BARSKA AB11190 Encounter 16x 20x 25x70mm Binocular Telescope User Manual

Encounter
16x, 20x, 25x70mm
Binocular Telescope
Operating Instructions
AB11190

AB11190 Encounter 16x 20x 25x70mm Binocular Telescope

WARNING!
NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN THROUGH YOUR BINOCULARS WITHOUT PROFESSIONALLY MADE SOLAR FILTERS, EVEN FOR AN INSTANT OR PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD USE THESE  BINOCULARS ON SUNNY DAYS ONLY WITH ADULT SUPERVISION.

Congratulations on your purchase of a BARSKA Encounter 16x,20x,25x70mm Binocular Telescope. Please carefully read the following instructions. With proper care and use of this instrument, you will be assured of many years of enjoyable viewing.

ENCOUNTER – BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF THE NIGHT SKY AND THE WORLD AROUND YOU.
The large optical system of the BARSKA Encounter Binocular Telescope provides the amount of light gathering that is necessary for astronomical observation and , unlike a conventional telescope, allows you to use both eyes simultaneously for viewing. As a result, you have better image resolution, contrast and brightness than a similar size telescope. The included eyepieces provide 20x magnification. Optional interchangeable eyepieces (available from a camera or telescope dealer) let you vary the magnification for different types of observing. The 90-degree eyepiece viewing angle makes observing at night more comfortable and convenient. With proper care, the rugged body construction and waterproof design of this instrument will ensure years of enjoyable viewing.
Important: Please read the following instructions carefully.

USING A TRIPOD

When observing with a large aperture binocular like the Encounter, a sturdy photo tripod such as the BARSKA AF10738 or an altazimuth mount is required. To attach the Encounter to a photo tripod, simply thread the tripod’s 1/4″-20 mounting stud into the  threaded hole in the Encounter’s mounting plate.
To attach the binocular to an altazimuth mount, that utilizes a dovetail holder, an optional dovetail L-Bracket (available from a camera or telescope dealer) is required. The L-Bracket connects to the Encounter’s mounting plate and has a dovetail bar that goes directly into the mount’s dovetail holder.

INSERTING THE EYEPIECES

One of the most important features of the Encounter Binocular Telescope is its ability to change eyepieces.
To install the included eyepieces:

1. Remove the cover caps from the binoculars and eyepieces.
2. Insert the eyepieces into the binocular’s eyepiece holders.
3. Gently push the eyepieces down into the holders until they are fully seated (Fig.2).
4. To remove the eyepieces, carefully pull the eyepieces from the holders.

EXTENDING THE LENS SHADES

The extendable lens shades help to increase contrast by preventing unwanted glare from entering the objective lenses. They also slow the formation of dew or moisture on the objective lens exterior surface.
To extend the lens shades:

1. Grasp lens shade with your fingers.
2. Carefully pull lens shade outwards (Fig.3).

ADJUSTING THE EYEPIECE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOUR EYES (INTERPUPILLARY

DISTANCE)

To adjust the interpapillary (IP) distance:

1. Turn the chrome IP knob located between the eyepieces.
2.  Rotate the knob until the distance between the eyepieces matches the distance between your eyes.
3. When properly adjusted, you should see a single round field of view when looking through the eyepieces.
4. Important: Make this adjustment BEFORE you attempt to focus the binoculars.

FOCUSING THE ENCOUNTER BINOCULAR TELESCOPE

The BARSKA Encounter Binocular Telescope eyepieces can be individually focused and help maintain optical alignment (Fig.5).
To focus the binocular:

1. During daylight, pick a stationary distant object to view such as a street sign. At night, the best focus will be achieved by focusing on the Moon or a bright star.
2. Cover your right eye (or cover the right objective lens of the binocular) and focus the left eyepiece by slowly rotating the rubber grip ring on the eyepiece holder until the image appears clearest. To focus the right eyepiece, repeat this procedure but cover your left eye or the left objective lens of the binocular. The binocular should now be in focus.
3. If you want to view an object at a different distance, re-focusing of both eyepieces is required.
4. Changing the eyepieces may also require some slight focus adjustments.

Astronomical Observation:
All objects will always appear focused at the infinity focus point. This means that you only need to focus the binoculars once per viewing session. This also means that you can take note of the diopter scale setting for each eyepiece when focused on an astronomical object and return to those settings when observing another night (Fig.6). Since everyone’s eyes focus on images slightly differently, other observers who are using the binoculars will need to re-focus the binoculars and adjust them to their own vision and interpapillary distance.

FOLD-DOWN EYEGUARDS

The Encounter Binocular Telescope features fold-down eye guards on the eyepieces. The eye guards are usually left in the up position for use without eyeglasses as this helps prevent glare from entering between the eye and eyepiece. Figure 7.

To use the binoculars with eyeglasses:

1. Fold the eye guards down in order to get your eyes close enough to the eyepieces to see the entire field of view.

CLEANING AND CARE OF BINOCULAR

To protect your binocular, please follow these important instructions:
Outside Surface

1. The Encounter Binocular Telescope is nitrogen-purged and sealed to be waterproof and internally fog proof. However, DO NOT immerse the binocular in water under any circumstances.
2. If the binocular becomes wet with fresh water, blot it dry with a clean dry cloth.
3. If the binocular becomes wet with salt water, the surface should be rinsed off completely and the binocular blotted dry with a clean cloth.
4. If the binocular body becomes dirty, it can be cleaned with warm water and a dry cloth.
5.  If extremely dirty or oily, clean the body with a dilute solution of warm water and mild soap on a cloth, then rinse with clean water and blot dry.

Lens Surface
The lens surfaces of the Encounter Binocular Telescope are coated with anti- reflection multi-coatings than can be easily damaged with careless handling. To protect the binocular’s lenses, please follow these recommendations:

1. DO NOT CLEAN LENS SURFACE WITH SOAP AND WATER!
2. Avoid touching the lens surface with fingers or any coarse material.
3. All optics, even if stored, should be cleaned at least once per year or whenever they become dirty.
4. Avoid over-cleaning as this can also damage the lens coatings.
5. Always use lens cleaning tissue and lens cleaning fluid that are specifically designed for multicoated lenses.
6. DO NOT use fluids or tissues that are for eyeglasses or household use.
7. DO NOT attempt to disassemble the binocular or eyepieces in order to clean them. This could result in damage to the binocular and void the Warranty.

Cleaning The Lenses

1. Blow off the lens with a blower bulb or gently wipe the lens with a lens cleaning brush to remove the larger dust particles.
2.  Put a few drops of lens cleaning fluid on a fresh piece of lens cleaning tissue (NEVER apply directly on the lens surface) and gently wipe the lens.
3. Quickly wipe the excess fluid with a new dry piece of lens cleaning tissue.
4. On large lenses, clean only a small area at a time using a new tissue each time.
5. On excessively dirty lenses, wipe across the lens using one stroke per tissue, alternating wet and dry.
6. To avoid scratching the lens surface, always avoid excessive pressure or rubbing when wiping.

Storing and Transporting the Binocular

1. Always keep the binoculars in their storage case with the cover caps on when not in use.

2. To prevent the optics from becoming misaligned, avoid unnecessary shocks to the binocular whether it is in the storage case or not. This is not covered by the Warranty.

3. A metal carry handle is supplied with the binocular. This handle connects to the dovetail holder on the binoculars which is located in front of the eyepieces (Fig.8).

4. Slide the handle’s base into the dovetail holder and secure it in place by tightening the thumbscrew.

5. Use the handle to lift the binocular when mounting to a tripod.

6. Remove the handle before placing the binocular into its storage case.

Important Note:
Allow the optics to slowly adjust to cold weather by storing the binocular in its case in a cold area such as an unheated garage, unheated basement, or the trunk of a car for a few hours before use. When bringing the binoculars back inside a warm house, open up the case, remove the binoculars, remove the cover caps and allow everything to dry out. The binoculars should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth which can damage the optics. This is not covered by the Warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS

BARSKA 1721 Wright Avenue La Verne, CA 91750
Tel: 909.445.8168
Fax: 909.445.8169
www.barska.com

References

• Barska - Your Ultimate Source for Premium Safes and Outdoor Gear

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