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Setup for newbie

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2022 12:53 pm
by Cliffjg
Just got Celestron astromaster 114 eq.
I do not see how to put an eyepiece on or how to take off the lens cover (seriously)
Any help is appreciated

Re: Setup for newbie

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2022 1:17 pm
by KathyNS
Welcome to TSS!

The aperture cover should just lift off. (You are trying to take the cover off the correct end, I hope. Seriously!) Some Celestron scopes have a cover that needs a slight counterclockwise twist to remove.

There may be a cover on the eyepiece holder on the focuser. You would have to remove that. It should just lift out, though it is possible that you might have to loosen a thumbscrew first. The eyepiece just slips into the holder and you tighten the thumbscrew.

Can you describe the problems you are having in more detail? What happens when you try to remove the cover or insert an eyepiece?

Do you have a manual for the scope? The manual is here: https://s3.amazonaws.com/celestron-site ... al_Web.pdf

Re: Setup for newbie

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2022 2:18 pm
by Cliffjg
Got the lens cover off. Tx.
The eyepiece holder is on the side of the scope.
I can remove the piece with the set screw but there is no way to screw in an eyepiece. And it would be on the side if I could.

Also cannot see how to put on the finder scope. There does not appear to be anywhere to put it y

Re: Setup for newbie

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2022 5:38 pm
by KathyNS
Eyepieces do not screw in. They slide into the opening at the end of the focuser and are held by a thumbscrew. The "piece with the set screw" needs to stay on the focuser. That is what the eyepiece fits into.

Yes, the focuser (and therefore the eyepiece) is on the side of the scope. That is how a Newtonian scope works.

The cover page of the manual shows how the assembled scope should look.

Re: Setup for newbie

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2022 10:47 pm
by Cliffjg
Thank you
Where and how does the finders open attach to the scope.
I do not see how to attach it.

Re: Setup for newbie

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2022 10:56 pm
by Cliffjg
I meant where does the finder scope attach and how

Re: Setup for newbie

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2022 11:17 pm
by KathyNS
Cliffjg wrote: Mon Nov 07, 2022 10:56 pm I meant where does the finder scope attach and how
Well, the photo shows where. It looks like it is near the front-top of the tube.

As for how, that depends on what you have. I assume you have a "red dot" finder, as shown in the manual. Is that correct? There are two mounting screws on the side of the finder that attach it to the base. I don't know if the base is with the finder or on the telescope. If the base is already on the scope, just place the finder over it and tighten the two mounting screws to hold it in place. If the base is not attached to the scope, you will have to attach it There are likely screws in that area that are for the purpose of attaching the finder.

Why don't you show us a picture of what you have? It will be a lot easier to explain.

Re: Setup for newbie

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2022 12:24 am
by JayTee
Hi Cliff,

Did the telescope you bought not come with a user's manual? Celestron is pretty good about giving thorough instructions.

If you do not have the manual, you can download it here.
https://www.celestron.com/pages/manuals

Re: Setup for newbie

Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2022 4:09 pm
by Cliffjg
Thank you for the help.
I got the lens cover off (lol)
And I put an eye piece on the scope. However I am only seeing solid white when I look through the eyepiece

I figured out that the Finder scope fits over the dovetail mount on the top of the scope, however I am unable to tighten it onto the mount show that it does not wobble . Any way to remedy that?

Thanks Again.

Re: Setup for newbie

Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2022 4:50 pm
by Lady Fraktor
Your telescope should have come with a 20mm and 10mm eyepieces.
Try the 20mm first, this is the lower power eyepiece. The larger the number the lower the power)
Aim your telescope at a distant object and adjust the focuser until the image is in focus.

If you are still unable to get anything into focus your collimation may be off.
Look online for the Astro-Baby Guide to Collimation. Good step by step instructions.
The 114mm has a extra set of lens in the focuser tube, you will have to remove it for collimation.
Remember which way it came out and try not to get fingerprints on it :)