope
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1. Corrector Lens 7. Tripod
2. StarSense Camera 8. Accessory Tray
3. Fork Arm 9. Star Diagonal
4. On/Off Switch 10. Eyepiece
5. Tripod Coupling Screw 11. StarPointer Finderscope
6. Computerized Hand Control 12. Telescope Tube
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SkyProdigy 130 Telescope
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1. Eyepiece 7. Tripod Leg Extension Clamp
2. Secondary Mirror 8. Accessory Tray
3. Fork Arm 9. Tripod Coupling Screw
4. On/Off Switch 10. StarSense Camera
5. Computerized Hand Control 11. Telescope Tube
6. Tripod 12. StarPointer Finderscope
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INSTRUCTION MANUAL [Continued]
ASSEMBLY
SkyProdigy comes partially assembled and can be operational in
a matter of minutes. SkyProdigy is conveniently packaged in one
reusable shipping carton that contains the following accessories:
• 25 mm and 9 mm Eyepieces – 1¼”
• 1¼” Star Diagonal (SkyProdigy 70 and 90 only)
• StarPointer Finderscope and Mounting Bracket
• Deluxe Accessory Tray
• TheSkyX First Light Astronomy Software
• Computerized Hand Control
Assembling SkyProdigy
Your SkyProdigy comes in three major sections: the optical tube,
fork arm and tripod. These sections can be attached in seconds
using the quick release coupling screw located under the tripod
mounting platform and the dovetail mounting clamp located on
the inside of the fork arm. To begin, 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 and fork arm
should be mounted to the tripod. First, install the accessory tray
onto the tripod legs:
1. Remove the tripod from the box and spread the legs apart
until the center leg brace is fully extended.
2. Slide the inner portion of each leg down 6” to 8” inches.
3. Adjust the tripod height until the bubble level on the tripod
leg is centered (See gure 2-2).
4. Tighten the tripod locking bolts to hold each leg in place.
FIGURE 2-2
Leveling Tripod
Attaching the Hand Control Holder
SkyProdigy comes with a snap-on hand control holder that conveniently attaches to any of the tripod legs. To attach the hand
control holder simply position the holder with the square plastic
tab facing up and push against the tripod leg until it snaps into
place (See gure 2-3).
2. Locate the accessory tray, and place it on top of the tripod
center support brace in between the tripod legs (see gure
2-1).
3. Rotate the accessory tray so that the central hole in the tray
slides over the ange post in the center of the support
bracket.
4. Finally, rotate the tray so that the locking tabs slide under the
locking clips on the support bracket. You will hear the tray
snap into place.
Flange Post
Locking
Clips
Locking Tabs
FIGURE 2-1
It is a good idea to level the tripod and adjust the height of the tripod
legs before attaching the fork arm and tube. Minor adjustments can
be made later. To adjust the height of the tripod legs:
FIGURE 2-3
Attaching the Fork Arm 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. 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 (See gure 2-4).
Fork Arm Base
Coupling
Screw
Tripod
Mounting
Platform
1. Loosen the tripod leg locking bolt located on the side of
each leg.
FIGURE 2-4
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Attaching the Telescope to the Fork Arm
Your telescope optical tube has a built on dovetail mounting bar
used to attach the tube to the fork arm. To attach the telescope
tube (See gure 2-5).
Dovetail
Mounting Bar
Tube Clamp
Tightening Knob
not obstruct the inner diameter of the eyepiece end of the
diagonal.
2. Remove the protective dust cap from the star diagonal’s
barrel.
3. Slide the chrome portion of the low power 25 mm eyepiece
into the star diagonal.
4. 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.
StarPointer
Finderscope
Eyepiece
FIGURE 2-5
1. Loosen the tube clamp tightening knob.
2. Slide the dovetail mounting bar of the telescope tube into
the fork arm clamp until it touches the positioning stop.
Make sure that the logo on the side of the tube is right side
up when the tube is aligned with the fork arm.
3. Tighten the tube clamp knob by hand to secure the tube to
the fork arm.
Your SkyProdigy is fully assembled and is ready to attach the
accessories.
The Star Diagonal
(For 70 mm and 90 mm Models Only)
The star diagonal diverts 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 barrel until it no longer extends into (i.e.,
obstructs) the inner diameter of the focus barrel. Remove
the protective dust cap from the focuser barrel.
2. Slide the chrome portion of the star diagonal into the eye
piece adapter.
3. Tighten the thumbscrew on the eyepiece adapter to hold
the star diagonal in place.
Star
Diagonal
Focus Knob
VISUAL ACCESSORIES FOR SKYPRODIGY 70
StarPointer
Finderscope
Eyepiece
Star
Diagonal
Focus Knob
VISUAL ACCESSORIES FOR SKYPRODIGY 90
For 130 mm model:
StarPointer
Finderscope
Focus
Knob
FIGURE 2-6
FIGURE 2-7
Eyepiece
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
The eyepiece, is the optical element that magnies the image
focused by the telescope. The eyepiece ts either directly into the
focuser (130 mm model) or into the star diagonal (70 mm and 90 mm
models). To install the eyepiece:
For 70 mm and 90 mm models:
1. Loosen the thumbscrew on the star diagonal so it does
FIGURE 2-8
VISUAL ACCESSORIES FOR THE SKYPRODIGY 130
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 25 mm eyepiece
into the eyepiece adapter.
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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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 magnication; 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 Magnication”.
Barrel diameter is the diameter of the barrel that slides into the
star diagonal or focuser. SkyProdigy uses eyepieces with a
standard 1-1/4” barrel diameter.
Focusing
StarPointer
Finderscope
Eyepiece
Attaching the Computerized Hand Control
SkyProdigy’s 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.
Powering the SkyProdigy
Auxiliary
Port
Hand
Control
Port
FIGURE 2-10
SkyProdigy can be powered by 8 user supplied D-size alkaline
batteries or an optional 12v AC adapter.
To power SkyProdigy:
Star
Diagonal
Focus Knob
FIGURE 2-9
VISUAL ACCESSORIES FOR THE SKY PRODIGY
For astronomical viewing, out of focus star images are very diuse,
making them dicult to see. If you turn the focus knob too quickly,
you can go right through focus without seeing the image. To avoid
this problem, your rst astronomical target should be a bright object
(like the Moon or a planet) so that the image is visible even when out
of focus. To get the focus close, star by focusing on a distant daytime
object at least a quarter of a mile away.
For 70 mm and 130 mm models:
To focus your telescope, simply turn either of the focus knobs at
the eyepiece end of the optical tube (see gures 2-6 and 2-8). 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 70
mm and 130 mm have a silver focusing tension screw used to lock
the focuser in place.
For 90 mm model:
The focusing knob, which moves the primary mirror, is located on the
rear of the telescope next to the star diagonal and eyepiece. Turn the
focusing knob until the image is sharp. Once an image is in focus,
turn the knob clockwise to focus on a closer object and
counterclockwise for a more distant object. If the knob will not turn,
it has reached the end of its travel on the focusing mechanism. Turn
the knob in the opposite direction until the image is sharp.
1. Insert 8 D-batteries into battery pack.
2. Plug the battery packs barrel connector into the 12v outlet
on the base of the telescope.
3. Flip the power switch to the “On” position. The light on the
power button and hand control display will come on.
In case of a loss of power, the optical tube can be moved by hand
in altitude (up and down) only. However, when powered on, the
telescope should always be controlled using the hand control.
SkyProdigy will lose its star alignment if moved by hand when
powered on.
On/Off
Switch
12v Power
Outlet
FIGURE 2-11
The StarPointer Finderscope
The StarPointer is a zero magnication pointing tool that uses
a coated glass window to superimpose the image of a small
red dot onto the object you are viewing. The StarPointer is very
useful for nding terrestrial objects in the daytime, and seeing
where the telescope is pointing in the night sky.
While keeping both eyes open when looking through the
StarPointer, simply move your telescope until the red dot, seen
through the StarPointer, merges with the object as seen with
your unaided eye. The red dot is produced by light-emitting
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