Meade 4500 instruction manual Table of Contents

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

A. Introducing the Meade Model 4500

.6

1. This Manual

.6

2.

Standard Equipment

.6

B. Unpacking and Assembly

.6

1.

Balancing the Telescope

.7

2. Alignment of the Viewfinder

.7

C. Understanding Celestial Movements and Coordinates

.8

D. Lining Up with the Celestial Pole

.9

E. Using the Telescope

.9

F. Using Setting Circles

11

G. Calculating Power

11

H. Maintenance

12

1.

Cleaning

12

2.

Mount and Tripod Adjustments

12

3.

Collimation

12

 

a. Correct Collimation

12

 

b. Spider Vane Adjustments

14

 

c. Diagonal Holder Adjustments

14

 

d. Primary Mirror Adjustments

14

 

e. Star Testing the Collimation

14

I. Specifications: Model 4500

15

J. Optional Accessories

15

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Contents Model 4500 4.5 Equatorial Reflecting Telescope Meade Limited Warranty Table of Contents Key to Fig Meade Model 4500 4.5 Equatorial Reflecting Telescope Standard Equipment Unpacking and AssemblyIntroducing the Meade Model This ManualAlignment of the Viewfinder Balancing the TelescopeCelestial Sphere Understanding Celestial Movements and CoordinatesLining Up with the Celestial Pole Using the TelescopePage Calculating Power Using Setting CirclesCorrect collimation Maintenance CleaningMount and Tripod Adjustments Collimation Alignment of the OpticsDiagonal Assembly Star testing the collimation Spider vane adjustmentsDiagonal holder adjustments Primary mirror adjustmentsOptional Accessories Specifications ModelMeade Instruments Corporation

4500 specifications

The Meade 4500 is a notable telescope in the world of amateur astronomy, designed to make stargazing accessible and rewarding for both novice and experienced observers. This telescope belongs to the category of Newtonian reflectors, known for their simple design, impressive optics, and affordability. At its core, the Meade 4500 features a 4.5-inch (114 mm) aperture, which enables users to capture bright images of celestial objects and a variety of deep-sky phenomena.

One of the main features of the Meade 4500 is its advanced optics system. The primary mirror is parabolic, ensuring optimal light collection efficiency and delivering crisp images free from spherical aberration. The telescope's focal length is 900 mm, providing a versatile viewing experience with a moderate focal ratio that balances wide-field and high-magnification observations. Coupled with a 1.25-inch focuser, the telescope accommodates a range of eyepieces, allowing users to customize magnification for various celestial targets.

The Meade 4500 is equipped with a sturdy and stable mount, crucial for precise tracking and steady views. The telescope employs an adjustable, manual altitude-azimuth mount, which provides smooth movement in both vertical and horizontal directions. This mount is particularly beneficial when observing planets, the Moon, or any other celestial object that demands meticulous positioning. The lightweight design of the telescope further enhances portability, making it easy to transport for observations in different locations.

Another key characteristic of the Meade 4500 is its user-friendly setup. The telescope usually comes with an instructional manual, guiding users through the assembly and initial alignment process. The setup typically requires only basic tools, allowing beginner astronomers to quickly get started. Additionally, Meade often provides a selection of accessories with the telescope, such as star charts or a red dot finder, which enhances the overall experience.

In terms of technology, the Meade 4500 embodies the principles of optical design and ergonomics. The telescope’s structure allows for easy tracking of celestial movements, and its reflectivity ensures bright views of both bright planets and distant star clusters. Whether you're examining the rings of Saturn or exploring the lunar surface's fine details, the Meade 4500 stands out as an excellent gateway into the universe, combining optical performance with user-oriented features perfect for every stargazing enthusiast.
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