By Contributor | Updated August 30, 2022
The Bushnell Voyager is a compact, high‑performance refractor designed for both beginners and seasoned observers. While the telescope arrives disassembled, the build process is straightforward and delivers a stable, trackable platform when properly set up.
Loosen each leg lock, extend the legs to your desired height, then tighten the lock screws. Spread the legs so the accessory tray stands fully extended, attach it to the tray supports, and secure with the knob.
Loosen the finderscope adjustment screws, slide the scope into its bracket, and gently tighten the screws by hand. This ensures the finderscope remains aligned during use.
Wrap the cradle around the main tube, then secure the tube to the equatorial mount on the tripod using the cradle lock screws.
Thread the cables through the silver posts beneath the right ascension and declination axes. Tighten the set screws at the cable ends to lock them in place.
Insert the counterweight shaft into the opening at the base of the declination column. Slide the counterweight onto the shaft, move it to the balance point, and secure it with the thumb screw.
Fit the eyepiece into the diagonal mirror, then place the diagonal into the focusing draw tube at the telescope’s end.
Use the equatorial mount levers to point the telescope in any direction. Locate the target with the finderscope, then adjust the finderscope screws so its image centers within the main telescope view.
Once the telescope is balanced, you can manually track celestial objects. Adjust the mount’s latitude setting to match your observing location, then use the right ascension and declination controls to follow the object as Earth rotates.
Assemble the Voyager following the seven steps above, then set the mount’s latitude and use the finderscope for accurate pointing and manual tracking.
