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Summary of Contents for Celestron 11055
- Page 1 CELESTRON CI-700 / CM-1100 / CM-1400 INSTRUCTION MANUAL Models #91525 / #11055 / #11065...
- Page 2 Celestron International provides this manual “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Celestron may make modifications to this manual and/or the products described herein at any time without notice or obligation.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Attaching the Equatorial Mount ... 8 Installing the Counterweight Bar ... 9 Installing the Counterweight ... 9 Attaching the Celestron CM-1100 to the Mount ... 10 Attaching the Visual Back ...11 Installing the Star Diagonal ...11 Installing the Eyepiece ...12 Installing the Finder ... - Page 4 Fastar Configuration ...60 Imaging at f/2.1 ... 61 Imaging at f/7 ... 61 Imaging at f/11 ...61 Imaging at f/22 ...62 TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE ...63 Care and Cleaning of the Optics ...63 Collimation ...63 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ...66 THE MESSIER CATALOG ...70 LIST OF BRIGHT STARS ...73...
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Page 5: Introduction
With a mirror diameter of 11 inches, your Celestron CM- 1100 has a light gathering power of 1,593 times that of the unaided human eye, and the CM-1400 has a light gathering power of 2,581 times that of the unaided human eye. -
Page 6: How To Use This Manual
How to Use This This manual is designed to instruct you in the proper use of your Celestron Manual CM-1100 telescope. The instructions are for assembly, initial use, long term operation, and maintenance. There are seven major sections to the manual. -
Page 7: The Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical System
This cross-sectional diagram shows the light path of the Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system. Note that the light rays travel the length of the telescope tube three times, making this a compact optical design. Note that the curve of the corrector plate is greatly exaggerated. -
Page 8: Assembling Your Celestron Cm-1100
Remove all the pieces from their respective boxes and place on a flat, clear work area. A large floor space is ideal. When setting up your Celestron CM- 1100) you must start with the tripod and work up from there. These instruc- tions are laid out in the order each task must be performed. - Page 9 1. Optical Tube 2. Finderscope 3. Star Diagonal 4. Eyepiece 5. Polar Axis Finderscope 6. Drive Control Electronics 7. Hand Control 8. Tripod CM-1100 Figure 2-1 9. Center Leg Brace 10. Counterweight 11. Counterweight Bar 12. R.A. Clutch Knob 13. DEC Clutch Knob 14.
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Page 10: Setting Up The Tripod
Setting Up the Tripod The tripod legs attach to a central column which together form the tripod to which the equatorial mount attaches. The tripod comes with two leg support brackets; a collapsible one that is already attached to the lower legs and a removable one that must be attached. -
Page 11: Attaching The Center Leg Brace
Attaching the Center For maximum rigidity, the CI 700 tripod has a center leg brace that installs on Leg Brace to the threaded rod below the tripod head. This brace fits snugly against the tripod legs, increasing stability while reducing vibration and flexure. To attach the center leg brace: Attaching the Central Column... -
Page 12: Attaching The Equatorial Mount
The mount is also adjustable so you can orient the axis of rotation so that it is parallel with the Earth’s axis of rotation (see the section on “Polar Alignment”). -
Page 13: Installing The Counterweight Bar
Counterweight Bar Safety Screw Figure 2-6 The Celestron CM-1100 comes standard with one 23 pound counterweight. The CM-1400 comes with two 25 pound counterweights. To install the counterweight(s): 1. Orient the mount so that the counterweight bar points toward the ground (see figure 2-7). -
Page 14: Attaching The Celestron Cm-1100 To The Mount
This clamp is designed to keep the telescope from sliding off the mount in case the knobs on the side of the platform comes loose. It is best to wait until the telescope is balanced in R.A. -
Page 15: Attaching The Visual Back
The star diagonal is a prism that diverts the light at a right angle to the light path of the telescope. This allows you to observe in positions that are physi- Installing the Star cally more comfortable than if you looked straight through. -
Page 16: Installing The Eyepiece
Installing the Eyepiece The eyepiece, or ocular, is an optical element that magnifies the image focused by the telescope. The ocular(s) fit into either the visual back directly, the star diagonal, or the Erect Image Diagonal (purchased separately). To install an ocular: 1. -
Page 17: Installing The Finder
The CM-1100 telescope come with a 9x50 finderscope used to help you locate and center objects in the main field of your telescope. To accomplish this, the finder has a built-in cross-hair reticle that shows the optical center of the finderscope. -
Page 18: Installing The Polar Axis Finder
Installing the Polar Installing the Polar Installing the Polar Installing the Polar Installing the Polar To aid in polar aligning the mount, your telescope comes standard with a Polar Finder Finder Finder Finder Finder Housing Finder. It installs directly on top of the polar housing of the mount. To install the Polar Finder: 1. -
Page 19: Moving The Telescope In R.a. And Dec
Moving the Telescope Moving the Telescope Moving the Telescope Moving the Telescope Once set up, you need to point your telescope at various portions of the sky to in R.A. and DEC in R.A. and DEC in R.A. and DEC in R.A. -
Page 20: Adjusting The Mount
Adjusting the Mount Adjusting the Mount In order for the clock drive to track accurately, the telescope’s axis of rotation must be parallel to the Earth’s axis of rotation, a process known as polar alignment. Polar alignment is achieved NOT or DEC, but by adjusting the mount vertically, which is called altitude, and horizontally, which is called azimuth. -
Page 21: Balancing The Mount In R.a
To balance the mount: 1. Verify that the telescope securing knobs on the telescope mounting 2. Loosen the R.A. clutch knobs and position the telescope off to one side of 3. Release the telescope — GRADUALLY 4. Loosen the set screws on the side of the counterweight so it can be moved 5. -
Page 22: Balancing The Mount In Dec
DEC knob is loose. To balance the telescope in DEC: 1. Loosen the R.A. clutch knobs and rotate the telescope so that it is on one 2. Tighten the R.A. clutch knobs to hold the telescope in place. 3. Loosen the DEC clutch knobs and rotate the telescope until the tube is 4. -
Page 23: Transporting Your Celestron Cm-1100
The telescope is now broken down into enough pieces to be easily transported. When not in use, your Celestron CM-1100 can be left fully assembled and set up. However, all lens and eyepiece covers should be put back in place. This will reduce the amount of dust build-up on all optical surfaces and reduce the number of times you need to clean the instrument. -
Page 24: Technical Specifications
Below is pertinent technical information on your Celestron CM-1100 telescope that you Technical Technical Technical Technical Technical may find useful. Specifications Specifications Specifications Specifications Specifications OPTICAL TUBE: OPTICAL TUBE: OPTICAL TUBE: OPTICAL TUBE: OPTICAL TUBE: Optical System: Aperture: Focal Length:... - Page 25 • 12 Volt DC - 500 MA power use Note: Note: Note: Note: Note: All specifications are stated for the Celestron CM telescopes using the standard accessories. Also, these specifications are approximate and subject to change without notice. Assembling Your CM-1100 •...
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Page 26: Telescope Basics
T E L E S C O P E Once your telescope is fully assembled, you are ready for your first look. This section deals with some of the basics of telescope operation. Image Orientation The image orientation changes depending on how the eyepiece is inserted into the telescope. -
Page 27: Focusing
Focusing The Celestron CM-1100 focusing mechanism controls the primary mirror which is mounted on a ring which slides back and forth on the primary baffle tube. The focusing knob, which moves the primary mirror, is on the rear cell of the telescope just right of the star diagonal and eyepiece. -
Page 28: General Photography Hints
Telescope Basics Your Celestron CM-1100 can be used for both terrestrial and astronomical photography. Your Celestron CM-1100 has a fixed aperture and, as a result, a fixed f/ratio. To properly expose your subjects photographically you need to set your shutter speed accordingly. Most 35mm single lens reflex (SLR) cameras offer through-the-lens metering which lets you know if your picture is under or overexposed. -
Page 29: Your First Look
3. Adjust the R.A. and DEC clutch knobs if needed and point the telescope in 4. Locate the object in your finder. 5. Move the telescope — by hand — until the object is centered in the finder. 6. Look through the main optics and the object will be there (if you aligned Try using different optional eyepieces to see how the field changes with various magnifications. -
Page 30: Nighttime Observing
9. Take your time and study your subject. If observing the Moon, look for That’s all there is to using your Celestron CM-1100. However, don’t limit your view of an object to a single eyepiece. After a few minutes, try using a different optional eyepiece, a more powerful one. -
Page 31: Calculating Magnification
The general rule is that 60 power can be used for every inch of aperture. For example, the Celestron CM-1100 is 11" in diameter. Multiplying 11 by 60 gives a maximum useful magnification of 660 power. -
Page 32: Astronomy Basics
(i.e., how long) they lag behind this coordinate after it passes overhead moving towards the west. Your Celestron CM-1100 telescope comes equipped with setting circles that translate the celestial coordinates into a precise location for the telescope to point. -
Page 33: Motion Of The Stars
Motion of the Stars The daily motion of the Sun across the sky is familiar to even the most casual observer. This daily trek is not the Sun moving as early astronomers thought, but the result of the Earth’s rotation. The Earth’s rotation also causes the stars to do the same, scribing out a large circle as the Earth completes one rotation. -
Page 34: Polar Alignment
Polar Alignment In order for the telescope to track the stars, you must meet two criteria. First, you need a drive motor that moves at the same rate as the stars. The Celestron CM-1100 comes standard with a built-in drive motor designed specifically for this purpose. -
Page 35: Finding The Pole
Spring the hemisphere in which they reside. For example, in the northern hemisphere all stars move around the north celestial pole. When the telescope’s polar axis is pointed at the celestial pole, it is parallel to the Earth’s rotational axis. -
Page 36: Latitude Scales
The Celestron CM-1100 mount can be adjusted from 13 to 65 degrees (see figure 4-6). -
Page 37: Pointing At Polaris
1. Set the telescope up so that the polar axis is pointing north. 2. Loosen the DEC clutch knob and move the telescope so that the tube is parallel to the polar axis. When this is done, the declination setting circle will read +90°. -
Page 38: The Polar Axis Finder
(Figure 4-9). Therefore, the polar finder reticle must be rotated to match the view as seen through the polar axis finder (Figure 4-8). Now, simply adjust the telescope's latitude and azimuth controls until Polaris is positioned in the small circle. -
Page 39: Declination Drift
First choose your star near where the celestial equator and the meridian meet. The star should be approximately ±1/2 hour of the meridian and ±5 degrees of the celestial equator. Center the star in the field of your telescope and monitor the drift in declination. -
Page 40: Aligning The Setting Circles
If you don’t, they can be learned by using the Celestron Sky Maps (#93722) or consulting a current astronomy magazine. To align the R.A. setting circle: 1. -
Page 41: Using The Drive
Following is a brief discussion of each feature. In order to activate the drive, you must first plug it into an external power source. To supply power to your Celestron CM-1100, plug your Car Battery Adapter or optional AC Adapter into the outlet on the electronic console labeled “12 VDC.”... -
Page 42: Guide Speed
For example, if you want to move the telescope west, hold the west button down and then press the east button. Conversely, if you want to move the telescope east, hold the east button down and then press the west button. -
Page 43: Bc -Backlash Correction
Definition: [worm] gear, in this case eight minutes. All telescope drives with gears have some periodic error. The periodic error of your Celestron CM-1100 is very slight to begin with. Keep in mind, this feature is for advanced astrophotographers and requires careful guiding. -
Page 44: Hc/Ccd
To remove the cable, squeeze the plastic tab and pull away from the outlet. This outlet is used to supply power to the telescope. Your Celestron CM-1100 12 V DC comes standard with a Car Battery Adapter. -
Page 45: Northern/Southern Hemisphere Operation
Northern/Southern When using your Celestron CM-1100 in the southern hemisphere, there is a need to reverse the motors. Changing from northern hemisphere to southern Hemisphere Operation hemisphere requires changing the polarity of the drive motor by changing the settings of the dip switches on the electronics board. To do this: 1. -
Page 46: R.a./Dec Reverse
R.A./DEC Reverse As mentioned previously, the direction a particular button moves the mount varies depending on the telescope’s orientation (i.e., whether it’s on the east or west side of the mount). This can create confusion when guiding if you change the telescope’s orientation during a given photographic session. -
Page 47: Celestial Observing
Earth will cause the Moon to drift out of your field of view. You will have to manually adjust the telescope to keep the Moon centered. This effect is more noticeable at higher power. If you are using the clock drive and have polar aligned, the Moon will remain centered if using the lunar tracking rate. -
Page 48: Observing The Sun
WARNING: Never project an image of the Sun through the telescope. Because of the folded optical design, tremendous heat buildup will result inside the optical tube. This can damage the telescope and/or any accessories attached to the telescope. -
Page 49: Observing Deep-Sky Objects
Deep-sky objects are simply those objects outside the boundaries of our solar system. They include star clusters, planetary nebulae, diffuse nebulae, double stars, and other galaxies outside our own Milky Way. The Celestron Sky Maps (#93722) can help you locate the brightest deep-sky objects. You can use your setting circles or “star hop”... -
Page 50: Star Hopping
Star Hopping Another way to find deep-sky objects is by star hopping. Star hopping is done by using bright stars to “guide” you to an object. Here are the directions for two popular objects. The Andromeda Galaxy, M31, is an easy target. To find M31: 1. - Page 51 5. Move about 1/2° toward Beta ( ) Lyrae, but remaining on a line that 6. Look through the telescope and the Ring Nebula should be in the tele- Because the Ring Nebula is rather faint, you may need to use averted vision to see it.
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Page 52: Viewing Conditions
Extended objects, like the Moon, appear to shimmer while point sources (i.e., stars) appear double. Type 1 seeing is caused by currents within or very close to the telescope tube. These currents could be caused by a telescope that has not reached thermal equilibrium with the outdoor surroundings, heat waves from people standing near the telescope, or heated dew caps. - Page 53 Type 2 seeing conditions do move as quickly as Type 1, though the image is quite blurry. Fine detail is lost and the contrast is low for extended objects. Stars are spread out and not sharp. The source of Type 2 seeing is the lower atmosphere, most likely heat waves from the ground or buildings.
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Page 54: Celestial Photography
P H O T O G R A P H Y After looking at the night sky for awhile you may want to try photographing it. Several forms of celestial photography are possible with your Celestron CM- 1100 telescope. The most common forms of celestial photography, in order of difficulty are;... -
Page 55: Short Exposure Prime Focus
3. Mount your camera body onto the T-Ring the same as you would any other 4. Thread the T-Adapter onto the back of the Celestron CM-1100 while With your camera attached to the telescope, you are ready for prime focus photography. - Page 56 The exposure times listed here should be used as a starting point. Always make exposures that are longer and shorter than the recommended time. Also, try bracketing your exposures, taking a few photos at each shutter speed. This will ensure that you will get a good photo. Keep accurate records of your exposures.
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Page 57: Piggyback
Small mistakes made while guiding the telescope will not show up on film. Use the optional piggyback mount to attach the camera to the telescope. - Page 58 The longer the focal length, the more accurate your guiding must be. You can continue to increase the focal length of the lens until you are ready for prime focus photography with your Celestron CM-1100 •...
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Page 59: Eyepiece Projection
Keep in mind that the card should be held a few inches in front of the telescope, and not touching it. It is easier if you use two people for this process; one to release the camera shutter and one to hold the card. - Page 60 The following table lists exposures for eyepiece projection with a 10mm eyepiece. All exposure times are listed in seconds or fractions of a second. The exposure times listed here should be used as a starting point. Always make exposures that are longer and shorter than the recommended time. Also, try bracketing your exposures, taking a few photos at each shutter speed.
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Page 61: Long Exposure Prime Focus
While it may seem that high magnification is required for these objects, just the opposite is true. Most of these objects cover large angular areas and fit nicely into the prime focus field of your Celestron CM-1100 telescope. The brightness of these objects, however, requires long exposure times and, as a result, are rather difficult. - Page 62 When getting started, use fast films to record as much detail in the shortest possible time. Here are proven recommendations: As you perfect your technique, try specialized films (i.e., specially designed and/or treated) for this type of astrophotography. Here are some popular choices: There is no exposure determination table to help you get started.
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Page 63: Ccd Imaging
25 times shorter than those needed with a f/11 system! Used with Celestron’s PixCel CCD System, objects will be easily found due to the wide .36° by .27° field of view provided. With the optional Fastar lens assembly you can easily convert your Fastar compatible telescope to f/2.1 prime focus use in a matter... -
Page 64: Description Of F-Numbers
14 inches. This makes the system an f/11, (focal length divided by diameter). When the secondary is removed and the CCD is placed at the Fastar position, the system becomes f/2.1, this is unique to Celestron telescopes (see figures below). -
Page 65: Imaging At F/2.1
Imaging at f/2.1 As stated above, the exposure times are much shorter at f/2.1 than at f/7 or f/11. The field-of-view is wider, so it is easier to find and center objects. Also with a wider field-of-view you can fit larger objects (such as M51, The Whirlpool Galaxy) in the frame. -
Page 66: Imaging At F/22
For every 10 exposures you might save 1. To image at f/22 you need to purchase a 2x Barlow and a T-adapter or Radial Guider. Figure 7-6 -- This diagram shows the many accessories that can be used with the Fastar compatible CM-14 telescope in its various optical configurations. Optical Tube Assembly Secondary Mirror... -
Page 67: Telescope Maintenance
This will prevent contaminants from entering the optical tube. Internal adjustments and cleaning should be done only by the Celestron repair department. If your telescope is in need of internal cleaning, please call the factory for a return authorization number and price quote. - Page 68 Turn your telescope drive on so that you won’t have to manually track the star. Or, if your are not using the clock drive, use Polaris. Its position relative to the celestial pole means that it moves very little thus eliminating the need to manually track it.
- Page 69 Perfect collimation will yield a star or planetary image very symmetrical just inside and outside of focus. In addition, perfect collimation delivers the optimal optical performance specifications that your telescope is built to achieve. If seeing (i.e., air steadiness) is turbulent, collimation is difficult to judge. Wait until a better night if it is turbulent or aim to a steadier part of the sky.
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Page 70: Optional Accessories
O P T I O N A L A C C E S S O R I E S The following is a partial list of optional accessories available for your Celestron CM-1100/1400. You will find that additional accessories enhance your viewing pleasure and expand the usefulness of your telescope. - Page 71 Eyepiece Filters - To enhance your visual observations of planetary objects, Celestron offers a wide range of colored filters that thread into the 1-1/4" oculars. Available are: #12 Deep Yellow, #21 Orange, #25 Red, #58 Green, #80A Light Blue, #96 Neutral Density (25% T, and 13% T) and Polarizing filters.
- Page 72 In addition, they also block unwanted natural light (sky glow) caused by neutral oxygen emission in our atmosphere. Celestron offers a model for 1-l/4" eyepieces (#94126A) and a model that attaches to the rear cell ahead of the star diagonal and visual back (#94127A).
- Page 73 It makes guiding easier and exposures shorter. Sky Maps (#93722) - When learning the night sky, the Celestron Sky Maps offer the ideal solution. The maps include all the constellations and brighter deep-sky objects. The maps are printed on a heavy stock paper that is moisture-resistant.
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Page 74: The Messier Catalog
THE MESSIER CATALOG The Messier Catalog, compiled by Charles Messier, was the first extensive listing of star clusters and nebulae. Messier’s primary observational purpose was to discover comets. He compiled this list so that others searching for comets would not be confused by these objects. His list still remains popular today because all of these objects are easily visible in amateur telescopes. - Page 75 NGC# Const. NGC 1960 NGC 2099 NGC 1912 NGC 7092 NGC 2287 NGC 1976 NGC 1982 NGC 2632 NGC 2437 NGC 2422 NGC 2548 NGC 4472 NGC 2323 NGC 5194-5 NGC 7654 NGC 5024 NGC 6715 NGC 6809 NGC 6779 NGC 6720 NGC 4579 NGC 4621...
- Page 76 NGC# Const. NGC 3031 NGC 3034 NGC 5236 NGC 4374 NGC 4382 NGC 4406 NGC 4486 NGC 4501 NGC 4552 NGC 4569 NGC 4548 NGC 6341 NGC 2447 NGC 4736 NGC 3351 NGC 3368 NGC 3587 NGC 4192 NGC 4254 M100 NGC 4321 M101...
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Page 77: List Of Bright Stars
LIST OF BRIGHT STARS The following is a list of bright stars that can be used to align the R.A. setting circle. All coordinates are in epoch 2000.0. Star Name Constellation Sirius Canopus Arcturus Rigel Kent. Vega Capella Rigel Procyon Betelgeuse Achernar Hadar... -
Page 78: For Further Reading
FOR FURTHER READING The following is a list of astronomy books that will further enhance your understanding of the night sky. The books are broken down by classification for easy reference. Astronomy Texts Astronomy Now ... Pasachoff & Kutner Cambridge Atlas Of Astronomy ... Audouze & Israel McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia Of Astronomy ... - Page 79 CELESTRON ONE YEAR WARRANTY Celestron International (CI) warrants this telescope to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year. CI will repair or replace such product or part thereof which, upon inspection by CI, is found to be defective in materials or workmanship. As a condition to the obligation of CI to repair or replace such product, the product must be returned to CI together with proof-of-purchase satisfactory to CI.
- Page 80 Celestron International 2835 Columbia Street Torrance, CA 90503 Tel: 310-328-9560 Fax: 310-212-5835 Web site: http://www.celestron.com Copyright 1998 Celestron International All right reserved (Products or instructions may change without notice or obligation). Item #11055-INST 07-98 Price $10.00...