focus

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StarryDreams001

focus

Post by StarryDreams001 »

Hi.

I am a beginner. I recently got a telescope. Its nothing fancy just something to get started, but I am having trouble focusing it on anything. I tried looking at the moon with it and I couldn't see anything but a white circle. At the rate I am going I'll never get it set up to look at anything else like the sun. Some advise would be great if anyone can help me.
Thanks so much.


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Re: focus

Post by Merlin66 »

A little more detail would help...
Which camera, which telescope?


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StarryDreams001

Re: focus

Post by StarryDreams001 »

oops. That probably would help.
It is a Celestron Z1036 powerseeker 70AZ refracting


StarryDreams001

Re: focus

Post by StarryDreams001 »

Here is everything if it helps.

Optical Design: Refractor
Aperture: 70 mm (2.76 in)
Focal Length: 700 mm (27.56 in)
Focal Ratio: 10
Eyepiece 1: 20 mm (0.79 in)
Magnification 1: 35 x
Eyepiece 2: 4 mm (0.16 in)
Magnification 2: 175 x
Barlow Lens: 3 x
Finderscope: 5x24
Star Diagonal: 1.25" Erect Image Diagonal
Mount: Altazimuth
Tripod: Aluminum
Accessory Tray: No-Tool Tray with Eyepiece holder
CD ROM: "The SkyX" Planetarium Software
Weight: 8 lbs (3.63 kg)
Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 11.7
Resolution (Rayleigh): 1.99 arcsec
Resolution (Dawes): 1.66 arcsec
Light Gathering Power: 100 x
Angular Field of View: 1.4 °
Linear Field of View (@1000 yds): 74 ft (22.56 m)
Optical Coatings: Fully-Coated
Optical Tube Length: 30 in (762 mm)


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Re: focus

Post by marktownley »

Do you have the star diagonal in place and which eyepeice are you using?


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Re: focus

Post by swisswalter »

Hi Starlia

that is a nice start. Show us please a pic of your set up


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Re: focus

Post by Bill E. »

Hi Starlia,
Always start with the lowest magnification eyepiece.(highest number on eyepiece)Don't try another till you are happy with what you see with this one. Use in day time first also helps a lot. Practice focusing on a land object. good luck.


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Re: focus

Post by StarryDreams001 »

@ SwissWalter If I get a chance this weekend. I will take a pic. If you google it. I have it set up just like it looks online.

@marktownley Yes I am using the diagonal. I tried it both ways and with all three eye pieces. I'm still not seeing much.

@Bill Thanks for the advice. I haven't really used it much during the day. (Mostly bc Im not home) But if I have a chance this weekend I will try it again. Just so I am clear I use the 20mm eyepiece not the 4mm starting out?

@everyone Thank you for your help and advice.


Bill E.

Re: focus

Post by Bill E. »

Yes, start with the 20mm ;)


StarryDreams001

Re: focus

Post by StarryDreams001 »

Thanks everyone. I got it to focus. I had this extra piece I guess. When it was taken out it worked just fine. I'm not sure what the piece is. It wasn't on the direction. If we get some clear skies I hope to get to use it. Thanks for all the help.


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