Meade 4504 instruction manual Align Your Telescope Using Starfinder, Check Mount

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Align Your Telescope Using Starfinder

After completing the "Train the Drive" procedure, align your telescope using Starfinder. The fastest and easiest way to start observing with Starfinder's Go To capabilities is to align your telescope using One-Star (Polar) Alignment. An alternate method, Two-Star alignment, is described later in this manual.

1.With "Train Drive: Dec Train" displayed (or scroll to this menu, if necessary), keep

pressing MODE until "Select Item: Setup" is displayed. Press ENTER.

2."Setup: Align" displays. Press ENTER. "Align: One Star" displays. Press ENTER.

3."German North" displays and a scrolling message prompts you to Polar align your telescope. See "TO POLAR ALIGN THE TELESCOPE," page 15, for a description of how to Polar align your telescope. Press ENTER after you finish the alignment procedure.

4."Ctr. Polaris" displays and the telescope begins to slew. Starfinder beeps and "Adjust Mount" displays after the telescope finishes slewing.

5.A scrolling message prompts you to unlock both the Latitude Lock (23, Fig. 2b) and the Azimuth Lock (24, Fig. 2b).

6.Manually rotate (do NOT use Starfinder's Arrow keys!) the telescope until Polaris is centered once again in the eyepiece. Then re-lock both the Latitude and Azimuth Locks and press ENTER.

7.Starfinder then chooses another star from its database and the telescope slews to the star for alignment. It may not appear in the field of view in the eyepiece. The alignment star should be easily recognized and be the brightest star in the area of the sky where the telescope is pointing. Use the Arrow keys to move the telescope until the star is visible and centered in the eyepiece. When the star is centered, press ENTER.

Another method to find the alignment star if it does not appear in the eyepiece is to perform a "spiral search." If the alignment star is not visible in the eyepiece when the telescope finishes its search, press GO TO and the telescope starts slewing in a spiral pattern at a very slow speed around the search area. Look through the eyepiece and when the object does become visible, press MODE to stop the spiral search. Then use the Arrow keys to center the object and press ENTER to complete the alignment procedure.

NOTE: Starfinder locates alignment stars based on the date, time, and location entered. The alignment stars may change from night to night. All that is required is for the observer to center the selected star in the eyepiece when prompted.

Check Mount

It is possible for the 4504 telescope to move in such a way that the telescope tube might interfere with the mount while slewing. Starfinder has a feature called "Check Mount" to alert you of this possibility.

If "Check Mount" displays, inspect the assembly to see if it's moving in such a way that the mount, tube, levers, motors, etc., might catch on or collide with each other. Also inspect the cable to see if it might become tangled. If any of these possibilities seem likely to occur, press MODE to abort the current operation of the telescope. If they do not seem likely, press GO TO to continue with the current operation. Press any key during slewing to stop the telescope.

If "Check Mount" displays during alignment, and interference seems likely, press MODE. Select another alignment star by pressing one of the Scroll keys to select the next align- ment star in the database. Repeat this procedure as necessary to align the telescope. To abort the alignment procedure, press and hold MODE for about two seconds.

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation How This Manual is Organized Table of Contents 1416 Lesson 1 Unpacking and Assembly Telescope AssemblyMotor 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 Spider vane adjustments Diagonal holder adjustmentsCollimation Alignment of the Optics Correct collimationPrimary mirror adjustments Correct collimationStar testing the collimation ABCStarfinder Dimensions Appendix a Calculating Eyepiece Power Insert Barlow into focuser assemblyTerrestrial Viewing Astronomical ObservingPolar Alignment 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 WorldAppendix E Basic Astronomy Starfinder GlossaryObjects in Space 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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