2 replies to this topic

[retired ray]

I picked up this telescope and it is a Celestron and I believe it is a Starhopper. I would like to get a manual for it. Could anyone tell me what year I should be looking for ? Also the primary mirror needs cleaning. Is this something I could do carefully or should I seek professional help. Thank you for any help you can give me. Retired Ray

[ericb760]

Here is the manual:

https://s3.amazonaws...r_6-8-10-12.pdf

Generally speaking, mirror cleaning can be done at home with some basic precautions. There are a number of YouTube videos documenting the process. After cleaning you will have to collimate the scope. Again, there is a plethora of info on the internet explaining that process and it is also listed on Page 13 of the manual cited above.

Good luck!

[Tony Cifani]

Judging from the older style orange Celestron logo and all metal rack and pinion focuser, I'm guessing this telescope is much older. Maybe from the early 1990's. I found the same manual but wondering if the link is for a much newer version of the scope.

 

Do you know the size of the mirror? In the photo, it looks like an 8”, or possibly 10”.

 

Do you have the Dobsonian base for this telescope? This would be a wooden or possibly fiberboard assembly that you set the tube on to complete the Dobsonian telescope. If not, you will most likely need to make one yourself. This is not very difficult to do with common power tools and a little know how.

 

Scroll through this section on Cloudy Nights for some DIY inspiration and Dobsonian designs:

 

https://www.cloudyni...your-dobsonian/

 

How to clean a telescope mirror. You’ll get MANY different opinions on how to do this. This is how I clean my parabolic mirror, although I do final rinses with distilled water. Some use distilled water for the entire wash. Depends on the quality of your tap water:

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=9Y8xFnXFVGQ

 

Before you clean the mirror, you will need to remove it from the telescope tube, and from the mirror housing. Take care when doing this so you don’t scratch or damage the mirror’s surface.

 

Note: only clean the mirror if it absolutely needs to be cleaned. My guess is that this mirror needs to be cleaned, but a little dust will not affect your observing.