4. Assembly

Assembling the telescope for the first time should take about 30 minutes. The only tools you will need are a Phillips head screwdriver and a flat head screwdriver. As a general note, tighten all screws securely to eliminate flexing and wobbling, but be careful not to over-tighten and thereby strip the threads. Refer to Figures 1 through 4 during the assembly process.

During assembly (and any other time, for that matter), do not touch the surfaces of the telescope objective lens or the lens- es of the reflex sight and eyepieces with your fingers. These optical surfaces have delicate coatings that can easily be damaged if touched. Never remove any lens assembly from its housing for any reason, or the product warranty will be voided.

Begin set-up of the telescope by assembling the tripod and mount first:

1.Lay the altazimuth yoke mount (5) on its side. Attach the tripod legs (6), one at a time, to the base of the mount by sliding a tripod leg attachment screw (21) through the top of a leg and through the holes in the base of the mount. The washers should be on the outside of the tripod legs. Secure the wing nuts finger-tight. Figure 3b shows a close- up detail of the screws attaching the tripod legs to the altazimuth mount.

2.Install and tighten the leg lock knobs (23) on the bottom braces of the tripod legs (6). For now, keep the legs at their shortest (fully retracted) length; you can extend them to a more desirable length later, once the tripod is completely assembled.

3.Stand the tripod and mount upright and spread the tripod legs (6) apart as far as they will go, until the accessory tray bracket (22) is taut. Connect the accessory tray (7) to the accessory tray bracket (22) with the three wing screws already installed in the tray. Push the wing screws up through the holes in the accessory tray bracket and thread them into the holes in the accessory tray.

4.Tighten the tripod leg attachment screws (21) at the tops of the tripod legs so the legs are securely fastened to the mount. Use the Phillips head screwdriver and/or your fin- gers to do this.

5.Attach the altitude micro-motion rod and thumbwheel (13) to the optical tube (1) by first removing the flat-head screw from the micro-motion rod attachment post (12) on the side of the optical tube. Slide the screw through the hole at the end of the micro-motion rod and rethread the screw into the attachment post. Make sure the screw is tight- ened.

The tripod is now completely assembled and the altazimuth yoke mount is ready for the installation of the optical tube:

6.To install the optical tube (1) in the altazimuth yoke mount (5), first slide the altitude micro-motion control rod into its receptacle, at the same location as the altitude lock knob (19)) on the side of the yoke. (Figure 4). Then, with the rod in place in the receptacle, gently drop the optical tube into

Figure 4. Installing the optical tube in the “yoke” altazimuth mount.

the yoke so that the holes in the altitude castings (10) on the side of the optical tube line up with the holes in the top of the altazimuth yoke mount (5). Slide the yoke knobs

(18)through the holes in the top of the mount and thread them into the altitude castings on the optical tube. Tighten the altitude lock knob (19) securely.

7.Unthread the two knurled metal thumbnuts located on the optical tube (1) and place the holes in the base of the EZ Finder II mounting bracket (11) over the two threaded shafts. Then thread the metal thumbnuts back on the shafts to secure the mounting bracket to the optical tube.

8.Attach the EZ Finder II reflex sight (4) to the EZ Finder II mounting bracket (11). Loosen the two securing thumb- screws on the EZ Finder II (Figure 6) and slide it onto the mounting bracket. Tighten the two securing thumbscrews. You will align the EZ Finder II later, in the Getting Started section.

9.Insert the chrome barrel of the 90° mirror star diagonal (2) into the focuser drawtube (14). See Figure 3. Secure the star diagonal with the diagonal holder thumbscrews (16).

10.Insert the chrome barrel of the 25mm Explorer II eyepiece

(3)into the 90° mirror star diagonal (2). Secure the eye- piece in the diagonal with the eyepiece holder thumb­ screws (17). The eyepiece and diagonal properly installed should resemble Figure 2b.

Your telescope is now fully assembled and should resemble Figures 1-3.

5. Getting Started

Now that your Observer 70 is assembled, you’re ready to begin observing. This section will instruct you on using your telescope effectively.

Altitude and Azimuth (Aiming the Telescope)

The Observer 70 altazimuth mount (5) permits motion along two axes: altitude (up/down) and azimuth (left/right) (Figure 5). Moving the telescope up/down and right/left is the “natural” way people aim objects and this makes pointing the telescope intuitive and easy.

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Orion 70MM AZ instruction manual Assembly, Getting Started, Altitude and Azimuth Aiming the Telescope
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70MM AZ specifications

The Orion 70MM AZ telescope is an impressive entry-level telescope designed for stargazers who want to explore the night sky with ease. Ideal for beginners and casual astronomers, the 70MM AZ combines simplicity with the essential features to deliver a satisfying astronomical experience.

One of the primary features of the Orion 70MM AZ is its 70mm aperture. This size strikes a perfect balance between portability and light-gathering ability, allowing users to observe celestial objects such as the Moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects. The telescope is equipped with a fully coated glass lens that enhances image brightness and clarity, ensuring that every view of the cosmos is enjoyable.

The telescope's optical design incorporates a refractor system, which is known for producing crisp, sharp images without the need for frequent maintenance. Refracting telescopes are particularly user-friendly because they require minimal collimation compared to reflecting telescopes. As a result, the Orion 70MM AZ is a great choice for novices who may not yet be familiar with telescope maintenance.

A standout feature of the Orion 70MM AZ is its Altazimuth mount. This type of mount allows for intuitive up-and-down and side-to-side movements, making it easy for users to locate and track astronomical objects. The mount is designed for smooth motion and requires minimal setup, so users can spend more time stargazing and less time fumbling with equipment.

Additionally, the Orion 70MM AZ is lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport to dark sky locations. Its user-friendly design means it's perfect for family outings or educational events, allowing users of all ages to experience the wonders of the universe.

To enhance the observing experience, the telescope includes two eyepieces: a 10mm and a 25mm. These provide different magnification options that suit various viewing needs. The inclusion of a finderscope further aids in locating objects in the vastness of space.

In summary, the Orion 70MM AZ telescope is a versatile and accessible option for anyone keen on discovering the universe. With its 70mm aperture, refractor design, Altazimuth mount, and user-friendly features, it stands as a compelling choice for beginners and seasoned astronomers alike. Whether spotting craters on the Moon or viewing distant planets, this telescope offers an engaging way to connect with the beauty of the night sky.
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