Orion 9854 instruction manual Operating the EZ Finder II reflex finder, Aligning the EZ Finder

Operating the EZ Finder II reflex finder

The EZ Finder II reflex finder (Figure 6) works by projecting a tiny red dot onto a lens mounted in the front of the unit. When you look through the EZ Finder II, the red dot will appear to float in space, helping you locate even the faintest of deep space objects. The red dot is produced by a light-emitting diode (LED), not a laser beam, near the rear of the sight. A replaceable 3-volt lithium battery provides the power for the diode.

To use the EZ Finder II, turn the power knob clockwise until you hear a “click” indicating that power has been turned on. With your eyes positioned a comfortable distance from the back of the sight, look through the back of the reflex sight with both eyes open to see the red dot. The intensity of the dot can be adjusted by turning the power knob. For best results when stargazing, use the dimmest possible setting that allows you to see the dot with- out difficulty. Typically, a dim setting is used under dark skies and a bright setting is used under light-polluted skies or in daylight.

At the end of your observing session, be sure to turn the power knob counterclockwise until it clicks off. When the two white dots on the EZ Finder II’s rail and power knob are lined up, the EZ Finder II is turned off.

Aligning the EZ Finder II

When the EZ Finder II is properly aligned with the telescope, an object that is centered on the EZ Finder II’s red dot should also appear in the center of the field of view of the telescope’s eye- piece. Alignment of the EZ Finder II is easiest during daylight, before observing at night. Aim the telescope at a distant object at least 1/4 mile away, such as a telephone pole or chimney and

center it in the telescope’s eyepiece. Now, turn the EZ Finder II on and look through it. The object will appear in the field of view near the red dot.

Note: The image in the eyepiece of the Observer 60 will be reversed from left-to-right.This is normal for a refractor tele- scope using mirror star diagonal.

Without moving the telescope, use the EZ Finder II’s azimuth (left/right) and altitude (up/down) adjustment wheels to position the red dot on the object in the eyepiece.

When the red dot is centered on the distant object, check to make sure that the object is still centered in the telescope’s field of view. If not, recenter it and adjust the EZ Finder II’s alignment again. When the object is centered in the eyepiece and on the red dot, the EZ Finder II is properly aligned with the telescope. Figure 7 shows how the view through the EZ Finder may look while you are aligning it.

Once aligned, EZ Finder II will usually hold its alignment even after being removed and remounted. Otherwise, only minimal realignment will be needed.

Replacing the EZ Finder II Battery

Should the battery ever die, replacement 3-volt lithium bat- teries are available from many retail outlets. Remove the old battery by inserting a small flat-head screwdriver into the slot on the battery cover (Figure 6) and gently prying open the cover. Then carefully pull back on the retaining clip and remove the old battery. Do not overbend the retaining clip. Then slide the new battery under the battery lead with the positive (+) side facing down and replace the battery cover.

Figure 7.

EZ Finder II superimposes a tiny red dot on the sky, showing right where the telescope is pointed.

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