Table Of Contents; Unpacking; Parts List; Assembly - Orion 8 EQ Instruction Manual

W
elcome to the exciting world of amateur astronomy! Your new SkyView Pro 8 EQ is designed for high-
resolution viewing of astronomical objects. With its precision optics and equatorial mount, you'll be able
to locate and enjoy hundreds of fascinating celestial denizens, including the planets, Moon, and a variety
of deep-sky galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters.
These instructions will help you set up, properly use, and care for your telescope. Please read them thor-
oughly before getting started.

Table of Contents

1. Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
2. Parts list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3. Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
4. Balancing the Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5. Using Your Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
6. Setting Up and Using the
Equatorial Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
7. Collimation (Aligning the Mirrors) . . . . .11
8. Astronomical Observing . . . . . . . . . . . .14
9. Astrophotography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
10. Care and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
11. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

1. Unpacking

The entire mount will arrive in two boxes, one containing the
mount and tripod, the other containing the optical tube Be
careful unpacking the boxes. We recommend keeping the
boxes and all original packaging. In the event that the tele-
scope needs to be shipped to another location, or returned to
Orion for warranty repair, having the proper boxes and pack-
aging will help ensure that your mount will survive the journey
intact.
Make sure all the parts in the Parts List are present. Be sure
to check each box carefully, as some parts are small. If any-
thing appears to be missing or broken, immediately call Orion
Customer Support (800-676-1343) or email support@tele-
scope.com for assistance.
WARNING:
Never look directly at the
Sun through your telescope or its finder
scope-even for an instant-without
a professionally made solar filter that
completely covers the front of the
instrument, or permanent eye damage
could result. Young children should use this
telescope only with adult supervision.

2. Parts List

The box containing the mount will have the following parts:
1 Tripod
1 Equatorial mount
1 Tripod support tray
1 Tube ring mounting plate
1 Counterweight shaft
1 Latitude adjustment L-bolt
2 Counterweights
2 Slow-motion control knobs
1 R.A. axis rear cover
The box containing the optical tube will have the following
parts:
1 Optical tube assembly
2 Tube rings with mounting screws
1 25mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece
1 10mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece
1 Finder scope
1 Finder scope bracket with O-ring
1 Collimation cap
1 Camera adapter
1 Dust cover

3. Assembly

1. Stand the tripod legs upright and spread the legs out as far
as they will go. Keep the tripod legs at their shortest (fully
retracted) length, for now; you can extend them to a more
desirable length later, after the scope is fully assembled.
2. Place the base of the equatorial mount into the tripod
head. Orient the equatorial mount so that the post on the
tripod head lines up with the azimuth adjustment knobs on
the equatorial mount (Figure 2). You may need to loosen
the azimuth adjustment knobs on the equatorial mount in
order to fit the mount into the tripod head.
3. Thread the central support shaft into the equatorial mount
until tight. This will secure the equatorial mount to the tri-
pod head.
4. Remove the knob and washer from the bottom of the cen-
ter support shaft. Slide the tripod support tray up the
3