Starpointer Finderscope FAILURE

[leswaldron]

Hi-- I registered here so I could use the search function, hoping to find a solution to my problem with the "StarPointer Finderscope" on the Celestron Omni AZ 102 I just bought at Costco. The search function found nothing.

The instruction manual included with the telescope says, "Your StarPointer finderscope is shipped with a clear plastic tab inserted between the battery and the contact to prevent the battery from being accidentally discharged in shipment. Pull the tab out before using your finderscope."

Okay. I can find no such "clear plastic tab". I unscrewed the Philips head and opened the battery compartment, and removed the CR 2032. I'm still not seeing any "clear plastic tab".

There seems to be very little information as to what any of the little buttons on the "StarPointer Finderscope" are, or what they do.

This is the very first telescope I ever bought with my own money, and already I'm filled with regret.

[Bigzmey]

Welcome to TSS Leswaldron. Celestron Omni AZ 102 is a good scope, but there is a learning curve like in any other hobby.

If you insert the battery back and turn the black wheel on the side of the finder (the dial has a white dot on it) it should switch the finder ON. When you look though the little window you should see the red dot. The ON/OFF dial also controls the brightness of the red dot. You may need to move the window a bit relative to your line of sight to see the red dot. If you see it, that means that the finder works. If not the chance are you need a fresh battery. The other two black wheels are used to align the finder to the telescope.

[pakarinen]

I have an SPP. That clear plastic tab breaks contact between the battery and the LED so the battery doesn't get run down before you buy it. IIRC the tab is about the size of a pinky fingernail. If you didn't find the plastic tab, I'd bet the battery is dead from being on while in the box. I'd try replacing the battery.

Also, my SPP projects red concentric circles. The large wheel controls the brightness of the circles. I had to mask mine with some red tape because the circles were too bright and overwhelmed the stars in my light polluted sky.

[Richard]

Just test the battery with a simple multi meter anything less than 3 volts and you will need a new battery