Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product CR-150 HD Celestron
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The CR-150 HD 6" Refractor Model #21017 INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
ii • Table of Contents T T T T T ABLE OF CONTENTS ABLE OF CONTENTS ABLE OF CONTENTS ABLE OF CONTENTS ABLE OF CONTENTS ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION ..............................................
Table of Contents • iii ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ CELESTIAL OBSERVING CELESTIAL OBSERVING CELESTIAL OBSERVING CELESTIAL OBSERVING CELESTIAL OBSERVING .........................................................................................................
4 • Introduction INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Celestron world of amateur astronomy! For more than a quarter of a century, Celestron has provided amateur astronomers with the tools to explore the universe.
Introduction • 5 This manual is designed to instruct you in the proper use of your Celestron refracting telescope. This includes assembly, initial use, and long term operation and maintenance. There are four major sections to the manual. The first section covers the proper procedure for setting up your Celestron refracting telescope.
6 • Introduction Developed in the early 1600s, the refractor is the oldest telescope design. It derives its name from the method it uses to focus incoming light rays. The refractor uses a lens to bend or refract incoming light rays, hence the name (see Figure 1-1).
The CR-150 HD • 7 ASSEMBLING ASSEMBLING ASSEMBLING ASSEMBLING ASSEMBLING Y Y Y Y Y OUR OUR OUR OUR OUR C R - 1 5 0 H D C R - 1 5 0 H D C R - 1 5 0 H D C R - 1 5 0 H D C R - 1 5 0 H D AT POLARIS C AT POLARIS C AT POLARIS C AT POLARIS C AT POLARIS C The CR-150 HD (#21017) refracting telescope is offered on a German equatorial mount.
8 • The CR-150 HD 1. Lens Cap (not shown) 9. Leg Extension Clamp 2. Dovetail Slidebar 10. Latitude Adjustment Screw 3. Declination Lock 11. Focus Knobs 4. Declination Setting Circle 12. Eyepiece 5. Counterweight Shaft 13. Finderscope Bracket 6. Counterweights 14.
The CR-150 HD • 9 The tripod comes fully assembled with the metal plate, called the tripod head, that holds the legs together at the top. In addition, the brackets that support the acces- sory tray are also attached to the tripod.
10 • The CR-150 HD With the tripod set up, you are ready to attach the accessory tray to the tripod. There are three wing bolts that hold the accessory tray to the bracket.
The CR-150 HD • 11 The equatorial mount allows you to tilt the telescope’s axis of rotation so that you can track the stars as they move across the sky. The CG-5 mount is a German equatorial mount that attaches to the tripod head (i.e., metal plate on the tripod).
12 • The CR-150 HD Attaching the R.A. Slow Motion Knob With the mount securely in place, you are ready to attach some of the accessories (the telescope tube will be added last).
The CR-150 HD • 13 Attaching the Declination Slow Motion Knob Like the R.A. slow motion knob, the DEC slow motion knob allows you to make fine pointing adjustments in the direction the telescope is pointed. The DEC slow motion knob attaches in the same manner as the R.
14 • The CR-150 HD Attaching the Counterweight Bar and Counterweights The last item to be mounted before the telescope tube is the counterweight bar and counterweights. Used to balanced the telescope, the counterweight bar attaches to the opposite side of the mount as the telescope.
The CR-150 HD • 15 With the mount fully assembled, you are ready to attach the telescope to the mount. The optical tube attaches to the mount using a dovetail slidebar that is fastened to two tube rings that clamp around the tube.
16 • The CR-150 HD To eliminate undue stress on the mount, the telescope should be properly balanced around the polar axis. In addition, proper balancing is crucial for accurate tracking if using an optional motor drive. To balance the mount: 1 . Release the R.
The CR-150 HD • 17 The telescope should also be balanced on the declination axis to prevent any sudden motions when the DEC clamp is released. To balance the telescope in DEC: 1 . Release the R.A. clamp and rotate the telescope so that it is on one side of the mount (i.
18 • The CR-150 HD For the purpose of polar alignment, there are two directions in which the mount can be adjusted; vertically, which is called altitude and horizontally, which is called azimuth. There are several ways to align on the celestial pole, some of which are discussed later in this manual.
The CR-150 HD • 19 The entire telescope and mount is light enough to pick up and carry outside for a casual observing session. If, however, you want to transport your CR-150 HD to a remote observing location, you must partially disassemble it. Here’s how: 1 .
20 • Telescope Basics TELESCOPE BASICS TELESCOPE BASICS TELESCOPE BASICS TELESCOPE BASICS TELESCOPE BASICS Once your telescope has been fully assembled, you are ready to attach the accessories and have a look. This section deals with basic telescope opera- tions that are common to all Celestron refractor telescopes.
Telescope Basics • 21 Eyepieces are commonly referred to by focal length and barrel diameter. The focal length of each eyepiece is printed on the eyepiece barrel. The longer the focal length (i.e., the larger the number) the lower the eyepiece magnification (i.
22 • Telescope Basics To focus your telescope, simply turn either of the focus knobs located under the focus tube (see figure 4-1). Turn the focus knobs until the image is sharp. Once sharp, turn the knobs toward you to focus on an object that is closer than the one you are currently observing.
Telescope Basics • 23 Figure 4-2 Figure 4-2 Figure 4-2 Figure 4-2 Figure 4-2 The finder comes mounted in the finder bracket. To mount the finder to the telescope, The finder comes mounted in the finder bracket. To mount the finder to the telescope, The finder comes mounted in the finder bracket.
24 • Telescope Basics Image Orientation Image Orientation Image Orientation Image Orientation Image Orientation It should be noted that the image orientation will change depending on the viewing configuration. When using the star diagonal, the image is right-side-up, but reversed from left-to-right.
Telescope Basics • 25 Nighttime Observing Nighttime Observing Nighttime Observing Nighttime Observing Nighttime Observing Looking at objects in the sky is quite different than looking at objects on Earth. For one, many objects seen in the daytime are easy to see with the naked eye and can be located by using landmarks.
26 • Telescope Basics You can change the power of your Celestron CR-150 HD telescope just by chang- ing the eyepiece (ocular). To determine the magnification for your telescope, you would simply divide the focal length of the telescope (1200mm) by the focal length of the eyepiece that you are using.
Telescope Basics • 27 Your Celestron telescope can be used for both terrestrial and astronomical photography. Your telescope has a fixed aperture and, as a result, a fixed f/ratio. To properly expose your subjects photographically, you need to set your shutter speed accordingly.
28 • Astronomy Basics ASTR ASTR ASTR ASTR ASTR ONOMY B ONOMY B ONOMY B ONOMY B ONOMY B ASICS ASICS ASICS ASICS ASICS This section deals with observational astronomy in general. It includes infor- mation on the night sky, polar alignment, and using your telescope for astro- nomical observations.
Astronomy Basics • 29 Like the Sun, the stars also appear to move across the sky. This motion is caused by the Earth’s rotation. For observers in the northern hemisphere, all stars appear to move around the north celestial pole. For observers in the southern hemisphere, all stars appear to move around the south celestial pole.
30 • Astronomy Basics Figure 5-3 Figure 5-3 Figure 5-3 Figure 5-3 Figure 5-3 When the telescope ’ s axis of rotation is parallel to the Earth ’ s axis, stars viewed through the telescope appear stationary when using a motor drive. In order for the telescope to track the stars it must meet two criteria.
Astronomy Basics • 31 For each hemisphere, there is a point in the sky around which all the other stars appear to rotate. These points are called the celestial poles and are named for the hemisphere in which they reside. For example, in the northern hemisphere all stars move around the north celestial pole.
32 • Astronomy Basics Latitude Scales Latitude Scales Latitude Scales Latitude Scales Latitude Scales The easiest way to polar align a telescope is with a latitude scale.
Astronomy Basics • 33 Pointing at Polaris Pointing at Polaris Pointing at Polaris Pointing at Polaris Pointing at Polaris This method utilizes Polaris as a guidepost to the celestial pole. Since Polaris is less than a degree from the celestial pole, many amateurs simply point the polar axis of their telescope at Polaris.
34 • Astronomy Basics Declination Drift Declination Drift Declination Drift Declination Drift Declination Drift This method of polar alignment allows you to get the most accurate alignment on the celestial pole and is required if you want to do long exposure deep-sky astrophotography through the telescope.
Astronomy Basics • 35 Polar Alignment Finders Polar Alignment Finders Polar Alignment Finders Polar Alignment Finders Polar Alignment Finders There are two finders specifically designed for polar alignment that can be used with the CR-150 HD telescopes.
36 • Celestial Observing CELESTIAL OBSER VING With your telescope set up, you are ready to use it for celestial observing. This section covers visual observing of both solar system and deep-sky objects. In the night sky, the Moon is a prime target for your first look because it is extremely bright and easy to find.
Celestial Observing • 37 Although overlooked by many amateur astronomers, solar observation is both rewarding and fun. However, because the Sun is so bright, special precautions must be taken when observing our star so as not to damage your eyes or your telescope.
38 • Celestial Observing Deep-sky objects are simply those objects outside the boundaries of our solar system. They include star clusters, planetary nebulae, diffuse nebulae, double stars, and other galaxies outside our own Milky Way. The Celestron Sky Maps (#93722) can help you locate the brightest deep-sky objects.
Celestial Observing • 39 Star Hopping Star Hopping Star Hopping Star Hopping Star Hopping You can use your setting circles to find these objects (as described earlier in this manual) or try star hopping. Star hopping is done by using bright stars to guide you to an object.
40 • Celestial Observing Star hopping may take some getting used to since you can see more stars through the finder than you can see with the naked eye. And, some objects are not visible in the finder. One such object is M57, the famed Ring Nebula. Here’s how to find it: 1 .
Celestial Observing • 41 Viewing conditions affect what you can see through your CR-150 HD telescope during an observing session. Conditions include transparency, sky illumination, and seeing. Understanding viewing conditions and the affect they have on observ- ing will help you get the most out of your telescope.
42 • Celestial Observing Once adjusted to the outdoor temperature, don’t touch the telescope tube with your hands. When pointing the telescope, hold the telescope by the star diagonal. If observing with others, make sure no one stands in front of or directly below the telescope tube.
Celestial Photography • 43 CELESTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY CELESTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY CELESTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY CELESTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY CELESTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY After looking at the night sky for awhile you may want to try photographing it. Several forms of celestial photography are possible with your Celestron CR-150 HD telescope.
44 • Celestial Photography Short exposure prime focus photography is the best way to begin recording celestial objects. It is done with the camera attached to the telescope without an eyepiece or camera lens in place. To attach your camera, you need the T-adapter and a T-Ring for your specific camera (i.
Celestial Photography • 45 The exposure times listed here should be used as a starting point. Always make exposures that are longer and shorter than the recommended time. Also, try bracketing your exposures, taking a few photos at each shutter speed.
46 • Celestial Photography The easiest way to enter the realm of deep-sky, long exposure astrophotography is via the piggyback method. Piggyback photography is done with a camera and its normal lens riding on top of the telescope.
Celestial Photography • 47 The exposure time depends on the film being used. However, five minutes is usually a good starting point. With slower films, like 100 ISO, you can expose as long as 45 minutes. With faster films, like 1600 ISO, you really shouldn’t expose more than 5 to 10 minutes.
48 • Celestial Photography This form of celestial photography is designed for objects with small angular sizes, primarily the planets and individual lunar features. Planets, although physically quite large, appear small in angular size because of their great distances.
Telescope Maintenance • 49 TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE Refractors are generally very low maintenance telescopes. Cleaning is really all that is needed, and even that is minimal if the telescope is stored properly.
50 • Optional Accessories OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES The following is a partial list of optional accessories available for your Celestron CR-150 HD. CD-ROM (93700) - Celestron and Software Bisque have joined together to present this comprehensive CD-ROM called The Sky ™ Level 1 - for Celestron.
Optional Accessories • 51 • Lanthanum Eyepieces (LV Series) - Lanthanum is a unique rare earth glass used in one of the field lenses of this new eyepiece.
52 • Optional Accessories Motor Drive System - #93518 By adding the MDCG-5 Drive System to your mount, you add the capacity to automatically track objects in the sky, a convenience you ’ ll be sure to enjoy during long viewing or astrophotography sessions, when manual tracking can become tiring.
The Messier Catalog • 53 THE MESSIER CATALOG THE MESSIER CATALOG THE MESSIER CATALOG THE MESSIER CATALOG THE MESSIER CATALOG The Messier Catalog, compiled by Charles Messier, was the first extensive listing of star clusters and nebulae. Messier’s primary observational purpose was to discover comets.
54 • The Messier Catalog M # M # M # M # M # NGC# NGC# NGC# NGC# NGC# Const. Const. Const. Const. Const. R.A. R.A. R.A. R.A. R.A. DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC Mag Mag Mag Mag Mag Type Type Type Type Type Proper Name Proper Name Proper Name Proper Name Proper Name H M S H M S H M S H M S H M S ° ‘ ° ‘ ° ‘ ° ‘ ° ‘ M 3 6 NGC 1960 A u r 5 36.
The Messier Catalog • 55 M # M # M # M # M # NGC# NGC# NGC# NGC# NGC# Const. Const. Const. Const. Const. R.A. R.A. R.A. R.A. R.A. DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC Mag Mag Mag Mag Mag Type Type Type Type Type Proper Name Proper Name Proper Name Proper Name Proper Name H M S H M S H M S H M S H M S ° ‘ ° ‘ ° ‘ ° ‘ ° ‘ M 8 1 NGC 3031 U M a 9 55.
56 • List of Bright Stars LIST OF BRIGHT STARS The following is a list of bright stars that can be used to align the R.A. setting circle. All coordinates are in epoch 2000.0. Epoch 2000.0 Star Name Constellation R.A. D E C Magnitude H M S ° ‘ “ Sirius CM a 0 6 4 5 0 9 -16 42 58 -1.
FOR FURTHER READING The following is a list of astronomy books that will further enhance your understanding of the night sky. The books are broken down by classification for easy reference. Astronomy Texts Astronomy Now ...............................
CELESTRON ONE YEAR W ARRANTY A . Celestron International (CI) warrants this telescope to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year . CI w ill repair or replace such product or part thereof which, upon inspection by CI, is found to be defective in materials or workmanship.
Celestron International 2835 Columbia Street T orrance, CA 90503 T el: 310-328-9560 Fax: 310-212-5835 W eb site: www .celestron.com Copyright 1999 Celestron International All right reserved (Products or instructions may change without notice or obligation).
An important point after buying a device Celestron CR-150 HD (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Celestron CR-150 HD yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Celestron CR-150 HD - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Celestron CR-150 HD you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Celestron CR-150 HD will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Celestron CR-150 HD, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Celestron CR-150 HD.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Celestron CR-150 HD. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Celestron CR-150 HD along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
