Meade DS-2000 instruction manual Contents

Page 3

WARNING!

Never use a Meade® DS™ Telescope to look at the Sun! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible dam- age to your eye. Eye damage is often pain- less, so there is no warning to the observer that damage has occurred until it is too late. Do not point the telescope or its viewfinder at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope or its viewfinder as it is moving. Children should always have adult super- vision while observing.

CAUTION:

Use care to install batteries as indicated by the battery compartment. Follow battery manufacturer's precautions. Do not install batteries backward or mix new and used bat- teries. Do not mix battery types. If these pre- cautions are not followed, batteries may explode, catch fire, or leak. Improperly installed batteries void your Meade warranty.

If you are anxious to use your DS Astro Telescope for the first time, before a thorough reading of this instruction manu- al, see the QUICK-START GUIDE on page 4.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

DS-2000EC users, see APPENDIX E, page 39, for information about your supplied Electronic Controller. Autostar information does not apply.

DS-2000EC users may obtain the #494 Autostar handbox as an optional accessory. See page 40 for more information.

®The name “Meade” and the Meade logo are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent Office and in principal countries throughout the world. All rights reserved.

© 2001 Meade Instruments Corporation.

CONTENTS

 

Quick-Start Guide

4

Telescope Features

7

Autostar Features

9

Getting Started

11

Packing List

11

How to Assemble Your Telescope

11

The Viewfinder

12

Focusing the 5 x 24 Viewfinder

12

Focusing the 6 x 30 Viewfinder

13

Aligning the Viewfinder

13

Choosing an Eyepiece

14

The Barlow Lens

14

Observing

15

Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually

15

Terrestrial Observing

15

Observing Using Autostar's Arrow Keys

15

Slew Speeds

16

Observe the Moon

16

Astronomical Observing

16

To Track an Object Automatically

16

Alt/Az Home Position

17

Moving Through Autostar’s Menus

17

Initializing Autostar

17

Observe a Star Using Automatic Tracking

18

Easy (Two-Star) Align

18

Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment

20

One-Star Alt/Az Alignment

20

Go To Saturn

20

Take a Guided Tour

20

Basic Autostar Operation

21

Autostar Navigation Exercise

21

Entering Numbers and Text into Autostar

22

Navigating Autostar

22

Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling Message

22

Menus and Menu Options

23

Complete Autostar Menu Structure

23

Object Menu

23

Event Menu

24

Glossary Menu

25

Utilities Menu

25

Setup Menu

26

Optional Accessories

29

Caring for Your Telescope

30

Collimation

30

Meade Customer Service

32

Specifications

33

Appendix A: Celestial Coordinates

35

Locating the Celestial Pole

35

Appendix B: To Find Objects Not in the Database

36

Appendix C: Observing Satellites

37

Appendix D: Training the Drive

38

Appendix E: Electronic Controller (DS-2000EC Users Only) ..

39

Optional #494 Autostar for DS-2000EC Users

40

Basic Astronomy

41

3

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Refracting Telescope Contents QUICK-START Guide 7bF Inset a Dec. Setting Computer Control Panel Fig. Ic Telescope Features#494 Autostar Handbox DS-2000 Tips Autostar FeaturesSecure the tripod turn the tripod lock knob How to Assemble Your Telescope Getting StartedPacking List Viewfinder Focusing the 5 x 24mm ViewfinderAligning the Viewfinder Focusing the 6 x 30mm ViewfinderBarlow Lens Choosing an EyepieceTerrestrial Observing Observing Using Autostars Arrow KeysObserving Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyTo Track an Object Automatically Slew SpeedsObserve the Moon Astronomical ObservingAlt/Az Home Position Moving Through Autostar’s MenusInitializing Autostar Easy Two-Star Align Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureAlignment Star? How to Easy Align Your TelescopeTake a Guided Tour Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Go To SaturnAutostar Navigation Exercise Basic Autostar OperationAdjusting the Speed of a Scrolling Message Entering Numbers and Text into AutostarNavigating Autostar Object Menu Menus and Menu OptionsEvent Menu Utilities Menu Glossary MenuSetup Menu Page Menu Daylight SAVING, Optional Accessories Collimation Caring for Your TelescopePage Meade Customer Service DS-2060 SpecificationsDS-2114S Appendix a Celestial CoordinatesLocating the Celestial Pole Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the Database Appendix BTo GO to a user-entered object Observing Satellites Appendix CTraining the Drive Appendix DElectronic Controller DS-2000EC Users Only Appendix ESlew Speeds Moon Basic AstronomyAutostar Glossary Objects in SpaceDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsPage Meade Instruments Corporation

DS-2000 specifications

The Meade DS-2000 is a versatile and user-friendly telescope that caters to both beginners and seasoned astronomers alike. Known for its exceptional performance and ease of use, the DS-2000 series has become a popular choice among amateur stargazers. This telescope features a robust design coupled with advanced technologies that enhance the overall observing experience.

One of the standout features of the Meade DS-2000 is its sturdy mount, which provides stability during observations. This stability is crucial for clearer and more detailed views of celestial objects, as it minimizes vibrations and shakes that can occur while tracking objects across the night sky. The telescope typically comes with an adjustable aluminum tripod to further enhance stability and can handle varying weights and instruments.

The DS-2000 series utilizes an electronically controlled altazimuth mount, allowing users to easily navigate the sky with its automatic tracking capabilities. This intuitive design ensures that even novice astronomers can locate and follow astronomical objects with minimal effort. The built-in computer control allows users to access a database of thousands of celestial bodies, making it easy to select targets for viewing.

In terms of optics, the Meade DS-2000 features high-quality glass optics with multi-coated lenses. This ensures superior light transmission and contrast, resulting in bright, clear images of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects. The telescope typically offers a range of apertures, making it suitable for various observing preferences and conditions.

Furthermore, the Meade DS-2000 is often equipped with a 9mm or 25mm eyepiece, enabling users to achieve magnifications adequate for observing different types of celestial phenomena. The addition of a built-in red-dot finder makes it easier to aim and locate objects in the night sky.

Portability is another significant characteristic of the DS-2000 series. Its lightweight design allows astronomers to transport it easily to different observing locations, making spontaneous stargazing adventures possible, whether in the backyard or at a dark-sky site.

In summary, the Meade DS-2000 combines solid construction, user-friendly features, and advanced technology, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in exploring the night sky. With its impressive optics, reliable tracking capabilities, and enhanced portability, the DS-2000 series provides an enjoyable and rewarding astronomical experience.