Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Telescope Setup Guide

Quick Guide from the Manual

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is an astronomical telescope that utilizes a smartphone app to help locate celestial objects. Important: Never attempt to view the Sun through any telescope without a proper solar filter. Before your first night out, ensure the finderscope is aligned with the telescope's main optics during the day using a distant object (at least a quarter mile away).

Unpacking and Tripod Setup

Verify all parts are present: telescope tube, tripod with yoke mount, accessory tray, two eyepieces, 2x Barlow lens, finderscope, and smartphone dock. To set up the tripod:

• Spread the legs outward until fully extended.
• Push down the center leg brace.
• Extend the center portion of each leg 6 to 12 inches and secure with the tightening screws.
• Ensure all legs are at the same height for a level platform.
• Attach the eyepiece accessory tray to the center leg brace and thread it until seated.

Telescope Assembly

Follow these steps to mount the telescope tube:

1. Loosen the knob on the altitude rod guide on the yoke mount.
2. Slide the altitude rod into the guide and lower the telescope tube hubs into the cradles on the yoke arms.
3. Tighten the altitude rod guide screw to secure the telescope.
4. Insert the two tube mounting screws through the yoke mount into the hubs on the telescope tube.

Finderscope and Eyepiece Installation

• Finderscope: Remove the two silver nuts from the top of the telescope tube. Place the finderscope base over the threaded posts and secure with the nuts. Remove the clear plastic tab from the battery compartment.
• Eyepiece: Loosen the setscrews on the focuser, insert the eyepiece (start with the 25 mm low-power eyepiece), and tighten the setscrews.
• Barlow Lens: To double magnification, remove the eyepiece, insert the Barlow lens into the focuser, then insert the eyepiece into the Barlow lens.

Smartphone Dock and App Activation

Download the "Celestron StarSense Explorer" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Locate the orange postcard in the box for your activation code (unlocks up to 5 devices). To attach the smartphone:

• Remove the large cap covering the mirror on the front of the StarSense dock.
• Loosen the setscrews on the dock mount on the telescope tube.
• Slide the dock dovetail into the mount and tighten the screws.
• Pull the spring-loaded slider on the dock, place your phone flush against the bottom lip, and release the slider.

Moving the Telescope

The telescope uses an alt-azimuth mount:

• Left/Right: Loosen the azimuth tension knob on the yoke mount.
• Up/Down: Loosen the knob on the slow motion rod guide. For fine adjustments, keep the rod guide knob locked and rotate the black handle on the slow motion rod.

Aligning the Finderscope

1. Choose a recognizable target at least a quarter mile away.
2. Center the target in the 25 mm eyepiece.
3. Look through the finderscope and use the two adjustment knobs to move the red dot until it appears over the same object centered in the eyepiece.