Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope

1. Product Overview

The Sky-Watcher Heritage 130 Dobsonian telescope is designed for easy tabletop use, offering a large 130mm (5-inch) aperture for bright, detailed views of the night sky. Its innovative collapsible design ensures portability and convenient storage. This telescope is ideal for beginners and experienced astronomers alike, providing a straightforward and effective way to explore celestial objects.

Key Features:

• Large Aperture: 130mm (5 inches) for excellent light gathering and detailed observations.
• All-in-One Compact Design: Combines the base and optical tube into a single, portable tabletop unit.
• No Assembly Required: Ready to use right out of the box, simplifying initial setup.
• Collapsible Optical Tube: Innovative design for easy transport and storage.
• Fully Loaded with Accessories: Includes two 1.25-inch eyepieces (10mm and 25mm) and a Starpointer finderscope.
• Radiant Aluminum Quartz (RAQ) Coatings: Ensures 94% reflectivity for bright, vivid images.

2. Package Contents

Upon unpacking, ensure all the following components are present:

• Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope (Integrated Optical Tube and Mount)
• Lens Cap
• 25mm 1.25" SUPER Eyepiece
• 10mm 1.25" SUPER Eyepiece
• Red Dot Finder
• Manual (this document)

Figure 2.1: Included components of the Heritage 130 telescope.

3. Initial Setup

Your Sky-Watcher Heritage 130 telescope comes largely pre-assembled. Follow these steps for quick setup:

1. Unpack the Telescope: Carefully remove the telescope and all accessories from the packaging.
2. Extend the Optical Tube: The telescope features a collapsible optical tube for compact storage. Gently pull the front section of the optical tube upwards until it locks into its fully extended position. Ensure it is securely locked to maintain optical alignment.
3. Attach the Red Dot Finder: The red dot finder needs to be attached to the telescope. Locate the two small Phillips head screws on the side of the optical tube near the focuser. Align the red dot finder's base with these holes and secure it using the provided screws.
4. Insert an Eyepiece: Loosen the thumbscrew on the focuser. Insert either the 25mm or 10mm eyepiece into the focuser barrel. Tighten the thumbscrew gently to hold the eyepiece in place. The 25mm eyepiece provides a wider field of view and lower magnification, ideal for initial target acquisition.
5. Remove Lens Cap: Before observing, remove the main lens cap from the front of the telescope's optical tube.

Figure 3.1: Fully assembled telescope.

Figure 3.2: Collapsed optical tube for transport.

Figure 3.3: Collapsible design for easy transport and storage.

4. Operating Instructions

Using your Dobsonian telescope is intuitive. Here are the basic steps for observation:

1. Choose an Observation Site: Select a dark location away from city lights for the best viewing experience. Place the telescope on a stable, flat surface like a sturdy table.
2. Align the Red Dot Finder: Before observing celestial objects, align the red dot finder with the main telescope. Look through the red dot finder and center a distant, stationary object (like a streetlight or a distant tree during the day). Then, look through the telescope's eyepiece and adjust the red dot finder's alignment screws until the same object is centered in the telescope's field of view.
3. Locate Your Target: Use the red dot finder to point the telescope towards your desired celestial object. The red dot will help you quickly aim the telescope.
4. Focus the Image: Once your target is in the field of view, turn the focuser knob (located near the eyepiece) slowly until the image appears sharp and clear. You may need to make fine adjustments as objects drift or as your eyes adjust.
5. Change Magnification (Optional): To change magnification, loosen the thumbscrew on the focuser, carefully remove the current eyepiece, and insert the other eyepiece (e.g., switch from 25mm to 10mm for higher magnification). Re-focus as needed.

Figure 4.1: Focuser and eyepiece detail.

5. Care and Maintenance

Proper care will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your telescope:

• Cleaning Optics: Dust on the mirrors or eyepieces should be removed with a soft brush or a can of compressed air. For smudges or fingerprints, use a specialized optical cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth designed for optics. Avoid touching optical surfaces directly.
• Storage: When not in use, always replace the lens cap and store the telescope in a dry, dust-free environment. The collapsible design allows for compact storage.
• Collimation: The primary and secondary mirrors of your Heritage 130 are fully collimatable, meaning their alignment can be adjusted for precise optical performance. While the telescope is factory-collimated, occasional adjustments may be necessary over time due to transport or temperature changes. Refer to advanced astronomy resources or online guides for detailed collimation procedures if needed.

Figure 5.1: Primary mirror collimation points.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No Image Visible / Very Dark Image:
  • Ensure the main lens cap is removed from the front of the telescope.
  • Verify that the optical tube is fully extended and locked.
  • Check if the red dot finder is properly aligned with the telescope.
  • If observing at night, ensure you are in a sufficiently dark location away from excessive light pollution.
• Image is Blurry / Cannot Achieve Focus:
  • Adjust the focuser knob slowly in both directions until the image becomes sharp.
  • Ensure the eyepiece is fully inserted into the focuser and the thumbscrew is tightened.
  • Check the collimation of the mirrors. Misaligned mirrors can cause blurry images that cannot be focused.
  • Allow the telescope to acclimate to the ambient temperature for about 30 minutes before observing, especially if moving from a warm indoor environment to a cold outdoor one.
• Red Dot Finder Not Working:
  • Check if the battery in the red dot finder is correctly installed and has power.
  • Ensure the red dot finder is turned on and its brightness is adjusted.

7. Technical Specifications

8. Warranty Information

Sky-Watcher warrants your telescope to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a full two years from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, or normal wear and tear. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

9. Customer Support

For further assistance, technical support, or to inquire about replacement parts, please visit the official Sky-Watcher store or contact their customer service department.

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