Meade StarNavigator Getting Started, Packing List, How to Assemble Your Telescope

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Fig. 6: Attach cradle to mounting arm.

Fig. 7: Attach and balance the optical tube.

Fig. 8a: Slide viewfinder into slip-fit bracket.

Fig. 8b: Press down on the quick release tab to detach the viewfinder from the bracket.

GETTING STARTED

Packing List

Getting the telescope ready for first observations requires only a few minutes. When first opening the packing box, note carefully the parts listed on your giftbox.

How to Assemble Your Telescope

The telescope attaches directly to the tripod. The telescope in this way is mounted in an “Altazimuth” (“Altitude-Azimuth,” or “vertical-horizontal”) format. The telescope in this configuration moves up and down and from side to side.

1.Open the tripod: After removing the field tripod from its shipping carton, stand the tripod vertically, with the tripod feet down and with the tripod still fully collapsed. Gently pull the legs apart to a fully open position.

2.Attach the tray to the tripod: Place the tray (19, Fig. 1) over the inner support strut that contains two bolt holes. Line up the bolt holes on the tray with the bolt holes on the strut. Slide the two included bolts through the top of bolt holes (18, Fig. 1) and tighten the bolts with the included wing nuts on the bottom side of the tray (Fig. 3). Tighten to a firm feel only.

Note: The tray does not have to be removed when you collapse the tripod at the end of a viewing session.

3.Three Pads: There are three pads in the tripod base (23, Fig. 1) and three pads on the mounting arm assembly (16, Fig. 1). These pads allow the mounting arm assembly to move more easily inside the base. See Fig. 4. This is pointed out just for the user's knowledge of the telescope; the user does not need to adjust the pads which are pre-installed.

4.Attach the mounting arm assembly to the tripod base: Place the mounting arm assembly into the tripod base and continue to hold onto the arm assembly. With your other hand, reach underneath the base and thread the mounting lock knob (26, Fig. 1) through the tripod base and into the mounting arm assembly. Tighten to a firm feel only; do not overtighten. While observing, you may wish to loosen this knob and rotate the mounting arm assembly and optical tube on the horizontal axis.

5.Remove the optical tube assembly from the cradle rings: The optical tube assembly is shipped with the cradle rings attached. The rings need to be removed before they can be attached to the mounting arm. Loosen the cradle lock knob (14, Fig. 1) until you can open the cradle rings. Remove the optical tube assembly (13, Fig. 1) from the cradle rings.

6.Remove 4 screws from the mounting arm shaft: Locate the four screws on the mounting shaft. Remove the screws using a "+" (Phillips head) screwdriver. Set the screws aside.

7.Attach the cradle to the mounting arm: Line up the cradle with the mounting arm shaft. The cradle contains a molded "key" that fits into a slot on the shaft. Line up the key and the slot, and slide the cradle onto the shaft. This automatically lines up the mating threads on the cradle with the ones on the shaft. Replace the four screws into the mating threads using the Phillips head screwdriver (Fig. 6). The key and slot on the shaft set limit stops for the telescope so that it doesn't strike the base or pass beyond approximately 90° upright when you use the Audiostar handbox.

8.Attach and balance the optical tube: Replace the optical tube into the cradle ring. Tighten the cradle ring lock knob so that it holds the optical tube loosely; do not tighten the cradle ring lock knob at this point. Slide the tube back and forth until you find a position where the tube remains horizontal (i.e., without slightly tipping up or down). Tighten the cradle rings lock knob to a firm feel. See Fig. 7. Adjust the length of the tripod legs to a comfortable viewing height using the leg locks (21, Fig. 1).

9.Attach the red dot viewfinder: The viewfinder has a slip-fit type bracket for easy attachment. Just slide the viewfinder into the bracket until it clicks in place. To detach the bracket, press down on the bracket's quick release tab and slide the bracket out. See Figs. 8a and 8b.

10.Attach the 90° diagonal prism (refractor models only): Pull out to remove the plastic dust cover from the eyepiece holder. Slide the tube of the diagonal prism (3, Fig. 1e) into the telescope’s eyepiece-holder (2, Fig. 1e) and tighten the thumbscrews (to a firm feel only) to secure the diagonal prism in place.

11.Insert the eyepiece: Remove the supplied eyepiece (3, Fig. 9) from its container and place

Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversible damage to your eye. Do not point this telescope at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.

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Contents StarNavigator Series Reflecting and Refracting Telescopes Refracting Telescope Contents Easy SET-UP Guide Slew Speeds Speed 9 Fast Arrow Side Assembly View Starnavigator Refractingtelescopes8 14 15 Assembly View Starnavigator ReflectingtelescopesThis page folds out Altitude Setting Circle and Lock Telescope FeaturesComputer Control Panel Fig. Ic StarNavigator Audiostar handbox Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Audiostar FeaturesPads allow the mount to move smoothly Getting Started How to Assemble Your TelescopePacking List Aligning the Red Dot Viewfinder Red Dot ViewfinderNever point the telescope directly at Choosing an EyepieceObserving Observing Using Audiostars Arrow KeysObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Terrestrial ObservingPlaying the Audio Slew SpeedsObserve the Moon Astronomical ObservingAlt/Az Home Position To Track an Object AutomaticallyMoving Through Audiostar’s Menus Initializing AudiostarEasy Two-Star Align Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment How to Easy Align Your TelescopeGo To Saturn One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentTake a Guided Tour Audiostar Navigation Exercise Basic Audiostar OperationEntering data into Audiostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageNavigating Audiostar To Calculate Sunset timeObject Menu Menus and Menu OptionsEvent Menu Utilities Menu Glossary MenuEnter Setup MenuTime Zone Shift Surf the Web Adding Observing Sites Advanced Audiostar FeaturesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list To Edit a SiteTo Add a landmark to the database LandmarksTo Select a landmark from the database To perform a Landmark SurveyBrowse IdentifyTo check on the available amount of memory in Audiostar Displayed information ExampleStarNavigator Look into the Future Optional Accessories Collimation Caring for Your TelescopeMeade Consumer Solutions Do not look through the telescope as it is moving StarNavigator60 SpecificationsStarNavigator114 Celestial Coordinates Appendix aLocating the Celestial Pole Appendix B Using Audiostar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseTo GO to a user-entered object Observing Satellites Appendix CTraining the Drive Appendix DHow to manually set the time to 1130 p.m How to manually set the date to March 6Appendix E Appendix FAudiostar Glossary Basic AstronomyObjects in Space MoonDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsRecycling Information EU Countries only Meade Limited Warranty

StarNavigator specifications

The Meade StarNavigator telescope is an impressive entry-level instrument designed primarily for amateur astronomers who seek a user-friendly experience without compromising on quality. Renowned for its blend of innovative technologies, ease of use, and excellent value for money, the StarNavigator series opens up the wonders of the night sky to enthusiasts of all ages.

One of the standout features of the StarNavigator is its high-quality optics. Equipped with a fully multi-coated achromatic refractor, it offers bright and clear images, which are essential for observing celestial objects. The telescope typically features a large aperture, enabling it to gather more light, thus revealing intricate details of planets, stars, and even distant galaxies.

The StarNavigator series is powered by the Autostar hand controller, which incorporates Meade's advanced computer technology. This intuitive control system allows users to easily navigate the night sky by simply inputting the desired celestial object. The telescope will automatically locate and track it, providing a hassle-free viewing experience.

Another notable characteristic of the StarNavigator is its portability. With a lightweight and compact design, it can be easily transported, making it an excellent choice for stargazing trips or backyard observations. The sturdy mount, often a form of an altazimuth base, ensures stability and ease of movement, allowing for smooth adjustments during observations.

In addition to its optical and navigational prowess, the StarNavigator includes several accessories. Users typically receive quality eyepieces that enhance their viewing experience by offering different magnifications. Moreover, many models come equipped with a finderscope, which assists in aiming the telescope at celestial objects more accurately.

Built with durability in mind, the Meade StarNavigator telescope is constructed from high-quality materials that withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Its design is not only functional but also visually appealing, often featuring a sleek and modern look.

Overall, the Meade StarNavigator telescope represents a perfect harmony between user-friendly technology and exceptional optical performance, making it a top choice for both budding astronomers and seasoned stargazers. With its combination of responsive controls, quality optics, and portability, it promises countless nights of wonder and discovery under the stars.
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