EXPLORE ONE 50mm Refractor Telescope with Panhandle Mount and Astronomy App User Manual

Introduction

The EXPLORE ONE 50mm Refractor Telescope is designed for amateur astronomers to explore the night sky. This telescope features a 50mm aperture, a panhandle mount for smooth movements, and comes with two interchangeable Huygens eyepieces (30X and 48X magnification options). A key feature is the integrated smartphone mount, which allows users to connect their device to the telescope and utilize the ARTelescope App for locating constellations and planets, along with an in-app encyclopedia for detailed information.

Safety Information

• Never look directly at the sun through the telescope or its finderscope, even for an instant, without a professionally made solar filter. Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
• Adult supervision is recommended for children using the telescope.
• Ensure the tripod is stable on a flat surface to prevent tipping.

Setup

Follow these steps to assemble your telescope:

1. Tripod Assembly: Extend the tripod legs to a suitable height and secure them. Attach the accessory tray to the center brace of the tripod.
2. Mounting the Telescope: Secure the telescope tube to the panhandle mount on the tripod. Ensure it is firmly attached to prevent movement.
3. Attaching the Finderscope: Locate the reflex finderscope and attach it to its designated slot on the telescope tube.
4. Inserting the Diagonal: Insert the diagonal mirror into the focuser tube.
5. Inserting an Eyepiece: Choose an eyepiece (e.g., 20mm for lower magnification, 12.5mm for higher magnification) and insert it into the diagonal. Secure it with the small screw. For even higher magnification, insert the 2x Barlow lens into the diagonal first, then insert an eyepiece into the Barlow lens.
6. Smartphone Mount: Attach the smartphone mount to the telescope tube. This mount is designed to hold your smartphone securely above the eyepiece.

Image: Fully assembled telescope with smartphone mount.

Image: Detail of the smartphone mount.

Operating the Telescope

Once assembled, you can begin observing the night sky.

1. Download the ARTelescope App: Search for "ARTelescope App" on your smartphone's app store (available for iOS and Android) and install it.
2. Calibrate the App: Follow the in-app instructions to calibrate your smartphone with the telescope. This typically involves aligning the phone's camera with the telescope's view.
3. Locating Objects: Use the ARTelescope App to identify constellations and planets in the night sky. The app will guide you to point the telescope towards your desired celestial object.
4. Focusing: Look through the eyepiece and slowly turn the focuser knob until the image is sharp and clear.
5. Adjusting Magnification: Experiment with the different eyepieces (20mm, 12.5mm) and the 2x Barlow lens to achieve various magnifications. Start with the lowest magnification (20mm eyepiece) for a wider field of view, then switch to higher magnifications for more detail.

Image: Included eyepieces and Barlow lens.

Image: ARTelescope App showing constellations.

Image: ARTelescope App providing detailed information on celestial objects.

Maintenance

• Cleaning Lenses: Use a soft, lint-free cloth specifically designed for optical lenses. Gently wipe the lens surfaces. Avoid touching the lenses with your fingers. The dew shield cover helps minimize moisture and debris.
• Storage: Store the telescope in a dry, dust-free environment. Keep the lens caps on when not in use to protect the optics.
• General Care: Avoid exposing the telescope to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official EXPLORE ONE website. You can also visit the EXPLORE ONE Store on Amazon for additional product information and contact options.