– 15 –

spot dead center within the out-of-focus star disk (this is the shadow of the secondary mirror), as shown in Fig.11C. (An improperly aligned telescope will reveal elongated circles (Fig. 11A), with an off-center dark shadow.)

•If the out-of-focus star disk appears elongated (Fig. 11A), you will need to adjust the primary mirror Phillips-head tilt screws of the primary mirror cell (3, Fig. 6).

•To adjust the primary mirror tilt screws (3, Fig. 6), first unscrew several turns the 3 hex-head primary mirror cell locking screws (2, Fig. 6), to allow free turning movement of the tilt knobs.

•Using the flexible cable controls (3) and (4), Fig. 1, move the telescope until the star image is at the edge of the field-of-view in the eyepiece, as in Fig. 11B.

•As you make adjustments to the primary mirror tilt screws (3, Fig. 6), you will notice that the out-of-focus star disk image will move across the eyepiece field. Choose one of the 3 primary mirror tilt screws that will move the star disk image to the center of the eyepiece field.

•Repeat this process as many times as necessary until the out-of-focus star disk appears as in Fig. 11C, when the star disk image is in the center of the eyepiece field.

•With the star testing of the collimation complete, tighten the 3 hex-head primary mirror locking screws (2, Fig. 6).

I. Specifications: Model 4500

Primary (main) mirror focal length: . . . . . .910mm

Primary mirror diameter: . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.5" (114mm)

Focal ratio: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .f/8

Mounting: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .German equatorial

J. Optional Accessories

Refer to the latest Meade General Catalog.

American-Size Eyepieces (1.25" O.D.): Meade Instruments offers several types of high-performance, American-sized eyepiece to fit every observing requirement and budget. See the Meade General Catalog, Meade advertising in Sky & Telescope and Astronomy magazines, or contact your full-service Meade dealer for details and suggestions on purchasing optional Meade accessory eyepieces.

#126 2x Telenegative Barlow Lens (1.25" O.D.): The high-quality #126 Barlow lens serves to double the power of any American-size (1.25") eyepiece used.

#531 Electric Motor Drive: With the #531 Motor Drive attached, the telescope automatically tracks astronomical objects in their paths across the sky. Three AA size (user-supplied) batteries power the DC servo motor to rotate the Right Ascension control shaft of the telescope at a constant rate that results in one revolution of the telescope in RA every 24 hours, fully compensating for the effects of the Earth’s rotation. The #531 Motor Drive easily attaches in minutes to the telescope. A North-South switch permits operation in either of the Earth’s northern or southern hemispheres.

AstroSearch Sky Software: 3.5" disks for Windows 3.1 or higher. Explore the heavens with AstroSearch and your personal computer— visually displays the night sky and allows the printing of detailed star charts. Provides locations of planets, galaxies, star clusters, nebulae— over 45,000 objects as well as a lunar calendar.

FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

To allow use of the Model 4500 for photography, the following accessories must be purchased:

#126 2x Telenegative Barlow Lens (1.25” O.D.): To permit photography, the #126 Barlow lens must be placed into the focuser’s Eyepiece Holder Adapter (1.25"), then the Variable Projection Camera Adapter must be attached to the #126 Barlow lens via the thumbscrew lock provided for that purpose.

Variable Projection Camera Adapter (1.25" O.D.): The Variable Projection Camera Adapter includes a machined sliding mechanism, permitting variable projection distances during eyepiece-projection photography. The Variable Projection Camera Adapter (1.25") permits direct attachment of 35mm SLR cameras to the Model 4500’s focuser for short exposure astrophotography of the Moon. (Requires T-Mount for your specific brand of 35mm camera and an appropriate focal length eyepiece. Also, the Variable Projection Camera Adapter must be used with the #126 Barlow Lens, mentioned above.

Page 14 Page 16
Page 15
Image 15
Meade 4500 instruction manual Specifications Model, Optional Accessories
Page 14 Page 16

4500 specifications

The Meade 4500 is a notable telescope in the world of amateur astronomy, designed to make stargazing accessible and rewarding for both novice and experienced observers. This telescope belongs to the category of Newtonian reflectors, known for their simple design, impressive optics, and affordability. At its core, the Meade 4500 features a 4.5-inch (114 mm) aperture, which enables users to capture bright images of celestial objects and a variety of deep-sky phenomena.

One of the main features of the Meade 4500 is its advanced optics system. The primary mirror is parabolic, ensuring optimal light collection efficiency and delivering crisp images free from spherical aberration. The telescope's focal length is 900 mm, providing a versatile viewing experience with a moderate focal ratio that balances wide-field and high-magnification observations. Coupled with a 1.25-inch focuser, the telescope accommodates a range of eyepieces, allowing users to customize magnification for various celestial targets.

The Meade 4500 is equipped with a sturdy and stable mount, crucial for precise tracking and steady views. The telescope employs an adjustable, manual altitude-azimuth mount, which provides smooth movement in both vertical and horizontal directions. This mount is particularly beneficial when observing planets, the Moon, or any other celestial object that demands meticulous positioning. The lightweight design of the telescope further enhances portability, making it easy to transport for observations in different locations.

Another key characteristic of the Meade 4500 is its user-friendly setup. The telescope usually comes with an instructional manual, guiding users through the assembly and initial alignment process. The setup typically requires only basic tools, allowing beginner astronomers to quickly get started. Additionally, Meade often provides a selection of accessories with the telescope, such as star charts or a red dot finder, which enhances the overall experience.

In terms of technology, the Meade 4500 embodies the principles of optical design and ergonomics. The telescope’s structure allows for easy tracking of celestial movements, and its reflectivity ensures bright views of both bright planets and distant star clusters. Whether you're examining the rings of Saturn or exploring the lunar surface's fine details, the Meade 4500 stands out as an excellent gateway into the universe, combining optical performance with user-oriented features perfect for every stargazing enthusiast.
Top Page Image Contents