Introduction
Box Contents
Figures 1-9/Figure Key
Telescope Assembly
•SettingupYourTripod
•AttachingtheEquatorialMount
•AttachingtheCounterweight
•AttachingtheSlowMotionCables
•AttachingtheTelescopeTubetotheMount
•AttachingtheFinderScope
•AttachingtheEyepieces
Balancing the Telescope
•BalancingtheMountinR.A.
•BalancingtheMountinDec.
•AligningtheFinderScope
Calculating Power
UnderstandingCelestialMovement
A Brief Overview of Celestial Coordinates
Polar Alignment
Using the Telescope
•ImageOrientation
•UsingSettingCircles
CareandMaintenanceofYourTelescope
•Cleaning
•CollimationofOptics
•AdjustingtheDiagonalHolder
•AdjustingthePrimaryMirror
•NightTimeStarCollimationTesting
Specications
Warnings
CustomerService
Warranty Information
CongratulationsonyourpurchaseofaCarsonRP-300RedPlanet
TM
Series
telescope. This telescope features an easy-to-use design and high perfor-
mance optics that are perfect for amateur astronomers looking to explore
the wonders of outer space. Please read this manual carefully to ensure that
you assemble and use your telescope correctly. When used properly, your
RedPlanet
TM
telescope should provide years of exciting observations of the
universe.PleasenotethatthisNewtonianReectortelescopewasdesigned
for astronomical viewing and is not recommended for terrestrial use.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE YOUR RED PLANET
TM
TELESCOPE
TO LOOK AT OR NEAR THE SUN! DOING SO WILL CAUSE IN-
STANT AND PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE.
Each box contains the following:
•CompleteOpticalTubeAssembly.
•EquatorialMount.
•Heavy-DutyAluminumTripod.
•9mmKellnerEyepiece(1.25”O.D.).
•20mmKellnerEyepiece(1.25”O.D.).
•CradleRingswithLockKnobs.
•6x30mmFinderScope.
•CounterweightBarwithCounterweight.
•FlexibleCableControlsforBothAxes.
Please unpack your telescope carefully and make sure that all accessories are
included in the box.
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