Meade 114EQ-AR Prepare Mount, Attach the Optical Tube to the Mount, Align the RED DOT Viewfinder

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Meade114EQAR 3/28/07 9:52 AM Page 7

thumbscrew (7) and slide the counterweights (5) along the shaft until the telescope remains in any given position without tending to drift up or down around the polar axis. Retighten the counterweight lock (31).The telescope is now balanced.

PREPARE MOUNT

1.Attach the flexible cables (3) and (4). These cables are secured in place with a firm tightening of the thumbscrews located at the attachment ends of each cable.

2.Tilt the polar axis of the telescope to roughly a 45° angle with the horizon: Loosen the latitude adjustment lock

(9) so you can move the mount to the desired position.

3.Re-tighten the latitude adjustment lock to secure the mount in place.

ATTACH THE OPTICAL TUBE TO THE MOUNT

1.Lay the optical tube (12) with cradle rings (14) onto the saddle plate (13).

SUN WARNING!

NEVER USE YOUR TELESCOPE

TO LOOK AT THE SUN!

LOOKING AT OR NEAR THE SUN WILL CAUSE INSTANT AND IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE TO YOUR EYE. EYE DAMAGE IS OFTEN PAINLESS, 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 SUPERVISION WHILE OBSERVING.

2.Tighten the cradle ring attachment lock knob (36) to a firm feel.

ALIGN THE RED DOT VIEWFINDER

Perform the first part of this procedure during the daytime and the last step at night.

1.Point the telescope at an easy-to-find land object such as the top of a telephone pole or a distant mountain or tower. Look through the eyepiece and turn the focuser

Fig. 6

5

knob (31) until the image is sharply focused. Center the object precisely in the eyepiece’s field of view.

2.Look through the red dot viewfinder. Turn one or more of the viewfinder’s alignment screws (34, Inset B) until the red dot is precisely over the same object as you centered in the eyepiece.

3.Check this alignment at night on a celestial object, such as the Moon or a bright star, and use the viewfinder’s alignment screws to make any necessary refinements.

Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversable damage to your eye. Do not point this telescope at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.

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Contents 114EQ-AR Meade114EQAR 3/28/07 952 AM Introduction Inset a Attach the RED DOT Viewfinder Attach the Accessory TrayInsert the Eyepiece Attach the CounterweightBalancing the Telescope Align the RED DOT Viewfinder Prepare MountAttach the Optical Tube to the Mount SUN Warning Never USE Your Telescope To Look AT the SUNUnderstanding HOW Celestial Objects Move Understanding Celestial Movements and CoordinatesPolar Alignment of the Equatorial Mount Lining UP with the Celestial PoleMeade 4M Community Most Important Rule TOO Much POWER?Observing Meade114EQAR 3/28/07 952 AM Surf the WEB Eyepiece Barlow Some Observing TipsStar Charts Join AN Astronomy CLUB, Attend a Star Party SpecificationsAstronomy Resources Collimation Alignment Taking Care of Your TelescopeOptics Correct Collimation Diagonal Holder AdjustmentsStar Testing the Collimation Primary Mirror AdjustmentsOptional Accessories Meade Limited Warranty Meade Consumer SolutionsDrawing of Image Drawing of Image Drawing of Image Drawing of Image Meade114EQAR 3/28/07 952 AM 800

114EQ-AR specifications

The Meade 114EQ-AR is a remarkable telescope designed to cater to both beginner and intermediate astronomers who are eager to explore the wonders of the night sky. With its combination of an impressive optical system and user-friendly features, the 114EQ-AR offers a powerful yet accessible platform for stargazing.

One of the standout features of the Meade 114EQ-AR is its 114mm aperture, which allows for enhanced light-gathering capability. This means that observers can enjoy clear and bright images of celestial objects, including the Moon, planets, and various deep-sky phenomena. The telescope is mounted on an equatorial mount, which simplifies tracking celestial objects as they move across the sky, making it ideal for astrophotography and detailed observation.

The 114EQ-AR boasts a focal length of 1000mm, providing a versatile range of magnification options. This focal length, combined with high-quality optics, results in sharp and high-contrast images. The telescope is equipped with a 1.25-inch focuser, providing compatibility with a variety of eyepieces and accessories to enhance the viewing experience.

In terms of construction, the Meade 114EQ-AR features a sturdy and durable design, which ensures stability during observations. Its lightweight yet robust construction makes it easily portable, allowing enthusiasts to transport it to various observational sites effortlessly. The telescope also includes an adjustable tripod that can be set up quickly, ensuring that users spend more time enjoying the sky rather than fumbling with equipment.

Another notable aspect of the Meade 114EQ-AR is its included software and resources. The telescope is often packaged with a comprehensive star guide and astronomy software, helping users to locate and identify celestial objects more easily. This combination of educational tools and quality optics makes the 114EQ-AR an excellent choice for those looking to deepen their understanding of astronomy.

Overall, the Meade 114EQ-AR is a feature-rich telescope that combines quality optics, sturdy construction, and user-friendly functionality. Whether you're interested in observing distant galaxies or simply want to enjoy a close-up view of the Moon, the 114EQ-AR offers a window to the universe that is both exciting and accessible.
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