Attaching the Deluxe Off-Axis Guider to a Telescope

Figure 5. Use the socket head setscrew Figure 6. Deluxe Off-Axis Guider direct

and hex key to secure the autoguider T-thread attachment to the telescope. nosepiece or 1.25" eyepiece.

Using the 1.25" Eyepiece Holder

The fine focus guiding adapter also functions as a 1.25" eyepiece holder to support cameras that use only a 1.25" nosepiece or any standard 1.25" eye- piece. Insert the camera nosepiece or eyepiece barrel into the 1.25" holder. Locate the socket head setscrew and secure the camera or eyepiece using the provided 1.5mm hex key (Figure 5), also refer to “Finding and Focusing a Guide Star”.

4. Attaching the Deluxe Off-Axis Guider to a Telescope

The Deluxe Off-Axis Guider is equipped with a standard removable 2" nose piece and female camera T-threads, ready to attach to most telescopes. You can either insert the Deluxe Off-Axis Guider like an eyepiece using the 2" nose- piece, or attach it directly to your imaging scope’s T-threads (if equipped) for a direct threaded connection.

Using the 2" Nosepiece

If your telescope features a 2" focuser or adapter, the easiest way to attach the Deluxe Off-Axis Guider is by using the included 2" nosepiece. Simply insert the nosepiece into your telescope’s 2" focuser or accessory and secure it by tightening the thumbscrew.

Using T-threads

Some Orion telescopes feature focusers with male T-threads. If you are using such a telescope, you can attach the Deluxe Off-Axis Guider body directly to the T-threads without using the 2" nosepiece. Remove the 2" nosepiece. Then carefully thread the Deluxe Off-Axis Guider body to the T-threads (Figure 6).

The assembled setup when attached to the telescope will resemble Figure 7.

Figure 7. The Deluxe Off-Axis Guider, imaging camera, and autoguider are properly attached to the telescope.

5. Focusing and Finding a Guide Star

When your imaging camera and autoguider are attached and the Deluxe Off- Axis Guider is connected to your telescope, you are ready to begin focusing and finding a guide star. The Deluxe Off-Axis Guider features coarse and fine focus adjustments for the guiding end. The coarse adjustment is made by sliding the guiding end up and down and locking the position with two thumb- screws (Figure 8). The fine focus adjustment is made by loosening the focus lock thumbscrew and turning the fine focus guiding adapter. Firmly retighten the fine focus lock thumbscrew to secure the autoguider position.

Warning: Do not turn the fine focus guiding adapter more than two (2) full turns counter-clockwise, or the autoguider could fall off!

Finding and Focusing a Guide Star

Finding a guide star can be challenging because the pick-off prism only inter- cepts a small portion of the focal plane to avoid interfering with the imaging camera’s view. Please read the following procedure to best find and focus a guide star.

To find a guide star and focus with the Deluxe Off-Axis Guider:

1. Focus your imaging camera first. Use your telescope’s focuser.

Note: We highly recommend using an eyepiece to locate the guide star before the exact focus is found. This only needs to be done the first time you use the Deluxe Off-Axis Guider. Once you have achieved focus, you can keep the Deluxe Off-Axis Guider locked in the same focus position and skip steps 2-5. Once the autoguider is focused, it will be much easier to locate guide stars.