SPACE EXPLORATION COLLECTION

Achromatic Refractor (AR)

This document provides instructions for the Bresser AR-102L/1350 EXOS-1/EQ4 telescope, part of the Space Exploration Collection. It details the telescope's features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and provides basic astronomical information.

Fig. 1a: Achromatic Refractor depicts the telescope as a white, refractor telescope with a long optical tube, mounted on a white equatorial mount, supported by a white, adjustable tripod. The mount includes adjustment knobs and a counterweight shaft.

Fig. 1b: The Tripod shows a detailed view of the adjustable steel tripod, highlighting its legs, leg braces, and accessory tray.

Fig. 1c: The mount provides a close-up of the EXOS-1 equatorial mount, detailing components like the declination lock, setting circles, counterweight shaft base, and latitude adjustment screws.

General Information & Telescope Features

The telescope offers a wide field of view and is designed for observing celestial objects from planets to nebulae.

Key Components:

• Eyepiece Thumbscrews (1): Used to tighten the eyepiece in place.
• Eyepiece Holder (2): Holds the eyepiece. Diagonal Prism (not shown) provides a comfortable viewing position.
• Eyepiece (3): Magnifies the image collected by the optical tube.
• 8x50mm Viewfinder (4): A low-power, wide-field sighting scope for easy object centering.
• Viewfinder Collimation Screws (5): Adjust the alignment of the viewfinder.
• Viewfinder Front Cell and Locking Ring (6): Used to focus the viewfinder.
• Viewfinder Bracket (7): Holds the viewfinder in place.
• Focus Knobs (8): Control the focuser drawtube for precise image focus, allowing focus on objects from 500 ft. to infinity.
• Dust Cover (9): Protects the optical tube when storing the telescope. It should be replaced after each observing session to allow dew to evaporate.
• Optical Tube (10): The main component that gathers light.
• Cradle Assembly (11): Attaches to the mount base.
• Cradle Ring Lock Knobs (13) and Washers: Secure the optical tube in the cradle rings.
• Cradle Rings (14): Hold the optical tube firmly.
• Viewfinder Bracket Screws (15): Secure the viewfinder bracket.
• Focus Lock Knob (16): Prevents the focuser drawtube from moving when accessories are attached.
• Dec. Lock (17): Controls manual movement along the declination axis.
• Polar Viewfinder Cap (18): For EXOS-2 models, removed when using the polar viewfinder.
• Declination (Dec.) Setting Circle (19): For tracking celestial objects.
• Counterweight Shaft Base (20): Connects the shaft to the mount.
• Counterweight and Counterweight Lock Knob (21): Balances the optical tube's weight.
• Counterweight Shaft (22): Holds the counterweight.
• Counterweight Safety Cap (23): Prevents the counterweight from sliding off the shaft.
• R.A. manual Drive Assembly (24): Manual control for Right Ascension.
• Latitude Adjustment (26): Sets the observing location's latitude.
• Fine Azimuth Control Knobs (27): Fine-tune side-to-side telescope movement.
• Latitude Dial (28): Indicates the set latitude.
• Polar Alignment Viewfinder (29): For precise polar alignment (EXOS-2 only).
• Polar Alignment Viewfinder Reticle and LED Knob (30): Illuminates the viewfinder reticle (EXOS-2 only).
• Right Ascension (R.A.) Setting Circle (31): For tracking celestial objects.
• R.A. Setting Circle Lock Knob (32): Locks the R.A. setting circle.
• R.A. Lock (33): Controls manual movement along the Right Ascension axis.
• DEC-manual drive assembly (34): Manual control for Declination.
• Tripod Leg Adjustment Knobs (35): Secure the tripod legs.
• Variable Height Tripod Legs (36): Support the telescope mount.
• Accessory tray (37): Holds eyepieces and accessories.
• Tripod Leg Braces (38): Enhance tripod stability.

⚠️ DANGER!

Solar observation requires the use of the included solar filter, mounted in front of the lens. Never look at the sun without the filter, as it can cause immediate and irreversible eye damage or blindness.

BEFORE EVERY SOLAR OBSERVATION: Remove the optical finderscope from the telescope tube to avoid accidental solar viewing.

? Important Safety Information

• Always check the solar filter for damage before use. Do not use if damaged.
• Always use the provided solar filter correctly installed on the telescope aperture, not the eyepiece.
• Never look at the sun through any telescope or eyepiece without a certified solar filter.
• Ensure the sun filter is firmly in place before each observation.
• If the filter fit is loose, improve it with felt strips. Never use if it cannot be properly attached.
• Be careful when observing the sun; even a brief glance without protection can cause severe eye damage.
• Children must be supervised during solar observation.
• Never leave optics unattended.
• Take frequent breaks (approx. every three minutes) during observation.
• Do not look at the sun after eye surgery without medical approval.
• Waves or creases in the solar filter foil are normal and not a defect.
• Do not expose the device to high temperatures.

Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye!

Assembly and Setup

Assembling the Telescope (EXOS-1 mount on ST-2 tripod)

Parts List: The telescope assembly includes an equatorial mount with a polar alignment finder, a heavy-duty adjustable steel tripod, the optical tube assembly, dust cover, focuser, eyepiece holder, tube cradle assembly, fixing screws, eyepiece, diagonal prism (for AR models), counterweight and shaft, and an 8x50/6x30mm viewfinder.

How to Assemble Your Telescope:

1. Unpack all components and familiarize yourself with them, referring to assembly illustrations. Keep the tripod parallel to the floor during unpacking.
2. Locking the tripod legs: Spread the legs until the accessory plate is taut.
3. Fastening the spacing plate: Screw the tensioning screw onto the central screw, then clamp the spacing plate against the tripod legs. Insert the plate, ensuring bars face downwards. Use the gapping washer to prevent the threaded rod from screwing too far into the mount. Slide the C-clip onto the threaded rod.
4. Fastening the mount on the tripod head: Place the mount on the tripod head, aligning the projection between the azimuth adjustment screws. Secure the mount using the central screw.
5. Fastening the counterweight: Screw the counterweight rod into the base of the declination axis. Slide the counterweight onto the shaft and tighten the lock knob. Ensure the safety cap is in place.
6. Set the latitude: Adjust the mount's latitude using the T-handle screws until the pointer on the latitude dial indicates your location's latitude. Orient the tripod leg to face North (or South in the Southern Hemisphere).
7. Attach the cradle assembly: Slide the cradle assembly onto the mount's slot and tighten the locking knobs.
8. Position optical tube: Unscrew cradle ring lock knobs, open rings, and place the optical tube in the center of the cradle rings. Loosely tighten the lock knobs until the tube is balanced.
9. Attach viewfinder bracket: Secure the viewfinder bracket to the mount using the provided screws.
10. Attach viewfinder tube: Slide the viewfinder tube into the bracket and adjust collimation screws for focus.
11. Insert the eyepiece: Insert the supplied 25mm eyepiece into the eyepiece holder or diagonal prism, and tighten the thumbscrews.
12. Adjust tripod height: Loosen leg lock knobs, extend legs to a comfortable viewing height, and retighten knobs.

Balancing the Telescope:

To ensure smooth movement, the telescope must be balanced. Unlock the R.A. lock and rotate the tube so the counterweight shaft is horizontal. Slide the counterweight along the shaft until the tube remains stationary. Then, lock the R.A. axis, unlock the Dec. lock, and slide the optical tube in the cradle rings until it balances.

Aligning the Viewfinder

The viewfinder helps in initially sighting objects. It must be aligned with the main telescope so both point to the same sky position.

1. Remove dust covers from the optical tube and viewfinder.
2. Insert the 25mm eyepiece into the main telescope.
3. Look through the viewfinder at a distant object (at least half a mile away). Adjust the viewfinder's front cell for focus.
4. Unlock R.A. and Dec. locks. Point the main telescope at a distant, stationary object and center it in the main telescope's eyepiece. Focus the image and retighten the R.A. and Dec. locks.
5. Adjust the viewfinder's collimation thumbscrews until its crosshairs are centered on the same object viewed in the main telescope's eyepiece.
6. Check alignment on a celestial object and make refinements as needed.

❗ ATTENTION: Never point the telescope directly at or near the Sun. Doing so will cause instant and irreversible eye damage.

? Tips for Further Study

This manual offers a basic introduction to astronomy. For deeper study, consider these topics:

• Star formation and solar systems
• Measuring astronomical distances, light years, red/blue shift
• Lunar craters and water
• Black holes, neutron stars, gamma-ray bursts
• Star composition and color
• Supernovae types
• Comet composition and origin
• The Sun's evolution
• The Big Bang, dark matter, MACHOs
• Extrasolar planets and accretion disks
• Galaxy types and age

Recommended Books:

• The Guide to Amateur Astronomy by Jack Newton and Philip Teece
• The Sky: A User's Guide by David Levy
• Turn Left at Orion by Guy Consolmagno & Dan Davis
• Astrophotography for the Amateur by Michael Covington
• Observing for the Fun of It by Melanie Melton
• Will Black Holes Devour the Universe? and 100 Other Questions about Astronomy by Melanie Melton

Magazines:

• Sky & Telescope
• Astronomy

Organizations:

• Astronomical League
• The Astronomical Society of the Pacific
• The Planetary Society

Choosing an Eyepiece

Eyepieces magnify the image. Smaller focal lengths yield higher magnification. The supplied 25mm Plössl eyepiece offers a wide, comfortable field of view.

Magnification Calculation:

Magnification = Telescope Focal Length / Eyepiece Focal Length

Example: 1000mm / 25mm = 40X magnification.

? Tips: Too Much Power?

Using excessive magnification can result in dim, poorly resolved images. A smaller, brighter, well-resolved image is preferable. Powers above 200X should only be used under very steady atmospheric conditions.

Observation

Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually:

After assembly and balancing, practice moving the telescope manually. Use terrestrial objects first to get accustomed to the equatorial mount's movement, which is not intuitive. Align the viewfinder to sight objects, then center them in the main telescope's eyepiece. Focus using the focus knobs. Earth's rotation causes objects to drift; this can be compensated by the RA drive shaft or motor.

Observing the Moon:

The Moon is best viewed during its crescent or half phase when sunlight creates shadows that add depth. A full Moon appears flat due to lack of shadows. A neutral density Moon filter can enhance contrast and reduce glare.

Lunar craters are impact sites, and maria are ancient lava-filled impact basins.

Setting the Polar Home Position

For accurate tracking, the telescope mount must be aligned with the celestial pole.

1. Level the mount using the tripod legs.
2. Unlock the R.A. Lock and rotate the Optical Tube Assembly until the counterweight shaft points straight down.
3. Orient the tripod leg to face approximately North (or South in the Southern Hemisphere). Rotate the optical tube to point North (or South), using Polaris (the North Star) as a reference. Re-tighten the lock.
4. Determine your observing location's latitude and adjust the mount using the latitude T-handle screws until the latitude dial pointer indicates the correct latitude.
5. With these steps completed, the telescope is sufficiently aligned for polar observation. The latitude setting only needs adjustment if you move to a different geographical location.

? IMPORTANT NOTE: Approximate settings are usually sufficient for most astronomical observing. Do not let precise alignment interfere with your enjoyment.

Maintenance and Service

Adapting a DSLR Camera: A T2 ring suitable for the camera brand is required.

Maintenance Guidelines:

• Avoid cleaning optics unless absolutely necessary. Gentle strokes with a camel hair brush or ear syringe can remove dust. Do not use commercial lens cleaners.
• Fingerprints can be removed with a solution of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol, plus a drop of dish soap. Use soft facial tissues. ⚠️ Caution: Do not use scented or lotioned tissues.
• If condensation occurs, wipe the telescope with a dry cloth before packing, but do not wipe optical surfaces. Allow wet surfaces to air dry.
• Do not leave the telescope in a hot car.

Customer Service:

For questions or malfunctions, contact Bresser Customer Service. Provide detailed error descriptions. Most issues can be resolved by phone.

Contact Data:

• Post: Bresser GmbH, Kundenservice, Gutenbergstraße 2, DE-46414 Rhede, Deutschland
• E-Mail: service.apd@bresser.de
• Telefon: +49 (0) 28 72 - 80 74 0

Appendix A: Celestial Coordinates

This appendix explains equatorial coordinates, the celestial pole, and how to locate objects using Right Ascension (R.A.) and Declination (Dec.).

• Right Ascension (R.A.): Celestial longitude, measured in hours, minutes, and seconds on a 24-hour scale.
• Declination (Dec.): Celestial latitude, measured in degrees, arcminutes, and arc-seconds. Positive values are North of the celestial equator, negative values are South.

Locating the Celestial Pole: Face North and find Polaris (the North Star) using the Big Dipper as a guide.

Setting Circles: These circles help locate faint celestial objects. With the telescope pointed at the North Celestial Pole, the Dec. circle should read +90°, and the R.A. circle runs from 0hr to 24hr.

Using Setting Circles: Practice by hopping between bright stars with known coordinates. To locate an object, align the R.A. setting circle with a known star, then adjust the telescope's R.A. to match the object's coordinate.

Appendix B: Latitude Chart

This chart lists latitudes for major cities worldwide to aid in polar alignment. Adjustments may be needed for sites not listed.

Appendix D: Basic Astronomy

This section covers the history of astronomy with Galileo, objects in space, and celestial navigation.

• Objects in Space:
• The Moon: Best viewed during crescent or half phases; craters and maria are visible.
• Planets: Venus shows phases; Mars appears as a reddish disk; Jupiter shows cloud bands and moons; Saturn displays its rings.
• Deep-Sky Objects: Stars are distant points of light. Nebulae are gas and dust clouds where stars form (e.g., Orion Nebula). Open Clusters are groups of young stars (e.g., Pleiades).
• Galaxies: Large systems of stars (e.g., Andromeda Galaxy).
• A "road map" to the stars: Guides for finding constellations like Ursa Major, Orion, and using stars like Vega, Deneb, and Altair.
• Distances in space: Illustrates distances between Earth-Moon, planets, stars, and galaxies.

Appendix E: Star Maps

Seasonal sky views are provided for Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn, showing constellations and prominent stars.

?️ Warranty and Service

The regular warranty period is 2 years from the date of purchase. Extended voluntary warranty registration is required. Full warranty terms and service details are available at www.bresser.de/warranty_terms.

? Service Locations: Contact information for Bresser service centers in Germany, Netherlands, UK, France, Spain, and Portugal is provided, with preferred contact via email.