Konus 1743

Konus Konuspace-6 60x800mm Refractor Telescope Instruction Manual

Model: 1743

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Konus Konuspace-6 60x800mm Refractor Telescope. This instrument is designed to provide clear views of celestial objects and terrestrial landscapes. This manual will guide you through the assembly, operation, and maintenance of your telescope to ensure optimal performance and enjoyment.

Safety Information

  • Never look directly at the sun through the telescope or its finderscope without a professionally manufactured solar filter. Permanent and irreversible eye damage, including blindness, can result.
  • Do not leave the telescope unsupervised, especially when children are present.
  • Handle optical components with care to avoid scratches or damage.
  • Ensure the tripod is stable on a level surface to prevent tipping.

Package Contents

Verify that all components are present before beginning assembly:

  • Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) - 60x800mm Refractor Telescope
  • Alt-Azimuth Mount
  • Adjustable Aluminum Tripod
  • Finderscope (Reflex type)
  • Eyepieces (e.g., Plossl 10mm, Plossl 20mm)
  • Diagonal Mirror (Star Diagonal)
  • Accessory Tray
  • User Manual

Setup and Assembly

1. Setting up the Tripod

  1. Spread the tripod legs outwards until they are fully extended.
  2. Adjust the height of the tripod legs to a comfortable viewing level, ensuring the tripod head is level. Tighten the leg locks.
  3. Attach the accessory tray to the tripod spreader bars. This provides stability and a place for your eyepieces.

2. Attaching the Telescope Tube to the Mount

Place the optical tube assembly onto the Alt-Azimuth mount. Secure it using the provided mounting screws or clamps. Ensure it is firmly attached but do not overtighten.

Konus Konuspace-6 telescope optical tube being mounted onto the alt-azimuth tripod head.

Image: The Konuspace-6 optical tube assembly being secured to the alt-azimuth mount on the tripod.

3. Installing the Finderscope

Slide the finderscope into its bracket on the telescope tube. Secure it with the small thumbscrews. The finderscope is a low-power aiming device that helps locate objects before viewing them through the main telescope.

4. Inserting the Diagonal and Eyepiece

  1. Remove the dust cap from the focuser tube.
  2. Insert the diagonal mirror into the focuser tube and secure it with the thumbscrew. The diagonal redirects the light at a 90-degree angle for more comfortable viewing.
  3. Insert the desired eyepiece (e.g., the 20mm for lower magnification) into the diagonal and secure it with its thumbscrew.
Konus Konuspace-6 telescope focuser with a diagonal mirror and eyepiece inserted.

Image: A close-up of the focuser, showing the diagonal mirror and an eyepiece correctly installed.

Operating Instructions

1. Aligning the Finderscope

Before observing, the finderscope must be aligned with the main telescope. This is best done during the day:

  1. Point the main telescope at a distant, stationary object (e.g., a treetop or telephone pole) at least a quarter-mile away.
  2. Center the object in the main telescope's eyepiece.
  3. Look through the finderscope. Use its adjustment screws to move the crosshairs until they are centered on the same object.

2. Focusing

Once an object is centered in the eyepiece, turn the focuser knobs slowly until the image is sharp. Fine-tune the focus for the clearest view.

3. Changing Magnification (Eyepieces)

To change magnification, simply swap eyepieces. A lower focal length eyepiece (e.g., 10mm) provides higher magnification, while a higher focal length eyepiece (e.g., 20mm) provides lower magnification and a wider field of view. Always start with the lowest magnification eyepiece to locate and center objects, then switch to higher magnification if desired.

4. Tracking Objects

Due to Earth's rotation, celestial objects will appear to drift across the field of view. Use the slow-motion controls on the Alt-Azimuth mount to smoothly track objects and keep them centered in the eyepiece.

Maintenance

Cleaning Optical Components

  • Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove loose dust from lenses.
  • For smudges or fingerprints, use a specialized optical cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth designed for optics. Apply the solution to the cloth, not directly to the lens.
  • Avoid touching optical surfaces with bare hands.

Storage

When not in use, store the telescope in a dry, dust-free environment. Keep all dust caps on the optical tube, finderscope, and eyepieces to protect them from dust and moisture.

Troubleshooting

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Image is blurry or out of focus.Incorrect focus; atmospheric conditions.Adjust the focuser knobs slowly. Wait for stable atmospheric conditions.
Cannot find objects.Finderscope not aligned; incorrect aiming.Align the finderscope with the main telescope. Start with the lowest magnification eyepiece.
Image is dim.High magnification eyepiece used on a faint object; light pollution.Use a lower magnification eyepiece. Observe from a darker location.
Image appears upside down or reversed.Normal for astronomical telescopes (refractors with diagonal).This is typical for astronomical viewing. For terrestrial viewing, an erecting prism (not included) would be needed.

Specifications

  • Model: Konuspace-6 (1743)
  • Optical Design: Refractor
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 60 mm
  • Focal Length: 800 mm
  • Focal Ratio: f/13.3
  • Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth
  • Finderscope: Reflex
  • Eyepieces: Plossl (e.g., 10mm, 20mm)
  • Optical Tube Length: 800 Millimeters
  • Field Of View: 1.33 Degrees
  • Focus Type: Manual Focus

Warranty and Support

Konus products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty details, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Konus website. For technical support, spare parts, or service inquiries, please contact Konus customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.

Manufacturer: Konus

Model Number: 1743

UPC: 698156017463

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