Orion 5374, 5376 instruction manual Adjusting the Tilt Angle of the Binocular, Adjusting Azimuth

tilt angle

Altitude knob

Figure 4. The “tilt angle” of the binoculars

Figure 6. The binocular mount can be used to view objects at or near the zenith. Adjust the tripod so that you can stand under the binoc- ular to view objects located high in the sky.

a.b.

Figure 5. The binocular will remain on target as you adjust the height using the parallelogram. The standing person in (a) is looking at the same thing while seated in (b). Note that only the parallelogram has moved; the tilt angle of the binocular has not. The pivot disk and binocular altitude should not be adjusted for this feature to work.

Adjusting the “Tilt Angle” of the Binocular

The binocular “tilt angle” is controlled with the altitude knob (Figure 4). You should set the knob tension such that the binocu- lar will move when pushed, but will not move on its own. Keep in mind that as the angle of the binocular approaches the zenith, the knob tension will need to be increased so that the binocular does not flop over. Increase the knob tension when bringing the binocular 40˚ or more from horizontal.

Adjusting Azimuth

Moving the binocular in azimuth (left/right) is a simple matter of turn- ing the mount on its pivot disk. There is no azimuth lock feature.

Adjusting the Height of the Binocular

A nice feature of the Paragon-Plus binocular mount is that when the binocular is pointed at an object, the height can be adjusted for different viewers without moving the binocular off its target. To do this, simply move the binocular so that only the parallelogram part of the mount is moving. Do not adjust the tilt angle of the binocular or move the mount on its pivot disk. Figure 5 shows this feature in action. Using this feature, people of varying heights will be able to enjoy binocular views without any crouching over or straining to reach the binocular.

Adjusting the Paragon-Plus Tripod Height (#5374)

You may find that the binocular position is too low when the tri- pod legs are fully retracted. To raise the height you should extend the legs of the tripod. You should remove the binocular mount before extending the tripod legs to prevent the mount and tripod from falling over.

Each leg of the tripod has two telescoping sections. To extend a leg, loosen the ridged helical lock ring by turning it counterclock- wise, then extend the leg. When it has been extended to the desired length, turn the lock ring clockwise until tight.

Although the Paragon-Plus tripod also has an elevator shaft, this should be used with the binocular mount only after raising the tri- pod by use of the legs. Extending the elevator shaft reduces the stability of the binocular mount. To operate the elevator shaft, loosen the elevator lock knob and turn the elevator hand crank to adjust to the desired height. Then tighten the elevator lock knob.

Dual Rubber/Spike Feet (#5374)

The tripod is equipped with dual-purpose feet that consist of a retractable rubber foot and a metal spike. The rubber feet are intended for use of the tripod indoors or on a smooth, paved sur- face. The metal spikes are desirable for achieving a firm grip on soft surfaces. To use the rubber feet, thread the foot counter- clockwise until it stops. In this position, the metal spike will be well recessed within the rubber. Be sure all three rubber feet are flat on the floor, not tipped sideways.

To expose the spike feet, thread the rubber foot clockwise until the spike protrudes from the rubber. In some instances you may wish to remove the rubber feet altogether so more of the metal spike is exposed. This can be done by pulling the rubber feet off their anchors. They can be pressed on again at any time.

Parallelogram Safety Stop

The parallelogram has a safety stop to prevent the aluminum bars from completely collapsing. This ensures that no fingers will be caught and crushed by an accidental fast closing of the paral- lelogram. This feature will also prevent the counterweight from hitting the tripod.

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