BRESSER National Geographic 70mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the assembly, operation, and maintenance of your BRESSER National Geographic 70mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope. Designed for both young astronomers and adult sky watchers, this telescope offers clear views of celestial objects and includes an astronomy app for enhanced exploration. Please read these instructions carefully before using your telescope to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Image: The National Geographic 70mm Refractor Telescope, fully assembled and ready for use, featuring the main telescope tube, tripod, and smartphone adapter.

2. What's in the Box

Carefully unpack all components and verify that you have received the following items:

• 70mm Refractor Telescope Optical Tube
• Smartphone Mount with Bluetooth
• Diagonal Eyepiece Holder
• PL9.7mm Eyepiece
• PL26mm Eyepiece
• 2X Barlow Lens
• Smartphone Adapter
• Accessory Tray
• Aluminum Adjustable Tripod

Image: Key accessories included with the telescope: smartphone adapter, diagonal mirror, 2X Barlow lens, and two Plössl eyepieces (PL9.7mm and PL26mm).

Image: A visual guide to all components included in the telescope package, clearly labeled with numbers for easy identification.

3. Setup Instructions

1. Assemble the Tripod: Extend the legs of the aluminum tripod to a stable position. Attach the accessory tray to the center brace for added stability and convenient storage of eyepieces.
2. Mount the Telescope Tube: Secure the 70mm refractor telescope optical tube onto the altazimuth mount of the tripod. Ensure it is firmly attached using the provided screws or clamps.
3. Insert the Diagonal: Insert the diagonal eyepiece holder into the focuser tube of the telescope. Tighten the small thumbscrew to hold it in place. The diagonal allows for more comfortable viewing angles.
4. Attach an Eyepiece: Choose either the PL9.7mm or PL26mm eyepiece and insert it into the diagonal. Secure it with the thumbscrew. For initial viewing, the PL26mm eyepiece provides a wider field of view and lower magnification, making it easier to locate objects.
5. Install the Smartphone Mount: Attach the smartphone mount to the telescope tube. This mount is designed to hold your smartphone securely for use with the astronomy app.
6. Attach the Smartphone Adapter: If you wish to capture images or videos through the eyepiece, attach the smartphone adapter to an eyepiece and then secure your smartphone to the adapter.

Image: The telescope fully assembled with a smartphone attached to the dedicated mount, illustrating its readiness for app-enabled observation.

Image: An annotated diagram showcasing the telescope's features, including the dew shield, 70mm aperture, diagonal, adjustable mount, tripod, and accessory tray.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1. Basic Observation

1. Choose an Eyepiece: Start with the PL26mm eyepiece for a wider field of view to easily locate objects. Once an object is centered, you can switch to the PL9.7mm eyepiece for higher magnification.
2. Use the Barlow Lens: The 2X Barlow lens doubles the magnification of any eyepiece. Insert the Barlow lens into the diagonal first, then insert an eyepiece into the Barlow lens. This provides magnification options of 26.9x, 52x, 72x, and 144x.
3. Focusing: Use the focus knob located on the side of the focuser tube to bring objects into sharp focus. Turn slowly until the image is clear.
4. Pointing the Telescope: Use the altazimuth mount to move the telescope horizontally and vertically to point at your desired celestial object.

Image: A visual representation of the various magnification levels achievable with the included eyepieces and 2X Barlow lens, demonstrating their effect on lunar observation.

4.2. Using the Astronomy App (ARTelescope App)

Your telescope is designed to integrate with the ARTelescope app, available on the App Store and Google Play. This app helps you locate and learn about celestial objects.

1. Download the App: Search for "ARTelescope" in your smartphone's app store and download it.
2. Mount Your Smartphone: Secure your smartphone in the dedicated mount on the telescope.
3. Connect (if applicable): Follow the app's instructions to connect your smartphone to the telescope's Bluetooth mount (if equipped).
4. Explore the Sky: As you move the telescope across the night sky, the app will identify and outline constellations, planets, and other objects in your viewing area.
5. Use the Encyclopedia: The app features an in-app encyclopedia to provide detailed information about planets, constellations, and other astronomical phenomena.
6. Capture Photos: Use the included smartphone adapter to align your phone's camera with the eyepiece and capture photos or videos through the telescope.

Image: The ARTelescope app interface on a smartphone, illustrating how it identifies and outlines constellations like Cancer in real-time.

Image: A screenshot of the ARTelescope app's encyclopedia feature, detailing information about the planet Mars.

Image: A comprehensive view of the ARTelescope app's capabilities, demonstrating its ability to identify celestial objects and provide detailed information.

5. Maintenance

• Cleaning Lenses: Use a soft, lint-free cloth specifically designed for optical lenses. Gently wipe the lens surfaces. For stubborn smudges, use a small amount of optical cleaning fluid on the cloth, not directly on the lens.
• Dust Protection: Always keep dust caps on the telescope's objective lens and eyepiece when not in use.
• Storage: Store the telescope in a dry, dust-free environment. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity.
• Tripod Care: Keep the tripod legs clean and free of dirt or sand to ensure smooth operation.

6. Troubleshooting

• Image is blurry: Adjust the focus knob slowly. Ensure the eyepiece is fully inserted and secured. Check if the objective lens or eyepiece is fogged or dirty. Allow the telescope to acclimate to the ambient temperature.
• Cannot see anything: Ensure dust caps are removed from both ends of the telescope and the eyepiece. Verify that the diagonal and eyepiece are correctly inserted. Try observing a bright, distant object during the day to practice focusing.
• Objects appear upside down or reversed: This is normal for astronomical telescopes without an erecting prism. For terrestrial viewing, an erecting prism (sold separately) can correct the image orientation.
• Smartphone app not connecting: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone. Check the app's settings for connection options. Restart both the app and your smartphone if issues persist.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

This product is manufactured by Bresser and licensed by National Geographic. For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Bresser website. Ensure you retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

For additional resources and information, you may visit the BRESSER Store on Amazon: BRESSER Store