Getting Started; Parts List; System Requirements - Orion PARSEC 8300M Manual

Parsec lED Status Indicators
lED 1
On/Idle Solid
Exposing Off
Reading Solid
Downloading Solid
Figure 2.
The Parsec's LED status indicators
Figure 3.1.
The shutter is free to move
when the Parsec is off.
• LED Status Indicator: Two LEDs on the Parsec indicate the camera
power, exposure, image readout, and download (Figure 2)
A note about the Shutter
The Parsec's leaf shutter moves freely when the camera is off. You may notice the
shutter in an arbitrary position when removing the dust cap from the nosepiece
(Figure 3.1). This is normal and does not affect operation in any way. Once the
Parsec is powered on, current is applied to the shutter's motor and the shutter
position resets and firmly holds its place. (Figure 3.2)

2. Getting Started

2.1. Parts list

(Figure 4)
• Parsec Astronomical Imaging Camera
• 2" nosepiece (camera ships with nosepiece attached)
• USB cable
• DC power cable with lighter plug
• CD-ROM
• Hard carrying case
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lED 2
Blink
Blink
Solid
Blink
Figure 3.2.
The shutter resets its
position and holds firmly in place when the
Parsec is powered on.
Hard carrying case
Parsec 8300
CD-ROM
2" nosepiece
(camera ships with
nosepiece attached)
Figure 4.
Parts list
Figure 5.1.
The Parsec fits into a 2"
focuser, just like a standard 2" eyepiece.
Firmly tighten the thumbscrew that secures
the Parsec in the focuser.

2.2. System requirements

telescope
The Parsec can be used with most telescopes compatible with 2" format eyepiec-
es. The camera is simply inserted into a focuser in the same way as a standard
eyepiece (Figure 5.1). The camera is also compatible with 1.25" focusers that
include camera T-threads, although some vignetting (edge darkening) may occur.
Caution: Be sure to always firmly tighten the thumbscrew(s) that secure the
Parsec in the telescope focuser, or it could fall out and onto the ground!
If your telescope has T-threads for direct camera attachment, a more secure con-
nection can be made. First, unthread the nosepiece from the Parsec camera body.
This exposes the camera's T-threads. Then, simply thread the camera onto your
telescope (Figure 5.2).
USB cable
DC power cable
with lighter plug
Figure 5.2.
If your telescope has
T-threads, remove the nosepiece from the
Parsec and thread the camera directly
onto the telescope. This provides the most
secure connection.
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