Meade DS-2000 instruction manual Telescope Features, Computer Control Panel Fig. Ic

TELESCOPE FEATURES

An important array of features and manual controls facilitates operation of a DS-2000 tele- scope. Be sure to become acquainted with all of these controls before attempting observations through the telescope.

Focus Knob - Moves the telescope’s focus drawtube in a finely-controlled motion to achieve precise image focus. Rotate the focus knob clockwise to focus on distant objects, and counterclockwise to focus on nearby objects.

Eyepiece Holder - Holds the eyepiece in place. Also holds the 90° diagonal prism in place (refractor models only).

90° Diagonal Prism (refractor models only) - Holds the eyepiece upright for easy viewing. Results in an upright, but reversed viewing of land objects.

Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew - Tightens the eyepiece in place. Tighten to a firm feel only.

Eyepiece - Place the supplied eyepiece into the eyepiece holder (reflector models only) or the 90° Diagonal Prism (refractor models only, 3, Fig. 1) and tighten in place with thumb- screw (4, Fig.1).

Focus Lock Knob - Designed to prevent the focuser drawtube from moving when a heavy accessory, such as a camera, is attached to the focuser assembly. For normal observing with an eyepiece and diagonal prism, it is not necessary to use the lock knob.

Viewfinder - Provides an easier way to initially sight objects than the main telescope eyepiece which has a narrower field of view. Slide the eyepiece end of the viewfinder through the front of the viewfinder bracket (Fig. 8a and 8b). See page 11 for more information.

Viewfinder Alignment Screws (4) - Adjust these screws to align the viewfinder. See page 13 for more information.

Viewfinder Alignment Bracket - Attaches the viewfinder to the telescope (Fig. 8a and 8b). See page 11 for more information.

Dec. Setting Circle and Lock

A)Dec. Setting Circle - Displays Declination coordinates (A, Fig. Ib).

B) Dec. Lock - Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. Turning the Dec. lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely tilted by hand on the vertical axis. Turning the Dec. lock clockwise (to a firm feel only) pre- vents the telescope from being moved manually and engages the vertical motor drive clutch for Autostar operation (B, Fig. Ib).

Dew Shield - Reduces dew formation on the telescope's primary lens.

Dust Cap - Pull to remove the dust cap from the front lens of the telescope.

Note: The dust cap should be replaced and the power turned off to the telescope after each observing session. Verify that any dew that might have collected during the observing session has evaporated prior to replacing the dust cap.

Optical Tube - The main optical component that gathers the light from distant objects and brings this light to a focus for observation with the eyepiece.

Cradle Ring Lock Knob - Tighten to a firm feel to hold the optical tube securely in place. Cradle Ring - Holds optical tube in place. Attaches to the mounting arm shaft (16, Fig. 1)

Mounting Arm and Shaft - holds the optical tube assembly. Attaches to the tripod base (23, Fig. 1).

Computer Control Panel (Fig. Ic)

A. Handbox (HBX) Port - Plug the #494 Autostar handbox (AT models) or the Electronic Controller (EC models) into this port.

B. LED - The red power indicator light illuminates when power is supplied to the connected handbox and to the telescope’s motor drive.

C. ON Switch - Turns the Computer Control Panel and Autostar ON or OFF.

Note: Always remove the batteries if they are not to be used for a long period of time.

D. Auxiliary (AUX) Port - Provides connection for current and future Meade acces- sories. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 29.

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