20 Most Recent Celestron AstroMaster 114 AZ (50 x 114mm) Telescope - Page 3 Questions & Answers

These hand controls give such problems if the power supply is not strong. If you are using small batteries put in a fresh set. Preferably, abandon them and use a mains supply, or a strong 12V rechargeable battery such as http://www.amazon.com/UB12120-12V-12AH-BATTERY-VOLT/dp/B007QW7T2M

Yes, you can, but with qualifications. You are evidently aware that you must never view the sun through the eyepiece of a scope without proper protective attachments being used. Blindness in that eye will be instant. Solar eclipse spectacles will not be sufficient protection as the light is focused powerfully at the eyepiece. You can safely use a glass solar filter which attaches to the front of the scope. Tape it on for extra safety. http://www.optcorp.com/astrozap-1506-glass-solar-filter-fa-73mm-79mm.html You can attach a piece of solar-protective film to the front aperture of the scope. Do so securely. http://www.optcorp.com/astrozap-solar-film-250mm-x-250mm-visual-az-1030.html You should not ever use a solar viewing filter which attaches to the end of the eyepiece. There were a lot of these around until governments began banning them. The danger is that the concentrated heat of the solar image at that point will crack the filter, leaving your eye unprotected in an instant.

Your picture is not very clear. However there is a complete setup video located here. I did NOT notice any switch near the eyepiece; only the thumbscrews used to hold the eyepiece in the focuser. http://www.celestron.com/browse-shop/astronomy/telescopes/astromaster-76eq-telescope#

Make sure you have set your location correctly

Do a new install and delete the install directory 1st

It can take some time to get this correct. Make sure the mounts to the finderscope are correctly attached. I loosened all the screws and started over a few times. I use it in it landscape mode (so my motor doesn't keep moving) and target a knot on a nearby fence or a neighbors chimney. Once you have something close aligned, you'll likely need to tweek it when you get to things farther away.

Yes, for sure. You will need an erect image diagonal for daytime terrestrial use eg http://www.optcorp.com/os-d125ei45-45-erect-image-diagonal-1-25inch.html and a set of lower power eyepieces, say http://www.optcorp.com/opt-20mm-plossl-eyepiece-1-25.html http://www.optcorp.com/celestron-32mm-omni-plossl-eyepiece-1-25.html http://www.optcorp.com/celestron-40mm-omni-plossl-eyepiece-1-25.html

I would suggest logging on to Bushnell's website go to Support/Customer service and find where it lists manuals then you shoudl be abel to enter model number and download the manual which is going to be handy and possibly needed multiple times until you and yourgrandson get this Telescope memorized. I have found that most every manufacturer now has made it possible to download their products manuals from their web sites.

From the sound of it, your telescope is not properly collimated (optically aligned). Since you don't say what type or model it is, I can't give specific advice, but a Dobsonian type especially may need this adjustment. Post again with the type or model you have.