Explore Scientific FirstLight series, Explore FirstLight 8"" f/6 Dobsonian, Explore FirstLight 10"" f/5 Dobsonian Instruction Manual

Explore FirstLight 8" f/6 Dobsonian (FL-DOB0806-01)
Explore FirstLight 10" f/5 Dobsonian (FL-DOB1005-01)

A Dobsonian telescope is designed to capture copious amounts of lights, making it an ideal workhorse for deep-sky
enthusiasts and a great instrument for getting highly detailed views of our planetary neighbors. Although the size of
these telescope models can appear daunting, they can be broken down and transported easily even in small cars and
reassembled within minutes. The FirstLight series includes two Dobsonian models (8” and 10”). Each comes with a 2.5”
Hex focuser, a red dot viewfinder and a 25mm SuperPlossl eyepiece. As an added benefit, each package also includes
an adapter that allows you to use your own smart device to easily capture and share the beauty unfolding in your
eyepiece. With Firstlight, the only thing you need to provide is a desire to discover!

Instruction Manual

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SUN WARNING

DO NOT use this telescope or any accompanying
finder scope to look at or near the Sun! Even
momentary visual contact with the Sun’s light rays
can instantly cause irreversible damage to your
eye(s). Eye damage can be painless, so there is no
warning to the observer that damage has occurred
until it is too late.
Take extra care when using the telescope or a finder
scope during daylight hours, and do not point either
at or near the Sun. Do not look through either when
you are moving the instruments during the daytime.
Never allow anyone to use the telescope or a
finder scope during the daytime without warning
them of the hazards of aiming either at or near the
Sun. Make sure that they are adequately trained
on the use of these instruments before allowing
them to start observing. Children should always
have informed and trained adult supervision while
observing.

PROPER CARE WARNING

Your telescope is a precision optical device and
keeping the optics free of dust and dirt is crucial for
optimal performance. However, the use of improper
cleaning techniques, tools and/or solutions can
cause irreparable damage to your telescope.
In terms of solutions, use distilled water and/or
an optical glass cleaner that can be found at most
camera stores.
Only use pure cotton swabs/balls or white,
unscented, lotion-free tissues for wiping down
optics after you have removed as many particles as
possible with forced air or a photographic-grade
camel hair brush. DO NOT use optical lens cleaning
tissues as many contain fiberglass particles that can
be abrasive.

GENERAL WARNINGS:

• Children should only use this device under adult
supervision.

• Keep all packing materials (plastic bags, etc) out of
the reach of children. These materials present a risk
of SUFFOCATION or CHOKING!

• Do not allow direct sunlight to pass through the
lenses onto an object. The concentration of light
rays could cause burns or start a fire.

• Do not disassemble this device. In the event of
a defect, please contact the Customer Service
Department.

• Do not expose this device to temperatures
exceeding 60°C (140°F).

• Battery guidelines: The red dot viewfinder contains
electronic components that are powered by
batteries. Batteries should be kept out of children’s
reach. When inserting batteries, please ensure the
polarity is correct. Insert the batteries according to
the displayed +/- information. Never mix old and
new batteries. Replace all batteries at the same
time. Never mix alkaline, standard carbon-zinc and
rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries. Never
short circuit the device or batteries or throw either
into a fire. Leaking or damaged batteries can cause
injury if they come into contact with the skin. If you
need to handle such batteries, please wear suitable
safety gloves. Remove batteries from the product
before extended storage to prevent leaking. Do not
immerse the battery compartment in water.

!

General Safety Information

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A DC

FE

B

G H

I J K

10x

L

10x

M

5x

N

1x

O

1x

P

2x

Q

2x

R

Fig. 1

3x

S

4x

T

U

Package Contents

I

- 4 -

Parts Overview

II

Fig. 2 Inset A

Inset B

1

3

5

4

2

6

7

8

9

10 11

18

19

20

20

20

21

21

21

12

13

14

16

16

14 a

15

17

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OTA (Optical Tube Assembly) (Fig. 2)

1. Eyepiece

2. Eyepiece holder

3. Aperture

4. Red dot viewfinder

5. OTA bracket (2x) with clamp screw

6. Fixing screws (4x)

7. Altitude wheels (2x) with lateral guids (7a)

Base (Fig. 2)

8. Base bridge

9. Base side parts (2x)

10. Base front part

11. Round base plate (2x)

12. Rubber feet (3x)

Eyepiece holder (Inset A)

13. Focusing drive

14. Friction screws (Focus lock and grinding pressure adjustment)
14a. Fixing screws

15. 1 ¼" and 2" eyepiece holder

16. Viewfinder mounting (2x)

17. Clamp screw

OTA's bottom side/mirror frame (Inset B)

18. Mirror backside

19. Mirror frame

20. Collimation screws (3x)

21. Counter screws (3x)

Parts Overview

II

- 6 -

Setup

III

Assembling the Base

NOTE!
While assembling the base, you will need a Phillips screwdriver, a 2mm hex wrench and an
open-end wrench. We recommend assembling on a soft surface to avoid damaging the parts
of the base.

IMPORTANT!

Note that the studs are height-adjustable. It is therefore not necessary to screw in the studs
until they stop.
Important: Make sure that only approx. 4 mm of the stud heads are visible in the holes for the
quick fasteners. So the quick fastener and the stud head will interlock and all parts are firmly
connected. For that, install the studs accordingly in height (see Fig. A1).

STEP 1 (Fig. 3):

The base supports the optical tube assembly (OTA) and allows the OTA to be rotated 360°.

1. Put the first bottom plate (Fig. 1, A) on the floor and place the rubber feet (Fig. 1, S) over

the outer drill holes.

2. Screw each rubber foot down with a woodscrew (Fig. 1, N).

STEP 2 (Fig. 4):

1. Insert a plastic sleeve (Fig. 1, R) into the drill hole in the middle of both bottom plates
(Fig. 1, A + B).

2. Screw four threaded bolts (Fig. 1, L) into the outer drill holes of bottom plate on top.

3. Put both bottom plates on top of each other.

4. Bolt both bottom plates together with the fine-thread screw (Fig. 1, P) and the safety nut

(Fig. 1, O). Place one ring washer (Fig. 1, Q) on each side between the screw head or nut
and the plastic sleeve.

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Tools Required

STEP 3 (Fig. 5):

1. Put all side parts (Fig. 1, C-F) on the floor.

2. Screw the threaded bolts (Fig. 1, L) into the small drill holes of both
side parts (Fig. 1, C + D).

3. Insert two quick fasteners (Fig. 1, M) into the large drill holes of
both side parts and the bridge (Fig. 1, E) and four quick fasteners
into the drill holes of the front part (Fig. 1, F).

NOTE!
Make sure that the opening at the bottom of the quick fasteners is
pointing to the drill hole on the edge. An arrow at the notch for the
Phillips head is showing the right direction.

STEP 4 (Fig. 6):

1. Set up the left side part (Fig. 1, C) and put the bridge (Fig. 1, E) with

its drill holes for the quick fasteners (Fig. 1, M) over the threaded
bolts (Fig. 1, L).

2. Tighten the quick fasteners with a Phillips screwdriver.

SW-17

PH-2 (6mm)

2 mm

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

max.
4 mm

Fig. A1