Table of Contents, Unpacking, Parts List, Assembly

Welcome to the exciting world of amateur astronomy! Your SpaceProbe 3 EQ is a high-quality optical instrument designed for nighttime stargazing. With its precision optics and equatorial mount, you’ll be able to locate and enjoy fascinating denizens of the night sky, including the planets, Moon, and a variety of deep-sky objects. Lightweight and easy to use, this scope will provide many hours of enjoyment for the whole family.

These instructions will help you set up, properly use, and care for your telescope. Please read them over thoroughly before getting started.

1. Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2. Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3. Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

5. Setting up and Using the

Equatorial Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

6. Using your Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

7. Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

8. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Appendix A: Collimation

(Aligning the Mirrors) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Appendix B: Cleaning the Optics . . . . . 14

1. Unpacking

The entire telescope system will arrive in one box. Be careful unpacking the box. We recommend keeping all original pack- aging. In the event that the telescope needs to be shipped to another location, or returned to Orion for warranty repair, hav- ing the proper packaging will help ensure that your telescope will survive the journey intact.

Make sure all the parts in the Part List are present. Be sure to check the box carefully, as some parts are small. If anything appears to be missing or broken, immediately call Orion Customer Support (800-676-1343) for assistance.

Warning: Never look at the sun with your telescope or its finderscope—even for an instant—without a professionally made solar filter that completely covers the front of the instrument, or permanent eye damage could result. Young children should use this telescope only with adult supervision.

2. Parts List

Qty. Description

1Optical tube assembly

1Equatorial mount

3Tripod legs with accessory tray bracket attached

2Slow-motion control cables

1	Counterweight
1	Counterweight shaft
1	EZ Finder II with bracket
1	Accessory tray with attachment wing screws

3Tripod attachment screws with wing nuts and washers

3 Leg lock knobs

125mm Explorer II eyepiece

110mm Explorer II eyepiece

1Dust cover

1Collimation cap

3. Assembly

Assembling the telescope for the first time should take about 30 minutes. You will need a Phillips head screwdriver to assemble the telescope. All screws should be tightened securely to eliminate flexing and wobbling, but be careful not to over-tighten or the threads may strip. Refer to Figure 1 dur- ing the assembly process.

During assembly (and anytime, for that matter), DO NOT touch the surfaces of the telescope mirrors or the lenses of the finder scope or eyepiece with your fingers. The optical sur- faces have delicate coatings on them that can easily be dam- aged if touched inappropriately. NEVER remove any lens assembly from its housing for any reason, or the product war- ranty and return policy will be voided.

1.Lay the equatorial mount on its side. Attach the tripod legs, one at a time, to the base of the mount by sliding a tripod leg attachment screw through the top of a leg and through the holes in the base of the mount. The washers should be

3 EQ specifications

The Orion 3 EQ is a state-of-the-art telescope mount that caters to both amateur and professional astronomers. Renowned for its precision and user-friendly design, the Orion 3 EQ is engineered to deliver an enhanced observational experience. This equatorial mount is specifically crafted to support a variety of optical telescopes, making it a versatile choice for stargazers eager to explore the heavens.

One of the standout features of the Orion 3 EQ is its robust construction. The mount is built with high-quality materials, ensuring stability and durability during usage. A notable characteristic of the Orion 3 EQ is its smooth, adjustable movements, allowing users to easily track celestial objects as they move across the night sky. This is especially beneficial for long-exposure astrophotography, where precise tracking is essential for capturing the details of distant galaxies and nebulae.

The mount is equipped with a sophisticated setting circle and latitude adjustment knobs, facilitating accurate alignment with celestial coordinates. This capability simplifies the process of locating objects in the sky, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced astronomers. Additionally, the Orion 3 EQ features slow-motion controls, providing fine adjustments that enable users to center objects with ease.

Modern technology is showcased in the Orion 3 EQ’s optional GoTo system. This innovative technology allows users to input specific celestial coordinates and automatically track objects of interest. The integrated computer system can store thousands of celestial objects, offering a guided experience that enhances the observational journey.

Furthermore, the Orion 3 EQ supports a variety of telescope tubes, accommodating accessories like finderscopes, eyepieces, and cameras for a comprehensive viewing experience. Its compatibility with different mounts means users can customize their setup to suit their particular needs, whether they are engaging in visual astronomy or astrophotography.

In summary, the Orion 3 EQ stands out in the realm of telescope mounts thanks to its robust construction, precision tracking mechanisms, user-friendly features, and optional advanced technologies. Ideal for enthusiasts eager to delve into the cosmic wonders beyond our planet, the Orion 3 EQ represents a blend of tradition and modern innovation that is essential for any serious astronomer.