Meade 60EQ-A instruction manual Maintenance, Specifications, Optional Accessories

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seen well at a given power. The most often useful higher magnification with any 60mm diameter telescope is in the range of 80 to 120 power. The general rule to follow with any telescope, regarding power: Only use as much magnification as supports a steady, well-defined image. This often varies with the stability of the air being viewed through and is one reason why having various eyepieces is highly desirable. Higher powers are no guaranty of better images; in fact, the opposite is often true. Also, keep in mind, that land viewing and wide-field, deep-space observation are low power applications of your telescope.

MAINTENANCE

As with any quality optical instrument, lens surfaces should be cleaned as infrequently as possible. A little dust on the surface of the objective (front) lens causes negligible degradation of image quality and should not be considered reason to “clean” the lens. When lens cleaning does become necessary, use a camel’s hair brush or compressed air blown gently to remove dust. Wipe only with a soft, clean cloth, applying as little pressure as possible to avoid scratching glass surfaces. Note: Remove the dew shield/lens shade (22, Fig. 1) to access the objective lens (20, Fig. 1) for cleaning.

SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .900mm

Aperture (Diameter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60mm (2.4”)

Eyepieces: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MA 25mm, MH 9mm

f/ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .f/15

Mounting Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Equatorial

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

See your Meade or full-service Meade dealer for further details on any of these accessories.

#928 45° Erecting Prism (1.25 O.D.): Correctly orients the telescopic image during terrestrial observing and yields an image position at a 45° angle to the main telescope tube, resulting in a more comfortable observing position in most cases.

Additional Eyepieces (1.25" barrel diameter): For higher or lower magnifications with the telescopes that accommodate 1.25" eyepieces, Meade 3-element Modified Achromatic eyepieces, available in focal lengths of various sizes, provide a high level of image resolution and color correction at an economical price. Also, at slightly higher prices, Meade 4-element Series 3000 Plössl eyepieces yield wider fields of view with excellent edge-of-field corrections and are available in a range of focal lengths including 5, 6.7, 9.5, 16, 25, and 40mm.

Basic Camera Adapter (1.25” O.D.): Permits direct attachment of 35mm SLR cameras to the telescope. (Requires T-Mount for your specific brand of camera). Suitable for lunar disk and land photography.

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Limited Warranty Table of Contents Meade 60EQ-A 2.4 Equatorial Refracting Telescope Features in FigStandard Equipment $ 2%Introduction Unpacking and AssemblyBe certain that this safety washer/screw is always in place Understanding Celestial Movements and Coordinates Aligning the ViewfinderBalancing the Telescope See Fig Lining UP with the Celestial PolePolar Alignment of the Equatorial Mount Using the Telescope Applications of the Telescope Calculating PowerOptional Accessories MaintenanceSpecifications

60EQ-A specifications

The Meade 60EQ-A is a remarkable entry-level telescope that opens the universe to beginner astronomers and enthusiasts alike. With its combination of quality optics, ease of use, and robust features, this telescope makes stargazing accessible and enjoyable for all.

One of the standout features of the Meade 60EQ-A is its 60mm aperture. This allows for adequate light-gathering capability, enabling users to observe celestial objects such as the Moon, Saturn’s rings, and even some deep-sky objects like star clusters and nebulae. The telescope comes with two quality eyepieces—MA 9mm and MA 25mm—providing different magnifications for diverse viewing experiences. The 25mm eyepiece offers wider fields of view, making it perfect for observing larger celestial objects, while the 9mm eyepiece enhances detail in more distant objects.

A key technology employed in the Meade 60EQ-A is its fully coated optics. This feature enhances light transmission, resulting in brighter and clearer images. The telescope is engineered with high-quality glass and features a refractor design, which is known for its ability to produce sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration.

The telescope is mounted on a sturdy equatorial mount, which is essential for tracking celestial movements smoothly. The equatorial design means that once the telescope is aligned with the North Star, it can easily follow the motion of celestial objects as they move across the night sky. This feature greatly enhances the viewing experience, making it easier to observe planets and stars over extended periods.

Another advantage of the Meade 60EQ-A is its lightweight design, allowing for easy portability. It can be set up quickly, making it ideal for both backyard usage and trips to darker locations outside the city.

In addition, the telescope comes with an included smartphone adapter. This innovative accessory allows users to capture images of the night sky using their mobile devices, bridging the gap between traditional stargazing and modern technology.

In conclusion, the Meade 60EQ-A is a well-equipped telescope that combines quality optics, user-friendly features, and excellent portability. Whether you are a novice looking to explore the wonders of the universe or an experienced stargazer seeking a reliable instrument, the Meade 60EQ-A provides a fantastic platform for astronomical observations. Its robust construction, easy setup, and impressive features make it a valuable addition to any aspiring astronomer’s arsenal.
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