Meade Official Manual for the 4504 Telescope Models

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Fig. 2a: The Meade Model 4504 4.5" Equatorial Reflecting Telescope.

Key to Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c

1.	Equatorial mount	16.	Latitude adjustment knob
2.	Optical tube assembly	17.	Focuser, Focus knobs
3.	Cradle rings	18.	Eyepiece thumbscrew
4.	Viewfinder bracket	19.	Eyepiece
5.	Viewfinder rubber eyepiece	20.	Cradle ring lock knobs
6.	5 x 24 viewfinder	21.	Optical tube saddle plate
7.	Viewfinder bracket thumbscrews	22.	Dec motor drive assembly
8.	Telescope front dust cover	23.	Latitude lock
9.	Dec setting circle	24.	Azimuth lock
10.	Counterweight	25.	R.A. motor drive assembly
11.	Counterweight shaft	26.	R.A. lock
12.	Safety washer/thumbscrew	27.	Dec lock
13.	Counterweight lock	28.	Tripod legs brace support
14.	Latitude dial	29.	Tripod legs lock knobs
15.	R.A. setting circle	30.	Accessory shelf

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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.