Meade 4504 instruction manual Training the Drive

Page 19

Training the Drive

Next, train the drive using Starfinder. Perform this procedure the first time you use Starfinder with your telescope, after a Reset, or if you are experiencing any pointing accuracy problems. Training the drive gives your telescope a higher degree of point- ing accuracy.

NOTE: Use a terrestrial object, such as a telephone pole or lamp post, to train the drive. It is best to perform this procedure during the daytime. Complete this exercise once every 3 to 6 months to maintain the highest level of telescope pointing accuracy.

1.If you have just performed "INITIALIZING STARFINDER," go to step 2.

If you have not yet initialized Starfinder, go to page 17 and follow the procedure described in "INITIALIZING STARFINDER." Then go to to step 2 of this procedure.

2.Keep pressing MODE until "Select Item: Object" displays.

3.Press the Scroll Up key once. "Select: Item: Setup" displays.

4.Press ENTER to access the Setup menu. "Setup: Align" displays.

5.Keep pressing the Scroll Up key until "Setup: Telescope" displays.

6.Press ENTER to access the Telescope menu. "Telescope: Focal Length" displays.

7.Keep pressing the Scroll Down key until "Telescope: Train Drive" displays.

8.Press ENTER to choose the Train Drive option. "Train Drive: RA Train" displays.

9.Press ENTER to begin RA (Right Ascension or horizontal) training.

10."Drive Setup: For this...." begins to scroll across the display. This is a reminder to point your telescope at a terrestrial object. Press ENTER when the telescope is pointing at the desired terrestrial object.

11."Center reference object" displays. Center your target object using the Arrow keys. When centered, press ENTER.

12.The telescope slews and "Press > until it is centered" displays. Press the Right Arrow key until the target is centered again. Then press ENTER.

NOTE: If you pass the object when pressing the Arrow key, you cannot slew

the telescope back in the other direction. Press MODE until "Train Drive: RA Train" displays and begin the procedure over again.

13.The telescope slews and "Press < until it is centered" displays. Press the Left Arrow key until the target is centered again. Then press ENTER.

14."Train Drive: RA Train" displays again. Press the Scroll Down key and "Train Drive: Dec Train" displays. Press ENTER to begin Dec (Declination or vertical) training.

15."Drive Setup: For this...." begins to scroll across the display. This is another reminder to point your telescope at a terrestrial object. Press ENTER when the telescope is pointing at the desired terrestrial object.

16."Center reference object" displays. Center your target object using the Arrow keys. When centered, press ENTER.

17.

The telescope slews and "Press>until it is centered" displays. Press the Up Arrow

 

key until the target is centered again. Then press ENTER.

18.

The telescope slews and "Press

>

until it is centered" displays. Press the Down

 

Arrow key until the target is centered again. Then press ENTER. "Train Drive: Dec Train" displays again. You have now completed this procedure. Continue onto the next procedure, "Align Your Telescope Using Starfinder."

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation How This Manual is Organized Table of Contents 1416 Accessories Lesson 1 Unpacking and AssemblyTelescope Assembly Motor AssemblyKey to Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c 2325 Sure that this safety washer/knob always remains in place How to Assemble Your TelescopeInsert eyepiece into the focuser assembly Lesson 3 Aligning the Viewfinder Lesson 2 Balancing the TelescopeCorrectly positioned lever Lesson 4 Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyKey to Figure Motor drive system assemblyMotor Drive System and Starfinder Handbox Installation Lesson 5 Observing Using Starfinders Arrow KeysObserve the World Around You Slew Speeds Activate the Arrow KeysLesson 6 Tracking Objects Observe the MoonTo Polar Align the Telescope Lesson 7 Using Starfinders GO to Capabilities Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureMoving Through Starfinder’s Menus Initializing Starfinder Location Irvine Training the Drive Check Mount Align Your Telescope Using StarfinderWhich One’s the Alignment Star? Using the Guided TourGo To Saturn Some Observation Tips Starfinder Controls Part TWO Starfinder Controls and MenusPage Page Starfinder Navigation Exercise How Starfinders Menus WorkComplete Starfinder menu structure To Calculate Sunset timeObject Menu Starfinder MenusObject Menu Options Glossary Menu Event MenuUtilities Menu Setup Menu Time Zone Shift Mount and Tripod Adjustments CleaningPart 3 Caring for Your Telescope Correct collimation Spider vane adjustmentsDiagonal holder adjustments Collimation Alignment of the OpticsCorrect collimation Primary mirror adjustmentsABC Star testing the collimationStarfinder Dimensions Insert Barlow into focuser assembly Appendix a Calculating Eyepiece PowerUnderstanding Celestial Movements and Coordinates Terrestrial ViewingAstronomical Observing Polar AlignmentCelestial sphere Lining Up with the Celestial PoleTwo-Star Polar Alignment Using Setting CirclesTo GO to a user-entered object Appendix C Using Starfinder to Enter Celestial CoordinatesLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World Appendix D Helpful ChartsMoon Appendix E Basic AstronomyStarfinder Glossary Objects in SpaceDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsStar Locator Roadmap to the StarsMeade Limited Warranty Meade Instruments Corporation

4504 specifications

The Meade 4504 is a notable member of Meade Instruments’ extensive line of telescopes, designed for both beginners and experienced astronomers. This telescope is known for its user-friendly features and impressive optical performance, making it an excellent choice for stargazers keen on exploring the night sky.

One of the key features of the Meade 4504 is its 4.5-inch aperture, a critical factor that determines the amount of light the telescope can gather. This larger aperture allows users to observe fainter celestial objects, from nebulae to distant galaxies, with clarity and detail. The telescope is equipped with a Newtonian reflector design, which utilizes a primary mirror to collect light and a secondary mirror to direct it to the eyepiece. This design effectively eliminates chromatic aberration, offering sharp and crisp images.

The Meade 4504 also boasts a mount that is robust yet user-friendly. It typically comes with an Altazimuth mount, which allows for smooth movement both vertically and horizontally. This makes it easier to track celestial objects as they move across the sky. The mount's stability is crucial during high-magnification viewing, as it minimizes vibrations and provides a steady image.

A standout feature of the Meade 4504 is its ease of assembly and operation. Designed with beginners in mind, it usually includes a straightforward setup guide that allows users to get their telescope ready for use quickly. Additionally, the telescope often comes with a finderscope, which helps in locating objects in the night sky, a crucial tool for novice astronomers still learning to navigate the cosmos.

In terms of accessories, the Meade 4504 often includes a variety of eyepieces, allowing users to switch magnifications for different viewing experiences. These eyepieces enhance the versatility of the telescope, catering to varied interests, whether it's observing planets within our solar system or examining the details of various star clusters.

Overall, the Meade 4504 represents a balance of quality, convenience, and affordability, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to embark on a journey of astronomical discovery. It effectively brings the universe closer to home, allowing enthusiasts to explore the wonders of space with ease. Whether you are a first-time observer or someone with a passion for celestial exploration, the Meade 4504 offers a remarkable gateway to the night sky.
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