Celestron StarPointer Finderscope Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Celestron StarPointer Finderscope is an essential accessory designed to help you quickly and accurately locate celestial objects with your telescope. Unlike traditional optical finderscopes, the StarPointer offers 1x magnification, providing a wide, unmagnified view of the sky that matches what you see with your unaided eye. This feature ensures that the image remains right-side up and left-to-right correct, making target acquisition intuitive and straightforward.

An integrated LED projects a small red dot onto a viewing screen. Once properly aligned with your main telescope, this red dot indicates precisely where your telescope is pointed, allowing for effortless centering of objects in your eyepiece. The StarPointer is versatile and can be used with a variety of telescopes, as well as astronomical binoculars and spotting scopes.

2. Setup

2.1 Mounting the StarPointer

The StarPointer Finderscope is designed for easy attachment to most telescopes. It typically mounts using two screws that secure it to the telescope's optical tube. Multiple mounting brackets are often included to ensure compatibility with various telescope models.

Image: The Celestron StarPointer Finderscope securely mounted on the optical tube of a telescope, ready for use.

Image: A closer view of the StarPointer Finderscope attached to a telescope, showing its compact design and how it integrates with the main instrument.

2.2 Battery Installation

The StarPointer Finderscope requires one CR2032 3V battery for operation. This battery is typically included with your purchase.

1. Locate the battery compartment, usually on the underside or side of the finderscope unit.
2. Open the compartment cover (this may require a small screwdriver or coin).
3. Insert the CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up, as indicated by the markings inside the compartment.
4. Close the battery compartment securely.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Powering On/Off and Brightness Adjustment

The StarPointer features a simple control for power and brightness:

• To turn the red dot on, rotate the knob located on the side of the finderscope.
• Continue rotating the knob to adjust the brightness of the red dot. A dimmer setting is recommended for preserving night vision, while a brighter setting can be useful for daytime terrestrial viewing.
• To turn the red dot off, rotate the knob counter-clockwise until it clicks into the off position.

Image: The Celestron StarPointer Finderscope, highlighting the power/brightness knob and the horizontal adjustment knob.

3.2 Aligning the StarPointer Finderscope

Proper alignment of the StarPointer with your telescope is crucial for accurate target acquisition. This is a one-time setup procedure that should be performed during daylight hours.

1. Choose a Target: Take your telescope outside and select an easily recognizable, stationary object that is as far away as possible (at least a quarter mile). Examples include a streetlight, a car license plate, or a tall tree.
2. Center in Telescope: Using your telescope's lowest power eyepiece, move the telescope until the chosen object is perfectly centered in the field of view.
3. Activate Red Dot: Turn on the StarPointer's red dot by rotating its brightness knob.
4. Look Through Finder: Position your head approximately one foot behind the finderscope and look through its round lens. Locate the red dot.
5. Adjust Alignment: Without moving the main telescope, use the two adjustment knobs on the finderscope to move the red dot. One knob controls the left-right (horizontal) motion, and the other controls the up-down (vertical) motion.
6. Final Adjustment: Adjust both knobs until the red dot is precisely superimposed over the same object that is centered in your telescope's eyepiece.

Once aligned, the StarPointer will remain accurate for future observing sessions, provided it is not removed or subjected to significant bumps.

4. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Celestron StarPointer Finderscope, follow these simple maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning the Optics: Use a soft, lint-free cloth specifically designed for optical surfaces to gently wipe the lens. For stubborn smudges, a small amount of optical cleaning fluid can be applied to the cloth, not directly to the lens. Avoid touching the optical surfaces with your fingers.
• Cleaning the Body: The exterior of the finderscope can be wiped with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Storage: When not in use, store the finderscope in a clean, dry environment, preferably in its original packaging or a protective case, to prevent dust accumulation and accidental damage.
• Battery Replacement: If the red dot appears dim or does not illuminate, replace the CR2032 3V battery as described in Section 2.2.

5. Troubleshooting

• Red dot does not appear:
  • Ensure the brightness knob is rotated to the 'on' position and past the minimum brightness setting.
  • Check the CR2032 battery. It may need to be replaced if it is depleted or incorrectly installed. Refer to Section 2.2.
• Red dot is not aligned with the telescope's view:
  • Re-perform the alignment procedure carefully, as detailed in Section 3.2. Ensure the object is perfectly centered in the telescope's eyepiece before adjusting the finderscope.
  • Verify that the finderscope is securely mounted to the telescope and has not shifted.
• Image through finderscope is blurry or unclear:
  • Ensure the lens surfaces are clean and free of dust or smudges. Refer to Section 4 for cleaning instructions.
  • The StarPointer is a 1x magnification device; it does not magnify the view. Its purpose is to provide a reference point for aiming.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

The Celestron StarPointer Finderscope is backed by a 2-Year US Warranty. Celestron is committed to providing high-quality products and excellent customer service.

For any questions, technical assistance, or warranty claims, please contact Celestron's support team. You can find detailed contact information and support resources on the official Celestron website.

8. Further Resources

For additional information and detailed documentation, please refer to the following official resources:

• User Manual (PDF)
• Warranty (PDF)