Table of Contents, Unpacking, Parts List, Assembly

Welcome to a new world of adventure. Your new StarMax 127mm EQ is designed for high-resolution observing of astronomical objects, and can also be used for terrestrial exploration. With its precision optics and equatorial mount, you’ll be able to locate and enjoy hundreds of fascinating celestial objects, including the planets, Moon, and a variety of deep-sky galax- ies, nebulas, and star clusters.

If you have never owned a telescope before, we would like to welcome you to amateur astronomy. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the night sky. Learn to recognize the patterns of stars in the major constellations. With a little practice, a little patience, and a reasonably dark sky away from city lights, you’ll find your telescope to be a never-ending source of wonder, exploration, and relaxation.

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

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

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

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

4.Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . 5

5.Setting Up and Using the

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

6.Using Your Telescope—

Astronomical Observing . . . . . . 11

7.Terrestrial Viewing . . . . . . . . 14

8.Photography . . . . . . . . . . . 14

9.Care and Maintenance . . . . . . 14

10.Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 15

1.Unpacking

The entire telescope system will arrive in one box. Be careful unpacking the box. We recommend keeping the original ship- ping container. In the event that the telescope needs to be shipped to another location, or returned to Orion for warranty repair, having the proper shipping container will help ensure that your telescope will survive the journey intact.

Make sure all the parts in the Parts List are present. Be sure to check box carefully, as some parts are small. If any- thing appears to be missing or broken, immediately call Orion Customer Support (800-676-1343) or email support@ telescope.com for assistance.

Warning: Never look directly at the Sun through your telescope or its finder scope— 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

1Optical tube dust cover

125mm (62x) Sirius Plössl eyepiece (1.25")

1Mirror star diagonal

16x26 correct-image finder scope

1Polar axis finder scope

1Dovetail finder scope bracket with O-ring

1Equatorial mount

3Tripod legs

1Counterweight shaft

1Large Counterweight

1Small Counterweight

1Tripod accessory tray

1Accessory tray bracket

2Slow-motion control cables

1 Soft carry case

3Assembly tools (large and small wrench, Phillips head screwdriver)

2Optical tube attachment knobs with lock washers and flat washers

1 Polar axis finder scope cover

3. Assembly

Assembling the telescope for the first time should take about 30 minutes. No tools are needed other than the ones provid- ed. 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 during the assembly pro- cess.

During assembly (and anytime, for that matter), do not touch the surface of the telescope’s meniscus lens or the lenses of the finder scopes or eyepiece with your fingers. The optical surfaces have delicate coatings on them that can easily be damaged if touched inappropriately. Never remove any lens