Placing the TableTop, Using the TableTop on a Tripod

1/4-20" adapter

3/8" thread

Phillips head screws

Figure 9a: Detail of the Photo tripod adapter

usage because the image in the eyepiece is inverted (upside- down). The eyepiece will also be too low to the ground for comfortable viewing when pointed near the horizon.

Placing the TableTop

One of the great assets of the TableTop is its extremely por- table size. Due to its overall short length, you will find that viewing while sitting down on the ground next to the telescope is the most comfortable. If you wish to raise the telescope off the ground so that it can be used while standing or sitting in a chair, then a platform, such as a milk crate or table can be used.

Using the TableTop on a Tripod

One useful feature of the TableTop line is the inclusion of a built-in photo tripod adapter allowing you to mount the base on a standard photo tripod. This is best done as a tripod only

–without a panhead mounted on it. Most photo tripods use either a 3/8" or ¼"-20 thread to attach a panhead. Using this same post you can thread the TableTop base directly to your tripod giving you maximum versatility in setting up your tele- scope. The TableTop base includes a 3/8" female thread and a pre-assembled ¼"-20 stainless steel adapter.You can remove the adapter using a flat head screwdriver. Simply thread the base onto the post until it is tight. (See Figures 9a, 9b, 10.)

Altitude and Azimuth (Aiming the Telescope)

The TableTop altazimuth base permits motion along two axes: altitude (up/down) and azimuth (left/right). Moving the telescope up/down and right/left is the “natural” way people search for objects; which makes pointing the telescope intui- tive and easy.

Simply take hold of the telescope tube opening at the top or the side brace and move it left or right so that the base rotates. Move it up or down in the same manner. Both motions can be made simultaneously and in a continuous manner for easy aiming. This way you can point to any position in the night sky, from horizon to horizon.

Figure 9b: Removing the ¼"-20 adapter

Altitude Tension Adjustment

When aiming the telescope in altitude, you may find that the optical tube is either too hard to move or does not stay in place. Use the altitude adjustment tension knob to change the amount of tension between the optical tube and the altazi- muth base to find the right level of tension to properly move and balance the telescope. (Refer to Figure 1d to identify the Altitude Tension Knob).

Azimuth Tension Adjustment

In the event that adjustments to the azimuth axis need to be made you will first need to remove the Photo Tripod Adapter. This is very easy to do. Simply loosen and remove the three phillips-head screws on the underside of the base (Figure 9a). The Adapter will lift right off of the base. Once you have made the necessary adjustments reinstall by aligning the holes in the adapter to the holes on the base plate and re-tighten the three Phillips-head screws. If you are not taking advantage of the tripod mounting you can leave this base off. Store it in a safe place with the hardware in case you wish to use it later.

To adjust the azimuth tension you will need to tighten or loos- en the lock nut on the circular plate at the base of the tele- scope. This is very easy to do; though it will require the use of two wrenches. The first is needed to hold the bolt underneath the base while the second is used to adjust the lock nut at the top of the base. Because these telescopes are so lightweight it is not unusual that you may be able to spin the lock nut with your fingers. This does not necessarily indicate that the assembly is too loose. As long as the base moves without ten- sion and the base plates do not wobble further adjustment is not necessary. (See Figure 11.)

Focusing the Telescope

Using the lower power eyepiece inserted and secured with the thumbscrews, aim the optical tube so the front end is pointing in the general direction of an object at least 1/4-mile away. With your fingers, slowly rotate one of the focus wheels until the object comes into sharp focus. A good method to ensure you’ve hit the exact focus point is go a little bit beyond