Operating Instructions
Meade Standard Field Tripod
For use with the 7" LX200
The Standard Field Tripod is supplied as a completely assembled unit, except for the spreader bar (4, Fig. 1) and the 2 lock knobs (6, Fig. 1) for each of the 3 tripod legs, used to adjust tripod height. These knobs are packed separately for safety in shipment.
For visual (i.e.,
After removing the field tripod from its shipping carton, stand the tripod vertically, with the tripod feet down and with the tripod fully collapsed (Fig. 2). Remove the carton strap holding one leg and extension strut together. Grasp two of the tripod legs and, with the full weight of the tripod on the third leg, gently pull the legs apart to a fully open position.
Thread in the 6 lock knobs (2 on each tripod) near the foot of each tripod leg. These lock knobs are used to fix the height of the inner, extendible tripod leg sections.
CAUTION: "Firm feel" tightening is sufficient; over- tightening may strip the threads of the lock knobs or damage the tripod, and results in no additional strength.
The spreader bar (5, Fig. 1) has been removed for shipment. To install, first remove the threaded rod (2, Fig. 1) from the bottom of the tripod head (1, Fig. 1). A small piece of plastic holds the threaded rod in place. Enclosed in the plastic bag attached to this instruction sheet is a "C" clip retainer and an extra clip, and 1 flat washer. These items will be used below.
Slide the flat washer (4, Fig. 1) onto the threaded rod so that it rests against the tension knob (3, Fig. 1). Slide the spreader bar onto the threaded rod (note the correct orientation as shown in Fig. 1) and from underneath pass the threaded rod through the tripod head (1, Fig. 1). Be sure that the spreader bar is not
(1)Tripod Head
(2)Threaded Rod
(3)Tension Knob
(4)Spreader Bar
(5)Lock Knobs
(6)Extension Strut
(7)Tension Hub
up. Place 1 "C" clip retainer into the slot in the threaded rod. This clip holds the threaded rod in place. (See Fig. 2.)
Position the spreader bar so that the 3 arms of the spreader bar are lined up with the 3 tripod legs. Place the entire telescope onto the top of the tripod head, and thread the threaded rod into the central threaded hole in the bottom of the drive base of the telescope. Tighten the tension knob (3, Fig. 1); firm tightening of the tension knob is sufficient to result in rigid positioning of the tripod legs. It is not necessary to use extreme force in tightening this knob.
To vary the tripod height loosen the 6
To collapse the tripod after removing the telescope and equatorial wedge, if applicable, rotate the spreader bar 60° from its assembled position so that one spreader bar arm is located between each adjacent pair of tripod legs. At the base of the tripod is a
CAUTION: If the tripod does not seem to extend or collapse easily, do not force the tripod legs in or out. By following the instructions above, the tripod will function properly, but if you are unclear on the proper procedure, - forcingIheWpod into an Incorrect position may damage the extension strut system.
If you have any questions regarding the use of the Field Tripod, please call Meade Customer Service at (949)
- "C" Clip
Fig. 1: Field TripodFig. 2: Field Tripod (collapsed)
A D V A N C E D P R O D U C T S D I V I S I O N
Meade Instruments Corporation
World's Leading Manufacturer of Astronomical Telescopes for the Serious Amateur
6001 Oak Canyon, Irvine, California 92618 • |
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FAX: (949) | ©2000 |
Version 0700 | Part Number |
