Meade DS-114AT instruction manual Telescope Features, Computer Control Panel b

Page 7

Want to learn more about the viewfinder? See pages 10 through 12.

Want to learn more about

collimation? See pages 29 and 30.

Want to learn more about

Autostar's

buttons?

See pages 8 and 9.

Autostar's

menus?

See pages 22 through 27.

TELESCOPE FEATURES

The DS-114AT telescope has a variety of useful features. Be sure to become acquainted with all of these controls before you begin making observations through the telescope.

Focus Knobs: Move the telescope’s focus drawtube in a finely-controlled motion to achieve precise image focus.

Eyepiece Holder: Holds the eyepiece in place.

Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrews (2): Tighten the eyepiece in place. Tighten to a firm feel only.

Eyepiece: Place one of the supplied eyepieces into the eyepiece holder (2, Fig. 1).

Viewfinder: Provides an easier way to initially sight objects than the main telescope eyepiece which has a narrower field of view.

Viewfinder Alignment Screws (4): Adjust these screws to align the viewfinder.

Viewfinder Alignment Bracket: Attaches the viewfinder to the telescope (11, Fig. 1).

Alt Indicator: Displays the angle (in degrees) of the altitude of the optical tube.

Cradle Rings (2): Hold optical tube securely in place.

Cradle Ring Lock Knobs (2): Tighten to a firm feel to hold the optical tube securely in place. Fig. 1c depicts a cradle ring clamped in place by one of the lock knobs and one of the lock knobs hanging loose.

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.

Primary Mirror Cell: Contains the optical tube's primary mirror and 3 screws that are used

in a collimation adjustment. Note: Do not remove the piece of felt from the cell.

Alt (Vertical) Gear and Motor: Moves the telescope along the vertical axis.

Battery Pack: Supplies power to the assembly. Install 10 user-supplied AA batteries.

Autostar: Autostar is able to control nearly all the functions of the telescope.

Tripod Legs: To use, spread the legs as far as they will open. Adjust the height of the tri- pod by lifting the clip on each leg and extending the sliding inner section of each tripod leg to the desired length. Then press the clip back against the leg to lock in place.

Accessory Tray: Conveniently holds extra eyepieces, Autostar, and other accessories.

Az (Horizontal) Gear and Motor: Moves the telescope along the horizontal axis.

Az Lock: Controls the manual horizontal movement of the telescope. Turning the Alt lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely moved by hand on the hor- izontal axis. Turning the Alt lock clockwise (to a firm feel only) prevents the telescope from being moved manually and engages the vertical motor drive clutch for Autostar operation.

Computer Control Panel (Fig. 1b)

A.LED: The red power indicator light illuminates when power (i.e., the battery pack) is supplied to the Autostar handbox and to the telescope’s motor drive.

B.12V: Plug the battery pack into this port.

C.Handbox (HBX) Port: Plug the #494 Autostar handbox into this port.

D.Azimuth (AZ) Port: Plug the Az motor into this port.

E.Altitude (ALT) Port: Plug the Alt motor into this port.

F.Auxiliary (AUX) Port: Provides connection for Meade accessories.

21Yoke Mount: Along with the cradle rings, holds the optical tube assembly (11, Fig. 1).

22Alt Lock: Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. Turning the Alt lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely tilted by hand on the verti- cal axis. Turning the Alt lock clockwise (to a firm feel only) prevents the telescope from being moved manually and engages the vertical motor drive clutch for Autostar operation.

23Dust 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.

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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? Getting Started How to Assemble Your TelescopePacking List Some Notes About the Dual-Motor System Focusing the ViewfinderViewfinder Barlow Lens Choosing an EyepieceAligning the Viewfinder Terrestrial Observing Observing Using Autostars Arrow KeysObserving Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyTracking an Object Automatically Slew SpeedsObserve the Moon Astronomical ObservingMoving Through Autostar’s Menus Alt/Az Home PositionInitializing Autostar Training the Drive How to Easy Align Your Telescope Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureEasy 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 OperationEntering Numbers and Text into Autostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageNavigating 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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