Celestron AstroFi 102 Wi-Fi Maksutov Wireless Reflecting Telescope User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Celestron AstroFi 102 Wi-Fi Maksutov Wireless Reflecting Telescope. The AstroFi 102 is designed to offer an interactive and user-friendly astronomical observation experience, leveraging Wi-Fi connectivity and the SkyPortal app for object location and tracking.

What's in the Box

Before beginning assembly, ensure all components are present and accounted for. Carefully unpack all items and refer to the list below:

• 102mm optical tube assembly
• StarPointer finderscope and bracket (preassembled)
• 25 mm Kellner eyepiece (1.25")
• 10mm Kellner eyepiece (1.25")
• Star Diagonal (1.25")
• Small dust cap for focuser
• Large dust cap for objective lens
• Battery pack (batteries not included)

Figure 1: Included accessories for the Celestron AstroFi 102 telescope. This image displays the 25mm and 10mm Kellner eyepieces, a star diagonal, a StarPointer finderscope, and a small accessory bag, which typically holds the battery pack.

Setup

1. Tripod and Mount Assembly

Extend the tripod legs to a stable position. Ensure the accessory tray is securely attached to provide additional stability and a convenient place for your eyepieces. The mount head should be firmly seated on the tripod.

Figure 2: The Celestron AstroFi 102 telescope fully assembled on its tripod. This view shows the optical tube mounted on the single-arm altazimuth mount, with the tripod legs extended and the accessory tray in place.

2. Attaching the Optical Tube

Carefully attach the 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube to the mount. Ensure it is securely fastened using the provided dovetail clamp mechanism. Avoid overtightening.

Figure 3: Front-side view of the Celestron AstroFi 102 telescope. This image highlights the optical tube assembly, including the objective lens and the Celestron Astro Fi branding on the tube.

3. Installing Eyepieces and Star Diagonal

Insert the star diagonal into the focuser of the optical tube. Secure it with the thumbscrew. Then, insert either the 25mm or 10mm Kellner eyepiece into the star diagonal and secure it with its thumbscrew. The 25mm eyepiece provides a wider field of view, while the 10mm eyepiece offers higher magnification.

4. Powering the Telescope

The AstroFi 102 requires 1 Lithium Metal battery (included) for operation. Insert the battery into the battery pack and connect it to the designated power port on the mount. Alternatively, an optional 12V DC power adapter (not included) can be used for extended observation sessions.

Figure 4: Rear view of the Celestron AstroFi 102 mount. This image shows the control panel with Wi-Fi indicator, AUX ports, and the power input jack, where the battery pack or AC adapter connects.

5. Aligning the StarPointer Finderscope

During daylight hours, point the main telescope at a distant, easily identifiable object (e.g., a telephone pole or a street sign). Look through the 25mm eyepiece and center the object. Then, look through the StarPointer finderscope and adjust its alignment screws until the red dot is centered on the same object. This ensures the finderscope accurately points to what the main telescope is viewing.

Operating the Telescope

1. Connecting via Wi-Fi and SkyPortal App

Download the free Celestron SkyPortal app on your smartphone or tablet. Power on the telescope. The telescope will create its own Wi-Fi network. Connect your smart device to this network (usually named "Celestron-###"). Open the SkyPortal app and follow the on-screen prompts to connect to the telescope.

2. SkyAlign Technology

The AstroFi 102 utilizes Celestron's SkyAlign technology for quick and easy alignment. After connecting to the app, select "Align" and then "SkyAlign". The app will instruct you to center any three bright celestial objects in the eyepiece. Once centered, the telescope calculates its position and is ready for GoTo functionality.

3. Object Selection and GoTo Functionality

Within the SkyPortal app, you can browse a vast database of celestial objects. Tap on an object you wish to observe, and then select "GoTo". The telescope will automatically slew to the selected object. Use the fine focus knob on the optical tube to achieve a sharp image.

4. Observing and Photography

Once an object is centered, you can switch between the 25mm and 10mm eyepieces to adjust magnification. The AstroFi 102 includes a built-in eyepiece phone holder on the lens cap, allowing you to easily attach your smartphone for basic astrophotography or sharing views with others.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning Optics

Dust on the objective lens or eyepieces 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 the solution to the cloth, not directly to the lens, and wipe gently in a circular motion from the center outwards. Always replace dust caps when not in use.

2. General Care and Storage

Store the telescope in a dry, dust-free environment. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations. When transporting, ensure all components are securely packed to prevent damage. Regularly check all screws and fasteners for tightness.

Troubleshooting

• Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues: If your smart device frequently disconnects, ensure you are not in an area with strong competing Wi-Fi signals. Try temporarily disabling other Wi-Fi networks on your device or moving to a location with less interference. Ensure the SkyPortal app is up to date.
• Alignment Problems: If the telescope fails to align using SkyAlign, verify that the StarPointer finderscope is accurately aligned with the main telescope. Ensure you are selecting three bright, distinct objects in the sky. Avoid aligning on objects near the horizon.
• Power Loss: If using batteries, ensure they are fresh and correctly installed. For extended use, consider using a 12V DC power adapter to avoid battery depletion during observation.
• Unresponsive Mount: Check all cable connections, especially the power cable, to ensure they are secure. If using a hand controller (optional, not included), ensure it is properly connected.
• Poor Image Quality: Ensure the focuser is properly adjusted for a sharp image. Check that eyepieces and the star diagonal are clean and free of dust or smudges. Atmospheric conditions (e.g., light pollution, turbulence) can also affect image clarity.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Warranty information for your Celestron AstroFi 102 telescope is typically included with the product packaging or available on the official Celestron website. For technical support, service, or additional inquiries, please refer to the contact information provided in your product documentation or visit the official Celestron support portal online.

Note: No official product videos from the seller were available for embedding in this manual.