WARNING:

RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN OVER THE AGE OF 5 WITH ADULT

SUPERVISION ONLY

NEVER USE A MEADE 70MM COMPACT REFRACTOR

TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN! LOOKING AT OR NEAR THE SUN WILL CAUSE INSTANT AND IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE TO YOUR EYE. EYE DAMAGE IS OFTEN PAINLESS, SO THERE IS

NO WARNING TO THE OBSERVER THAT DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE. DO NOT POINT THE TELESCOPE AT OR NEAR THE SUN. CHILDREN SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE ADULT SUPERVISION WHILE OBSERVING.

INTRODUCTION

The Meade 70mm Compact Refractor is an easy to operate telescope, designed for both astronomical and terrestrial observing. Please take a few moments to read the instruction manual and familiarize yourself with its features.

ASSEMBLING THE TELESCOPE:

Numbers in parentheses refer to Fig. 1.

1.To assemble the telescope, first unfold the tripod legs (16). Place the center hole on the bottom of the tripod attachment platform (17) over the bolt on the tripod attachment baser (12) and tighten the tripod attachment knob (13) to secure the optical tube to the tripod.

2.Slide the erecting roof prism (3) into the eyepiece holder tube (2) and tighten the thumbscrew (2) to a firm feel.

3.Slide an eyepiece (1) into the erecting roof prism (3) and tighten the eyepiece thumbscrew (1) to a firm feel.

4.Place the viewfinder holder (6) over the two bolts (8) on the optical tube (9). See Fig. 1 for the orientation of the holder. Thread the viewfinder holder thumbscrews (8) over the bolts and tighten to a firm feel.

5.Slide the viewfinder tube (5) into the viewfinder holder (6) and tighten the viewfinder attachment screws (7). Before using the viewfinder, you will need to align it. See “Aligning the Viewfinder,” page 4.

6.Loosen the tripod lock ring (15) and lift or lower the telescope to a comfortable height. Relock the tripod lock ring.

7.Loosen the Vertical Lock knob (18) and adjust the angle of the optical tube to a position that allows you to observe comfortably. Retighten the knob, but do not overtighten—you may want to adjust the tube’s

position from time to time while you are observing.

3

 

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Meade 70AZ-T instruction manual Introduction Assembling the Telescope
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70AZ-T specifications

The Meade 70AZ-T is a compact and user-friendly telescope designed for both novice astronomers and seasoned enthusiasts. Developed by Meade Instruments, a recognized leader in the field of optics and astronomy, the 70AZ-T reflects a commitment to quality and performance in a portable design.

At the heart of the Meade 70AZ-T is its 70mm aperture, which strikes a balance between a wide field of view and sufficient light-gathering power. This aperture allows users to observe celestial objects with clarity, making it a great choice for viewing the Moon, planets, star clusters, and even some of the brighter deep-sky objects. The telescope’s optical system utilizes high-quality glass optics, ensuring sharp and bright images that can enhance the observing experience.

One of the standout features of the 70AZ-T is its straightforward Altazimuth mount, which allows for easy up and down (vertical) and side to side (horizontal) movement. This intuitive mount design enables users to quickly locate and track celestial objects, making it a suitable option for beginners who may be overwhelmed by more complex tracking systems. The telescope also comes with smooth and precise slow-motion controls that allow for fine adjustments when centering an object in the eyepiece.

The Meade 70AZ-T telescope is lightweight and portable, weighing just 5.5 pounds. This lightweight design means that it can easily be transported to different observing locations, whether in your backyard or on a camping trip. The telescope's adjustable height tripod further adds to its convenience, allowing users of various heights to observe comfortably.

In terms of technology, the Meade 70AZ-T is equipped with a range of accessories to enhance the viewing experience. It typically includes two eyepieces, offering different magnifications, which allow users to tailor their observations based on the specific celestial target. Additionally, a red dot finder is often included, helping users quickly aim the telescope and locate objects in the night sky.

Overall, the Meade 70AZ-T is an excellent choice for anyone looking to delve into the world of astronomy. Its combination of user-friendly design, portability, and quality optics, along with accessible features, makes it an ideal first telescope. Whether you are gazing at the craters of the Moon or the rings of Saturn, the 70AZ-T provides an engaging and enjoyable stargazing experience.
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