INTRODUCTION

Before you begin, we urge you to take a few minutes to completely read this manual so that you can get the best use of the equipment. This manual details the set-up, operation, specifications and optional accessories of the Meade 70AZ-ADS altazimuth refracting telescope. Designed for both astronomical and terrestrial observing, the Meade 70AZ-ADS will be your companion in exploring a universe of celestial and earthly objects.

PARTS

Complete optical tube assembly (objective lens diameter = 70mm; focal length = 350mm)

Full-length, fully adjustable, aluminum tripod with soft carry case and accessory tray.

SP26mm, SP9.7mm eyepieces (1.25" O.D. “Outside Diameter”)

45° Erect Image Diagonal mirror (1.25" O.D.), 2X barlow

8 x 21 viewfinder

Altazimuth mount

Hardware package with bolts, wingnuts, nuts, etc. necessary for assembly

Astronomy software (separate instructions supplied in software package)

ASSEMBLY

You will need a Phillips-head screwdriver to assemble the tripod.

1.Remove and identify the telescope’s components, using the listing above.

2.Attach the 3 aluminum tripod legs (17, Fig. 1) to the base of the altazimuth mount (25, Fig. 1) with the 3 leg brace supports (20, Fig. 1) facing inward. Line up the holes of the tripod legs with the holes on the mount base attachment (16, Fig. 1) and thread the three included bolts through the holes. Thread the wing nuts over the bolts and hand-tighten to a firm feel. Stand the telescope upright and spread the tripod legs evenly apart so that the accessory tray can be positioned for attachment to the leg braces.

3.To attach the leg braces to the tripod, line up the holes in the leg braces (19, Fig. 1) with the holes in the leg brace supports (20, Fig. 1) and slide the the included 1/2” screws through the holes. Thread the included nuts over the end of the bolts and hand-tighten to a firm feel. See Inset D.

4.To attach the accessory tray (18, Fig. 1) to the leg braces (19, Fig. 1), place the round accessory tray over the over one of the leg braces. Slide a mounting screw through the hole in one of the corners of the tray (23, Fig. 1), down through the slot in the leg brace. Thread a wingnut onto the bolt and tighten to a firm feel. Repeat this procedure until all three corners of the tray are mounted to the three leg braces. See Inset B.

5.Extend the sliding center portion of the adjustable height tripod leg (21, Fig. 1) to the desired length for all 3 legs. Lock the tripod legs by tightening the leg lock thumbscrew (22, Fig. 1) to a firm feel. See Inset A.

6.Position the mounting plate into the saddle plate slot (11, Fig. 1). Tighten the mounting lock knob (24, Fig. 1) to a firm feel.

7.Attach the bracket containing the viewfinder (5, Fig. 1) to the telescope using the 2 supplied thumbscrews. The thumbscrews thread over the 2 bolts located on the main tube.

8.Insert the diagonal mirror (2, Fig. 1) into the focuser drawtube (3, Fig. 1) and the SP 26mm eyepiece (1, Fig. 1) into the diagonal mirror. Tighten the respective thumbscrews to a firm feel.

9.The telescope is now completely assembled. To move the telescope and point it from one object to another, first slightly loosen the vertical lock (13, Fig. 1), then loosen the horizontal lock (12, Fig. 1). Loosening these locks allows the telescope to be moved freely (vertically or horizontally) in any direction so that the telescope can be positioned to center a terrestrial or celestial object in the telescopic field. Once an object is found, the vertical lock knob (13, Fig. 1) can be tightened and the vertical slow-motion fine-adjustment control knob (15, Fig. 1) can then be used to make very smooth and accurate tracking in the vertical axis.

8 x 21 VIEWFINDER ALIGNMENT

It is recommended that you perform steps 1 through 5 of this procedure during the daytime and step 6 at night.

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Meade 70AZ-ADS instruction manual Introduction, Parts, Assembly

70AZ-ADS specifications

The Meade 70AZ-ADS telescope is an innovative entry-level instrument designed to provide budding astronomers with a user-friendly experience while delivering impressive performance. With its 70mm aperture, the telescope allows for bright, clear views of celestial objects, making it a great choice for beginners eager to explore the night sky.

One of the main features of the Meade 70AZ-ADS is its Altazimuth mount. This mount enables smooth and straightforward movements in both the horizontal and vertical planes, allowing users to easily locate and track objects in the sky. The sturdy construction of the mount ensures stability, which is crucial for maintaining focus on celestial subjects. The telescope’s lightweight design also contributes to its portability, making it easy to take on trips or stargazing outings.

Equipped with high-quality optics, the Meade 70AZ-ADS ensures that users can enjoy sharp and detailed views of various celestial targets, including planets, star clusters, and the Moon. The telescope comes with two eyepieces, providing different magnification options that enhance the overall viewing experience. This versatility allows users to switch between lower and higher magnifications according to their preferences and the specific targets they are observing.

Another remarkable aspect of the Meade 70AZ-ADS is the inclusion of a smartphone adapter. This feature allows users to attach their smartphones to the telescope, enabling them to capture stunning images of the night sky. The combination of the telescope's optics and the smartphone's camera capabilities opens up new avenues for astrophotography, allowing enthusiasts to document their observations.

The telescope also features a finderscope, which assists users in locating objects more efficiently. The easy alignment and targeting provided by the finderscope make it simpler for beginners to explore the wonders of astronomy without feeling overwhelmed.

In terms of build quality, the Meade 70AZ-ADS showcases a durable design that is built to withstand regular use. The telescope is also designed to be easy to assemble, meaning that users can quickly set it up and get started in no time.

Overall, the Meade 70AZ-ADS telescope combines user-friendly features with quality optics and innovative technology, making it an ideal choice for anyone new to astronomy. With its portability, ease of use, and the ability to capture images, this telescope serves as an excellent gateway for those looking to deepen their appreciation for the cosmos.