Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope

Introduction

The Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope (Model 10022) is a compact and powerful instrument designed for observing celestial objects such as the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. Its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design provides sharp, high-contrast views in a portable package. This manual provides instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your telescope.

What's Included

Your Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope package includes the following components:

• StarMax 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube
• TableTop Altazimuth Mount
• 25mm 1.25" Eyepiece
• 10mm 1.25" Eyepiece
• EZ Finder II Reflex Sight
• 90-degree Mirror Diagonal
• Orion Moon Filter
• MoonMap 260
• User Manual

Image: All components of the Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope, including the optical tube, tabletop mount, eyepieces, EZ Finder II, and accessories, neatly arranged in their packaging.

Image: The Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope displayed with its primary accessories, including eyepieces, diagonal, and the EZ Finder II reflex sight.

Setup

1. Unpacking: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Keep the original box and packing materials for future storage or transport.
2. Mount Assembly: The tabletop altazimuth mount is pre-assembled. Place it on a stable, flat surface.
3. Attaching the Optical Tube: Secure the optical tube to the altazimuth mount using the provided attachment points. Ensure it is firmly seated and tightened.
4. Installing the Diagonal: Insert the 90-degree mirror diagonal into the telescope's focuser. Tighten the thumbscrew on the focuser to hold it in place.
5. Inserting an Eyepiece: Insert either the 25mm or 10mm eyepiece into the diagonal. Tighten the thumbscrew on the diagonal to secure the eyepiece. The 25mm eyepiece provides lower magnification and a wider field of view, useful for initial object location.
6. Attaching the EZ Finder II: Mount the EZ Finder II reflex sight onto the dovetail bracket on the optical tube. Ensure the battery is correctly installed (1 Lithium Metal battery, included).
7. Aligning the EZ Finder II:
   • During daylight hours, point the main telescope at a distant, easily identifiable object (e.g., a telephone pole or chimney).
   • Look through the 25mm eyepiece and center the object in the field of view.
   • Turn on the EZ Finder II. Look through the EZ Finder II and use its adjustment knobs to move the red dot until it is precisely centered on the same object that is centered in the telescope's eyepiece.
   • Once aligned, the EZ Finder II will accurately indicate where the telescope is pointing.
8. Tripod Compatibility: The tabletop base features a 3/8" or 1/4"-20 threaded socket on the bottom, allowing it to be attached to a standard field tripod for elevated viewing.

Image: The Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope fully assembled on its altazimuth mount, ready for observation.

Operating the Telescope

1. Finding Objects:
   • Use the EZ Finder II to quickly point the telescope towards your desired celestial object.
   • Once the red dot is on the object, look through the telescope's eyepiece. The object should be visible within the field of view, though perhaps not perfectly centered.
2. Focusing: Turn the large focusing knob on the rear of the telescope until the image in the eyepiece is sharp and clear. Fine adjustments may be needed as objects drift or as your eyes adjust.
3. Changing Magnification:
   • Start with the 25mm eyepiece for a wide field of view and easier object location.
   • Once an object is centered and focused, you can switch to the 10mm eyepiece for higher magnification and more detailed views. To do this, loosen the thumbscrew on the diagonal, carefully remove the 25mm eyepiece, insert the 10mm eyepiece, and re-tighten the thumbscrew. Refocus as needed.
4. Observing the Moon: The included Orion Moon Filter can be threaded onto the bottom of your eyepiece to reduce the Moon's brightness, enhancing contrast and allowing for more comfortable and detailed observation of lunar features.
5. Observing Planets: The StarMax 90mm is well-suited for planetary observation due to its long focal length. Use higher magnifications (e.g., with the 10mm eyepiece) to discern details on planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.

Maintenance

• Cleaning Optics:
  • Dust and debris on the objective lens or eyepieces should be removed carefully. Use a soft brush or compressed air to blow away loose particles.
  • For smudges or fingerprints, use a specialized optical cleaning solution and lens tissue. Apply a small amount of solution to the tissue, not directly to the lens, and gently wipe in a circular motion from the center outwards.
  • Avoid touching optical surfaces with your fingers.
• Storage: When not in use, store the telescope in a clean, dry, dust-free environment. Keep the dust caps on the optical tube and eyepieces to protect the optics. The original packaging is ideal for long-term storage.
• Collimation: The Maksutov-Cassegrain optics of the StarMax 90mm are factory-aligned and generally do not require user collimation. If you suspect a significant optical misalignment, contact Orion customer support.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Orion products are designed for quality and durability. For specific warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Orion website. For technical support, replacement parts, or service inquiries, please contact Orion customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.