Instruction manual

10
The Optical Tube
Figure 5 – The Optical Tube Assembly
Installing the Variable Tension Handles
The Star Hopper
®
comes with convenient side handles that attach to the altitude bearings on either side
of the mount. These handles will not only assist you in moving the telescope in azimuth when observing
but also include a tension system allowing you to compensate for imbalance.
1. Place the optical tube into the base so that the altitude bearings are resting on the nylon altitude
cylinders.
2. Insert the handle containing the roller bearing (see
Figure 6) through the side panel of the base and into
the hole of the altitude bearing located on the same
side as the focuser. Turn clockwise to tighten.
3. Place a washer over the remaining handle and thread
the handle into the altitude bearing opposite the
focuser.
Now that the handles are attached, tighten the focuser side
handle to the desired amount of tension to properly balance the
optical tube.
The Finderscope
The finderscope is used to find and center objects in the main eyepiece of the telescope. The finder is
attached using two alignment screws and a spring loaded pivot.
Alignment Scre
Primary
Mirror
Secondary
Mirror
Focuser
Secondary Mirror
Alignment Screws
Altitude
Bearing
Handle
Primary
Mirror Cell
Figure 6 – Handle with bearing
attaches to focuser side of base
Washer and roller
bearing