Meade 114 EQ-D Introduction, This Manual, Standard Equipment, Unpacking and Assembly

Leg Lock Knob

Sliding Inner Leg

Fig. 1f: Tripod lock knob assembly.

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INTRODUCTION

The Jupiter 114 EQ-D is an easy-to-operate, high performance 4.5" (114mm) reflecting telescope, intended for astronomical observing. Equipped with a deluxe equatorial mount and aluminum tripod, the telescope’s motion is continuously adjustable for tracking celestial objects. Your telescope comes to you ready for adventure; it will be your companion in a universe of planets, galaxies, and stars. Please note that the Jupiter 114 EQ-D is a Newtonian reflecting telescope optimized for astronomical observing performance, and is not intended for terrestrial observing.

1. This Manual

These instructions detail the set-up, operation, specifications, and optional accessories of your Jupiter 114 EQ-D. In order that you may achieve maximum enjoyment of the instrument, we urge that

you take a few minutes to read all of this manual before making first observations through the telescope. As you read this manual, the technical terms associated with telescopes will be made clear.

2. Standard Equipment

• Complete optical tube assembly with a 4.5" (114mm) diameter primary mirror, viewfinder mounting

bolts with mounting nuts and 1.25" rack-and-pinion focuser. Mirror focal length = 900mm; f/8.

• Equatorial mount with pre-attached heavy duty, continuously adjustable, aluminum tripod and leg braces.

• Accessories: MA 25mm (36x) eyepiece (1.25"O.D.), MA 9mm (100x) eyepiece (1.25"O.D.) 2x Barlow lens

Cradle rings with lock knobs

5 x 24 viewfinder and bracket Counterweight with counterweight shaft Flexible cable controls for both telescope axes Accessory shelf with mounting knob

UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY

Your Jupiter 114 EQ-D comes to you packaged almost entirely pre-assembled. (References in this section—e.g. ( 6)—are to Fig.1a - 1e unless otherwise specified.)

•Remove and identify the telescope’s Standard Equipment listed in Section 2., above.

•The three tripod lock knobs (43) have been removed from the

bottom section of each tripod leg to insure safe arrival of the	Threaded Hole
tripod assembly. To install, thread in each tripod lock knob into
the threaded hole located at the right side of each of the three
gray colored castings (see Fig. 1f) at the bottom of each tripod
leg. Tighten the tripod lock knob only to a “firm feel” to avoid
damage to the tripod caused by overtightening.

• Spread the tripod legs (1) to full extension so that the leg braces (42) are taut (should one of the tripod leg braces slip

out of the center triangle fastener, merely reposition the brace and slide it back into position). Adjust the tripod with the

attached equatorial mount (2) to the desired height by loosening the tripod lock knobs and extend the sliding inner section of each tripod leg; then tighten each knob.

•Attach the flexible cable controls (3) and (4). These cable controls are secured in place with a firm tightening of the thumbscrew located at the end of each cable.

•Holding the counterweight (5) firmly in one hand, slip the counterweight onto the counterweight shaft (6). Attach the counterweight (5) and counterweight shaft (6), by supporting the unlocked (7) counterweight firmly in one hand, while threading the counterweight shaft into the base of the Declination axis of the telescope’s equatorial mount with the other (see Fig. 1). Once firmly attached, slide the counterweight to the midpoint on the counterweight shaft and secure it in place with the lock knob (7) of the counterweight. Note: If the counterweight ever slips, the secured threaded safety washer/knob (8) will not let the weight slide entirely off the counterweight shaft. Be certain that this safety washer/knob is always in place.