Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerized Telescope Instruction Manual

1. Introduction to Your NexStar 4SE Telescope

The Celestron NexStar 4SE is a sophisticated computerized telescope designed for both novice and experienced stargazers. It features a 4-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube, providing clear and detailed views of celestial objects. The integrated GoTo mount automates the process of locating and tracking objects, making observation accessible and enjoyable.

This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your NexStar 4SE telescope to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

What's Included in the Box:

• Optical tube
• Single Fork Arm Mount and Tripod
• Accessory Tray
• StarPointer Finderscope
• Built-In Wedge
• NexStar+ Hand Control
• 25mm eyepiece

Figure 1.1: Main components of the Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerized Telescope, including the optical tube, mount, eyepiece, and finderscope.

2. Setup and Initial Alignment

Proper setup is crucial for the performance of your telescope. Follow these steps carefully to assemble and prepare your NexStar 4SE for its first use.

2.1 Assembling the Tripod and Mount

1. Extend the tripod legs to a stable height and secure them.
2. Attach the accessory tray to the center brace of the tripod. This adds stability and provides a convenient place for eyepieces.
3. Mount the single fork arm mount onto the tripod head, ensuring it is securely fastened.

Figure 2.1: The NexStar 4SE disassembled, showing the optical tube, mount, and tripod. The total weight is approximately 23 lbs (10.4 kg).

2.2 Attaching the Optical Tube and Accessories

1. Carefully attach the Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube to the fork arm mount. Ensure it clicks into place or is secured with the provided fasteners.
2. Install the StarPointer finderscope onto its designated bracket on the optical tube.
3. Insert the 25mm eyepiece into the visual back of the telescope.

Figure 2.2: Close-up view of the 4-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube, highlighting the objective lens.

2.3 Powering the Telescope

The NexStar 4SE can be powered by 8-AA batteries (not included), a 12V AC adapter (not included), or Celestron’s PowerTank external power sources (not included). Ensure the power source is securely connected before operation.

2.4 Initial Alignment with SkyAlign

SkyAlign technology simplifies the alignment process. To align your telescope:

1. Turn on the telescope. The NexStar+ hand control will prompt you to begin alignment.
2. Select "SkyAlign" from the menu.
3. Center any three bright celestial objects (stars or planets) in your eyepiece, one at a time, as prompted by the hand control. You do not need to know their names.
4. Once three objects are centered and confirmed, the telescope will calculate its position and align itself, ready for GoTo operation.

Figure 2.3: SkyAlign technology allows for quick and easy telescope alignment by centering any three bright celestial objects.

3. Operating Your NexStar 4SE

Once aligned, your NexStar 4SE is ready to explore the night sky. The NexStar+ hand control is your primary interface for navigating the celestial database and controlling the telescope's movements.

3.1 Using the NexStar+ Hand Control

The hand control features a backlit LCD display and intuitive buttons. It contains a database of nearly 40,000 celestial objects, including planets, stars, galaxies, nebulae, and clusters.

• Object Selection: Use the "Object" button to browse categories (e.g., Solar System, Stars, Deep Sky) and select a target.
• GoTo Function: After selecting an object, press "ENTER" to initiate the GoTo function. The telescope will automatically slew to and track the chosen object.
• Sky Tour: The "Sky Tour" feature can automatically guide you through a selection of the best objects visible from your location at that time.
• Directional Buttons: Use the arrow buttons for fine manual adjustments or to move the telescope when not in GoTo mode.

Figure 3.1: The NexStar+ Hand Control allows access to a database of over 40,000 celestial objects and controls the telescope's automated movements.

Figure 3.2: The telescope automatically locates and tracks celestial targets, such as Saturn, displayed on the hand control.

3.2 Astrophotography with the Built-In Wedge

The NexStar 4SE includes a built-in wedge, allowing for polar alignment. This is essential for long-exposure astrophotography as it minimizes field rotation, resulting in sharper images of deep-sky objects.

• To use the wedge, adjust it to match your observing latitude.
• Perform a polar alignment procedure (refer to the full user guide for detailed steps).
• The telescope features a camera control feature and shutter release cable compatibility for use with digital SLR cameras.

3.3 Eyepiece Magnification

The included 25mm eyepiece provides a magnification of 53x with the NexStar 4SE. You can experiment with other eyepieces (sold separately) to achieve different magnifications.

Figure 3.3: The included 25mm eyepiece provides 53x magnification, ideal for lunar and planetary observations.

4. Maintenance and Care

Proper care will extend the life and performance of your Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope.

4.1 Cleaning the Optics

• Dust on the optical surfaces should be removed with a soft brush or compressed air.
• For smudges or fingerprints, use a specialized optical cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth designed for optics. Apply solution to the cloth, not directly to the lens.
• Avoid touching optical surfaces with bare hands.

4.2 General Care and Storage

• Store the telescope in a dry, dust-free environment.
• When not in use, replace all lens caps to protect the optics.
• Avoid exposing the telescope to extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes.
• Periodically check all screws and fasteners for tightness.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

This section addresses common problems you might encounter and provides solutions.

6. Technical Specifications

Detailed specifications for the Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerized Telescope.

Figure 6.1: The NexStar 4SE telescope can be adjusted to various heights, shown here at approximately 37 inches and 55 inches.

7. Warranty and Support

Celestron stands behind the quality of its products.

7.1 Warranty Information

The Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerized Telescope is backed by a 2-Year Warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

For full warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the official Warranty PDF document available on the Celestron website or through the provided product documentation.

Link to Warranty Document: Celestron Warranty (PDF)

7.2 Technical Support

Celestron provides unlimited access to technical support from their team of US-based experts. If you encounter any issues not covered in this manual or require further assistance, please contact Celestron customer service.

For the most up-to-date contact information, please visit the official Celestron website or refer to the contact details provided with your product packaging.

Additional resources, including software and user guides, can be found on the Celestron support pages. For example, the User Guide PDF is available here: Celestron NexStar SE Series User Guide (PDF)

Figure 7.1: Celestron provides educational software like Starry Night and the SkyPortal app to enhance your astronomy experience.