Orion StarBlast 4.5 Instruction Manual page 10

Align the Finderscope
It is important that the finderscope and the telescope tube are parallel and pointing in the same
direction. With the eyepiece adjusted for low power (24 mm), aim the telescope in the general
direction of an object at least 1/4-mile away. Slowly rotate the focus wheels until the object
comes into sharp focus. Go a little bit beyond sharp focus until the image starts to blur again, then
reverse the rotation of the knob, just to make sure you've hit the exact focus point. When
focusing on stars, bring them to as small a point as possible.
Many "deep-sky" objects are big, but dim. Low magnification will be better for them. Once
you've centered an object in the eyepiece, you can switch to a higher magnification by twisting
the Zoom's barrel towards the "8". This is recommended for small and bright objects, like planets
and double stars. The Moon also takes higher magnifications well. You may have to refocus a
little after changing power. If you find that it's awkward to put your eye up to the eyepiece, you
can rotate the telescope tube by loosening the knob on the tube clamp and moving the telescope
tube until the focuser is in a convenient position. Be sure to tighten it again!
You may find that the telescope tube is either too hard to move or does not stay in place. Use the
altitude adjustment tension knob (it holds the telescope to the upright part of the base) to find the
right level of tension.
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