User`s guide

SECTION 3.0

INSTALLATION PROCEDURES

3.1 MOUNTING THE PFE-1

Installation of the PFE-1 to one of the cameras should be done in a clean area free of dust

and other contaminants. The procedure is not difficult and all necessary tools are provided

with the mounting kits. However, as with any delicate optical device, care should be taken

when handling the camera.

For first time buyers who prefer not to attempt mounting the PFE-1, Optec will perform the

installation and reticle alignment free-of-charge. This will, of course, require sending the

camera head and control electronics to Optec. Re-alignments will also be performed for a

nominal fee. Call Optec for details.

3.2 MOUNTING KITS FOR CCD CAMERAS

Optec offers a variety of mounting kits for the various CCD cameras which are compatible

with the PFE-1. Consult the current price list for a list of the latest cameras supported.

Appendix A provides step-by-step instructions for attaching the mounting plate to the

camera.

3.3 RETICLE ALIGNMENT

After attaching the CCD camera to the mounting plate

Note that there are four setscrews around the square body of the PFE-1 directly in front of

the CCD camera head. These setscrews allow adjustment in the X and Y directions. Rough

alignment should bring the image as viewed through the eyepiece fairly close to the image

seen on the computer monitor. The camera head may need to rotated in the X-Y mount

slightly to match up the orientation.

To perform the reticle alignment at the telescope, slide the telescope coupler into the focus

tube of the telescope. If using a Schmidt-Cassegrain type telescope remove the diagonal

from the visual back. The X and Y adjustments should be fairly close from the rough

alignment, but the camera will need to be rotated to line up with the square reticle. Be sure a

filter is inserted in the filter port. A Johnson V filter is recommended since this filter most

closely matches the photopic response of the eye.