Continue using stars as guideposts in this way until you are at the approximate position of the object you are trying to find (Figure 9). Look in the telescope’s eyepiece, and the object should be somewhere within the field of view. If it’s not, sweep the telescope carefully around the immediate vicinity until the object is found.
If you have trouble finding the object, start the star hop again from the brightest star near the object you wish to view. This time, be sure the stars indicated on the star chart are in fact the stars you are centering in the eyepiece.
7. Terrestrial Viewing
The StarMax 102mm not only excels at astronomical observ- ing, it’s great for terrestrial (land) viewing too. The equatorial mount, however, is not well suited for land viewing due to its motion about R.A. and Dec. axes instead of altitude (vertical) and azimuth (horizontal) axes. Because of this, we recom- mend removing the optical tube from the EQ-2 Mount and placing it on an appropriate photo-style tripod. This is easily done by rotating the thumb wheel clockwise on the mount’s 1/4"-20 adapter. Make sure to have a firm grip on the tube as it releases from the mount. Now, connect the optical tube to a photo tripod by threading the tripod’s 1/4"-20 shaft into the hole in the tube’s mounting block.
The included mirror star diagonal, while preferred for astro- nomical observing because of its viewing angle and better resolution, is not optimal for land viewing because it inverts images from left-to-right. We recommend purchasing an optional 45° correct-image diagonal for terrestrial observing; it provides a more comfortable viewing angle for land viewing and an image that is oriented the same as the naked eye.
For terrestrial viewing, it’s best to stick with low power eye- pieces that yield a magnification under 100x. At higher powers, images rapidly lose sharpness and clarity due to “heat waves” caused by Sun-heated air.
Remember to aim well clear of the Sun, unless the front of the telescope is fitted with a professionally made solar filter and the finder scope is covered with foil or some other completely opaque material.
8. Photography
With an optional camera adapter, the StarMax 102mm becomes a 1300mm f/12.7 telephoto lens for a single-lens reflex camera. For long-distance terrestrial or astronomical photography, you need only a T-ring for your specific camera model. The T-ring attaches to your camera and threads onto the StarMax’s eyepiece adapter (first remove eyepiece and diagonal), coupling the camera body to the telescope.
Use the camera’s viewfinder to frame the picture. Use the telescope’s focuser to focus the image.
You may want to consider using a remote shutter release instead of the shutter release on the camera. Touching the camera can vibrate the system and blur the resulting photo- graphic image. Also, be sure to use a solid tripod.
9. Care and Maintenance
Transporting
The included soft carry case provides an excellent way to transport the optical tube and its accessories. Remove the tube from the mount by rotating the knurled thumb wheel on the mount’s 1/4"-20 adapter. Make sure to have a firm grip on the tube as it releases from the mount. To place the optical tube in the case, the eyepiece, diagonal, finder scope and bracket must be removed from the tube. When removing the eyepiece and diagonal, remember to first loosen the securing thumb screws. The finder scope and bracket can be removed together by loosening the thumb screw on the tube’s dovetail mount. Cover the front of the optical tube with the dust cover and the rear opening of the eyepiece adapter with its cap. Now place the tube in the case’s main compartment under- neath the padded divider. The finder scope and bracket can be placed on top of the divider as one unit. The eyepiece and diagonal should be covered with their caps and placed in the external compartments of the case.
It is not necessary to completely disassemble the mount to transport it. It will be convenient to remove the accessory tray (by unthreading the three wing screws) in order to fold the tri- pod legs together. It may also be convenient to remove the slow-motion control cables and counterweight shaft. Orion offers an optional Padded Scope Case that will fit the entire EQ-2 Mount.
Storing
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, diagonals, and other accessories can be kept in the included carry case or in an optional eyepiece case. Keep the dust cover on the front of the telescope and cap the rear opening of the eyepiece adapter. Also keep the finder scope caps on if you leave it attached to the optical tube.
Cleaning the Tube
Your StarMax 102mm EQ telescope requires very little mechanical maintenance. 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 tele- scope. If you wish, you may apply some auto touch-up paint to the scratch. Smudges on the tube can be wiped off with a soft cloth and a household cleaner such as Windex or 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 StarMax’s front meniscus lens or exposed lenses of your eyepieces or finder scope. Never use regular glass cleaner or cleaning fluid designed for eyeglasses. Before cleaning with fluid and tissue, however, blow any loose particles off the lens with a blower bulb or compressed air.
