CELESTRON 22480 StarSense Explorer User Guide
- June 13, 2024
- Celestron
Table of Contents
CELESTRON 22480 StarSense Explorer
Product Information
The product is the StarSense Explorer tabletop Dobsonian telescope. It comes in three different models: 114mm, 130mm, and 150mm. The telescope includes an optical tube assembly with a dust cover, side panel assembly, side support(s), tripod adapter, feet assembly, eyepiece rack assembly, base assembly, azimuth pivot bolt assembly, StarSense Explorer Dock, StarPointer red-dot finder, and various tools and accessories.
What’s in the Box
Assembly
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For the 114mm and 130mm models:
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A. Connect the side support (B2) to the side panel (B1) with the base assembly screws (B5). The supports go on the on the same side of the panels as the Celestron logo.
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For the 150mm model:
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B. Connect the 2 side supports (B2) to the side panel (B1) with the base assembly screws (B5). The supports go on the on the same side of the panels as the Celestron logo.
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If desired, you can install the cosmetic screw covers (B6) on the screws installed in Step 1. Press the covers firmly onto the screw heads. For the 114mm and 130mm models there will be 2 screw covers to install, for the 150mm model there will be 6 screw covers to install.
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Connect the assembly to the top plate (B3) using the base assembly screws (B5). Orient the top plate so the side with the logo faces upward. For the 114mm model there will be 4 screws to install, for the 130mm and 150mm models there will be 5 screws to install.
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Attach the 3 tripod adapter discs (C1) to the bottom plate (B4) using the tripod adapter screws (C2). Thread the screws firmly into the predrilled pilot holes but do not overtighten or you may strip the wood.
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Attach the 3 feet (D1) to the bottom plate (B4) using the feet screws (D2). Thread the screws firmly into the predrilled pilot holes. Once installed, press the feet screw covers (D3) onto the ends of the feet.
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Connect the assembly to the bottom plate (B4). Place one of the steel washers (E2) and the plastic cylinder (E4) onto the bolt (E5). Then, insert the bolt through the central hole in the bottom plate. Next, place the Teflon washer (E3) over the plastic cylinder (E4) now protruding from the bottom plate. Take the assembled base and lower it onto the bottom plate so that the plastic cylinder goes through the central hole in the top plate. Now, place the remaining steel washer (E2) on the end of the bolt protruding from the top plate. Thread the nut (E1) onto the bolt. Go to Step 7 for instructions to tighten the bolt.
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Use the crescent wrench and large hex key to tighten the nut onto the bolt. Hold the head of the bolt stationary with the hex key while using the crescent wrench to tighten the nut. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE NUT! With some force, you should still be able to move the steel washer underneath the nut with your fingers. If the washer cannot be moved with your fingers, slightly loosen the nut.
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Install the eyepiece rack (F1) by placing the keyholes in the rack over the mounting screws pre-installed in the side panel, then push the rack downwards.
NOTE: If you want to remove the rack for storage or transport, simply pull it upward. -
For the 114mm model:
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a. Connect the optical tube assembly (A) to the assembled base. Fully unthread the clamping knob on the cradle and open the cradle. Place the optical tube in the cradle as shown, close the cradle, and retighten the clamping knob until secure.
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For the 130mm model:
b. Loosen the knob on the dovetail holder on the side panel. Then, insert the dovetail connected to the optical tube with the tube rings, and retighten the knob until the dovetail is secure in the holder. -
For the 150mm model:
c . Connect the optical tube assembly (A) to the assembled base. You’ll need to connect the tube rings to the tube ring mounting plate on the base. Use the screws and lock washers already installed in the rings to do this. It will be easiest to first remove the rings from the optical tube to assemble them onto the mounting plate. Fully unthread the tube ring knobs and open the rings to remove the tube. -
Install the StarSense dock (G). Insert the bayonet mount on the side of the dock into the port on the side panel of the base.
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Line up the arrow on the dock with the alignment mark on the base and press inward while turning the dock counterclockwise until the orange release button snaps into place in the hole on the dock. To remove the dock, press the orange release button and turn the dock clockwise until the bayonet mount releases.
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For the 114mm model:
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a. Install the StarPointer red dot finderscope (H) onto the optical tube assembly. First, unthread and remove the two thumb nuts from the threaded posts adjacent to the focuser. Place the StarPointer on the tube so the threaded posts go through the holes in the StarPointer’s base, then rethread the thumb nuts onto the posts to secure the StarPointer.
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For the 130mm and 150mm models:
b. Install the StarPointer red dot finderscope (H) onto the optical tube assembly. First, loosen the thumbscrew on the finderscope holder. Insert the base of the StarPointer into the holder and tighten the thumbscrew. -
Loosen the thumbscrews on the end of the focuser, remove the focuser’s cover cap, and insert the 25mm (or 17mm) eyepiece. Retighten the thumbscrews on the focuser to secure the eyepiece in place.
Downloading and Activating the App
Before you take your telescope outside, download the StarSense Explorer app to your mobile device. Search for “Celestron StarSense Explorer” in the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app is large, so we recommend downloading it while connected to Wi-Fi. Once you have downloaded the app, locate the orange postcard in your telescope box. Launch the app. When prompted, enter the activation code on the postcard to activate the app. Your code will unlock up to 5 devices.
Balancing the Telescope
For best altitude (up-and-down) motions, the telescope optical tube should
be roughly balanced on the base.
- To check balance, loosen the altitude tensioning knob so the altitude axis moves freely. Note if the telescope wants to tilt forward (front-heavy) or back (back-heavy).
- Loosen the tube ring knobs (130mm and 150mm models) or tube clamp knob (114mm) and slide the telescope forward or back in the rings/clamp so it is balanced. Retighten the knob(s) when done.
Moving the Telescope
The StarSense Explorer Tabletop Dobsonian telescope moves freely in
altitude (up-and-down) and azimuth (left-to-right).
- Simply move the tube by pushing it in the desired direction. For the 150mm model, you can use the knob handle at the front of the telescope for a hand grip.
- If the altitude motion moves too freely, or the telescope moves up or down with no force being applied, tighten the altitude tensioning knob. Conversely, if it takes much force to move the telescope upwards or downwards, loosen the knob.
Attaching the Smartphone
- Remove the large-cap covering the mirror on the front of the StarSense dock.
- Pull open the spring-loaded slider on the top of the phone dock and set the phone into the holder so it is flush with the bottom lip of the phone holder. Slowly release the slider to secure the phone in place.
Aligning the StarPointer
The StarPointer red dot finderscope is one of the most important parts of your
telescope. Although the StarSense Explorer app will locate and center objects
for you, having the StarPointer properly aligned will help you align the app
to the telescope. The first time you assemble your telescope, you need to
align the finder to the telescope’s main optics. It’s best to do this during
the day.*
*SOLAR WARNING! Never attempt to view the Sun through any telescope
without a proper solar filter!
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CHOOSE A TARGET
Take the telescope outside during the day and find an easily recognizable object, such as a streetlight, car license plate or sign. The object should be as far away as possible, but at least a quarter mile away. -
CENTER THE TARGET IN THE EYEPIECE
Look through the telescope using the 25mm (17mm for the 114 model) eyepiece. Move the telescope until the object you chose lies in the center of the view. If the image is blurry, gently turn the focus knobs until it comes into sharp focus.
NOTE: The image in your telescope may appear inverted. This is perfectly normal in an astronomical telescope. -
LOOK THROUGH FINDERSCOPE
Pull the battery protection tab out of the StarPointer and turn it on to maximum brightness using the on/ off knob. Look through the StarPointer and locate the red dot. -
ADJUST THE FINDERSCOPE
Without moving the telescope, use the two adjustment knobs to move the red dot until it appears over the same object you are observing in the telescope’s low-power eyepiece. -
YOUR FINDERSCOPE IS NOW ALIGNED!
It should not require realignment unless it is bumped or dropped. Now, when you look through the StarPointer, the red dot will indicate where the telescope is pointing. Don’t forget to turn off the red dot when you are finished to conserve battery.
Your First Night Out
Congratulations! Your telescope is now set up and you are ready to explore the cosmos. Take the telescope outside, insert your 25mm eyepiece (17mm for the 114 model), remove the lens cap, insert your smartphone into the holder, and launch the StarSense Explorer app. The tutorial in the app will walk you through the steps to find your first astronomical target. For more information on this product, please visit the respective product page on celestron.com/ssetelescopes
BATTERY WARNING
- INGESTION HAZARD: This product contains a button cell or coin battery.
- DEATH or serious injury can occur if ingested.
- A swallowed button cell or coin battery can cause Internal Chemical Burns in as little as 2 hours.
- Keep new and used batteries OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
- SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION if battery is suspected to be swallowed or inserted inside any part of the body.
FCC NOTICE: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- There is a risk of explosion if the battery is replaced with an incorrect type.
- The included battery is not rechargeable.
- Only use the battery as originally intended to avoid a short circuit. Connecting the conductive material directly to the battery’s positive and negative sides will cause a short circuit.
- Do not use a damaged battery.
- Do not store the battery in an extremely cold or hot environment. Doing so can reduce battery life.
- When replacing the battery, refer to the instruction manual and ensure the positive and negative sides are oriented correctly.
- Do not put the battery in fire.
- Dispose of the battery according to local regulations.
For more information on this product, please visit the respective product page on celestron.com
SOLAR WARNING:
Never attempt to view the Sun through any telescope without a proper solar
filter.
NEED ASSISTANCE? Contact Celestron Technical Support celestron.com/pages
/technical-support
Product design and specifications are subject to change without prior
notification. This product is designed and intended for use by those 14 years
of age and older
©2023 Celestron. Celestron and Symbol are trademarks of Celestron, LLC. All
rights reserved. Celestron.com • 2835 Columbia Street,
Torrance, CA 90503 USA
Made in China | 06-23
References
- Celestron - Telescopes, Telescope Accessories, Outdoor and Scientific Products
- Technical Support | Celestron
- Warranty | Celestron
- StarSense Explorer Smartphone App-Enabled Telescopes | Celestron
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