Getting Started

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Basic Operation

The telescope functions by rotating or gimbaling on its stand, pointing toward the direction of what one wants to observe, and looking into the eyepiece with focusing adjustment as needed. The phone holder enables convenient use of smart apps for celestial navigation, education, and multitasking.

Lid, Taking On and Off

One of the more challenging tasks with using the StarThreader 1 telescope, is making sure not to strip the threads of the lid and scope. 

To remove the lid, rotate the lid counter-clockwise (lefty-loosey, to loosen), to loosen and remove. There might be some slight resistance, so turn carefully.

To install the lid, first hold it so the face is parallel with the top edge of the telescope, not clocked or at an angle. Gently rotate the lid in a clockwise (righty-tighty, to tighten), direction. The lid should rotate freely while engaged in the threads. Tighten until some resistance to rotation is felt. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

Focuser, and How To Focus

The focuser works by turning the knobs on either side, thus moving an eyepiece (where you look into the telescope) toward and away from the telescope body, adjusted until in focus.

To install the focuser tube, locate the flat silver bottom and insert into the focuser body hole, with flat edge on same side as the large black focusing knobs. 

Adjust the smaller bottom left/right knob screws to adjust pressure on the focuser tube, such that it moves freely with just the right pressure for movement. Too much or little knob pressure can cause the focuser tube to not move freely.

Phone Holder

The phone holder is used for ease of navigation and pointing, through the use of smart phone apps. To use, install the phone holder onto the focuser at the top threaded insert by lightly hand-tightening, so that it's slightly loose for small adjustments. Then install the phone by adjusting the phone clamp until firm affixed. Orient the phone as desired, then hand-tighten the holder until secure. Do not overtighten.

Eyepieces

StarThreader 1 comes with a 25mm Plossl fully-coated eyepiece. To install for use:

1. Locate the thumbscrew on the right side of the focuser tube, and loosen
2. Insert the eyepiece end opposite that for viewing.
3. Gently hand-tighten the eyepiece thumbscrew to secure. Do not overtighten.

Strap

The included strap screws into the threaded holes on the sides of the telescope tube just before the ball.

Stand and Thumbscrew

The stand is used for holding the telescope into a particular pointed direction, either during observing, or while stored, such as on a shelf in an aesthetic arrangement. The telescope can be secured to the stand through the included thumbscrew, for a convenient way of carrying all necessary items for use of the StarThreader 1 telescope.

Carrying Bag and Allen Wrenches

The carrying bag is supplied with StarThreader 1 as a convenient way of carrying your telescope parts, while freeing up your hands, as well as back in case of a backpack for other items. The bag is commonly worn around the waist, or strapped over a shoulder and across the chest.

Behind the main zipped pouch is a smaller zipped pouch, containing two(2) allen wrenches. These should be the only tools needed to fully assemble and disassemble the StarThreader 1 telescope.

Collimation, Adjusting Optical Alignment

Maintaining alignment between the big mirror inside the telescope (called the Primary mirror), the angled mirror that points to the eyepiece (called the Secondary mirror), and the eyepiece, is essential for quality optical performance. The act of aligning these optics is referred to as "Collimation".

On StarThreader 1, this is performed similar to many other dobsonian telescopes: by adjusting the four(4) screws on the spider (the 4-vaned part that holds the secondary mirror). 

Primary Mirror Seating

The primary mirror is secured by a threaded retainer, which in turn is held by a hand-tightened locking nut. A foam backing protects the mirror from damage due to shock or light impacts. The mirrors should not require removal, and the primary should rarely if ever require removal or readjustment. However, if the mirror needs removed or readjusted:

1. Put on rubber, nitrile, or other lint-free material gloves, to prevent oils from your hands ruining the mirrors.
2. Remove the lid.
3. Unscrew and remove the spider retainer.
4. gently remove the spider with secondary mirror, and place carefully into a 1 gallon plastic bag to prevent damage and uncleanliness of the mirror.

Star Levels

The Star Levels system is simple way of gauging how anyone- at any skill level- is tracking in their ability to observe and measure the cosmos and its many features. 

 

Troubleshooting

The focuser is not moving in and out when the knobs are turned.

The telescope seems to be stuck to the stand.

I am having trouble getting the lid back on and don't want to strip the threads.