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Focus
knobs
Figure 8:
Detail of the TableTop 100 focuser
on the retaining clip and remove the old battery. Do not over
bend the retaining clip. Then slide the new battery under the
battery lead with the positive (+) side facing down and replace
the battery cover.
Attaching the Diagonal
GoScope 80
Attach the 90˚ star diagonal to the optical tube. First remove
the caps from the diagonal and unthread the cover on the rear
of the GoScope. The knurled ring on the diagonal connects
to the threads on the rear of the GoScope. Tighten this ring
firmly. If you wish to change the orientation of the diagonal
for a more comfortable viewing angle, you must first loosen
the knurled ring on the diagonal. Rotate the diagonal to the
desired viewing angle, and retighten the knurled ring to lock
the diagonal into place. (See Figure 6.)
StarMax 90
Remove the cap from the eyepiece adapter on the rear of the
optical tube and insert the chrome barrel of the mirror star
diagonal. Secure the diagonal with the thumbscrews on the
eyepiece adapter. Now, insert the chrome barrel of the 25mm
eyepiece into the star diagonal. Secure the eyepiece with the
thumbscrews on the star diagonal. (See Figure 7.)
SkyScanner 100
This section is not applicable if you own the SkyScanner 100.
This is because this telescope is a Newtonian reflector and
this telescope type does not have the focus travel to support
this accessory. Please skip to the next section.
Inserting the Eyepiece
Loosen the eyepiece securing thumbscrews. Insert the
chrome barrel of the low-power eyepiece into the focuser and
secure it with the thumbscrews. Set aside the high-power eye-
piece for use later. (See Figure 8.)
Your telescope is now fully assembled and should resemble
the appropriate image on the cover of this manual. Remove
the dust cap from the front of the telescope when it is in use.
Replace it when you are finished observing.
Thumbscrews
Eyepiece Selection
By using eyepieces of different focal lengths, it is possible to
attain many magnifications or powers with the TableTop. Your
telescope comes with two eyepieces: one for low power, wide
field viewing, another for detailed high power observation.
Other eyepieces can be used to achieve higher or lower pow-
ers. It is quite common for an observer to own five or more
eyepieces to access a wide range of magnifications.
To calculate the magnification of a telescope-eyepiece com-
bination, simply divide the focal length of the telescope by
the focal length of the eyepiece. The example below uses the
GoScope 80mm TableTop with a focal length of 350mm as an
example. See the Specifications table at the end of this manu-
al to determine the focal length of your particular model.
Magnification =
For example, the TableTop 80, which has a focal length of
350mm, used in combination with the 20mm eyepiece, yields
a magnification of 18x:
Whatever you choose to view, always start by inserting your
lowest-power (longest focal length) eyepiece to locate and
center the object. Low magnification yields a wide field of
view, which shows a larger area of sky in the eyepiece. This
makes finding and centering an object much easier. Trying
to find and center objects with a high power (narrow field of
view) eyepiece is like trying to find a needle in a haystack!
Once you've centered the object in the eyepiece, you can
switch to a higher magnification (shorter focal length) eye-
piece, if you wish. This is recommended for small and bright
objects, like planets and double stars. The Moon takes higher
magnifications well.
The best rule of thumb with eyepiece selection is to start with
a low power, wide-field eyepiece, and then work your way up
in magnification. If the object looks better, try an even higher
magnification eyepiece. If the object looks worse, then back
off the magnification a little by using a lower-power eyepiece.
Getting Started
It's best to get a feel for the basic functions of the TableTop
during the day, before observing astronomical objects at night.
This way you won't have to orient yourself in the dark! Find a
spot outdoors where you'll have plenty of room to move the
telescope, and where you'll have a clear view of some object
or vista that is at least 1/4 mile away. It is not critical that the
telescope be exactly level, but it should be placed on flat
ground or pavement to ensure smooth movement.
The TableTop was designed specifically for visual observation
of astronomical objects in the night sky. Like all Newtonian
reflector telescopes, it is not suited for daytime terrestrial
Focal Length of Telescope (mm)
Focal Length of Eyepiece (mm)
350mm
18X =
20mm
7
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