Meade 4504 instruction manual How This Manual is Organized

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WARNING

NEVER USE A MEADE® 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.

How This Manual is Organized

This manual is divided into three major sections.

Part One, "The Basics," presents several "Lessons" that will teach you how to assemble and use your telescope and Starfinder. If you follow all the Lessons in this section, you will become familiar with the basic operation of your telescope and the Starfinder handbox by the end of Part One. This section covers the following proce- dures:

Lesson 1: Unpacking and Assembly.

How to unpack and assemble the basic telescope and tripod unit.

Lesson 2: Balancing the Telescope.

How to balance the telescope.

Lesson 3: Aligning the Viewfinder.

How to align the viewfinder and insert the eyepiece into the focuser.

Lesson 4: Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually.

How to focus an eyepiece. How to move your telescope manually to make observations.

Lesson 5: Observing using Starfinder's Arrow keys.

How to install the motor drives. How to change the slew speeds. How to observe using Starfinder's Arrow keys.

Lesson 6: Tracking Objects.

How to Polar align your telescope. How to observe using automatic tracking.

Lesson 7: Observing using Starfinder's Go To Capabilities.

How to initialize Starfinder and train the drive. How to move around in Starfinder's menus. How to observe using Starfinder and how to take a Guided Tour of the night sky.

Part Two, "Starfinder's Controls and Menus," provides more information about Starfinder's databases and menus.

Part Three, "Caring for Your Telescope," provides information that explains how to properly maintain your telescope.

The Appendices provide advanced information about your telescope, explain how objects move through the skies, and teach how to locate objects not listed in the Starfinder database.

®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.

© 2000 Meade Instruments Corporation

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation How This Manual is Organized Table of Contents 1416 Motor Assembly Lesson 1 Unpacking and AssemblyTelescope Assembly AccessoriesKey to Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c 2325 How to Assemble Your Telescope Sure that this safety washer/knob always remains in placeInsert eyepiece into the focuser assembly Lesson 2 Balancing the Telescope Lesson 3 Aligning the ViewfinderLesson 4 Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually Correctly positioned leverMotor drive system assembly Key to FigureObserve the World Around You Lesson 5 Observing Using Starfinders Arrow KeysMotor Drive System and Starfinder Handbox Installation Activate the Arrow Keys Slew SpeedsTo Polar Align the Telescope Observe the MoonLesson 6 Tracking Objects Moving Through Starfinder’s Menus Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureLesson 7 Using Starfinders GO to Capabilities Initializing Starfinder Location Irvine Training the Drive Align Your Telescope Using Starfinder Check MountGo To Saturn Using the Guided TourWhich One’s the Alignment Star? Some Observation Tips Part TWO Starfinder Controls and Menus Starfinder ControlsPage Page How Starfinders Menus Work Starfinder Navigation ExerciseTo Calculate Sunset time Complete Starfinder menu structureObject Menu Options Starfinder MenusObject Menu Event Menu Glossary MenuUtilities Menu Setup Menu Time Zone Shift Part 3 Caring for Your Telescope CleaningMount and Tripod Adjustments Collimation Alignment of the Optics Spider vane adjustmentsDiagonal holder adjustments Correct collimationPrimary mirror adjustments Correct collimationStar testing the collimation ABCStarfinder Dimensions Appendix a Calculating Eyepiece Power Insert Barlow into focuser assemblyPolar Alignment Terrestrial ViewingAstronomical Observing Understanding Celestial Movements and CoordinatesLining Up with the Celestial Pole Celestial sphereUsing Setting Circles Two-Star Polar AlignmentAppendix C Using Starfinder to Enter Celestial Coordinates To GO to a user-entered objectAppendix D Helpful Charts Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldObjects in Space Appendix E Basic AstronomyStarfinder Glossary MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsRoadmap to the Stars Star LocatorMeade 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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