Setup

Changing the tube length

Do you want to use the FlexiSpeed guide scope as a finder or a small spotting scope? Then you have to unscrew a tube segment or two. That way you can work with a star diagonal or Amici prism and eyepiece. The segments are simply connected by an M48 * 0.75mm thread.

Attaching filters or a dew shield

The objective also has an M48 thread: you can screw in filters or use an M48 extension tube as a dew shield.

Using guide scope rings

If you want to mount a guide scope parallel to your telescope for guiding in astrophotography, guide scope rings are the simplest solution. The guide scope rings are attached either directly to the main tube rings or—even better—to the main instrument using a dovetail bar.

The adjustment screws on guide scope rings should be fitted with a plastic tip to prevent scratching your guide scope.

Follow these steps to align the telescope and the guide scope parallel to each other:

1. Set up the telescope, including the main camera, during the day and aim at a very distant landmark. This could be a spire or something similar. The target should be at least one kilometer away.
2. Adjust the screws on the guide scope rings so that the setup looks as symmetrical as possible. Tighten the screws hand-tight. Connect the guiding camera.
3. Point the telescope at this target and turn off the tracking (if motorized).
4. Verify that the target is centered in the main telescope. Tip: Many camera control programs allow you to overlay a crosshair.
5. Switch from the live view of the main camera to the live view of the guiding camera.
6. Only now should you begin to move the screws on the guide scope rings. We recommend starting with only the screws on the front or rear ring.
7. Loosen one of the screws slightly. It should not be more than a half turn, as the guidescope could become too loose otherwise. Observe whether the target moves closer to the center.
   1. If not, tighten the screw again and move to the next screw.
   2. If it does move closer, tighten the other two screws hand-tight and move to the next screw.
8. Continue this process until the target is centered in both the main camera and the guiding camera.

It is not necessary for the guidescope to be pedantically accurate in its alignment. Guiding still works very well even if the axes of the two optics deviate slightly from one another.

The fields of view of the two cameras may be rotated relative to each other. However, for the purpose of adjusting the guidescope axis, it helps greatly if the fields of view have the same orientation.