User Manual for Celestron StarSeeker 100mm Telescope

Quick Start Guide

The Celestron StarSeeker 100mm is a computer-automated telescope. Before your first observation, ensure the tripod is level, the accessory tray is installed, and the telescope is mounted securely. Power the unit using 8 AA batteries or an optional 12V AC adapter. You must perform an alignment procedure, such as SkyAlign, to enable the GoTo functionality and tracking.

Assembly

The telescope comes partially assembled. Follow these steps to prepare for use:

• Tripod: Spread the legs until the center brace is fully extended. Attach the accessory tray to the center support brace using the locking bolt.
• Mounting: Place the fork arm base into the tripod mounting platform and secure it with the quick-release coupling screw.
• Accessories: Attach the star diagonal to the focuser barrel and secure it with the thumbscrew. Insert the eyepiece into the star diagonal.
• Star Pointer: Slide the Star Pointer bracket into the dovetail mounting platform and tighten the thumbscrew. Remove the protective plastic cover from the battery before use.

Hand Control Operation

The hand control provides access to the telescope's database and alignment features.

• Alignment: Choose from SkyAlign (easiest), Auto Two-Star, Two-Star, One-Star, or Solar System Align. SkyAlign requires you to point the telescope at any three bright celestial objects.
• Selecting Objects: Use the catalog keys (M, CALD, NGC, STAR) or the LIST key to browse the database of over 4,000 objects.
• Slewing: Use the direction buttons to move the telescope. The RATE key allows you to change the motor speed from precise guiding (1) to fast slewing (9).

Telescope Basics

To focus, turn the focus knobs at the eyepiece end until the image is sharp. Avoid looking through glass windows or across heat-radiating surfaces like asphalt, as this degrades image quality. Magnification is calculated by dividing the telescope's focal length (600mm) by the eyepiece's focal length.

Maintenance

Keep the optics clean by removing dust with a camel's hair brush or pressurized air. Use an optical cleaning solution and tissue for deeper cleaning, wiping from the center outward. The telescope is factory-collimated; only adjust the collimation screws if absolutely necessary, using a 2.5mm hex key and Phillips-head screwdriver to align the reflections in the collimating tool.

Safety Warnings

• Never look directly at the sun with the telescope without a proper solar filter.
• Do not use an eyepiece solar filter or Herschel wedge, as internal heat can cause them to break.
• Never leave the telescope unsupervised around children.