Levenhuk Ra 200RC F8 Carbon OTA - Manual (Page 5)

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Your Ritchey-Chrétien optical tube comes ready to use right out of the box. The focuser is attached to the opti-
cal tube, ready to accept additional accessories. The kit also includes three individual extension rings. These
extension rings allow visual or astrophotography accessories to reach focus. Extension rings are designed to
thread directly onto the optical tube. Therefore, the focuser has to be removed before attaching an extension
ring. It may be useful to experiment with different combinations during the day before heading out into the
field. Choose a target over a half mile away to simulate distant focus.
If the focuser is fully extended and you are still unable to focus the view, you will need to install additional
extension rings between the focuser and the optical tube. In order to install the necessary extension ring, the
focuser has to be removed from the optical tube first. Be careful not to strip the thread when attaching acces-
sories.
Telescope assembly
1. Remove the focuser by gently turning the grip ring with both hands counterclockwise;
2. Attach the extension ring of choice to the optical tube;
3. The male thread on extension rings matches the thread of the OTA, so that you can install additional exten-
sion rings or re-attach the focuser;
4. Re-attach the focuser once you have added the desired number of extension rings.
EN
Levenhuk Ra Ritchey-Chrétien Optical Tubes
Congratulations on your purchase of a high-quality Levenhuk telescope!
These instructions will help you set up, properly use, and care for your telescope. Please read them thoroughly
before getting started.
All parts of the telescope will arrive in one box. Be careful when unpacking it. We recommend keeping the
original shipping containers. In the event that the telescope needs to be shipped to another location, having
the proper shipping containers will help ensure that your telescope survives the journey intact. Make sure all
the parts are present in the packaging. Be sure to check the box carefully, as some parts are small. No tools are
needed other than those provided. All screws should be tightened securely to eliminate flexing and wobbling,
but be careful not to overtighten them, as that may strip the threads.
During assembly (and anytime, for that matter), do not touch the surfaces of the optical elements with your
fingers. The optical surfaces have delicate coatings on them that can easily be damaged if touched. Never re-
move mirrors from their housing, or the product warranty will be null and void.
CAUTION! Never look directly at the Sun – even for an instant – through your telescope or finderscope with-
out a professionally made solar filter that completely covers the front of the instrument, or permanent
eye damage may result. To avoid damage to the internal parts of your telescope, make sure the front end
of the finderscope is covered with aluminum foil or another non-transparent material. Children should use
the telescope under adult supervision only.
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EN
A finderscope is a small wide-field telescope used to help locate and center objects in the field of view of the
optical tube. A finderscope usually has a crosshair reticle to help you center the desired object in the field of
view. On some models, the crosshair is replaced with a red LED dot.
A finderscope dovetail mount is already attached to your OTA, making it easier to use a finderscope of any
brand and make that has a similar bracket. Assembling a finderscope is very simple:
1. Loosen the thumbscrew on the side of the dovetail mount;
2. Insert the bracket into the dovetail mount from the rear end of the optical tube;
3. Once the finderscope is in place, retighten the thumbscrew to secure it.
The wide variety of stargazing accessories means that you will have to experiment with extension rings as nec-
essary. Individual setups will require different combinations of extension rings, which have to be determined by
trial and error. Some of the most common examples are shown on the pictures , .
To use a digital camera – and for most visual applications – 2” worth of extension is required. Larger 2” eye-
pieces may only require 1” of extension.
Finderscope assembly
Star diagonal assembly
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A star diagonal is a prism that turns the light at a specific angle to the eyepiece, allowing you to observe the
celestial sphere from a more comfortable position. To insert a star diagonal (not included in the kit), simply
loosen the thumbscrew on the side of the focuser, insert the star diagonal, and retighten the thumbscrew. The
brass compression ring of the focuser provides for a secure assembly and does not scratch the chrome surface
of the star diagonal.