Description This diagonal uses a thick, over-sized mirror polished to 1/10th wave. The mirror has a protective, dielectric coating with 99% reflectivity. The body has carbon fiber sides. It has a collet type twist lock on the 2" eyepiece tube and the deluxe 1.25" compression ring adapter is included. Both the two inch insert tube and adapter have filter threads. These diagonals are double tested at Stellarvue for perfect alignment and performance. Star diagonals are a critical component of any refractor. The performance of an otherwise excellent telescope can be seriously compromised using a diagonal that is misaligned or pinched. Each diagonal and erecting prism we sell is tested for alignment and will preserve the exceptional quality of your Stellarvue telescope. The D1028 uses a twist lock collet. Rotate the twist lock lever counter-clockwise to open. Insert the 1.25” adapter or 2” eyepiece and then rotate the lever clockwise to tighten. The two inch insert tube has filter threads and a safety taper that will more accurately seat the diagonal and tend to keep it from falling out accidentally. Make sure you tighten the lock screw(s) when installing the diagonal in a focuser. Your diagonal comes with a 1 1/4” adapter allowing you to use1 1/4” eyepieces. The adapter uses a compression ring and has an insert safety groove and filter threads. Some Barlows have a long insert tube. Always check before using them to make sure they do not strike the mirror. The 2" female insert tube on this diagonal will accept 41mm or 1.61" of nose piece length before hitting the built in safety stop. If your 2" nose piece is longer than this specified distance, the nose piece will not fully insert, though this is rarely an issue. The D1028ECF adds 4.1" or 104mm to the optical path. The thick mirror is easier to access for cleaning. Simply remove the size screws using a 2 mm Allen wrench and pull off the carbon fiber side plates. Push on one side of the mirror and it will slide out the other side. Hold the mirror only by the back and edges. Never touch the surface. Remove the loose dust from the surface with air from a bulb syringe or bulb blower such as a “Rocket Blower.” Using a soft camel hair brush about 1’ wide while blowing with the bulb blower will help remove particles. Never blow on the surface as your breath, canned air or from an air compressor as moisture drops will spot the surface. Once you have removed particles, apply reagent grade acetone to a lens cloth. Gently and very slowly draw the cloth across the mirror. Do not apply too much pressure when wiping the surface or you will scratch the mirror or coating. Follow precautions necessary when using acetone. Be advised that in cleaning the mirror, you will not end up with a pristine surface if you wipe too fast. With time you will learn how to avoid streaks. Some residual streaks may remain so only do this cleaning if necessary.
