Collimation, Care and Maintenance, Cleaning Lenses

Reflective ring

1.25" adapter

Viewing hole

Figure 13. The collimating tool in the AstroView 100 focuser.

8. Collimation

The AstroView 100 EQ telescope has objective lens cell which incorporates a collimation adjustment; this helps to ensure peak optical performance. Collimation is the process of aligning the telescope’s optics. In the case of the AstroView 100 EQ, collimation entails tilting the objective lens assembly so that the optical axis is precisely parallel to the telescope’s focuser. The telescope has been collimated at the factory, so no adjustments to the lens cell are likely to be necessary. If you are unsure or uncomfortable about making collimation adjustments, we strongly recommend that you just leave it alone.

Your AstroView 100 EQ comes with a collimation tool. Figure 13 shows the collimation tool in place.

Use of the collimating tool is best done during the day, either outdoors or in a well-lit room. Point the telescope at a dark tar- get of uniform brightness, like a painted wall or a black piece of construction paper. The distance of the target is unimpor- tant. You will also need a 2.5mm hex key and a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Insert the collimating tool into the telescope’s focuser. You will need to use the telescope’s 1.25" adapter in the focuser. Secure the collimating tool in the focuser with the thumbscrew on the 1.25" adapter.

Look into the viewing hole of the collimating tool. You are now looking straight down the interior of the telescope tube at the objective lens.

Loosen the securing thumbscrew, and rotate the collimating tool until you can see the reflection of the of the tool’s reflec- tive ring in the objective lens. To do this, you will need to point the wide hole in the collimating tool’s body toward a source of light. Ignoring the tiny central reflection, you should see two separate reflections of the ring in the objective lens. If you see only one reflection, then your telescope is already collimated.

Use the collimating screws in the lens cell to center the reflec- tions on top of one another (Figure 14). There are three pairs

Pair of collimating screws

Figure 14. The lens cell of the AstroView 100. There are three pairs of collimating screws; each pair of screws work together to adjust the tilt of the lens.

of screws; each pair works together to tilt the lens. Using your 2.5mm hex key and Phillips-head screwdriver, loosen one of the screws and then tighten the other in the pair. Look into the viewing hole of the collimating tool to see if the reflections have moved closer together or further apart. Once you get the reflections as close together as you can get with one pair of screws, move on to another pair.

Continue making adjustments to each pair of screws until the reflections are precisely centered on each other, which will give the appearance of one ring. Once only one circular ring is visible, no further collimation adjustments are needed.

Your AstroView100 EQ is now collimated.You should not need to align the optics again unless the telescope is roughly han- dled.

9. Care and Maintenance

If you give your telescope reasonable care, it will last a life- time. Store it in a clean, dry, dust-free place, safe from rapid changes in temperature and humidity. Do not store the tele- scope outdoors, although storage in a garage or shed is OK. Small components like eyepieces and other accessories should be kept in a protective box or storage case. Keep the dust cover on the front of the telescope when it is not in use.

Your AstroView100 EQ requires very little mechanical mainte- nance. The optical tube is aluminum and has a smooth painted finish that is fairly scratch-resistant. If a scratch does appear on the tube, it will not harm the telescope. Smudges on the tube can be wiped off with a soft cloth and a household cleaner such as Formula 409.

Cleaning Lenses

Any quality optical lens cleaning tissue and optical lens clean- ing fluid specifically designed for multi-coated optics can be used to clean the telescope’s objective lens and the exposed

100 EQ specifications

The Orion 100 EQ is a high-performance telescope designed for both novice and experienced astronomers. Combining precision engineering with user-friendly features, this telescope offers an exceptional observing experience.

One of the standout features of the Orion 100 EQ is its 100mm diameter aperture, which allows for ample light gathering capabilities. This feature is essential for observing faint celestial objects, making it ideal for viewing planets, star clusters, and nebulae. The optics are made from high-quality glass and are fully coated to enhance light transmission and image clarity.

The computer-controlled equatorial mount of the Orion 100 EQ is another significant advancement in its design. This mount utilizes a durable, smooth operation mechanism that allows for easy tracking of celestial objects as they move across the night sky. The built-in dual axis slow motion controls provide astronomers with the ability to make fine adjustments to their viewing angle, ensuring that the object of interest remains centered in the eyepiece.

Another key technology included in the Orion 100 EQ is its robust and portable design. Weighing in at just under 25 pounds, the telescope is lightweight enough to transport easily but offers the stability necessary for steady views during observation. The adjustable aluminum tripod further enhances the telescope's stability while providing a sturdy platform for observers.

For beginners, the Orion 100 EQ is user-friendly and easy to set up. The telescope comes with a detailed instruction manual that guides users through the assembly process. Moreover, Orion includes a selection of eyepieces and a finderscope to assist users in locating celestial objects quickly. A 25mm Plössl eyepiece and a 10mm Plössl eyepiece come standard, allowing for a range of magnifications suitable for various observing conditions.

In terms of characteristics, the Orion 100 EQ stands out with its solid build quality and intuitive design. Its sleek black finish not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also ensures both durability and resistance to weather conditions. The telescope's user-friendly nature, combined with its impressive optical performance, makes it a perfect choice for astronomy enthusiasts.

Overall, the Orion 100 EQ is a versatile telescope that caters to a wide audience. Whether you are a novice taking your first steps into astronomy or an experienced observer seeking a reliable tool for deep-sky exploration, the Orion 100 EQ promises to deliver an outstanding visual experience and a deeper connection with the cosmos. With its thoughtfully designed features and technologies, it is indeed a worthwhile investment for anyone passionate about stargazing.

Orion 100 EQ instruction manual Collimation, Care and Maintenance, Cleaning Lenses

Models: 100 EQ