Tele Vue®

Vi s i o n a r y

WARRANTY INFORMATION

We sincerely thank you for your purchase and wish you years of pleasure using it!
Tele Vue Warranty Summary
Eyepieces, Barlows, Powermates, & Paracorr have a “Lifetime Limited” warranty, telescopes & accessories are warranted for 5 years. Electronic parts are warranted for 1 year. Warranty is against defects inmaterial or workmanship. No other warranty is expressed or implied. No returns without prior authorization. Please keep your receipts in case you need warranty service.
Lifetime Limited Warranty details online: http://bit.ly/TVOPTLIFE
5-Year/1-Year Warranty details online: http://bit.ly/TVOPTLIMITED
Subscribe to our Blog for the latest Tele Vue news: https://bit.ly/TeleVueBlog
Keep For Your Records
Dealer: __________________________________ City/State/Country: _________________________
Date (day/month/year): _____/_______/_______ Item Code / Description _______________________
32 Elkay Dr., Chester, New York 10918 (845) 469-4551. televue.com@televueoptics

(TPM-3015) TELE-POD MOUNT INSTRUCTIONSINTRODUCTION
Parts Check List
Thank you for purchasing the Tele-Pod Mount, a convenient, easy to use, travel mount •Tele-Pod Mount (TPM-3015)
for your Tele Vue telescope. The Tele-Pod combines the size, weight and flexibility of •Tripod Bag •Mount Handle
a photo-tripod with the smooth, balanced altitude/azimuth motions of our yoke and •Small-Parts Bag: (2) Studs for scopecradle mount head. Tele-Pod is perfect for our lighter weight scopes up to the Tele attachment, (2) Plastic Knurled Knobs,
Vue-76 (up to the Tele Vue-85 for terrestrial uses). The mount can be outfitted with (4) Allen Keys: (1) 1/8", (1) 5/64",
encoders (STN-4001) for Digital Setting Circles / Computers and Eyepiece Caddy (1) 3mm, (1) 6mm, (3) spiked feet, &(1) double-sided wrench
Set for maximum viewing pleasure. (See separate instructions).
COMPONENTS
The Tele-Pod (TPM-3015) consists of the mount head (TPH-1016) and tripod (TPT3017). The head supports the scope and provides vertical and horizontal motions.
It features: smooth operating altitude and azimuth bearings with tension adjustments,Delrin scope stop in case the objective end accidentally “nose-dives”, and both
3/8”-16 and 1/4-20 attachment holes on the bottom of the azimuth bearing plate.
The tripod supports the head and allows height adjustment of the scope. The tripod
legs have rubber feet. See separate instruction sheet for more features of the tripod.
Familiarize yourself with the call-outs on the assembly photos for easy reference andyou will quickly learn how to put your Tele-Pod to best use.
SET-UPWARNING: If setting up on a slope, ensure that the tripod legs are extended sothat the head is approximately level with the horizon. Failure to do so could cause
the telescope to tip over! This risk increases when using larger, longer scopes.
1) Thread the two studs into the two end holes on the bottom of the telescope mountring. Snug tight using the supplied Allen key.
2) Now on the tripod, make sure the Leg Angle Locks are pushed in. Then loosen
top leg clamps without completely unscrewing them.
3) Extend each leg so that the mount head is slightly above the desired height.
Altitude Tension Knob
4) Tighten leg clamps.
MountHandle
5) Spread all three tripod legs to the limit of the Leg Angle Locks and the mount head should
be at the desired height and approximately level. If you need the head higher, loosen theStudClearance
center column’s height adjustment lock knob and lift to the desired height. Note that theHoles
Tele-Pod’s vibration dampening is best when the center column is not extended.
Azim
6) Refer to the Mount Handle instructions to attach it to the mount cradle.
Kno uth TbensiCradleonScope
7) With the cradle approximately level, set the scope down within it so that the studs passStopthrough the clearance holes.
Yoke8) Lock the scope down with the supplied knurled knobs.
9) Note: Mount head can be moved to other Tele Vue tripods or camera tripods by using Azimuth
the 5/64" Allen to loosen lower set screw on Azimuth bearing plate. Flip over mount and Bearing Plate
Height Adjustment
use 3mm Allen to back off 3 small set screws on platform. Normally the bearing plateLockand platform set screws are tight to prevent unscrewing of mount head as mount is turned Levelin azimuth. Now unscrew the Tele Pod Head.
USELeg1) Place eyepiece in scope.
AngleAzimuth Bearing Plate
LockLower Set Setscrew
2) Apply slight and equal tension to altitude bearings using the altitude tension knobs.
3) Swing the scope up approximately 45° and check balance. If the scope wants
Telescopeto swing down, slide the scope back until balance is achieved. If the scope wants
Mount-Ringto swing up, push it forward until balance is achieved. Use mount-ring bat-handle toloosen or tighten scope in ring.
4) Apply more tension to achieve the desired feel. Extra tension can be used to overSet Screws onPlatform Bottom
come a minor out-of-balance condition. However, excessive tension will cause theStuds
movement to be “jerky.” Severe overtightening could strip the threads in the mount head.
5) The basic azimuth tension is set at the factory and should not be readjusted. Shouldadditional azimuth tension be desired, tighten the azimuth tension knob.
6) The most stable way of slewing your scope is by grasping a fixed part, (i.e. focuser
Telescope Attachment Diagrambody) or mount handle. Slewing the scope by the diagonal could cause image shift
when you release.
7) When changing an eyepiece, it is advisable to first lock one of the altitude tension WARNING: Rotating the Tele-Pod headscrews tight before removing the eyepiece from the telescope. Once you have changed while the azimuth tension knob is tightened
could cause the azimuth bearing to unscrew
eyepieces, loosen that altitude tension screw to resume normal movement.
and separate.

Tele Vue®

Vi s i o n a r y32 Elkay Dr., Chester, New York 10918 (845) 469-4551. televue.com@televueoptics

ver 2019AUG14

(TPT-3017) TELE-POD TRIPOD INSTRUCTIONSPARTS LIST
•Tele-Pod Tripod (TPT-3017) •Carry Bag with strap •Tools: Allen Keys: (1) 3mm & (1) 6mm,(1) Double-sided wrench •(3) Spiked feet.
INTRODUCTION & COMPONENTS
Thank you for purchasing the Tele-Pod Tripod. This lightweight, aluminum tripod consists of thetripod legs with Bubble Level and Leg Angle Locks, an extending and reversible center column
with weight hook, and a center column Platform with a reversible 3/8"-16 or ¼"-20 ThreadAdapter. A carry bag with strap, tools, and spiked feet are included.
LEG & CENTER COLUMN CLAMP USAGE
A decal above the topmost Leg Clamps show the direction to turn these clamps to lock or unlock thelegs. You only need to unlock the leg clamps a quarter turn to extend and contract the legs freely.
WARNING: Do not completely unscrew the Leg Clamps. Doing so may allow shims inside
the hollow legs to fall out.
Looking from above, the blue center column Height Adjustment Lock is turned a quarter turncounterclockwise from the locked position to loosen. Tighten clockwise until snug.
WARNING: Loosening the Height Adjustment Lock while the tripod is carrying a heavy
camera or scope can cause a sudden center column drop that can injure your fingers or topple
the tripod. When under load, support the center column with one hand while loosening it justenough to move with the other hand.
LEG ANGLE LOCKS
Normally the Leg Angle Locks are kept pushed in. This prevents the legs from spreading pasta safe angle and collapsing. Pulling out the Lock allows a leg swing out to almost a 90° Leg Clamp
angle. WARNING: It is recommended to adjust the legs in this way only if necessary and doso before mounting a camera or telescope to the tripod.
LEG TIGHTENING
ThreadIf a leg feels too loose or tight when swung open or closed, use the 6mm Allen Key to tighten Height
Adapter
Adjustor loosen the Leg Tension Bolt on either side of the leg hinge.
mentPlatform
REVERSE MOUNTING THREADSLockBubble
The tripod comes set to use the 3/8"-16 Thread Adapter in order to mount to our Tele-Pod LegLevel
head. It can be reversed to accept ¼"-20 hardware. With the tripod level, use the big end of Angle
LockLegthe double-sided wrench to loosen the retaining nut at the base of the Thread Adapter. YouTension
can then grasp the Thread Adapter and turn it counter-clockwise to remove. (WARNING:
Bolt
Without Thread Adapter locked in place the Platform will be loose and can fall off if thetripod is tipped.) With the Thread Adapter fully removed, spin the locking nut until it is about½" away from the thread tip you want to use. Now thread the Adapter back into the tripod
Centerby turning it clockwise until the nut is nestled in the Platform. Note that the locking nut mayColumn
spin out of position -- so be prepared to spin it back before reaching the end of travel. Use thewide-end of the double-sided wrench to tighten the nut clockwise against the Platform.
SPIKED FEET
Depending on the terrain you might want to install the included foot spikes on the bottom of thetripod legs. To do so, first tighten the Leg Clamps so the legs don't turn. Unscrew the rubber
tipped feet by hand. Screw in the spiked foot and then snug it with a slight twist using the large
Thread Adapter shownend of the double-sided wrench. Excessive tightening of the spike will cause rotation of the lower
set for ¼"-20 usage
leg section.
TELE-POD HEAD INSTALLATION
1) Extend each tripod leg so that the mounting Platform is approximately level.
2) To install your camera head or telescope head on the 3/8"-16 stud, simply thread it on until it is tight.
3) Loosen the Height Adjustment Lock and raise the center column a few inches. Lock the centercolumn.
4) Using the 3mm Allen Key, tighten the three Set Screws on the bottom of the tripod platform tolock your head.
USAGE
WARNING: If setting a up on a slope, ensure that the tripod legs are extended so that the head isapproximately level with the horizon. Use the Bubble Level on the tripod for reference. Failure toPlatform set screws (3)due so could cause the telescope to tip over! This risk increases when using larger, longer scopes.
Extend each tripod leg by loosening the Leg Clamps and tightening at the desired height.
Make sure the bubble is approximately in the center of the level.

Tele Vue®

Vi s i o n a r y32 Elkay Dr., Chester, New York 10918 (845) 469-4551. televue.com@televueoptics

MOUNTS with ENCODERS SET-UP INSTRUCTIONSIntroduction

The addition of Digital Setting Circles or computers (DSC / Computer) to themount head greatly enhances your fun and capability. For utmost convenience,
we recommend the optional Eyepiece Caddy to hold your eyepieces and attacha mounting bracket or plate for your DSC / Computer. This sheet covers installingyour DSC / Computer on our encoder equipped mount head with and without
the optional Eyepiece Caddy. See Mount Instructions for setting up tripod, head,telescope attachment, and general use before continuing here.

"Y"-CableHarness

RJ-11
RJ-45

RJ-11

Optional Components

The optional Eyepiece Caddy Set mounts to the Yoke arms of the head andprovides a place to put 5 eyepieces. Holes on the left and right Caddy brackets
can be used to mount a plate or bracket to support your DSC /Computer withinarms reach.
InstallationOptional Eyepiece Caddy Set
For installation see instruction sheet that came with Eyepiece Caddy Set.
"Y"-Cable Harness
This cable contains one large RJ-45 "Ethernet" jack with cables that terminate
in two RJ-11 "telephone" jacks. These smaller jacks are labeled "azimuth" and"altitude".
The azimuth jack should already be connected to the Azimuth encoder. Take thealtitude jack and connect it to the Altitude encoder. Then put the large jack into
your DSC / Computer.
DSC / Computer Wiring Connections
Once you’re satisfied with your position choice below, use hook and loop or
similar detachable fastener to attach the DSC / Computer. This will make it easierto relocate your device if there is need to.
If the DSC / Computer is used without a support plate or bracket, you must decide the best location for mounting your DSC / Computer so there is no danger ofwires wrapping around the mount as it rotates. The outside of the yoke arm without
encoder is a good location. Make sure the DSC / Computer is oriented to makeit easy to plug and unplug the connections.
If DSC / Computer bracket is attached to the Caddy, there are two 5/32" clearance holes on each Caddy to use with screws or bolts for mounting a support plate
you provide. Pick the left or right Caddy depending on which hand you want to use.

Altitude
Encoder
Assembly

Delrin Azimuth
encoder housing/scope stop

Mounting
Holes oneach Yokearm forEyepiece
Caddy
Mount Head as packed
with encoders installed(Tele Pod shown, othermounts similar.)

1¼" Eyepiece Caddy

DSC / Computer Setup• Mount-Type: Alt-Az or Dobsonian• Encoder Steps / Resolution: 2160
Please follow the instructions in your DSC / Computer manual to set the above
values for Tele Vue encoders and verify or change the encoder direction sense.
Please refer to the operating guide for specific instructions on use of your DSC/ Computer.

Tele Vue®

Vi s i o n a r y

5/32" clearance holes oneach Caddy can be used fora DSC / Computer mounting
bracket.

32 Elkay Dr., Chester, New York 10918 (845) 469-4551. televue.com@televueoptics

Ver: 2024MAR21

Part Numbers

GREAT ACCESSORY: EYEPIECE CADDY SET

Eyepiece Caddy Set (TEC-1018)
INTRODUCTION
This versatile accessory attaches to the yoke arms ofyour Tele Vue mount and places five eyepieces conve-Knurled Knobs

niently at your fingertips. The Caddy Set is precision
machined aluminum, and powder-coated for lifetime
durability. It's a must have item for Tele-Pod owners.
Available clearance holes at the ends of each
Caddy can be used as mounting points for your DSC/ Computer.
INSTALLATION
The most current yoke and cradle heads have the attachment holes already drilled into the arms. Attacheach Caddy bracket by passing the screws throughYoke Armthe clearance holes in the yoke arms and fixing the wing knob tight.

2" Eyepiece Caddy

The angled edge will match the arms, so that when viewing

1¼" Removable Insert

from the telescope eyepiece position, the (3) 1¼" holes will beon the left side, while the (2) 2" holes with removable 1¼" plastic
plugs will be to your right.
USE
You can place up to (5) 1¼" eyepieces in the Caddy Set, or byremoving the plastic inserts, use (3) 1¼" and (2) 2" eyepieces.
To remove the 1¼" inserts, push up from the bottom. To reinstall

DSC / Computer
Plate Holes

the 1¼" inserts, push them in from the top by running your thumbs
around the outer lip. They will snap into place.
If you have dual barrel eyepieces you can use either 1¼"
or 2" holes, but the outside lock screw in the 2" eyepiece barrel
must be removed.

Yoke Arm
1¼" Eyepiece Caddy

Of course, your Barlow or Powermate units, or 2" to 1¼"adapters can also be placed in the Caddy Set.
DSC / Computer Mounting
The ends of the Eyepiece Caddy make a good mounting location
for your DSC / Computer. This conveniently locates the unit atyour fingertips. There are two 5/32" clearance holes available
on each Caddy to use for mounting a support plate you provide.
DSC / Computer
Plate Holes

Typical DSC / Computer
mounting location (notsold by Tele Vue)

Tele Vue®

Vi s i o n a r y32 Elkay Dr., Chester, New York 10918 (845) 469-4551. televue.com@televueoptics

V3/21/24