4. Using the Telescope

With the telescope aligned on the pole, you are now ready to start your observations.

4.1.Getting familiar with you mount and telescope

Before observing a celestial object, looking at terrestrial objects during the day provides a good exercise on how to operate the mount and telescope.

4.2. Star observation

First of all you will need to choose an object that is easy to find. The Moon or a bright star is a good target to start with.

1.Slightly loose the telescope's Right Ascension locking knob (14) and the Declination locking knob (12), located close to the Declination adjustment ring (13). By applying slight pressure by hand, the telescope should now move freely along its two axes.

2.Move the telescope along R.A. and Dec axes and using the aligned finderscope to find the Moon. With the object centered in the finderscope's cross hairs, retighten the R.A. and Dec. knobs.

3.The Moon should be visible somewhere within the FOV of main telescope. Focus the image by adjusting the focusing knob (26). Center the Moon by adjusting the mount using RA and DEC control cable (27, 28).

4.You’ll find that the object immediately starts to shift across the FOV. This motion is due to the earth rotation. To "track" the object and keep it in the FOV, turn the cable that controls R.A. slow motion (27). Objects will appear to move faster at higher magnifications. The Declination control cable (28) is only used for centering the object and not for tracking.

4.3.Observation Tips

air and degrades the images seen through the telescope. Avoid viewing over rooftops and chimneys, as they often have warm air currents rising from them. Avoid observing from indoors through an open (or closed) window, because the temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor air will cause image blurring and distortion. Furthermore, it is preferable to let your telescope reach outside ambient (surrounding) temperature before starting an observation cycle.

Wait a few minutes to allow your eyes to become used to the darkness before attempting any serious observations. Use a flashlight with a red filter to preserve your night vision when looking at star maps or checking telescope parts.

Avoid touching the eyepiece during observation. Vibration generated by this contact may cause the view to move. Also avoid observing from locations where terrestrial vibrations are significant. Observing from the upper floors of buildings may also cause the images vibrating.

Warning! Never attempt to observe the sun through your telescope without a proper solar filter. Observing the sun, even for a fraction of a second, may cause immediate and irreversible harm to your eye as well as physical damage to the telescope.

Some atmospheres may deform the image that you are observing. Planets in particular, when observed low on the horizon, often present a fuzziness – the same object when observed at a higher altitude in the sky may benefit from far better definition and a far higher degree of contrast. Furthermore, air turbulence in the upper layers of the atmosphere may cause "trembling" to affect the view observed through the eyepiece. In this case, reduce the magnification factor until the picture stabilizes. Keep in mind that even a small sized but bright and well defined image will reveal far more interesting details than a larger, but less bright and slightly fuzzy, view.

4.4. How to use setting circles

Understanding the Setting Circles

When selecting a location for observing, get as far away as possible from direct artificial light such as street lights, porch lights, and automobile headlights. The glare from these lights will greatly impair your dark-adapted night vision. Set up on a grass or dirt surface, not asphalt, because asphalt radiates more heat, which disturbs the surrounding

The setting circles on an equatorial mount enable you to locate celestial objects by their “celestial coordinates”. The R.A. and Dec. values for celestial objects can be found in any star atlas or star catalog.

Having trouble setting up or making it work? Email us at 900X70@ioptron.com We’ll be glad to help!

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iOptron 6002, 6001 instruction manual Understanding the Setting Circles
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6001, 6002 specifications

The iOptron 6002 and 6001 are advanced equatorial mounts designed for both amateur and professional astronomers seeking reliable tracking and precision in their astronomical observations. Renowned for their robust construction and advanced technology, these mounts enable users to fully exploit their telescopes' capabilities, ensuring a rich stargazing experience.

Both models feature iOptron’s innovative GoTo technology, which allows users to locate and track celestial objects automatically. With an extensive database of over 200,000 celestial objects, the user can easily choose their target, and the mount will accurately position the telescope. The built-in GPS feature enhances usability, automatically determining the observer's location and the current time, thus simplifying the setup process.

One of the standout characteristics of the iOptron 6002 and 6001 is their impressive payload capacity. The mounts are engineered to handle a variety of telescope sizes and weights, enabling users to attach larger optical tubes while maintaining optimal stability. The robust construction ensures minimal vibrations during observations, providing clearer images and reduced tracking errors.

The iOptron mounts are equipped with dual-axis tracking motors, providing smooth movement across the sky. The high-precision encoders enhance the tracking accuracy of celestial objects, while the internal battery ensures the mounts can operate for extended periods without needing an external power source. This feature makes the iOptron mounts particularly attractive for remote observations and extended astro-photography sessions.

Another notable technology incorporated in these mounts is the user-friendly controller. The intelligent hand controller is designed with a graphical interface that simplifies navigation through the extensive database of star catalogs and observation objects. Users can enjoy customizable options and easily update the firmware via USB connection to keep the system at its best performance.

With their compact design and portability, the iOptron 6002 and 6001 models are ideal for astronomers who wish to take their observatories on the go. The set-up process is quick and straightforward, allowing users to focus more on their observations rather than on complicated installations.

In summary, the iOptron 6002 and 6001 are high-performance mounts equipped with cutting-edge technology and features. From their robust construction, remarkable payload capacity, reliable tracking, and user-friendly controls, these mounts provide an exceptional platform for all astronomy enthusiasts, elevating the stargazing experience to new heights.
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