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the image in both the finder scope and the telescope's
eyepiece is centered.
The finder scope alignment needs to be checked before every
observing session. This can easily be done at night, as well,
before a stargazing session. Choose any bright star or planet,
center the object in the telescope eyepiece, and then adjust the
finder scope's alignment screws until the star or planet is also
centered in the finder's field of view.
The finder scope bracket has a tilt joint that allows the finder
scope to be tilted at a desirable angle relative to the main tele-
scope tube. Just loosen the thumbscrew on the bracket a bit
and tilt the finder scope to the desired position, then retighten
the thumbscrew.
Figure 3. The tray is now locked in place.
Figure 4. Attaching the optical tube to the pan head.
Focusing the Finder Scope
To ensure a sharp image in the finder scope, simply aim it at a
target and rotate the finder's knurled eyepiece until the image
appears in focus.
Using the Finder Scope
Once the finder scope has been properly aligned with the main
telescope's optical tube, you are ready to locate objects to view.
The finder scope provides a wide, correctly oriented image that
4
A
B
Figure 5. A) Slide the base of the finder scope bracket into the slot
between the optical tube and the focuser housing. B) Slide it in as far
as it will go.
matches the orientation of the much more highly magnified
image viewed through the main telescope. The idea is to move
the telescope on its mount to center the subject you want to
observe in the wide-field finder scope first, then when you look
into the main telescope's eyepiece, the subject will be centered
in it as well.
When transporting the telescope in its case, we recommend
removing the finder scope and bracket assembly from the opti-
Threaded hole
cal tube. (No need to remove the finder scope from its bracket!)
Store the finder scope and bracket assembly in the included
small accessory case (I) for safe keeping (Figure 8).
Threaded post
Telescope Operation
Extending the Tripod Legs
To extend the tripod legs to the desired length, simply turn the
leg lock knob counterclockwise to release the leg, then retighten
the knob after extending the leg. Each leg has two extendable
sections, each with a lock knob (Figure 9). Do not overtighten
the lock knobs or you could damage the leg collars or strip the
threads of the bolt or its receptacle.
Using the Pan Head
The StarBlast 90mm refractor features a standard "altazimuth"
pan head mount, which permits motion along two perpendicu-
lar axes: altitude (up/down) and azimuth (left/right). This makes
pointing the telescope easy and intuitive. To move the telescope
in the azimuth direction, loosen the azimuth tension knob a little
Slide
Tilt joint
thumbscrew
Slot
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