Meade 4504 User Manual

Instruction Manual

Meade Model 4504

4.5" (114mm) Equatorial Reflecting Telescope With Starfinder Electronic Hand Controller

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MEADE

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Meade Instruments Corporation

WARNING

NEVER USE A MEADE®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 OR ITS VIEWFINDER AT OR NEAR THE SUN. DO NOT LOOK THROUGH THE TELESCOPE OR ITS VIEWFINDER AS IT IS MOVING.

CHILDREN SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE ADULT

SUPERVISION WHILE OBSERVING.

How This Manual is Organized

This manual is divided into three major sections.

Part One, "The Basics," presents several "Lessons" that will teach you how to assemble and use your telescope and Starfinder. If you follow all the Lessons in this section, you will become familiar with the basic operation of your telescope and the Starfinder handbox by the end of Part One. This section covers the following procedures:

Lesson 1: Unpacking and Assembly.

How to unpack and assemble the basic telescope and tripod unit.

Lesson 2: Balancing the Telescope.

How to balance the telescope.

Lesson 3: Aligning the Viewfinder.

How to align the viewfinder and insert the eyepiece into the focuser.

Lesson 4: Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually.

How to focus an eyepiece. How to move your telescope manually to make observations.

Lesson 5: Observing using Starfinder's Arrow keys.

How to install the motor drives. How to change the slew speeds. How to observe using Starfinder's Arrow keys.

Lesson 6: Tracking Objects.

How to Polar align your telescope. How to observe using automatic tracking.

Lesson 7: Observing using Starfinder's Go To Capabilities.

How to initialize Starfinder and train the drive. How to move around in Starfinder's menus. How to observe using Starfinder and how to take a Guided Tour of the night sky.

Part Two, "Starfinder's Controls and Menus," provides more information about Starfinder's databases and menus.

Part Three, "Caring for Your Telescope," provides information that explains how to properly maintain your telescope.

The Appendices provide advanced information about your telescope, explain how objects move through the skies, and teach how to locate objects not listed in the Starfinder database.

® The name "Meade" and the Meade logo are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent Office and in principal countries

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART ONE: The Basics

Lesson 1: Unpacking and Assembly ....................................................................5

How to Assemble Your Telescope ......................................................................8

Lesson 2: Balancing the Telescope ....................................................................10

Lesson 3: Aligning the Viewfinder ......................................................................10

Lesson 4: Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually ..................................11

Observe the World Around You........................................................................13

Lesson 5: Using Starfinder's Arrow Keys ............................................................13

Motor Drive System and Starfinder Handbox Installation ................................13

Activate the Arrow Keys ..................................................................................14

Slew Speeds ....................................................................................................14

Observe the Moon............................................................................................15

Lesson 6: Tracking Objects ................................................................................15

To Polar Align the Telescope ............................................................................15

Observe a Star Using the Automatic Tracking Feature....................................16

Lesson 7: Using Starfinder's GO TO Capabilities ..............................................16

Moving Through Starfinder's Menus ................................................................16

Initializing Starfinder ........................................................................................17

Training the Drive ............................................................................................19

Align Your Telescope Using Starfinder ............................................................20

Check Mount ....................................................................................................20

Go To Saturn ....................................................................................................21

Using the Guided Tour ....................................................................................21

Some Observation Tips....................................................................................22

PART TWO: Starfinder Controls and Menus

Starfinder Controls ..............................................................................................23

How Starfinder's Menus Work ............................................................................26

Starfinder Navigation Exercise ............................................................................26

Starfinder Menus..................................................................................................28

Object Menu ....................................................................................................28

Event Menu ......................................................................................................29

Glossary Menu ................................................................................................29

Utilities Menu....................................................................................................30

Setup Menu......................................................................................................31

PART THREE: Caring for Your Telescope

Cleaning ..............................................................................................................33

Mount and Tripod Adjustments............................................................................33

Collimation (Alignment) of the Optics..................................................................34

Specifications ....................................................................................................37

Appendix A: Calculating Eyepiece Power ..........................................................38

Appendix B:Terrestrial Viewing, Celestial Movement, & Polar Alignment ..........39

Appendix C: Using Starfinder to Enter Celestial Coordinates ............................42

Appendix D: Helpful Charts ................................................................................43

Appendix E: Basic Astronomy ............................................................................44

Objects in Space ............................................................................................44

A Roadmap to the Stars..................................................................................46

Star Locator ....................................................................................................46

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Fig. 1: Parts included in the Meade Model 4504 Giftbox.

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PART ONE: The Basics

LESSON 1: Unpacking and Assembly

As you unpack your telescope, carefully note the following parts. The bolded numbers in parentheses on this page refer to the photos on page 4.

Telescope Assembly

• Equatorial mount (1) with a pre-attached heavy duty, continuously adjustable aluminum tripod with leg braces

• 3 tripod leg lock knobs (7)

• Complete optical tube assembly (2) including a 4.5" (114mm) diameter primary mirror with dust cover and a 0.965" rack-and-pinion focuser with dust cap

• 2 Cradle rings (3) with attached lock knobs

• Counterweight (8) and counterweight shaft (9)

• 5 x 24 viewfinder with rubber eyecup (5) and viewfinder bracket (10)

Motor Assembly

• Dual electronic motor drive assembly: The Right Ascension (R.A.) electronic motor drive (12) has a connector for the battery pack, marked "15v." The Declination (Dec) electronic motor drive (13) has a connector for the Starfinder handbox, marked "HBX." The motors are connected with a coiled cord.

• Starfinder handbox (14)

• Battery pack (16) and battery pack case (15) with adhesive backing

Accessories

• 3 Eyepieces (11) (0.965" optical diameter): SR 4mm, H 12.5mm, H 25mm

• 3x Barlow lens (4)

• Accessory shelf with mounting knob (6)

• 2 Hex Keys, 1.5mm, 5mm (not depicted)

• Astronomical software (not depicted)

You will need a #1 or #2 Phillips screwdriver to assemble this telescope.

Key to the photos, Fig. 1, page 4.

1. Tripod assembly with equatorial mount

2. Optical tube

3. Cradle rings

4. 3x Barlow lens

5. Viewfinder tube

6. Accessory shelf

7. Tripod leg adjustment knobs

8. Counterweight

9. Counterweight shaft

10. Viewfinder bracket

11. Eyepieces

12. R.A. motor drive

13. Dec motor drive

14. Starfinder handbox

15. Battery pack case

16. Battery pack

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Fig. 2a: The Meade Model 4504 4.5" Equatorial Reflecting Telescope.

1. Equatorial mount

2. Optical tube assembly

3. Cradle rings

4. Viewfinder bracket

5. Viewfinder rubber eyepiece

6. 5 x 24 viewfinder

7. Viewfinder bracket thumbscrews

8. Telescope front dust cover

9. Dec setting circle

10. Counterweight

11. Counterweight shaft

12. Safety washer/thumbscrew

13. Counterweight lock

14. Latitude dial

15. R.A. setting circle

Key to Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c

16. Latitude adjustment knob

17. Focuser, Focus knobs

18. Eyepiece thumbscrew

19. Eyepiece

20. Cradle ring lock knobs

21. Optical tube saddle plate

22. Dec motor drive assembly

23. Latitude lock

24. Azimuth lock

25. R.A. motor drive assembly

26. R.A. lock

27. Dec lock

28. Tripod legs brace support

29. Tripod legs lock knobs

30. Accessory shelf

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NOTE: The coiled cord that connects to the two motor drives has been omitted from the illustration for the sake of clarity.

Fig. 2b: The Meade Model 4504 4.5" Equatorial Reflecting Telescope.

Fig. 2c: The Meade Model 4504 4.5" Equatorial Reflecting Telescope.

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How to Assemble Your Telescope

The giftbox contains the optical tube assembly and the tripod with the equatorial mount. The accessories are located within compartments custom-cut into the styrofoam block inserts. Refer to Figures 1, 2a, 2b, and 2c for images of the parts and the overall assembly of the 4504 telescope.

1. Remove the components from the giftbox: Remove and identify the telescope’s standard equipment. For a listing of parts that are included in the giftbox, see pages 4 and 5. When removing the tripod from the giftbox, hold the assembly parallel (horizontal) to the ground or the inner tripod leg extensions will slide out as they are not locked in place.

2. Install the lock knobs on the tripod: Place the tripod in a horizontal position on the floor before performing this step. The three tripod lock knobs (7, Fig. 1) have been removed from the bottom section of each tripod leg to insure safe arrival of the tripod assembly. To install, thread each tripod lock knob into the threaded hole located at the right side of each of the three gray-colored castings at the bottom of each tripod leg. See Fig. 3, and 29, Fig. 2c. Tighten the tripod lock knob to a "firm feel" only to avoid damage to the tripod caused by overtightening.

3. Stand the tripod: Hold the mount for support (the mount will be loose) and stand the tripod in a vertical position. Slide the cardboard sheath upward to allow it to come free when the tripod legs are spread out during the next step.

4. Adjust the tripod legs. Spread the tripod legs as far as they will open, so that the leg braces (28, Fig. 2c) are taut. Should one of the leg braces slip out of the center triangle fastener, reposition the brace and slide it back into the triangle fastener.

5. Attach the accessory shelf to the tripod: Remove the mounting knob from the round accessory shelf (6, Fig. 1). Place the accessory shelf on top of the center triangle leg brace fastener so that the threaded stud protruding from the bottom of the shelf (Fig. 4) passes through the hole in the center of the triangle fastener. Next, thread the mounting knob shaft into the threaded stud. Tighten to a firm feel.

6. Attach the counterweight to the counterweight shaft: Look through the hole in the counterweight and note the pin blocking the hole (Fig. 5). Tilt the counterweight slightly and the pin moves out of position, clearing the hole. If the pin does not move, slightly unscrew the counterweight lock knob (Fig. 5) until the pin moves. Holding the counterweight (8, Fig. 1) firmly in one hand, tilt the counterweight to move the pin from the hole and slip the counterweight onto the counterweight shaft (9, Fig. 1). Tighten the counterweight lock knob (Fig. 5) to a firm feel.

7. Attach the counterweight assembly to the mount: Attach the counterweight shaft assembly by supporting the counterweight firmly in one hand, while threading the counterweight shaft into the base (Fig. 6) of the Declination axis of the telescope’s equatorial mount with the other. Once firmly attached, loosen the counterweight lock knob, slide the counterweight to the midpoint of the counterweight shaft, and re-tighten the lock knob firmly in place (Fig. 5).

NOTE: If the counterweight ever slips, the secured threaded safety washer/knob (12, Fig. 2a) prevents the counterweight from sliding entirely off the shaft. The safety washer/knob is pre-attached at the factory. Make

sure that this safety washer/knob always remains in place.

Fig. 3: Tripod leg lock

knob.

Fig. 5: Counterweight and pin.

Lock knob

Fig. 4: Accessory shelf installation.

Fig. 6: Attach counterweight assembly to the mount.

Thread shaft into base

Threaded hole

Sliding inner leg

Leg lock knob

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8. Tilt the assembly: Unlock the R.A. lock (26, Fig. 2b) and the Dec lock (27, Fig. 2b) so that the telescope turns freely on both axes. Tilting these axes makes it

easier for you to perform the following steps. Turn the latitude adjustment knob (16, Fig. 2a) until approximately 1 1/2 inches of thread is showing. This will adjust the equatorial mount (1, Fig. 2a) to a comfortable angle for tube attachment.

9. Attach the cradle rings to the saddle plate: Remove the attachment screws from the saddle plate (these screws come attached in the threaded screw holes of the saddle plate, 1, Fig. 7). Position the threaded screw hole of a cradle ring (4, Fig. 7) under one of the threaded screw holes of the saddle plate (1, Fig. 7). Thread one of the attachment screws (5, Fig. 7) through the bottom side of the cradle ring and through the saddle plate, tightening it with the provided 5mm hex wrench (so that it is only "fingertight," that is, just loose). Repeat for the second cradle ring. Remove the cradle ring lock knobs (20, Fig. 2b) and open the cradle rings.

10. Position optical tube: While firmly holding the optical tube (2, Fig. 2a), position it onto the cradle rings (3, Fig. 2a) with the mid-point of the optical tube’s length lying roughly in the center of the saddle plate. Point the tube so that the front end (this end comes shipped with the dust cover (8, Fig. 2a) over it) is oriented as depicted in Fig. 2a. Then close the cradle rings (3, Fig. 2a) over the optical tube and loosely tighten one of the cradle ring lock knobs (20, Fig. 2b) just to hold the tube in place so you can perform the next step of this procedure.

11. Secure the optical tube: Tighten the cradle ring attachment hex screws to a firm feel. Then tighten both cradle ring lock knobs (20, Fig. 2b) to a firm feel; do not overtighten these knobs as you may wish loosen them frequently in order to rotate the optical tube and position the eyepiece (19, Fig. 2b) in a more comfortable observing position. This adjustment may be performed several times in one observing session, if so desired.

12. Attach viewfinder: The viewfinder holder has two restrained screws, i.e., they cannot be removed from the holder. Position the two screws over the threaded holes in the viewfinder mounting plate and tighten the screws using a #1 or #2 Phillips screwdriver. It does not matter which way you orient the holder lengthwise. Loosen the viewfinder's thumbscrews (7, Fig. 2a), but do not remove them. Remove the viewfinder tube's rubber eyecup (5, Fig. 2a) and slide the tube (6, Fig. 2a) through the bracket rings of the holder. Then center the tube by adjusting the thumbscrews (7, Fig. 2a) on each bracket ring. Re-attach the eyecup. Make sure that the viewfinder is oriented so that the rubber eyecup is pointing away from front end of the optical tube (5, Fig. 2a).

13. Insert the eyepiece: Lift to remove the dust cap from the focuser assembly (17, Fig. 2b). Put the dust cap aside in a safe place and replace it when you have finished observing to protect the eyepiece assembly. Loosen the eyepiece thumbscrews (18, Fig. 2b) and insert the H 25mm eyepiece (Fig. 8) into the focuser. Tighten the focuser thumbscrews to secure the eyepiece.

14. Adjust the height of the tripod: Adjust the height of the tripod by loosening the tripod lock knobs (29, Fig. 2c) and extending the sliding inner section of each tripod leg to the desired length; then tighten each knob. Adjust the tripod to a height that is comfortable for viewing.

Lesson 5 presents a procedure that explains how to attach the motor drive assemblies. However, that procedure is not necessary at this time. The following lesson demonstrates how to balance your telescope.

Fig. 7: Attach cradle rings to the saddle plate with attachment screws.

Threaded screw hole

(saddle plate)

2. Saddle plate

3. Cradle ring

Threaded screw hole

(cradle ring)

5. Attachment screw

Fig. 8: Insert eyepiece into the focuser assembly.

Eyepiece

Thumbscrew

Focuser

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LESSON 2: Balancing the Telescope

In order for the telescope to be stable on the tripod and also for it to move smoothly, it must be balanced. To balance the telescope, you will unlock the Right Ascension or R.A. lock (26, Fig. 2b and Fig. 9a). When this axis is unlocked, the telescope pivots more or less horizontally on the mount. This is called the R.A. axis. Later in the procedure, you will also unlock the Declination or Dec lock (27, Fig. 2b and Fig. 9a). When unlocked, the telescope pivots more or less vertically on the mount. This is called the Dec axis. Most of the motion of the telescope takes place by moving about these two axes, separately or simultaneously. To obtain a fine balance of the telescope, follow the method below:

1. Firmly hold the optical tube secure so that it cannot accidentally swing freely. Loosen the R.A. lock (26, Fig. 2b). The optical tube now turns freely about the R.A. axis. Rotate the telescope so that the counterweight shaft (11, Fig. 2a) is parallel (horizontal) to the ground (Fig. 9b).

2. Unlock the counterweight lock knob (13, Fig. 2a) and slide the counterweight (10, Fig. 2a) along the counterweight shaft until the telescope remains in one position without tending to drift down in either direction. Then re-tighten the counterweight lock knob (13, Fig. 2a), locking the counterweight in position.

3. Again, hold onto the optical tube so that it cannot accidentally swing freely. Lock the R.A. lock (26, Fig. 2b), and unlock the Dec lock (27, Fig. 2b). The telescope now is able to move freely about the Dec axis. Loosen the cradle ring lock knobs (20, Fig. 2b) so that the main tube slides easily back and forth in the cradle rings. Move the main tube in the cradle rings until the telescope remains in one position without tending to drift down in either direction. Re-lock the Dec lock (27, Fig. 2b).

The telescope is now properly balanced on both axes. Next, the viewfinder must be aligned.

LESSON 3: Aligning the Viewfinder

The wide field of view of the 5 x 24mm viewfinder provides an easier way to initially sight objects than the main telescope's eyepiece, which has a much narrower field of view. If the 5 x 24 mm viewfinder (6, Fig. 2a) is not already attached to the telescope tube assembly, follow the procedure described in Lesson 1, step 7.

In order for the viewfinder to be functional, it must be aligned to the main telescope, so that both the viewfinder and main telescope point at the same position in the sky. This alignment makes it easier to find objects – first locate an object in the wide-field viewfinder, then look into the eyepiece of the main telescope for a detailed view.

To align the viewfinder, follow these steps. Perform steps 1 through 4 during the daytime; perform step 5 at night.

1. Remove the telescope front dust cover (8, Fig. 2a).

2. If you have not already done so, insert the low-power H 25mm eyepiece (19, Fig. 2b) into the focuser of the main telescope. See Lesson 1, step #11.

3. Unlock the R.A. lock (26, Fig. 2b) and the Dec lock (27, Fig. 2b) so that the telescope turns freely on both axes. Then point the main telescope at some welldefined and stationary land object (e.g., the top of a telephone pole) at least 200 yards distant and center the object in the telescope's eyepiece. Re-tighten the R.A and Dec locks.

4. Look through the viewfinder and loosen or tighten, as appropriate, one or more of the viewfinder bracket ring thumbscrews (7, Fig. 2a) until the viewfinder’s crosshairs are precisely centered on the object you previously centered in the main telescope's eyepiece.

Fig. 9b: Balancing the telescope.

Counterweight shaft parallel to floor

Fig. 9a: Balancing the telescope: the axes locks.

R.A. Lock

Dec Lock

page 11

NEVER point the telescope directly at or near the Sun at any time! Observing the Sun, even for the smallest fraction of a second, will result in instant and irreversible eye damage, as well as physical damage to the telescope itself.

Check this alignment on a celestial object, such as a bright star or the Moon, and make any necessary refinements, using the method outlined above in steps 3 and 4.

With this alignment performed, objects first located in the wide-field viewfinder will also be centered in the main telescope’s field of view. You are now ready to make your first observations with your telescope.

NOTE: The viewfinder and telescope present an upside-down image.

LESSON 4: Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually

This method describes how to make observations by manually moving the telescope.

After the telescope is assembled and balanced as described previously, you are ready to begin manual observations. View easy-to-find terrestrial objects such as street signs or traffic lights to become accustomed to the functions and operations of the telescope. For the best results during observations, follow the suggestions below:

• When you wish to locate an object to observe, first loosen the telescope’s R.A. lock (26, Fig. 2b) and Dec lock (27, Fig. 2b). The telescope can now turn freely on its axes. Also unlock the Azimuth lock (24, Fig. 2b). Unlock each axis separately and practice moving your telescope. Then practice with two or more unlocked axes at the same time. It is very important to practice this step to understand how your telescope moves, as the movement of an equatorial mount is not intuitive.

• Use the aligned viewfinder to sight-in on the object you wish to observe. When the object is centered in the viewfinder’s crosshairs, re-tighten the R.A. and Dec locks.

• A telescope’s eyepiece magnifies the image formed by the telescope’s main optics. Each eyepiece has a focal length, expressed in millimeters, or “mm.” The smaller the focal length, the higher the magnification. For example, an eyepiece with a focal length of 4mm has a higher magnification than an eyepiece with a focal length of 25mm. See "APPENDIX A," page 38 for more information.

Low-power magnification eyepieces offer a wide field of view, bright, high-contrast images, and relief of eye strain during long observing sessions. To observe an object with a telescope, always start with a low power eyepiece such as the H 25mm supplied with the 4504. When the object is centered and focused in the eyepiece, switch to a higher power eyepiece to enlarge the image as much as practical for prevailing viewing conditions.

NOTE: Viewing conditions vary widely from night-to-night and site-to-site. Turbulence in the air, even on an apparently clear night, can distort images. If an image appears fuzzy and ill-defined, back off to a low-power eyepiece for a more well-resolved image.

• The Barlow lens included with your telescope triples the eyepiece magnification. See "APPENDIX A," page 38 for more information.

• Once centered, an object can be focused by turning one of the knobs of the focusing mechanism (17, Fig. 2b). Notice that when observing astronomical objects, the field of view begins to slowly drift across the eyepiece field. This motion is caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis. Objects appear to move through the field more rapidly at higher powers. See "APPENDIX B," page 39, for detailed information. Lesson 6 will explain how you can counteract the drift in the field of view.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Whenever you move your telescope, either manually or with Starfinder, position the levers of the R.A. and Dec locks so that they point upwards (see Fig.

10). An incorrectly positioned lever may strike and damage another piece of the telescope assembly while the telescope is moving.

Point lever upwards

Fig. 10: Correctly positioned lever.

page 12

Fig. 11: Motor drive system assembly.

1. R.A. Worm Shaft

2. (R.A. Axis) Plastic Adapter

3. Aluminum Shaft

4. Set Screw

5. Circular Housing containing

notched plastic shaft

6. Battery Pack Connector

7. LED

8. R.A. Motor Drive

9. Handbox (HBX) Port

10. Dec Motor Drive

11. R.A. Lock

12. Dec Worm Shaft

13. Set Screws

Key to Figure 11

page 13

Observe the World Around You

Practice observing during the day, when it is easier to become familiar with the controls of your telescope.

1. Loosen the telescope’s R.A. lock (26, Fig. 2b) and Dec lock (27, Fig. 2b).

2. Move your telescope to observe distant street signs, mountains, trees, and other structures. Use your viewfinder to to help site-in an object.

3. When the object is centered in the viewfinder’s crosshairs, remember to re-tighten the R.A. and Dec locks.

4. Center the object in your eyepiece. Practice focusing with your eyepieces.

5. Once you get a feel for how your telescope moves and focuses, try to view something more challenging, like a bird or a distant moving train.

LESSON 5: Observing Using Starfinder's Arrow Keys

Before you can observe using Starfinder's Arrow keys, the motor drive assemblies and the Starfinder handbox must be attached to the telescope.

Motor Drive System and Starfinder Handbox Installation

To attach the Electronic Motor Drive System to the telescope, follow this procedure:

1. Locate the plastic adapter (2, Fig. 11) on the R.A. axis (1, Fig. 11). Note the aluminum shaft (3, Fig. 12a) inside the adapter and the four small protrusions (2, Fig. 12a) on the adapter's circular edge.

2. Locate the components of the R.A. motor drive (8, Fig. 11). Note the notched plastic shaft (6, Fig. 12b) inside the circular housing on the side of the motor drive. Also note the four small recesses (5, Fig. 12b) inside this housing.

NOTE: The R.A. motor drive has a connector for the battery pack that is marked "15v."

3. Attach the R.A. motor drive to the R.A. axis: Align and slide the notch (6, Fig. 12b) of the plastic shaft of the R.A. motor drive over the aluminum shaft (3, Fig. 12a) inside the plastic adapter on the R.A. axis. Orient the R.A. motor drive box

as depicted in 8, Fig. 11.

4. Rotate the R.A. motor drive until you feel the four protrusions (2, Fig. 12a) on the plastic adapter slide into the four matching recesses (5, Fig. 12b) inside the motor drive.

5. Tighten the set screws: Tighten the two set screws (4, Fig. 11) to a firm feel only with the supplied 1.5mm hex key. The set screws come attached to the motor drive.

6. Repeat the process to attach the Dec electronic motor drive to the Dec axis (10, Fig. 11). Orient the Dec motor drive box as depicted in 10, Fig. 11.

7. Attach Starfinder: Plug Starfinder’s coiled cord into the connector (9, Fig. 11) on the Dec motor box.

8. Install batteries: Install ten (user-supplied) AA-size batteries into the separate battery pack and plug the battery pack into the connector (16, Fig. 1) on the R.A. motor box (6, Fig. 11). The battery pack case has a strip of adhesive attached to it. Remove the protective covering from the adhesive and attach the case to the tripod, if so desired.

The Electronic Motor Drive System is now ready for operation.

Fig. 12a: Plastic adapter assembly.

1. Plastic adapter

2. Protrusions

3. Aluminum shaft

Fig. 12b: Motor drive assembly.

4. Motor drive

5. Recesses

6. Notched shaft

page 14

Activate the Arrow Keys

This procedure describes how to activate Starfinder's Arrow keys:

1. After Starfinder's cord is plugged in and the batteries are installed, a copyright message lights on the Starfinder LCD display (1, Fig.

13).

2. A message warning not to look at the Sun scrolls across the display. Press the key prompted by Starfinder to acknowledge that the Sun warning has been read and understood.

3. Press the ENTER (2, Fig. 13) key repeatedly until "Country/State" appears on the display. (Ignore the prompts requesting Date and Time – these functions will be explained in Lesson 7, but are not necessary for the current lesson.)

4. Use the Scroll keys (6 and 7, Fig. 13) to cycle through the database of countries, states, and provinces. Press ENTER when the correct location displays.

5. Starfinder then prompts you to enter the nearest city (listed alphabetically) to the observing site. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the database of cities. Press ENTER when the correct city appears on screen. The display then reads "Align: One Star." You now can use Starfinder's Arrow keys to move the telescope to observe.

NOTE: If you go past the "Align: One Star" (or any other menu display you wish to select), press MODE to return to the previous display(s).

6. Press the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 13) to slew (move) the telescope up, down, right, or left. You can slew (move) the telescope at different speeds.

Slew Speeds

Starfinder has seven slew (move) speeds. Each speed has been calculated to accomplish specific functions. Pressing the Speed/? key (8, Fig. 13) briefly changes the slew speed, which is shown briefly on Starfinder’s display as the key is pressed. Each press decreases the slew speed down one level and then cycles back to the fastest speed.

NOTE: Pressing the Speed/? key briefly changes the slew speed. Holding down the Speed/? key longer (one to two seconds) accesses the Help function.

The seven available speeds are: Speed 1 Max = 240 x sidereal (60 arc-min/sec or 1°/sec)

Speed 2 0.5° = 120 x sidereal (30 arc-min/sec or 0.5°/sec)

Speed 3 64X = 64 x sidereal (16 arc-min/sec or 0.27°/sec)

Speed 4 32X = 32 x sidereal (8 arc-min/sec or 0.13°/sec)

Speed 5 16X = 16 x sidereal (4 arc-min/sec or 0.067°/sec)

Speed 6 8X = 8 x sidereal (2 arc-min/sec or 0.033°/sec)

Speed 7 2X = 2 x sidereal (0.5 arc-min/sec or 0.008°/sec)

Fig. 13: The Starfinder handbox.

NOTE:

Press and hold the Up Arrow key to speed up the scroll speed of the display or press and hold the Down Arrow key to slow down the scroll speed. When the display is scrolling at a speed that is comfortable for reading, release the key.

NOTE: Starfinder only prompts you to enter Country (or State) and City as described in steps 3, 4, and 5, the first time it is activated. These prompts do not appear again, unless you reset Starfinder (see "RESET," page

32).

However, if you need to enter this information (e.g., you change your geographic location), you need not perform a Reset, which erases user entered data, such as Landmarks and User Objects. You can change the location information by using the Site option of the Setup menu. See "SITE," page 32, for detailed information.

page 15

Speed 1: Fastest speed to move the telescope from one point in the sky to another.

Speeds 2 or 3: Best used for the rough centering of an object in the eyepiece.

Speeds 4 or 5: Enables the centering an object in the field of a low-to-moderate power eyepiece such as the standard H 25mm

Speeds 6 or 7: Best used for the fine centering of an object in the field of view of a high-power eyepiece such as the standard SR 4mm.

Observe the Moon

Point your telescope at the Moon (note that the Moon is not visible every night) and practice using the Arrow keys and the slew speeds to view different features. The Moon contains many interesting features, including craters, mountain ranges, and fault lines. The best time to view the Moon is during its crescent or half phase. Sunlight strikes the Moon at an angle during these periods and adds a depth to the view. No shadows are seen during a full Moon, causing the overly bright surface to appear flat and rather uninteresting. Consider the use a neutral density Moon filter when observing the Moon. Not only does it cut down the Moon's bright glare, but it also enhances contrast, providing a more dramatic image.

NOTE: Do not look through the telescope's eyepiece or viewfinder while it is rapidly moving. Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

LESSON 6: Tracking Objects

As the Earth rotates beneath the night sky, the stars appear to move from East to West. The speed at which the stars move is called the sidereal rate. You can setup your telescope to move at the sidereal rate so that it automatically tracks the stars and other objects in the night sky. The tracking function automatically keeps an object more or less centered in the telescope’s eyepiece.

To automatically track objects, you must first Polar align the telescope and then select "Targets: Astronomical" from the Starfinder Setup menu.

To Polar Align the Telescope:

1. Level the mount, if necessary, by adjusting the length of the three tripod legs.

2. Release the Azimuth lock (24, Fig. 2b) of the tripod, so that the entire telescope may be rotated in a horizontal direction. Rotate the telescope until it points due North. Then re-tighten the lock. Use a compass or locate Polaris, the North Star (see Fig. 31, page 40), as an accurate reference for due North.

3. Determine the latitude of your observing location. See "APPENDIX D: HELPFUL CHARTS," page 43, for a list of latitudes of major cities around the world. Release the latitude lock (23, Fig. 2b) and tilt the telescope mount with the latitude adjustment knob (16, Fig. 2a) so that the pointer indicates the correct latitude of your viewing location on the latitude scale (Fig. 14). Re-tighten the latitude lock (23, Fig. 2b).

4 Unlock the Dec Lock (27, Fig. 2b). Rotate the Optical Tube Assembly until the Dec

setting circle pointer (Fig. 15) points at 90°.

5. If steps 1 through 4 above were performed with reasonable accuracy, your telescope is now sufficiently well-aligned to Polaris, the North Star, for you to begin making observations.

Once the mount has been Polar-aligned as described above, the latitude angle need not be adjusted again, unless you move to a different geographical location (i.e., a different latitude). The only Polar Alignment procedure that needs to be performed each time you observe is to point the telescope due North, as described in step 2 above.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For almost all astronomical observing requirements, approximate settings of the telescope’s latitude and azimuth axis are acceptable. Do not allow undue attention to precise Polar Alignment of the telescope to interfere with your basic enjoyment of the instrument.

Fig. 14: Latitude dial.

Fig. 15: Dec setting

circle.

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