Meade DS-114AT instruction manual Contents

Page 3

WARNING!

Never use a Meade® DS-114AT 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-114AT Telescope for the first time, before a thorough reading of this instruction manu- al, see the QUICK-START GUIDE on page 4.

®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

8

Getting Started

10

Packing List

10

How to Assemble Your Telescope

10

Some Notes About the Dual-Motor System

11

The Viewfinder

11

Focusing the Viewfinder

11

Aligning the Viewfinder

12

Choosing an Eyepiece

12

The Barlow Lens

12

Observing

13

Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually

13

Terrestrial Observing

13

Observing Using Autostar's Arrow Keys

13

Slew Speeds

14

Observe the Moon

14

Astronomical Observing

14

Tracking an Object Automatically

14

Alt/Az Home Position

15

Moving Through Autostar’s Menus

15

Initializing Autostar

15

Training the Drive

16

Observe a Star Using Automatic Tracking

17

Easy (Two-Star) Align

17

Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment

18

One-Star Alt/Az Alignment

18

Go To Saturn

19

Take a Guided Tour

19

Basic Autostar Operation

20

Autostar Navigation Exercise

20

Entering Numbers and Text into Autostar

21

Navigating Autostar

21

Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling Message

21

Menus and Menu Options

22

Complete Autostar Menu Structure

22

Object Menu

22

Event Menu

23

Glossary Menu

24

Utilities Menu

24

Setup Menu

25

Caring for Your Telescope

28

Collimation

28

Specifications

30

Optional Accessories

31

Meade Customer Service

31

Appendix A: Locating the Celestial Pole

32

Appendix B: To Find Objects Not in the Database

33

Appendix C: Observing Satellites

34

Basic Astronomy

35

3

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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? How to Assemble Your Telescope Getting StartedPacking List Focusing the Viewfinder Some Notes About the Dual-Motor SystemViewfinder Choosing an Eyepiece Barlow LensAligning the Viewfinder Terrestrial Observing Observing Using Autostars Arrow KeysObserving Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyTracking an Object Automatically Slew SpeedsObserve the Moon Astronomical ObservingAlt/Az Home Position Moving Through Autostar’s MenusInitializing Autostar Training the Drive Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature How to Easy Align Your TelescopeEasy Two-Star Align One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne of the most beautiful celes- tial sights, Saturn Autostar Navigation Exercise Basic Autostar OperationAdjusting the Speed of a Scrolling Message Entering Numbers and Text into AutostarNavigating 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.