Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper use, care, and maintenance of your Explore Scientific 82 Degree Waterproof Telescope Eyepiece with a 6.5 mm focal length. Designed for high-magnification observations, this eyepiece offers a broad field of view and long eye relief, making it suitable for detailed viewing of celestial objects such as planets and the Moon. Its waterproof and argon-purged design ensures durability and protection against environmental elements.
Image: The Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 6.5mm eyepiece, showcasing its robust black barrel, textured grip, and silver chrome barrel. The focal length '6.5' and '82° SERIES EMD COATING' are visible, along with 'ARGON-PURGED WATERPROOF' text and an 'Ar' symbol indicating argon purging.
Key Features
- High Power Option: 6.5mm focal length ideal for high-magnification observations of planets and the Moon.
- Long Eye Relief: Impressive 16.8mm eye relief accommodates eyeglass wearers for a full field of view.
- Broad 82-Degree Apparent Field of View: Facilitates object location and provides a comfortable, immersive viewing experience.
- High Resolution and Contrast: Achieved through edge-blackened, low-dispersion glass elements with high refractive index and fully multi-coated (EMD) optics.
- Waterproof Housing: Argon-purged and O-ring sealed to prevent internal moisture and dust contamination.
Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove the eyepiece from its packaging. Retain all original packaging for future storage or transport.
- Removing Dust Caps: Gently remove the protective dust caps from both ends of the eyepiece.
- Inserting into Focuser: Insert the chrome barrel of the eyepiece into the focuser of your telescope. Ensure your focuser is compatible with 1.25" eyepieces.
- Securing the Eyepiece: Tighten the thumbscrew(s) on the focuser to securely hold the eyepiece in place. Do not overtighten.
- Initial Focus: With the eyepiece installed, point your telescope at a distant object (not the sun) and adjust the telescope's focuser until the image appears sharp.
Operating
Once the eyepiece is installed and focused, you can begin your observations. The 6.5mm focal length provides high magnification, making it excellent for detailed views of lunar craters, planetary features, and smaller deep-sky objects.
- Adjusting Eye Relief: The eyepiece features a twist-up eyecup. Adjust it to a comfortable height that allows you to see the entire field of view without vignetting. Eyeglass wearers may prefer to keep the eyecup fully retracted.
- Using Averted Vision: For faint objects, try looking slightly to the side of the object rather than directly at it. This technique, known as averted vision, utilizes the more light-sensitive parts of your eye, potentially revealing fainter details.
- Observing: Take your time to observe. Allow your eyes to adapt to the darkness. Slight adjustments to the focuser may be necessary as atmospheric conditions change or as your eyes adapt.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your eyepiece.
- Cleaning Optics:
- Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove loose dust particles from the lens surfaces.
- For smudges or fingerprints, apply a small amount of optical cleaning fluid to a clean, lint-free optical cloth or lens tissue. Gently wipe the lens in a circular motion from the center outwards. Avoid excessive pressure.
- Never touch the optical surfaces with your fingers.
- Waterproof Feature: The eyepiece is argon-purged and O-ring sealed, making it waterproof. While this protects against moisture and dust, it is not designed for submersion. If the eyepiece gets wet, wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
- Storage: When not in use, always replace the dust caps on both ends of the eyepiece. Store the eyepiece in a clean, dry environment, preferably in its original case or a padded container, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Image is blurry or out of focus. | Focuser not adjusted correctly; atmospheric conditions. | Adjust the telescope's focuser slowly until the image is sharp. Wait for stable atmospheric conditions if viewing is consistently poor. |
| Dust or smudges visible in the field of view. | Contamination on eyepiece lenses. | Clean the eyepiece lenses carefully as described in the Maintenance section. Ensure dust caps are used when not in use. |
| Eyepiece does not fit into the focuser. | Incompatible focuser size. | This eyepiece is designed for 1.25" focusers. Ensure your telescope has a compatible focuser or use an appropriate adapter (not included). |
| Reduced field of view or vignetting. | Eyecup not adjusted correctly; eye too far or too close. | Adjust the twist-up eyecup to find the optimal eye position. Ensure your eye is centered with the eyepiece. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | EPWP8265LE-01 |
| Focal Length | 6.5 mm |
| Apparent Field of View | 82 Degrees |
| Eye Relief | 16.8 mm (Long Eye Relief) |
| Barrel Size | 1.25 inches |
| Optical Coatings | Fully Multi-Coated (EMD) |
| Waterproofing | Argon-Purged and O-Ring Sealed |
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 6 x 4 inches |
| Item Weight | 11.5 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Explore Scientific |
Support and Warranty
Explore Scientific is committed to providing excellent customer service. Should you encounter any issues or have questions regarding your eyepiece, support is available from our Customer Service team based in Springdale, Arkansas, USA. Please refer to the official Explore Scientific website for detailed warranty information and contact options.
For further assistance, visit the Explore Scientific Contact Page.
