Nexstar 114, 60, 80, 102, 130 manual Eyepiece, Focusing, Star Pointer Finderscope

If you wish to change the orientation of the star diagonal, loosen the thumbscrew on the eyepiece adapter until the star diagonal rotates freely. Rotate the diagonal to the desired position and tighten the thumbscrew.

The Eyepiece

The eyepiece, is the optical element that magnifies the image focused by the telescope. The eyepiece fits either directly into the focuser (114mm and 130mm models) or into the star diagonal (60, 80, or 102mm models). To install the eyepiece:

For 60, 80, and 102mm models:

1.Loosen the thumbscrew on the star diagonal so it does not obstruct the inner diameter of the eyepiece end of the diagonal. Remove the protective dust cap from the star diagonal's barrel.

2.Slide the chrome portion of the low power 25mm eyepiece into the star diagonal.

3.Tighten the thumbscrew to hold the eyepiece in place.

To remove the eyepiece, loosen the thumbscrew on the star diagonal and slide the eyepiece out.

Star Pointer

EyepieceFinderscope

Star		Focus Knob
Diagonal
	Eyepiece Adapter

Figure 2-6 – Visual accessories for the NexStar

60, 80 & 102 models

For 114 and 130mm models:

1.Loosen the thumb screw on the eyepiece adapter at the end of the focuser barrel and remove the protective dust cap from the focuser barrel.

2.Slide the chrome portion of the low power 25mm eyepiece into the eyepiece adapter.

3.Tighten the thumbscrew to hold the eyepiece in place.

To remove the eyepiece, loosen the thumbscrew on the eyepiece barrel and slide the eyepiece out.

Eyepieces are commonly referred to by focal length and barrel diameter. The focal length of each eyepiece is printed on the eyepiece barrel. The longer the focal length (i.e., the larger the number) the lower the eyepiece power or magnification; and the shorter the focal length (i.e., the smaller the number) the higher the magnification. Generally, you will use low-to- moderate power when viewing. For more information on how to determine power, see the section on “Calculating Magnification.”

Star Pointer Eyepiece

Focuser

Eyepiece Adapter

Figure 2-7– Visual accessories for the

NexStar 114 & 130

Barrel diameter is the diameter of the barrel that slides into the star diagonal or focuser. The NexStar uses eyepieces with a standard 1-1/4" barrel diameter.

Focusing

To focus your telescope, simply turn either of the focus knobs at the eyepiece end of the optical tube (see figures 2-6 and 2.7). Turn the focus knob until the image is sharp. Once sharp, turn the knob towards you to focus on an object that is closer than the one you are currently observing. Turn the knob away from you to focus on a more distant object than the one you are currently observing.

The Star Pointer Finderscope

The Star Pointer is the quickest and easiest way to point your telescope exactly at a desired object in the sky. It's like having a laser pointer that you can shine directly onto the night sky. The Star Pointer is a zero magnification pointing tool that uses a coated glass window to superimpose the image of a small red dot onto the night sky. While keeping both eyes open when looking through the Star Pointer, simply move your telescope until the red dot, seen through the Star Pointer, merges with the object as seen with your unaided eye. The red dot is produced by a light-emitting diode (LED); it is not a laser beam and will not damage the glass window or your eye.

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