Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the assembly, operation, and maintenance of your Levenhuk Skyline Travel 80 Refractor Telescope. Please read this manual thoroughly before using your telescope to ensure proper setup and optimal viewing experience for both astronomical and terrestrial observations.
Safety Instructions
Never look directly at the Sun through the telescope or its finderscope without a professionally manufactured solar filter. Doing so can cause permanent eye damage or blindness.
Do not leave the telescope unsupervised, especially when children are present. Ensure proper adult supervision during use.
Handle optical components with care. Avoid touching lens surfaces with bare hands.
Store the telescope in a dry, dust-free environment when not in use.
Package Contents
The Levenhuk Skyline Travel 80 Refractor Telescope package includes the following items:
- Telescope Optical Tube
- Altazimuth Mount
- Adjustable Aluminum Tripod
- Finderscope
- Diagonal Mirror
- Eyepieces (K9mm, K25mm)
- Barlow Lens 3x
- Accessory Tray
- Shoulder Bag
- User Manual
The Levenhuk Skyline Travel 80 telescope and its main accessories neatly stored within the included shoulder bag, highlighting its portability.
Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the various components of your Levenhuk Skyline Travel 80 Refractor Telescope.
This diagram illustrates the main parts of the Levenhuk Skyline Travel 80 telescope, including the optical tube, finderscope, eyepiece, diagonal mirror, focuser, compass, dust cap, azimuth lock knob, altitude lock knobs, tripod, and accessory tray.
A close-up view of the integrated compass located on the telescope's optical tube, useful for initial orientation.
Setup
Follow these steps to assemble your telescope:
Set up the Tripod: Extend the tripod legs to a suitable height and spread them apart for stability. Secure the accessory tray to the center brace of the tripod.
Attach the Optical Tube: Place the telescope's optical tube onto the altazimuth mount. Secure it using the provided mounting screws or clamps, ensuring it is firmly attached.
Install the Finderscope: Slide the finderscope into its bracket on the optical tube and tighten the retaining screws. The finderscope aids in locating objects before viewing them through the main telescope.
Insert the Diagonal Mirror: Loosen the thumbscrew on the focuser and insert the diagonal mirror. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure it.
Insert an Eyepiece: Insert the desired eyepiece (e.g., K25mm for lower magnification) into the diagonal mirror. Secure it with the thumbscrew. For higher magnification, you can use the K9mm eyepiece or the 3x Barlow lens in conjunction with an eyepiece.
The Levenhuk Skyline Travel 80 telescope fully assembled on its adjustable tripod, ready for observation.
Operating
This section guides you through using your telescope for observation.
1. Aligning the Finderscope
Before observing, align the finderscope with the main telescope. Point the main telescope at a distant, stationary object (e.g., a treetop or building) during daylight hours. Center the object in the main telescope's eyepiece. Then, adjust the finderscope's alignment screws until the same object is centered in the finderscope's crosshairs.
2. Focusing
Once an object is centered in the eyepiece, turn the focuser knob slowly until the image appears sharp and clear. You may need to make minor adjustments as objects move or as your eyes adapt.
3. Changing Magnification
To change magnification, swap eyepieces. The K25mm eyepiece provides lower magnification and a wider field of view, ideal for locating objects. The K9mm eyepiece offers higher magnification for more detailed views. For even higher magnification, insert the 3x Barlow lens into the focuser before inserting an eyepiece.
The included K9mm and K25mm eyepieces, along with the 3x Barlow lens, which can be used to increase the magnification of any eyepiece.
A close-up view of an eyepiece inserted into the diagonal mirror, showing the focuser mechanism.
4. Astronomical Observations
For astronomical viewing, choose a dark location away from city lights. Use the finderscope to locate celestial objects, then fine-tune the view with the main telescope. The altazimuth mount allows for easy movement up/down (altitude) and left/right (azimuth) to track objects.
5. Terrestrial Observations
The Levenhuk Skyline Travel 80 can also be used for terrestrial viewing. Point the telescope at distant landscapes, wildlife, or other ground-based objects. The diagonal mirror provides a corrected, upright image, suitable for land viewing.
Maintenance
Proper care ensures the longevity and performance of your telescope.
Cleaning Lenses: Use a soft, clean lens brush or compressed air to remove dust. For smudges, use a specialized optical cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth designed for optics. Apply solution to the cloth, not directly to the lens. Wipe gently in a circular motion from the center outwards.
Cleaning the Telescope Body: Wipe the exterior surfaces with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Storage: When not in use, store the telescope in its carrying bag in a cool, dry, dust-free environment. Ensure all caps are on the lenses to prevent dust accumulation.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Do not expose the telescope to rapid temperature changes or extreme heat/cold, as this can affect optical components.
Troubleshooting
Here are solutions to common issues you might encounter:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Image is blurry or out of focus. | Focuser not adjusted correctly. | Slowly turn the focuser knob until the image is sharp. |
| Cannot find objects. | Finderscope is not aligned with the main telescope. | Align the finderscope during daylight hours as described in the "Operating" section. |
| Image is dim or dark. | Light pollution; incorrect eyepiece. | Move to a darker observation site. Use a lower magnification eyepiece (e.g., K25mm) for brighter, wider views. |
| Image appears upside down or reversed. | Normal for astronomical telescopes without an erecting prism. | This is normal for astronomical viewing. For terrestrial viewing, the diagonal mirror provides an upright image. |
Specifications
The following are the technical specifications for the Levenhuk Skyline Travel 80 Refractor Telescope:
- Model Name: Levenhuk Skyline Travel 80
- Item Model Number: 72053
- Objective Lens Diameter: 80 Millimeters
- Telescope Mount: Altazimuth Mount
- Eyepiece Lens Description: Barlow (includes K9mm, K25mm eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens)
- Finderscope: Reflex
- Focus Type: Manual Focus
- Product Dimensions (Packaged): 26.38"D x 10.24"W x 5.51"H
- Item Weight: 8.33 Pounds
- Manufacturer: Levenhuk, Inc.
Warranty and Support
Levenhuk products are designed for durability and performance. For information regarding warranty coverage, product support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official Levenhuk website or contact their customer service department. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
For further assistance, visit the official Levenhuk Store on Amazon.
