Meade 4504 instruction manual Table of Contents

Page 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART ONE: The Basics

 

Lesson 1: Unpacking and Assembly

5

How to Assemble Your Telescope

8

Lesson 2: Balancing the Telescope

10

Lesson 3: Aligning the Viewfinder

10

Lesson 4: Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually

11

Observe the World Around You

13

Lesson 5: Using Starfinder's Arrow Keys

13

Motor Drive System and Starfinder Handbox Installation

13

Activate the Arrow Keys

14

Slew Speeds

14

Observe the Moon

15

Lesson 6: Tracking Objects

15

To Polar Align the Telescope

15

Observe a Star Using the Automatic Tracking Feature

16

Lesson 7: Using Starfinder's GO TO Capabilities

16

Moving Through Starfinder's Menus

16

Initializing Starfinder

17

Training the Drive

19

Align Your Telescope Using Starfinder

20

Check Mount

20

Go To Saturn

21

Using the Guided Tour

21

Some Observation Tips

22

PART TWO: Starfinder Controls and Menus

 

Starfinder Controls

23

How Starfinder's Menus Work

26

Starfinder Navigation Exercise

26

Starfinder Menus

28

Object Menu

28

Event Menu

29

Glossary Menu

29

Utilities Menu

30

Setup Menu

31

PART THREE: Caring for Your Telescope

 

Cleaning

33

Mount and Tripod Adjustments

33

Collimation (Alignment) of the Optics

34

Specifications

37

Appendix A: Calculating Eyepiece Power

38

Appendix B:Terrestrial Viewing, Celestial Movement, & Polar Alignment

39

Appendix C: Using Starfinder to Enter Celestial Coordinates

42

Appendix D: Helpful Charts

43

Appendix E: Basic Astronomy

44

Objects in Space

44

A Roadmap to the Stars

46

Star Locator

46

page 3

Image 3
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 assemblyLesson 5 Observing Using Starfinders Arrow Keys Motor Drive System and Starfinder Handbox InstallationObserve the World Around You Slew Speeds Activate the Arrow KeysObserve the Moon Lesson 6 Tracking ObjectsTo Polar Align the Telescope Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature Lesson 7 Using Starfinders GO to CapabilitiesMoving Through Starfinder’s Menus Initializing Starfinder Location Irvine Training the Drive Check Mount Align Your Telescope Using StarfinderUsing the Guided Tour Which One’s the Alignment Star?Go 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 timeStarfinder Menus Object MenuObject Menu Options Glossary Menu Event MenuUtilities Menu Setup Menu Time Zone Shift Cleaning Mount and Tripod AdjustmentsPart 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.