Orion STARBLAST 6 9964 Instruction Manual page 3

the telescope determines the magnifying power.
Magnification is discussed in more detail in the Using
Your Telescope section.
EZ Finder II reflex sight: This is a special "finder" that
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helps you aim the telescope and locate objects in the
sky for viewing. The EZ Finder II generates a red LED
"dot" that shows where your telescope is aimed. The
use of the EZ Finder II is discussed in the Getting
Started section.
Optical tube: This is the main component of the tele-
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scope.
Focuser: This is where the eyepiece is placed, and it
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is where you focus. Details of the focuser are shown in
Figure 2.
15
14
Figure 2.
Details of the StarBlast 6 focuser.
5 Tube rings (qty 2): These tube rings connect the optical
tube (3) to the base bracket (18) which connects to
the altazimuth base (9).
6
Altitude tension adjustment knob: By tightening and
loosening this knob, you can change the amount ten-
sion in the altitude (up/down) motion of the telescope.
7
Navigation knob: Grasping this knob allows you to
aim the telescope without touching the optical tube
(3) itself. This allows you to point the telescope without
heat from your hands affecting the quality of view.
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Mirror cell: This contains the primary mirror (16) as
well as the collimation thumbscrews that are used to
optically align the primary mirror. This is explained in
the Collimating appendix.
Altazimuth base: This wooden base provides a stable
9
base for the telescope. It allows you to move the tele-
scope in altitude (up/down) and azimuth (left/right).
Carrying handles: These convenient handles are built
10
into the base, allowing you to easily carry the StarBlast
6 to your viewing location. The carrying handles are
also handy places to put your hand when aim-
ing the telescope. See Using Your Telescope for more
details.
11
Eyepiece rack: A handy metal rack in which to store
your extra eyepieces.
10mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece: The higher-power
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eyepiece that comes with the StarBlast 6. Eyepieces
are discussed in the Magnification section.
F e e t : T h r e e fe e t p r o v i d e s u p p o r t fo r t h e
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StarBlast 6 and are skid free. This allows you to place
the StarBlast 6 on smooth surfaces.
Figure 2 shows detail of the focuser:
Focus wheels: The focus wheels are used to bring
14
objects into focus. By turning them you move the rack-
and-pinion focuser (4) in and out.
Eyepiece securing thumbscrews: These thumbscrews
15
are used to keep the eyepiece (1) secure in the focuser (4)
Items not shown:
Primary mirror: The parabolic mirror at the rear of the
16
optical tube (3) gathers incoming light and focuses it
with its parabolic shape. The primary mirror has a
small center-mark that is explained in the Collimating
appendix. This center-mark should not be removed.
Secondary mirror: The secondary mirror is located
17
near the opening of the optical tube (3) and reflects
the focused light from the primary mirror (15) into the
eyepiece (1).
Base bracket: This bracket connects the tube rings
18
(5) to the altazimuth base (9).
3/16" Hex key: This tool is used to connect the tube
19
rings (5) to the base bracket (18).
Collimation cap: This small cap fits in the focuser and
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is used to aid in aligning of the optics. This process is
explained in the Collimating appendix.
Socket-head cap screws (qty. 2) with flat washers
21
and lock washers: These screws and washers are
used to connect the tube rings (5) to the base brack-
et (18).
assembly
The StarBlast 6 arrives partially assembled, which makes
assembly very easy. To get started, place the pre-assembled
wooden altazimuth base (9) on a table or other flat surface
and locate the following accessories:
2 Tube rings (5)
1 Base bracket (18)
1 EZ Finder II reflex sight (2)
1 25mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece (1)
1 10mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece (12)
1 Eyepiece rack (11)
2 Socket-head cap screws w/washers (21)
attaching the optical tube to the altazimuth
base
To attach the optical tube (3) to the altazimuth base (9)
you will first need to equip the base bracket (18) with the
two tube rings (5). Rotate the base bracket so one of the
two attachment holes is accessible. Place a lock washer and
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