Levenhuk Skyline 70х900 EQ [12/48] Aligning the finderscope

Aligning the nderscope

Optical nderscopes are very useful accessories. When they are correctly aligned with the telescope, ob-

jects can be quickly located and brought to the center of the view. Alignment is best done outdoors in day

light when it's easier to locate objects. If it is necessary to refocus your nderscope, sight on an object that

is at least 500 yards away. For 5x24 and 6x24 nderscopes: turn the scope end to adjust the focus. For 6x30

nderscopes: loosen the locking ring by unscrewing it back toward the bracket. The front lens holder can

now be turned in and out to focus. When focus is reached, lock it in position with the locking ring.

Choose a distant object that is at least 500 yards away and point the telescope at the object. Adjust the

Balancing the telescope

A telescope should be balanced before each observing session. Balancing reduces stress on the telescope

mount and allows precise slow-motion movements. A balanced telescope is especially crucial when using the

optional clock drive for astrophotography. The telescope should be balanced after all accessories (eyepiece,

camera, etc.) have been attached. Before balancing your telescope, make sure that your tripod is balanced

and on a stable surface. For photography, point the telescope in the direction you will be taking photos

before performing the balancing steps.

R.A. Balancing

• For best results, adjust the altitude of the mount to between 15º and 30º if possible, by using the altitude

adjustment T-bolt.

• Tighten the counterweight screws to secure the counterweights.

Dec. Balancing

All accessories should be attached to the telescope before balancing around the declination axis. The R.A.

balancing should be done before proceeding with Dec. balancing.

• For best results, adjust the altitude of the mount to between 60º and 75º if possible.

• Release the R.A. lock knob and rotate around the R.A. axis so that the counterweight rod is in a horizontal

position. Tighten the R.A. lock knob.

• Unlock the Dec. lock knob and rotate the telescope tube until it is parallel to the ground.

• Slowly release the telescope and determine in which direction it rotates. Loosen the telescope ring

clamps and slide the telescope tube forward or backward between the rings until it is balanced.

the altitude adjustment T-bolts to set the required altitude.

In addition, the EQ2 mount has R.A. (hour angle) and Dec. controls for polar-aligned astronomical observing.

Loosen the lock knobs to make large direction changes. Use the slow-motion controls for ne adjustment

after the lock knobs have both been locked. An additional scale is included for the altitude axis. This allows

polar alignment at your local latitude.

9

Barlow lens

A Barlow lens increases the magnifying power of an eyepiece, while reducing the eld of view. It expands

the cone of the focused light before it reaches the focal point, so that the telescope’s focal length appears

longer to the eyepiece. In addition to increasing magnication, the benets of using a Barlow lens include