Meade DS-114AT Some Notes About the Dual-Motor System, Focusing the Viewfinder

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Fig. 8: Attach Alt motor.

Fig. 9: Attach Az motor.

Fig. 10: Attach the viewfind- er bracket to the optical tube.

Fig. 11: Attach the viewfind- er tube to bracket and tight- en thumbscrews.

Fig. 12: Insert 10 AA batter- ies into battery pack.

12.Connect Autostar: Plug the coil cord of the Autostar Controller into the HBX port (C, Fig.1b) of the computer control panel.

WARNING: Make sure you plug in Autostar before you plug in the battery pack.

NOTE: Autostar does not require batteries; the telescope’s batteries supply power to Autostar.

13.Insert batteries: Install 10 AA user-supplied batteries into the battery pack (Fig.12), ori- ented as shown on the diagram on the battery slots of the battery holder.

CAUTION: Use care to install batteries as indicated by the battery compartment. Follow battery manufacturer's precautions. Do not install batteries backwards or mix new and used batteries. Do not mix battery types. If these precautions are not followed, batteries may explode, catch fire, or leak. Improperly installed batteries void your Meade warranty. Always remove the batteries if they are not to be used

for a long period of time.

14.Connect battery pack: Plug the battery pack into the 12V port (B, Fig.1b) of the comput- er control panel. Attach the pack to one of the tripod legs using the Velcro fastener or set it on the utility tray.

15.Adjust tripod: Adjust the height of the tripod to a convenient viewing height by lifting the clip on each leg and extending the sliding inner section of the leg to the desired length. Then press the clip back against the leg to lock in place.

15.Remove the dust cover: Pull out the dust cover (23, Fig. 1) from the optical tube. Assembly of the telescope is now complete.

Some Notes About the Dual-Motor System

•For the motors to be operational, the Az and Alt lock-knobs (19, Fig. 1) and (22, Fig. 1) must be in their locked positions. Firm-feel tightening of these locks is sufficient. Do not overtighten. If these are not sufficiently tightened, Autostar may display a motor fault mes- sage.

•When setting up the telescope, always plug in the battery pack to the control panel last, after plugging in the two motors and Autostar. Connecting the battery pack to the control panel before the motors and Autostar are connected may result in false electrical signals being sent to the motors, causing them to malfunction. In this case unplug the battery pack from the control panel, wait a few seconds, and plug the battery pack back into the control panel. This operation clears the motors of any false signals.

•Take care that cords do not become wrapped around the telescope; keep the cords “loose” at all times. Do not allow the telescope to slew into the tripod or other fixed object. Do not touch or hold the telescope tube while it is moving.

•If the motors stall or do not have sufficient power to move the telescope, place fresh bat- teries in the battery pack. Long-life alkaline batteries are recommended.

•The first time you initialize your system, make sure you train the drives. This allows Autostar to move the telescope precisely to objects. See page 16 for detailed infofrmation.

The Viewfinder

Because the main telescope has a fairly narrow field of view, locating objects directly in the main telescope can sometimes be difficult. The viewfinder (5, Fig. 1) is a small, wide-field tele- scope with crosshairs that permits you to locate objects more easily. When the viewfinder and optical tube are aligned to each other, both point to the same position in the sky. An object locat- ed in the viewfinder is therefore also positioned within the field of the main telescope. Before aligning the viewfinder to the optical tube, focus the viewfinder.

Focusing the Viewfinder:

1.Turn the viewfinder eyepiece on its internal thread. Generally a few turns are sufficient to achieve proper focus.

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Reflecting Telescope Contents Stand the tripod and orient the cradle rings QUICK-START GuideRemove the optical tube and tripod from the gift- box Remove the optical tube from the mountSight along the tube Adjust tripodAttach and balance the optical tube Insert the eyepieceLED Computer Control Panel b Telescope Features#494 Autostar Handbox Autostar FeaturesSlew speeds? Packing List How to Assemble Your TelescopeGetting Started Viewfinder Focusing the ViewfinderSome Notes About the Dual-Motor System Aligning the Viewfinder Choosing an EyepieceBarlow Lens Terrestrial Observing Observing Using Autostars Arrow KeysObserving Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyTracking an Object Automatically Slew SpeedsObserve the Moon Astronomical ObservingInitializing Autostar Alt/Az Home PositionMoving Through Autostar’s Menus Training the Drive Easy Two-Star Align Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureHow to Easy Align Your Telescope One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne of the most beautiful celes- tial sights, Saturn Autostar Navigation Exercise Basic Autostar OperationNavigating Autostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageEntering Numbers and Text into Autostar Object Menu Menus and Menu OptionsObserving Considerations Event MenuUtilities Menu Glossary MenuSurf the Web Setup MenuPage Menu Daylight SAVING, Collimation Caring for Your TelescopePage DS-114AT SpecificationsMeade Customer Service Optional AccessoriesLocating the Celestial Pole Appendix aTo GO to a user-entered object Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseObserving Satellites Appendix CSky & Telescope Deep-Sky Objects Objects in SpaceMoon PlanetsPage Meade Instruments Corporation

DS-114AT specifications

The Meade DS-114AT is a popular entry-level telescope that combines user-friendliness with impressive optical performance, making it an excellent choice for budding astronomers and hobbyists. With its robust design and advanced features, the DS-114AT offers a gateway to the wonders of the cosmos, whether you’re observing the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, or distant star clusters.

One of the standout features of the Meade DS-114AT is its 114 mm (4.5-inch) diameter aperture. This sizable opening allows for greater light-gathering capability, resulting in brighter images and improved visibility of celestial objects. The telescope is equipped with a 900 mm focal length, providing a good balance that allows for both wide-field viewing and detailed observations of planets and lunar features.

The DS-114AT utilizes high-quality optics featuring a parabolic mirror design. This design minimizes spherical aberration, ensuring crisp images of astronomical targets. The telescope is also equipped with a fully coated optical system that enhances light transmission and reduces glare, providing clearer images compared to other telescopes in its class.

Portability is another significant advantage of the Meade DS-114AT. Its lightweight and compact design allows for easy transportation, making it ideal for backyard stargazing or trips to darker skies. The telescope comes with a sturdy yet lightweight altazimuth mount that facilitates smooth movement, allowing users to easily locate and track celestial objects.

The Meade DS-114AT also features a user-friendly electronic control system, including an automated GoTo functionality that aids in navigating the night sky. With a simple push of a button, users can precisely locate thousands of celestial objects, making the telescope accessible for beginners who may not yet be familiar with star maps and constellations.

Additionally, the telescope includes two eyepieces, a 9 mm and a 25 mm, allowing for various magnifications to suit different viewing preferences. The optical finder scope aids in quick alignment, ensuring a hassle-free observing experience.

In summary, the Meade DS-114AT stands out as a versatile, user-friendly telescope that provides excellent optical performance and advanced features. Its combination of a sizable aperture, high-quality optics, portability, and automated features make it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the universe, whether for casual observations or more serious astronomical pursuits. With this telescope, the night sky is truly within reach.
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