Levenhuk Strike 1000 PRO Telescope - Manual (Page 13)

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Red dot finder
The red dot finder is a zero magnification pointing tool that uses a coated glass window to superim-
pose the image of a small red dot onto the night sky. The red dot finder is equipped with a variable
brightness control, azimuth adjustment knob, and altitude adjustment knob. The finder is powered by
a 3-volt lithium battery located underneath at the front.
To use the red dot finder, simply look through the sight tube and move your telescope until the red dot
overlaps the object. Make sure to keep both eyes open when sighting.
Like all finderscopes, the red dot finder must be properly aligned with the telescope before use. This is
a simple process using the azimuth and altitude adjustment knobs.
• Open the battery compartment by pulling down the cover and remove the plastic shipping cover
over the battery.
• Turn on the red dot finder by rotating the variable brightness control clockwise until you hear a
click. Continue rotating the control knob to increase the brightness level.
• Insert a low power eyepiece into the focuser. Locate a bright object and aim the telescope so that
the object is in the center of the field of view.
• With both eyes open, look through the sight tube at the object. If the red dot overlaps the object,
your red dot finder is perfectly aligned. If not, turn its azimuth and altitude adjustment knob until
the red dot overlaps the object.
Balancing the telescope
A telescope should be balanced before each observing session. Balancing reduces stress on the tele-
scope 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 direc-
tion 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.
• Slowly unlock the R.A. and Dec. lock knobs. Rotate the telescope until both the optical tube and
the counterweight rod are horizontal to the ground, and the telescope tube is to the side of the
mount.
• Tighten the Dec. lock knob.
• Move the counterweights along the counterweight rod until the telescope is balanced and remains
stationary when released.
• 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 bal-
anced.
• Once the telescope no longer rotates from its parallel starting position, retighten the tube rings
and the Dec. lock knob. Reset the altitude axis to your local latitude.
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5
Eyepiece assembly
• Unthread the thumbscrews on the focuser tube.
• Insert the diagonal mirror into the focuser tube and secure it by retightening the thumbscrews.
• Unthread the thumbscrews on the diagonal mirror.
• Insert the desired eyepiece into the diagonal mirror and secure it by retightening the
thumbscrews.