User manual MEADE 4500 4.5 EQUATORIAL REFLECTING TELESCOPE PART 1

[. . . ] Instruction Manual Model 4500: 4. 5" Equatorial Reflecting Telescope M E A D E 30 0 30 60 90 60 90 ADVANCED PRODUCTS DIVISION Meade Instruments Corporation World's Leading Manufacturer of Astronomical Telescopes for the Serious Amateur 6001 Oak Canyon, Irvine, California 92618 s (949) 451-1450 FAX: (949) 451-1460 s www. meade. com © 1995 Rev. B 4/95 ­2­ WARNING NEVER ATTEMPT TO OBSERVE THE SUN THROUGH YOUR MEADE TELESCOPE!OBSERVING THE SUN, EVEN FOR THE SHORTEST FRACTION OF A SECOND, WILL CAUSE INSTANT AND IRREVERSIBLE EYE DAMAGE. WHEN OBSERVING DURING THE DAYTIME, DO NOT POINT THE TELESCOPE EVEN CLOSE TO THE SUN. Meade Limited Warranty Every Meade telescope, spotting scope, and binocular is warranted by Meade Instruments Corp. [. . . ] You will notice that the astronomical object in the field of view will begin to slowly move across the eyepiece field. This motion is caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis, as described in Section C, although the planets and stars, are, for practical purposes, fixed in their positions in the sky. The platform on which the telescope is sitting ( the Earth) rotates once every 24 hours under these objects. To keep astronomical objects centered in the field of the polar aligned telescope, simply turn the R. A. flexible cable control (3). These objects will appear to move through the field more rapidly at higher powers. Note that the Declination flexible cable control is used only for centering purposes, and not for tracking. Avoid touching the eyepiece while observing through the telescope. Vibrations resulting from such contact will cause the image to move. Likewise, avoid observing sites where ground-based vibrations may resonate the tripod. Viewing from the upper floors of a building may also introduce image movement. You should allow a few minutes to allow your eyes to become "dark adapted" before attempting any serious astronomical observations. Use a red filtered flashlight to protect your night vision when reading star maps or inspecting the components of the telescope. Avoid setting up the telescope inside a room and observing through an open window (or worse yet, a closed window). Images viewed in such a manner may appear blurred or distorted due to temperature differences between inside and outside air. Also, it is a good idea to allow your telescope a chance to reach the ambient (surrounding) outside temperature before starting an observing session. We repeat the warning stated at the outset of this manual: Never point the telescope directly at or near the Sun at any time!Observing the Sun, even for the smallest fraction of a second, will result in instant and irreversible eye damage, as well as physical damage to the telescope itself. · · · · · · Avoid viewing objects low on the horizon­objects will appear better resolved with far greater contrast when viewed higher in the sky. Also, if images appear to "shimmer" in the eyepiece­reduce power until the image steadies. This condition is caused by air turbulence in the upper atmosphere. The Meade Model 4500 may be used for a lifetime of rewarding astronomical observing, but basic to your enjoyment of the telescope is a good understanding of the instrument. Read the above instructions carefully until you understand all of the telescope's parts and functions. One or two observing sessions will serve to clarify these points forever in your mind. The number of fascinating objects visible through your Meade reflector is limited only by your own motivation. Astronomical software, such as Meade's AstroSearch, or a good star atlas, such as Meade Star Charts (see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 15) will assist you in locating many interesting celestial objects. [. . . ] As you make adjustments to the primary mirror tilt screws (3, Fig. 6), you will notice that the out-of-focus star disk image will move across the eyepiece field. Choose one of the 3 primary mirror tilt screws that will move the star disk image to the center of the eyepiece field. Repeat this process as many times as necessary until the out-of-focus star disk appears as in Fig. [. . . ]