How to Use a Unistellar Telescope

Setting up the Telescope Tripod
Each time the tripod for a Unistellar telescope is set up it is best to double check that the legs are firmly locked into place by firmly pushing down on the top of the tripod to ensure that it will hold the weight of the telescope. For best results check the bubble level to be sure the tripod is set up on level ground that is free from potential vibration. Wooden decks and other surfaces that may be prone to vibration will make it difficult for the telescope to maintain Enhanced Vision. The page Detailed information about tripod operation and maintenance

Thermalization
Prior to beginning an observing session with a Unistellar telescope it is best to allow the telescope to acclimate to outdoor temperature.

A telescope that has not acclimated will deliver poor quality images for a variety of reasons. If the telescope is warmer or colder than than the ambient outdoor temperature the primary mirror slightly changes its size during the time that it is acclimating. This prevents the telescope from maintaining a good focus. Further a telescope that is warmer than the outside conditions will have currents of warm rising air that can create turbulence within the telescope's tube which will limit image sharpness.

Typically 15 - 30 minutes is enough time to allow the telescope to fully acclimate to outdoor conditions.

Focusing
For best results it is essential to focus the Unistellar telescope every time the telescope is used. If the temperature changes significantly during an observing session it is optimal to perform an additional focus.

To focus the telescope center the field of view on a star of moderate brightness. Most stars in the Unistellar database, especially those with common names, will be bright enough for this. The telescope's Bahtinov mask is used for focusing. It should be unscrewed from the dust cap and placed on the front end of the telescope. The best focus results are achieved by lowering the gain and/or exposure in the Live View until a small circle can be viewed near the intersecting bright lines. Additionally, it is best to zoom in during Live View to make the view as large as possible (x8).

Focus is achieved by turning the focusing wheel at the back of the telescope. Slowly move the focus wheel until the bright lines symmetrically cross the central bright spot. Atmospheric turbulence will make the bright lines appear move around, so look to make sure that on average the lines cross the central spot.