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Orion SkyView Pro 100mm ED EQ - User Manual

Orion SkyView Pro 100mm ED EQ
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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Orion
®
SkyView
Pro 100mm ED EQ
Equatorial Apochromatic Refractor Telescope
#9977
IN 248 REV C 01/09
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Summary

2. Parts List

1. Unpacking

Instructions for carefully removing the telescope from its packaging and checking all parts.

3. Assembly

Step-by-step guide for assembling the telescope for the first time, noting precautions for optical surfaces.

Installing the Finder Scope

Inserting the Diagonal and Eyepiece

4. Balancing the Telescope

5. Using Your Telescope

Focusing the Telescope

Instructions on how to achieve sharp focus using the focuser knobs for clear viewing.

Aligning the Finder Scope

Procedure to accurately align the finder scope with the main telescope for easier object location.

Focusing the Finder Scope

Steps to adjust the focus of the finder scope for clear viewing of the reticle and distant objects.

Magnification & Eyepieces

Explanation of how magnification is calculated and how to select appropriate eyepieces for different views.

Use of 2 Eyepieces

Guidance on using larger 2-inch eyepieces for a wider field of view.

Use of 1.25 Eyepieces without a Diagonal

Instructions for using 1.25-inch eyepieces directly with the focuser, bypassing the diagonal.

6. Setting Up and Using the Equatorial Mount

Polar Alignment

Detailed steps for aligning the telescope mount with the Earth's rotational axis for accurate tracking.

Polar Alignment Using an Optional Polar Axis Finder Scope

Instructions for using an optional accessory to achieve precise polar alignment quickly and easily.

Alignment of the Polar Axis Finder Scope

Procedure to align the polar axis finder scope itself with the telescope's mount.

Using the Polar Axis Finder Scope

Guide on how to use the polar axis finder scope to achieve accurate polar alignment.

Use of the Right Ascension and Declination Slow-Motion Control Knobs

How to use slow-motion controls for precise pointing and tracking of celestial objects.

Understanding the Setting Circles

Explanation of celestial coordinates (R.A. and Dec.) and how setting circles help locate objects.

Calibrating the Declination Setting Circle

Steps to calibrate the declination setting circle for accurate coordinate-based aiming.

Calibrating the Right Ascension Setting Circle

Steps to calibrate the right ascension setting circle for accurate coordinate-based aiming.

Finding Objects With the Setting Circles

How to use calibrated setting circles and a star atlas to locate celestial objects.

Confused About Pointing the Telescope?

Guidance on how to orient the telescope to point to various positions in the sky, including zenith.

7. Astronomical Observing

Site Selection

Advice on choosing a good location for observing, away from light pollution and obstructions.

Seeing and Transparency

Explanation of atmospheric seeing and transparency and how they affect image quality.

Cooling the Telescope

Importance of allowing the telescope optics to acclimate to outdoor temperature for peak performance.

Let Your Eyes Dark-Adapt

Tips on allowing eyes to adapt to darkness for better night vision and improved observation.

Eyepiece Selection

Guidance on choosing and using eyepieces, starting with low power for easier object acquisition.

A. The Moon

Tips for observing the Moon, including optimal phases and the use of moon filters.

B. The Sun

Crucial safety warning and instructions for observing the Sun with a solar filter.

C. The Planets

Information on observing planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and Mars, and recommended viewing conditions.

D. The Stars

How stars appear and tips for observing double stars and their colors.

E. Deep-Sky Objects

Guidance on observing faint deep-sky objects like nebulas, clusters, and galaxies under dark skies.

How to Find Deep-sky Objects: Starhopping

A method for locating faint deep-sky objects by using bright stars as reference points.

8. Terrestrial Observing

9. Astrophotography

Moon Photography

Steps for photographing the Moon, including exposure times and recommended accessories.

Planetary Photography

Techniques for photographing planets, requiring motor drives and specific camera adapters.

Piggyback Photography

Method for capturing wide-field deep-sky images by mounting a camera on the telescope.

10. Care and Maintenance

Cleaning Lenses

Proper methods for cleaning optical surfaces without causing damage or scratches.

11. Specifications

Summary

2. Parts List

1. Unpacking

Instructions for carefully removing the telescope from its packaging and checking all parts.

3. Assembly

Step-by-step guide for assembling the telescope for the first time, noting precautions for optical surfaces.

Installing the Finder Scope

Inserting the Diagonal and Eyepiece

4. Balancing the Telescope

5. Using Your Telescope

Focusing the Telescope

Instructions on how to achieve sharp focus using the focuser knobs for clear viewing.

Aligning the Finder Scope

Procedure to accurately align the finder scope with the main telescope for easier object location.

Focusing the Finder Scope

Steps to adjust the focus of the finder scope for clear viewing of the reticle and distant objects.

Magnification & Eyepieces

Explanation of how magnification is calculated and how to select appropriate eyepieces for different views.

Use of 2 Eyepieces

Guidance on using larger 2-inch eyepieces for a wider field of view.

Use of 1.25 Eyepieces without a Diagonal

Instructions for using 1.25-inch eyepieces directly with the focuser, bypassing the diagonal.

6. Setting Up and Using the Equatorial Mount

Polar Alignment

Detailed steps for aligning the telescope mount with the Earth's rotational axis for accurate tracking.

Polar Alignment Using an Optional Polar Axis Finder Scope

Instructions for using an optional accessory to achieve precise polar alignment quickly and easily.

Alignment of the Polar Axis Finder Scope

Procedure to align the polar axis finder scope itself with the telescope's mount.

Using the Polar Axis Finder Scope

Guide on how to use the polar axis finder scope to achieve accurate polar alignment.

Use of the Right Ascension and Declination Slow-Motion Control Knobs

How to use slow-motion controls for precise pointing and tracking of celestial objects.

Understanding the Setting Circles

Explanation of celestial coordinates (R.A. and Dec.) and how setting circles help locate objects.

Calibrating the Declination Setting Circle

Steps to calibrate the declination setting circle for accurate coordinate-based aiming.

Calibrating the Right Ascension Setting Circle

Steps to calibrate the right ascension setting circle for accurate coordinate-based aiming.

Finding Objects With the Setting Circles

How to use calibrated setting circles and a star atlas to locate celestial objects.

Confused About Pointing the Telescope?

Guidance on how to orient the telescope to point to various positions in the sky, including zenith.

7. Astronomical Observing

Site Selection

Advice on choosing a good location for observing, away from light pollution and obstructions.

Seeing and Transparency

Explanation of atmospheric seeing and transparency and how they affect image quality.

Cooling the Telescope

Importance of allowing the telescope optics to acclimate to outdoor temperature for peak performance.

Let Your Eyes Dark-Adapt

Tips on allowing eyes to adapt to darkness for better night vision and improved observation.

Eyepiece Selection

Guidance on choosing and using eyepieces, starting with low power for easier object acquisition.

A. The Moon

Tips for observing the Moon, including optimal phases and the use of moon filters.

B. The Sun

Crucial safety warning and instructions for observing the Sun with a solar filter.

C. The Planets

Information on observing planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and Mars, and recommended viewing conditions.

D. The Stars

How stars appear and tips for observing double stars and their colors.

E. Deep-Sky Objects

Guidance on observing faint deep-sky objects like nebulas, clusters, and galaxies under dark skies.

How to Find Deep-sky Objects: Starhopping

A method for locating faint deep-sky objects by using bright stars as reference points.

8. Terrestrial Observing

9. Astrophotography

Moon Photography

Steps for photographing the Moon, including exposure times and recommended accessories.

Planetary Photography

Techniques for photographing planets, requiring motor drives and specific camera adapters.

Piggyback Photography

Method for capturing wide-field deep-sky images by mounting a camera on the telescope.

10. Care and Maintenance

Cleaning Lenses

Proper methods for cleaning optical surfaces without causing damage or scratches.

11. Specifications

Overview

The Orion SkyView Pro 100mm ED EQ is an exceptional equatorial apochromatic refractor telescope, designed for both observing and imaging astronomical objects. Its ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass objective lens minimizes color distortion, providing sharper, more pleasing views compared to standard refractors. The telescope comes with a sturdy SkyView Pro equatorial mount, enabling stable viewing and easy tracking of celestial targets.

Function Description

The primary function of the Orion SkyView Pro 100mm ED EQ is to provide magnified views of astronomical objects such as stars, the Moon, planets, nebulas, galaxies, and star clusters. It can also be used for long-distance terrestrial viewing. The equatorial mount is designed to compensate for the Earth's rotation, allowing objects to remain in the telescope's field of view without constant manual adjustment.

The telescope operates by gathering light through its objective lens and focusing it to create an image that is then magnified by an eyepiece. The Crayford focuser ensures smooth and precise focusing without image shift, a common issue with typical rack-and-pinion designs.

For astronomical observation, the equatorial mount requires polar alignment, which involves aligning the mount's right ascension (R.A.) axis with the Earth's rotational axis. For Northern Hemisphere observers, this typically means pointing the R.A. axis towards Polaris, the North Star. Once polar-aligned, celestial objects can be tracked by slowly rotating the telescope on its R.A. axis using the slow-motion control knob. This keeps objects from drifting out of the field of view.

The telescope is equipped with setting circles on both the R.A. and declination (Dec.) axes. These circles, when properly calibrated and used with a star atlas, allow users to locate celestial objects by their specific coordinates (R.A. and Dec.) on the celestial sphere. While setting circles may not place an object dead-center in the eyepiece, they should bring it into the field of view of the finder scope, from where fine adjustments can be made.

The SkyView Pro 100mm ED EQ is also suitable for astrophotography. With the included camera adapter, it transforms into a 900mm f/9 telephoto lens for single-lens reflex cameras. Different types of astrophotography, such as Moon photography, planetary photography, and "piggyback photography" for deep-sky objects, are possible.

Usage Features

  • Assembly: The telescope is designed for relatively straightforward assembly, taking about 30 minutes. No special tools are required beyond the provided crescent wrench. All screws should be tightened securely but without over-tightening to prevent stripping.
  • Balancing: Proper balancing of the optical tube on both the R.A. and Dec. axes of the equatorial mount is crucial for smooth movement. This involves adjusting the counterweight along its shaft and sliding the optical tube within its rings until it remains horizontal when released.
  • Focusing: The Crayford focuser allows for smooth and precise focusing. Users can adjust the focuser tension to their preference. For initial focusing, it's recommended to aim at a distant object (at least 1/4-mile away) and slowly rotate the focus knobs.
  • Finder Scope: The 8x40 achromatic finder scope aids in locating objects. It uses a spring-loaded bracket for easy alignment with the main telescope. The finder scope also has its own focus lock ring and objective lens cell for focusing its view.
  • Eyepieces: The telescope supports both 1.25" and 2" barrel-diameter eyepieces, offering flexibility in magnification and field of view. Starting with a low-power eyepiece is recommended for locating and centering objects, then switching to higher powers for more detailed views.
  • Star Diagonal: The included 2" star diagonal with a 1.25" adapter allows for comfortable viewing at a 90° angle. It produces a left-to-right reversed image, which is normal for astronomical telescopes with a star diagonal.
  • Polar Alignment: Approximate polar alignment is achieved by leveling the tripod, adjusting the latitude to the observer's location, and pointing the R.A. axis roughly towards Polaris (for Northern Hemisphere). More precise polar alignment can be achieved with an optional polar axis finder scope, which features a reticle with a tiny star map to guide alignment.
  • Tracking Celestial Objects: Once polar-aligned, objects can be kept in the field of view by turning the R.A. slow-motion control knob clockwise. Optional motor drives can automate this tracking, providing hands-free observation.
  • Terrestrial Viewing: For land-based observations, an optional 1.25" 45° correct-image diagonal is recommended to produce non-reversed images. An altazimuth mount or sturdy camera tripod is generally preferred for terrestrial viewing due to the equatorial mount's design for celestial tracking.
  • Dark Adaptation: Allowing eyes to dark-adapt for about 30 minutes before observing significantly enhances the ability to see faint objects. Using a red-filtered flashlight helps preserve night vision.
  • Site Selection: Choosing a location away from light pollution, rooftops, and chimneys improves viewing quality by minimizing atmospheric distortion and maximizing the visibility of faint objects.
  • Cooling: The telescope needs time to acclimate to outdoor temperatures (thermal equilibrium) for optimal performance, especially when moved from a warm indoor environment.

Maintenance Features

  • Storage: The telescope should be stored in a clean, dry, dust-free place, safe from rapid temperature and humidity changes. Keeping the dust cover on the front of the telescope when not in use is important. Small components like eyepieces and other accessories should be kept in a protective box or storage case.
  • Cleaning Optical Surfaces: Quality optical lens cleaning tissue and fluid specifically designed for multi-coated optics should be used. Before cleaning, loose particles should be blown off with a blower bulb or compressed air. Fluid should be applied to the tissue, not directly to the lens. Lenses should be wiped gently in a circular motion, and fresh tissue should be used for each area to avoid scratching. Never reuse tissues or use regular glass cleaner.
  • Mechanical Maintenance: The optical tube is made of aluminum with a smooth painted finish that is fairly scratch-resistant. Minor scratches on the tube will not affect performance. The telescope generally requires very little mechanical maintenance.

Orion SkyView Pro 100mm ED EQ Specifications

General IconGeneral
Optical DesignApochromatic Refractor
Aperture100mm
Focal Length900mm
Focal Ratiof/9
Mount TypeEquatorial
Eyepieces Included25mm Sirius Plossl
AccessoriesDovetail Plate
TripodSteel

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