Orion 9825, 9823, 9820 Alignment thumb screw Finder scope eyepiece, Spring-loadedtensioner, O-ring

Getting Started

The Apex telescopes come nearly fully assembled from the factory. The optics have been installed and collimated, so you should not have to make any adjustments to them. Open the box and inspect the contents to make sure all of the parts list- ed above are present. Refer to Figure 1 to see what the parts look like, and how they will connect togther; the Apex 102mm is shown, but all models have similar components.

Please keep the original shipping box. In the unlikely event you should need to ship the telescope back to Orion for war- ranty repair service, you should use the original packaging. The box also makes a very good container for storing the tel- escope when it is not in use.

Alignment thumb screw (3)

Finder scope eyepiece

Figure 2: Insert the 6x20 finder scope into the bracket’s rings so that it is oriented as shown.

Installing the Accessories

Apex 90mm:

To place the finder scope in the finder scope bracket, first unthread the three alignment thumb screws on the bracket until the screw ends are flush with the inside of the bracket’s ring. Insert the finder scope into the bracket so that the eye- piece end of the finder scope (the end with the rubber eyeguard) is closest to the bracket’s alignment thumb screws (see Figure 2). Secure the finder scope in place by tightening the three alignment thumbscrews.

Spring-loaded tensioner

Eyepiece end of finder scope

Alignment thumb screws O-ring

Figure 3: To install the 6x26 finder scope in the finder scope bracket, pull the spring-loaded tensioner while inserting the eyepiece end of the finder scope into the bracket.

All models:

Connect the finder scope bracket to the dovetail holder on the optical tube with the thumb screw on the holder. Insert the 45° diagonal into the eyepiece adapter and secure it with the thumb screws on the eyepiece adapter. Insert an eyepiece into the diagonal and tighten the thumb screws on the diagonal.

Keep the dust cap over the front end of the telescope when it is not in use. It is also a good idea to cover the eyepiece; use the cover cap that came with it.

Mounting the Telescope on a Tripod

The Apex Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube assemblies can be mounted on any standard camera tripod that has a 1/4"-20 stud. The stud threads into the block on the underside of the telescope’s optical tube (see Figure 4). Alternatively, the tele- scopes can be attached to an altazimuth or equatorial mount equipped with a 1/4"-20 adapter. For the Apex 127mm, there are several threaded holes in the mounting block; use the one that will best balance the telescope on the tripod or mount.

Apex 102mm and 127mm:

To place the finder scope in the finder scope bracket, first unthread the two black nylon alignment screws until the screw ends are flush with the inside of the bracket’s cylinder. Place the O-ring that comes on the base of the bracket over the body of the finder scope until it seats into the slot on the mid- dle of the finder scope. Insert the eyepiece end (narrow end) of the finder scope into the end of the bracket’s cylinder that does not have the alignment screws, while pulling the spring- loaded tensioner on the bracket with your fingers (see Figure 3). Push the finder scope through the bracket until the O-ring seats just inside the front opening of the bracket’s cylinder. Now, release the tensioner and tighten the alignment screws a couple of turns each to secure the finder scope in place.

Mounting block

Figure 4: The 1/4”-20 stud on standard camera tripods will

1/4”-20 stud thread into the mounting block on the underside of the Apex telescopes. The Orion Paragon HD-F2 tripod shown utilizes a quick-release shoe to connect the telescope to the tripod.

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