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r/telescopes • … • u/jimmy_sharp

Is my telescope broken?

I'm an absolute beginner since being given a second hand Sky-Watcher Startravel 102. Upon first inspection it looks like it has taken a tumble at some point (pic 4 the lens surround is bent). This, I'm sure, is the cause of my problems which is a lack of focus at any point, but I'm wondering exactly what might be broken so I can at least speak the lingo when I ring the repair shop.

That's it really, but keep reading for story time.

The telescope came without slow motion controls or an eyepiece so I've spent $60AUD on those to get to the point where I could test it.

One of the more reputable YouTube channels about telescope use suggested testing the device during the day to understand how it operates. So I took it my in-laws where they have views to some surrounding hills. I pointed it at the tip of the furthest one and looked through the eyepiece. I could tell in the blurry image that the mountain was upside down so 8 began to turn the focus knob in one direction to the first stop with no improvement. I turned the knob in the other direction all the way to the opposite stop with slight improvement but absolutely zero clarity.

The lens appears clean and I made sure it was by using a clean, microfibre towel to wipe the outside of the lens.

Do you think the lens is out of alignment since it's tumble?

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