Meade 4504 instruction manual Utilities Menu

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To access a hypertext word directly from the Glossary menu, use the Scroll keys to scroll through the alphabet. Press ENTER on the desired letter. Scroll to the desired entry, then press ENTER to read the description.

Utilities Menu

The Utilities menu provides access to several extra features within Starfinder, includ- ing a countdown timer and an alarm. The Utilities functions include:

Timer selects a countdown timer. This feature is useful for functions such as astropho- tography. To use the Timer, press ENTER, then choose "Set" or "Start/Stop."

•Set: Enter the time to be counted down (in hours, minutes, and seconds), then press ENTER.

•Start/Stop: Activates the timer set previously. Use the Scroll keys to toggle between ON and OFF. When ON is displayed, press ENTER to activate the timer. When the timer runs out, four beeps sound and the timer is deactivated.

Alarm selects a time for an alarm signal as a reminder. To use the Alarm, press ENTER, then choose "Set" or "Start/Stop."

•Set: Enter the time of day for the alarm to sound (in hours, minutes, and seconds), then press ENTER.

•Start/Stop: Activates the alarm set previously. Use the Scroll keys to toggle between ON and OFF. When ON is displayed, press ENTER to activate the alarm. When the alarm time arrives, Starfinder beeps. Press ENTER to deactivate the alarm.

Eyepiece Calc calculates information about an eyepiece for the specific telescope to which Starfinder is connected:

•Field of View: Scroll through a list of available eyepieces. When an eyepiece is selected, the field of view is calculated.

•Magnification: Scroll through a list of available eyepieces. When an eyepiece is selected, the magnification is calculated.

•Suggest: Starfinder calculates and suggests the best eyepiece for viewing, based on the telescope and the object being viewed.

Display Options enables or disables Starfinder’s two initial displays. If both displays are disabled, Starfinder begins with the Date display.

•Sun Warning: Turns the Sun warning message on or off.

•Getting Started: Turns the “Getting Started” message on or off.

Brightness Adj: Adjusts the brightness of the display using the Scroll keys. When complete, press ENTER.

Contrast Adj: Adjusts the contrast of the display using the Scroll keys. When com- plete, press ENTER.

NOTE: This feature is usually only required in very cold weather.

Landmark Survey automatically slews the telescope to all user-defined landmarks with a short pause at each location. Press ENTER to start the survey. While a slew is in progress, press any key to skip that object and go to the next landmark on the list. To observe a landmark for a longer period, press MODE when paused on the object to stop the survey. Press ENTER to restart the survey at the first object on the list.

Sleep Scope is a power saving option that shuts down Starfinder and the telescope without forgetting its alignment. Press ENTER to activate the Sleep function. Starfinder goes dark, but the internal clock keeps running. Press any key, except ENTER, to re-activate Starfinder and the telescope.

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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 FigureLesson 5 Observing Using Starfinders Arrow Keys Motor Drive System and Starfinder Handbox InstallationObserve the World Around You Activate the Arrow Keys Slew SpeedsObserve 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 Align Your Telescope Using Starfinder Check MountUsing the Guided Tour Which One’s the Alignment Star?Go To Saturn 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 structureStarfinder Menus Object MenuObject Menu Options Event Menu Glossary MenuUtilities Menu Setup Menu Time Zone Shift Cleaning Mount and Tripod AdjustmentsPart 3 Caring for Your Telescope 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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