Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the assembly, operation, and maintenance of your Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope. Please read this manual thoroughly before using your telescope to ensure proper setup and optimal viewing experience. This telescope is designed for astronomical observation, offering clear views of celestial objects.

Parts List

Before beginning assembly, ensure all parts are present and accounted for. Refer to the image below for visual identification of components.

Figure 1: Main components of the Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope, including the optical tube, equatorial mount, tripod, eyepieces, StarPointer finderscope, and smartphone adapter.

• Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)
• Equatorial Mount
• Tripod with Accessory Tray
• Counterweight and Counterweight Shaft
• StarPointer Finderscope
• 20mm Eyepiece (1.25")
• 10mm Eyepiece (1.25")
• Smartphone Adapter
• Slow-Motion Control Cables (2)

Setup

1. Tripod and Mount Assembly

1. Spread the tripod legs apart until they are fully extended.
2. Attach the accessory tray to the center brace of the tripod. Secure it with the provided screws.
3. Place the equatorial mount onto the tripod head. Secure it with the large knob underneath the tripod head.
4. Thread the counterweight shaft into the equatorial mount. Slide the counterweight onto the shaft and secure it with the locking screw.

2. Attaching the Optical Tube

1. Locate the dovetail bar on the bottom of the optical tube.
2. Loosen the clamping knob on the equatorial mount's dovetail saddle.
3. Slide the optical tube's dovetail bar into the saddle until it is centered and secure. Tighten the clamping knob firmly.

3. Installing the StarPointer Finderscope

1. Remove the two small nuts from the threaded posts on the optical tube near the focuser.
2. Place the StarPointer finderscope bracket over the threaded posts, ensuring the window faces the front of the telescope.
3. Secure the finderscope with the two nuts.
4. Remove the plastic tab from the battery compartment to activate the battery.

4. Attaching Eyepieces and Slow-Motion Cables

1. Insert the desired eyepiece (e.g., 20mm for lower magnification) into the focuser. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure it.
2. Attach the slow-motion control cables to the RA (Right Ascension) and DEC (Declination) shafts on the equatorial mount.

5. Smartphone Adapter Setup

The smartphone adapter allows you to capture images and videos through the telescope eyepiece.

Figure 2: Close-up of the smartphone adapter, showing the eyepiece clamp and phone holder mechanism.

1. Loosen the eyepiece clamp on the smartphone adapter and slide it over an eyepiece. Tighten the clamp.
2. Place your smartphone into the adapter's phone holder. Adjust the position until the phone's camera lens is centered over the eyepiece.
3. Use your phone's camera app to view and capture images.

Operating the Telescope

1. Aligning the StarPointer Finderscope

The finderscope must be aligned with the main telescope for easy object location.

1. During daylight hours, point the main telescope at an easily identifiable stationary object (e.g., a distant tree or street light).
2. Look through the 20mm eyepiece and center the object in the field of view.
3. Turn on the StarPointer finderscope. Look through the finderscope and use the two adjustment knobs to move the red dot until it is centered on the same object.
4. Once aligned, the finderscope will help you quickly point the main telescope to celestial objects.

2. Focusing

To achieve a sharp image, rotate the focuser knob until the object appears clear. Fine-tune the focus as needed, especially when changing eyepieces.

3. Tracking Celestial Objects

The equatorial mount allows you to track celestial objects as they move across the night sky due to Earth's rotation.

• Polar Alignment: For accurate tracking, the RA axis of the equatorial mount should be pointed towards the celestial pole (Polaris in the Northern Hemisphere). This is a more advanced setup step.
• Manual Tracking: Once an object is centered, use the RA slow-motion control cable to smoothly follow the object as it drifts out of view.

4. Changing Magnification

Magnification is determined by the telescope's focal length divided by the eyepiece's focal length. The AstroMaster 130 EQ has a focal length of 650mm.

• 20mm Eyepiece: 650mm / 20mm = 32.5x magnification
• 10mm Eyepiece: 650mm / 10mm = 65x magnification

Always start with the lowest magnification (20mm eyepiece) to locate and center objects, then switch to higher magnification (10mm eyepiece) for more detailed views.

Maintenance

• Cleaning Optics: Dust on the mirror or lenses should be removed with a soft brush or compressed air. For stubborn smudges, use a specialized optical cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. Avoid touching optical surfaces directly.
• Storage: Store the telescope in a dry, dust-free environment. Replace all lens caps when not in use.
• Mechanical Parts: Periodically check all screws and knobs for tightness. Do not over-tighten.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• Optical Design: Reflector
• Aperture: 130mm (5.1 inches)
• Focal Length: 650mm
• Focal Ratio: f/5
• Eyepieces: 20mm (32.5x), 10mm (65x)
• Finderscope: StarPointer (Red Dot)
• Mount: German Equatorial
• Tripod: Pre-assembled with steel legs
• Smartphone Adapter: Included
• Weight: Approximately 18 lbs (8.16 kg)

Warranty and Support

Celestron provides a limited warranty for this product against defects in materials and workmanship. For specific warranty details, registration, and technical support, please visit the official Celestron website or contact their customer service department.

Official Website: www.celestron.com