#THE SYSTEM LENS INSTALL#
#THE SYSTEM LENS FULL#

There may not be any instruction repeated on the Guide to CCD Imaging website more than this one: Balance is the most important part of setting up a telescope for imaging. On a German equatorial mount, you can tie off the cables to a handle on the back of the telescope-most scopes will have one-and then to a handy protrusion on the mount itself, such as a knob. This keeps the scope from having to lift the weight of the cables. If using the telescope on an equatorial wedge, also tie the cables off to part of the wedge (again leaving room for the scope to move). On a fork-mounted telescope, tie off the cables to the handle on one of the fork arms.

#THE SYSTEM LENS FULL#

Be sure to leave enough slack in the cables to allow the telescope its full range of motion. Tie off the cables to prevent excess weight and drag. (Always attach power cables before plugging in or turning on power.) Connect the power and USB and any other cables to the camera, then to the computer.

This may seem obvious, but it is an important step because the cables must be properly tied off to keep the telescope balanced and prevent tracking errors. If the screws are removed, there is nothing holding the HyperStar to the telescope anymore! Rotate the camera to the desired orientation and tighten the screws. The screws only need to be loosened about 1/4 turn to allow the lens to rotate. You can change the orientation of the camera by loosening the three thumbscrews with the white nylon washers on them. When using one of these cameras, attach the HyperStar to the camera using the bayonet mount just as you would attach a regular camera lens. The HyperStar C14 and M14 models are compatible with digital SLRs. Don't worry if the orientation is incorrect at this point. Thread the camera onto the HyperStar lens. If the CCD camera has a 1.25' nosepiece, this must be removed first. If the temperature drops while you are observing, it could be very difficult to remove the HyperStar at the end of the night if the lens is too tight.Īll CCD cameras attach to the HyperStar lens using standard T-threads. Also, do not overtighten the HyperStar (or the retaining ring when replacing the secondary mirror). Be careful not to touch the corrector plate. Thread the HyperStar lens onto the front of the telescope. Thread the retaining ring onto the protective holder to prevent the secondary mirror from falling out. This set screw is used to position the secondary when it is reinstalled into the telescope to keep the optics aligned and avoid the need to recollimate the telescope. Note the position of the notch on the holder and align the set screw on the secondary assembly with the notch. Remove the secondary mirror assembly and carefully set into the protective holder. Unthread the large retaining ring from the front of the telescope. It is important to do this before installing the HyperStar to keep the weight toward the back of the telescope.īegin by removing the secondary mirror protective holder from the bottom of the HyperStar lens.

#THE SYSTEM LENS INSTALL#

For a fork-mounted scope, install the counterweight included with the HyperStar lens into the 1.25' visual back at the rear of the telescope. Balance can be achieved by moving the optical tube. If using a German equatorial mount, this step is not necessary.

Tighten the mount clutches to hold the telescope in place. Putting the telescope in this configuration makes it easy to get to the secondary mirror and lets gravity help keep the mirror and HyperStar lens in place during installation.

If using a German equatorial mount, simply point the telescope north with the optical tube over the mount (the normal home position). Click here for a HyperStar Setup Quick Reference Guide to take with you into the field.īegin by pointing the telescope up at about a 45° angle. The section below describes the procedure step by step. Installing the HyperStar lens, and switching back to the standard f/10 configuration, is quick and easy.

The system lens