User Manual for Celestron PowerSeeker 114EQ Telescope

Important Information

The Celestron PowerSeeker 114EQ is an astronomical telescope designed for beginners. This guide provides essential steps for assembly, alignment, and initial observation. Solar Warning: Never attempt to view the Sun through any telescope without a proper solar filter.

Assembly Instructions

Follow these steps to assemble your telescope:

• Tripod Setup: Spread the tripod legs fully and push down the center leg brace. Extend the center portion of each leg 6-12 inches and secure with the tightening screws. Ensure all legs are the same height.
• Accessory Tray: Place the eyepiece accessory tray on the center leg brace and thread it into the center hole until seated.
• Equatorial Mount: Place the mount base through the hole in the tripod platform. From underneath, thread the mounting bolt into the bottom of the mount.
• Counterweight: Slide the counterweight halfway down the counterweight bar. Hold the counterweight in one hand, align the bar with the mount, and turn until fully seated. Tighten the locking screw.
• Slow Motion Cables: Attach the cables to the Right Ascension and Declination axes. Tighten the screws to secure them.
• Telescope Tube: Remove the tube rings from the tube, then align the bottom halves with the mount and secure with the black wing nuts. Place the telescope tube back into the rings, hinge the upper halves over, and secure with the latch knobs. Ensure the focuser end is over the counterweight assembly.
• Finderscope: Remove the plastic caps from the finderscope lens. Orient the finderscope so the glass window faces the front of the tube. Place it over the posts and tighten with the knurled nuts.
• Eyepiece: Loosen the set screws on the focuser, remove the plastic cap, insert the 20mm eyepiece, and tighten the screws.

Aligning the Finderscope

Proper alignment is crucial for locating objects. Perform this during the day:

1. Take the telescope outside and find an easily recognizable object at least a quarter-mile away.
2. Look through the telescope using the 20mm eyepiece and center the object in the view.
3. Look through the finderscope. If the object is not centered on the crosshair, use the three set screws on the finderscope bracket to move the finder until the crosshair is over the same object.
4. Adjust one screw at a time, loosening one and tightening another by the same amount to keep the finder secure.

First Night Out

The Moon is the best target for your first observation:

• Set up the telescope with the 20mm eyepiece installed.
• Point the telescope roughly toward the Moon.
• Look through the finderscope to center the Moon, then look through the main eyepiece.
• Use the focus knobs to sharpen the image.
• For higher magnification, replace the 20mm eyepiece with the 4mm eyepiece. You may need to refocus after changing eyepieces.

Safety and Maintenance

Always use a proper solar filter if viewing the Sun. The telescope should not require realignment unless it is bumped or dropped. For further assistance, visit celestron.com/pages/technical-support.