Astromania Super Plossl Eyepiece 2 Inch, 56mm - Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Astromania Super Plossl 2-inch, 56mm telescope eyepiece. Designed for astronomical observation, this eyepiece offers a wide field of view and high-quality optics to enhance your viewing experience.

Image 1: Astromania Super Plossl 2-inch 56mm Eyepiece.

2. Product Features

The Astromania Super Plossl 2-inch, 56mm eyepiece incorporates several design elements for optimal performance:

• Advanced Optical Accessories: Constructed with aluminum for durability, this eyepiece minimizes distortion in the field of view and exhibits low chromatic aberration, providing clear and high-performance images.
• 52-Degree Wide Field of View: With a 56mm focal length, it offers low magnification suitable for an excellent overview of celestial objects, allowing observation of a large section of the night sky.
• Fully Multi-Coated HD Optical Glass: Lenses are multi-coated to reduce unwanted reflections, which enhances light transmission, minimizes chromatic aberration, and increases image transparency for bright, clear, and high-contrast views.
• Standard 2-inch Mounting Diameter: Features a standard 2-inch barrel with a 2-inch filter thread, ensuring compatibility with most telescopes equipped with a 2-inch focuser or other standard 2-inch accessories.
• Premium Material Construction: Includes blackened lens edges to improve contrast by eliminating stray light, and a rubber eyecup for comfortable viewing. The internal structure is designed to further reduce internal reflections.

Image 2: Key features including the 2-inch barrel, antiskid rubber ring, and thread for standard 2-inch filters.

Image 3: Illustration of the 52-degree wide field of view, showing a broader perspective compared to narrower fields.

Image 4: Visual comparison demonstrating the improved clarity and contrast provided by the fully multi-coated achromatic design.

3. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps to properly install your Astromania Super Plossl eyepiece:

1. Ensure your telescope is stable and securely mounted.
2. Remove the dust caps from both ends of the eyepiece.
3. Carefully insert the 2-inch barrel of the eyepiece into your telescope's 2-inch focuser.
4. Tighten the thumbscrew(s) on the focuser to secure the eyepiece in place. Do not overtighten.
5. If using a filter, gently screw the filter into the threaded end of the eyepiece barrel before inserting it into the focuser.

Image 5: Step-by-step illustration of inserting the eyepiece into a telescope's 2-inch focuser.

4. Operation

Once installed, operating your eyepiece is straightforward:

• Focusing: Use your telescope's manual focuser to achieve a sharp image. Turn the focuser knob slowly until the image appears clear and crisp.
• Eyecup Adjustment: The rubber eyecup can be folded down for users wearing eyeglasses or adjusted for optimal eye relief and to block stray light.
• Using Filters: If you have attached a compatible 2-inch filter, it will automatically be in position when the eyepiece is inserted. Filters can enhance contrast for specific celestial objects or reduce glare from bright objects like the Moon.

5. Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance will ensure the longevity and performance of your eyepiece:

• Cleaning Lenses: Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth specifically designed for optical lenses. For stubborn smudges, use a small amount of optical cleaning fluid applied to the cloth, not directly to the lens. Avoid touching the lens surfaces with your fingers.
• Dust Removal: Use a blower brush or compressed air (designed for optics) to remove loose dust particles before wiping.
• Storage: Always replace the dust caps on both ends of the eyepiece when not in use. Store the eyepiece in a clean, dry environment, preferably in its original packaging or a dedicated eyepiece case, to protect it from dust and moisture.
• Handling: Handle the eyepiece by its barrel, avoiding direct contact with the optical surfaces.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your eyepiece, consider the following:

• Fuzzy or Unclear Image: Ensure the telescope's focuser is properly adjusted. Check if the eyepiece lenses are clean and free from smudges or dust. Verify that the telescope's primary optics are also in focus.
• Dim Image: A very large exit pupil (which can occur with low magnification eyepieces on fast telescopes) might result in some light not entering the eye, potentially making the image appear dimmer. This is a characteristic of the optical system rather than a defect.
• Slight Distortion at Edges: While designed for low distortion, some optical systems may exhibit minor edge distortion. This is generally considered normal for wide-field eyepieces and typically does not affect the central field of view.
• Eyepiece Not Fitting Securely: Ensure you are using a 2-inch focuser and that the focuser's thumbscrews are tightened sufficiently. Do not force the eyepiece into a focuser of an incorrect size.

7. Specifications

Detailed specifications for the Astromania Super Plossl 2-inch, 56mm Eyepiece:

Image 6: Visual representation of the eyepiece dimensions and a summary of its specifications.

8. Warranty and Support

For information regarding warranty coverage and terms for your Astromania Super Plossl Eyepiece, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Astromania website. For technical support or further assistance, please contact Astromania customer service directly.