Tasco Space Station 600x50 Refractor Telescope Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Tasco Space Station 600x50 Refractor Telescope. This manual provides essential information for the proper assembly, operation, and maintenance of your telescope. Please read these instructions carefully before use to ensure a safe and enjoyable astronomical observation experience.

2. Safety Information

• Never look directly at the sun through your telescope or its finderscope. Permanent and irreversible eye damage, including blindness, can result.
• Do not use the telescope to project an image of the sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the telescope and any accessories attached to it.
• Always supervise children when using the telescope.
• Handle optical components with care to avoid scratches or damage.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all components listed below are present in your package:

• Refractor Telescope Optical Tube (600mm focal length, 50mm objective lens)
• Full-size Aluminum Tripod with Accessory Tray
• 5x24 Finderscope with Bracket
• 1.25" Star Diagonal
• H12mm Eyepiece (50x magnification)
• H4mm Eyepiece (150x magnification)
• 2x Barlow Lens (doubles magnification of any eyepiece)
• Telescope Owner's Manual

4. Assembly and Setup

Follow these steps to assemble your telescope:

1. Set up the Tripod: Spread the tripod legs apart until they are fully extended. Secure the accessory tray to the center brace of the tripod.
2. Attach the Optical Tube: Place the telescope optical tube onto the tripod mount. Secure it using the provided mounting screw. Ensure it is firmly attached.
3. Install the Finderscope: Slide the 5x24 finderscope into its bracket on the optical tube. Tighten the small screws on the bracket to hold it in place.
4. Insert the Star Diagonal: Loosen the thumbscrew on the focuser drawtube and insert the star diagonal. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure it.
5. Insert an Eyepiece: Loosen the thumbscrew on the star diagonal and insert either the H12mm or H4mm eyepiece. Tighten the thumbscrew. For higher magnification, you can insert the 2x Barlow lens into the star diagonal first, then insert an eyepiece into the Barlow lens.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Aligning the Finderscope

The finderscope helps locate objects quickly. It must be aligned with the main telescope:

1. Point the main telescope at a distant, stationary object (e.g., a treetop or street light) during daylight hours.
2. Center the object in the main telescope's eyepiece.
3. Look through the finderscope and adjust its alignment screws until the same object is centered in the finderscope's crosshairs.

5.2 Focusing

Once an object is centered in the eyepiece, turn the focus knob slowly until the image is sharp and clear. Fine-tune the focus for optimal viewing.

5.3 Changing Magnification

Magnification is determined by the eyepiece's focal length and the telescope's focal length (600mm). To calculate magnification: Telescope Focal Length / Eyepiece Focal Length.

• H12mm Eyepiece: 600mm / 12mm = 50x magnification
• H4mm Eyepiece: 600mm / 4mm = 150x magnification
• With 2x Barlow Lens: Double the magnification of any eyepiece. For example, H12mm with Barlow = 100x.

Start with the lowest magnification (H12mm eyepiece) to locate and center objects, then switch to higher magnifications for more detailed views.

5.4 Astronomical Observation Tips

• Choose a dark location away from city lights for best results.
• Allow your eyes to adapt to the darkness for at least 20 minutes before observing.
• Observe the moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects.
• Use the lowest magnification eyepiece first to get a wider field of view and easily locate objects.

6. Maintenance and Care

• Cleaning Lenses: Use a soft, lint-free cloth specifically designed for optical lenses. Breathe lightly on the lens to fog it, then gently wipe. Avoid touching optical surfaces with your fingers.
• Storage: Store the telescope in a dry, dust-free environment. Keep dust caps on the objective lens and eyepiece holder when not in use.
• Handling: Always carry the telescope by the optical tube or tripod, ensuring a firm grip. Avoid sudden impacts or vibrations.

7. Troubleshooting

• Image is blurry: Adjust the focus knob slowly. Ensure the correct eyepiece is fully inserted and secured. Check for condensation on lenses.
• Cannot find objects: Ensure the finderscope is properly aligned with the main telescope (refer to Section 5.1). Start with the lowest magnification eyepiece.
• Image is dim: This is normal for very high magnifications or when observing faint objects. Ensure your observing location is dark and your eyes are dark-adapted.
• Image is upside down or reversed: This is normal for astronomical telescopes when using a star diagonal. The star diagonal corrects the image vertically but often reverses it horizontally.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Specific warranty information for the Tasco Space Station 600x50 Refractor Telescope (Model T60050W) is not provided in the product details. For warranty claims, technical support, or replacement parts, please contact Tasco customer service directly or refer to the official Tasco website for the most current information.

Please retain your proof of purchase for any warranty-related inquiries.