Orion

lock lever handle pan lock

Tri-brace lock knob

Leg lock clamp

®

Pan head

Horizontal

Tritech

#5372 Medium Tritech

#5373 Large Tritech

Quick release

™

Field Tripods

Quick release shoe

Vertical pan lock

Elevator shaft

Elevator hand crank

Elevator lock knob

Elevator shaft housing

Tri-brace

Congratulations on your purchase of a quality Orion product! Your new Tritech field tripod can support small binoculars, telescopes, still cameras, and video cameras. Designed for use either indoors or outdoors, the Tritechs feature a smooth, two-way pan head with a quick-release shoe for convenient operation.

To get the most from your new tripod, please take a few minutes to read these instructions and operating tips. Refer to the labeled figure for the names of specific parts of the tripod.

Adjusting the Legs

The tripod comes fully assembled. Note that each aluminum leg has two telescoping sections. To lengthen a leg, release one of the leg lock clamps, then extend a section. When it has been extended to the desired length, close the clamp.

Extend one section at a time until all legs are at the desired length. Before mounting an instrument on the tripod it is a good idea to press down on the pan head to make sure the legs are locked securely and will not give way under the instrument’s weight.

The tripods have a wide stance for enhanced stability. The widest stance is achieved when the tri-brace is as far down as it will go on the elevator shaft housing. The tri-brace lock knob should be tightened to secure the stance.

Approximate leveling of the tripod should suffice for use with binoculars or spotting scopes. For photographic use, the built-in bubble level aids in achieving more precise leveling.

Attaching an Instrument

The removable mounting shoe allows quick attachment and removal of your instrument. The shoe has a 1/4"-20 threaded shaft, a spring pin, and a ribbed mat, and is retained by a quick-release lock lever. When mounting an optical instrument, you must first remove the shoe from the head. To do this, disengage the quick-release lock lever and slide the mounting shoe in the direction of the handle. Thread the shoe’s shaft into the 1/4"-20 mounting hole on the instrument using the knob on the underside of the shoe. If the instrument has an additional mounting hole for the spring pin, register the pin with the hole before threading in the shaft. Otherwise, disregard the pin. Then replace the shoe on the head. Make certain the shoe is locked securely in place before releasing the instrument from your grip. It is recommended that the instrument be removed from the tripod for transport.

Be very careful when mounting an instrument with an unwieldy center of gravity on the tripod, especially if it is somewhat heavy. If the load is greatly unbalanced, the tripod may tip over.

Using the Fluid Pan Head

Tritech tripods feature fluid heads which can be panned horizontally or vertically. Both axes of motion are equipped with a lock knob. Partially tightening a lock knob will increase the panning friction for that axis.

Pan the tripod head by using the pan head handle.

Figure 2

It is possible to point an instrument at the zenith (straight up). This is especially useful when using the tripod for astronomical observation. Instead of pushing the handle down to tilt the pan head up, tilt the pan head so that the handle points upward. This way the handle will not contact the tripod itself and hinder the tilt. You will have to rotate the instrument 180∞ on the pan head from its normal position to point it upward in this reversed way (see Figure 2).

Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975

Customer Support (800) 676-1343

E-mail: [email protected]

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89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076

IN 143 Rev. B 02/09

Raising and Lowering the Elevator Shaft

To raise or lower the pan head, first loosen the elevator lock knob. Then use the hinged hand crank to move the aluminum rack-and-pinion elevator shaft up or down. Its vertical range of travel is 12". Retighten the elevator lock knob to secure the instrument at the new height.

To adjust the tension needed to raise and lower the elevator shaft, rotate the elevator shaft housing. Rotating the housing counter-clockwise loosens the tension, while rotating clockwise increases the tension. You will need to adjust the tension when using the elevator crank to raise or lower instruments of different weights.

General Care and Cleaning

When using the tripod in direct sunlight, be aware that its aluminum surfaces can become hot. If the tripod is used in wet conditions, dry it completely with a soft cloth after use. Clean the tripod with mild detergent and a soft cloth.

Specifications

#5372 Medium Tritech Tripod

Height fully extended: 57"

Height folded: 22.5"

Elevator travel: 12"

Rotation axes: two

Weight: 2 lbs. 13 oz.

#5373 Large Tritech Tripod

Height fully extended: 65"

Height folded: 25"

Elevator travel: 12"

Rotation axes: two

Weight: 3 lbs. 8 oz.

Suggested Accessories

Orion Tripod Accessory Bin

Put extra eyepieces, camera lenses, eyeglasses, lens caps, or other accessories in this roomy, three-compartment bin.

Made of rugged nylon, it fastens quickly to the tripod by way of

Velcro loops. Folds up for convenient storage. Approximately

11" per side.

#15093

Orion Precision Slow-Motion Adapter.

Attach this adapter to the tripod pan head to add micromotion altitude and azimuth control. Very useful for fine terrestrial panning or for manually tracking celestial objects with binoculars or spotting scopes. Built-in 1/4"-20 threaded socket for attachment to tripod; has 1/4"-20 threaded post for attachment of instrument.

#7033

Soft Case for Large Tritech Tripod

Highly recommended for protection, storage, and convenient transport of the Large Tritech Tripod. Made of heavy polyester stock and fully padded, this case has strap handles and an adjustable-length shoulder strap. Full zipper access. Navy with black trim.

#15167

One-Year Limited Warranty

This Orion Tritech Tripods are warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only.

During this warranty period Orion Telescopes & Binoculars will repair or replace, at Orion’s option, any warranted instrument that proves to be defective, provided it is returned postage paid to: Orion Warranty

Repair, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076. If the product is not registered, proof of purchase (such as a copy of the original invoice) is required.

This warranty does not apply if, in Orion’s judgment, the instrument has been abused, mishandled, or modified, nor does it apply to normal wear and tear. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. For further warranty service information, contact: Customer Service Department, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA

95076; (800) 676-1343.