Meade NG User Manual

Instruction Manual

NGC-Series Telescopes NG-Series Telescopes

WARNING!

CONTENTS

Telescope and Features.................................................. 4

Never use a Meade®NGC™or NG 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.

CAUTION: Use care to install batteries in the orientation indicated by the battery connector. Follow battery manufacturer's precautions. If these precautions are not followed, batteries may explode, catch fire, or leak. Improperly installed batteries void your Meade warranty.

™

Telescope and Tripod Features...................................... 6

Getting Started................................................................ 8

Parts Listing .............................................................. 8

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

Attaching and Aligning the Viewfinder........................ 9

Choosing an Eyepiece.............................................. 9

Simple Observations ................................................10

Initializing the Control Panel......................................11

How to Set Time and Date Example ........................11

Easy Alignment ........................................................12

Go To Saturn ............................................................13

Using the Guided Tour ..............................................13

Menus ............................................................................15

The NGC Menu Structure..........................................15

How to Move through the Menu Options..................15

How to Calculate Sunset Time Example ..................15

Object Menu..............................................................16

Event Menu ..............................................................16

"Easy Align" patent number 6,392,799 and other patents pending.

Patent: US 6,392,799

Glossary Menu..........................................................17

Utilities Menu ............................................................17

Setup Menu ..............................................................18

Optional Accessories......................................................19

Maintenance ..................................................................20

General Maintenance................................................20

Storage and Transport..............................................20

Troubleshooting ........................................................20

Meade Customer Service ........................................21

Specifications............................................................21

Appendix A: Advanced Features ....................................22

Celestial Coordinates................................................22

Entering Coordinates for Objects not in Database ..22

To Go to a User-Entered Object ..............................23

Landmarks ................................................................23

To Add a Landmark to the database ....................23

To Select a Landmark from the database..............23

Appendix B: Alternate Tray ASssembly..........................24

Basic Astronomy ............................................................25

TELESCOPE FEATURES

1) 1!

Fig. 1: The NGC telescope. Inset: Alternate tray style.

Your telescope may look different from the one depicted above. Some differences include:

• NG models do not include a control panel (

• 90° diagonal mirror styles vary (8, Fig. 1 or 28, Fig. 4 inset)

• Some models include 1.25" diameter eyepieces; other models include .965" diameter eyepieces (7, Fig. 1)

• Viewfinder bracket (

• Accessory tray styles vary

• Model colors vary

• Some models include a focus lock knob (27, Fig. 4 inset)

6, Fig. 4 and inset) styles vary

4, Fig. 1) or a battery compartment (18, Fig. 2)

Fig. 2: Top view of the NGC base. Fig. 3: Detailed view of the NGC computer control panel.

Fig. 4: Detailed view of the focuser assembly and the viewfinder. Inset: Alternate style focuser and viewfinder.

Telescope and Tripod Features

b Dust Cap (not shown): Pull to remove from the dew shield (17, Fig. 1).

NOTE: The dust cap should be replaced after each observing session and the power turned off (NGC models only) to the telescope. Verify that any dew that might have collected during the observing session has evaporated prior to replacing the dust cap.

C Optical Tube: The main optical component that gathers the light from distant

objects and brings this light to a focus for examination with the eyepiece.

D Optical Tube Attachment Bracket: Attach the optical tube to this bracket. See

HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 8, for more information.

E Control Panel (Fig. 3, NGC Models Only):

A. 2-Line LCD Display: Displays menus and information concerning the com-

puter controller.

Top line: Displays menu items.

•

• Bottom line: Displays menu options or information. For example,

information about an astronomical object, such as a planet, or information about locating an object.

Enter Button: Accesses, in order, the next menu or option. When a menu

option you wish to choose displays, press ENTER to select it. This button is similar to a computer's RETURN key.

Mode Button: Press this button when you wish to return to the previous

menu. The MODE key is similar to a computer's ESCAPE key. If MODE is pressed and held for two seconds or more, the following informa-

tion displays:

• Astronomical coordinates of a selected object

• Local Time and Local Sidereal Time (LST)

• Timer and Alarm Status

Press MODE again to return to the previous menu. Up/Down Button: Use UP/DOWN to scroll through the letters of the alpha-

bet, numerical digits, menus, menu options and other information.

E. On/Off: Press to turn the control panel on or off. F. Vertical Slow Motion Control Knob: Use this control to make fine adjust-

ments in the vertical movement of the telescope. Aux Port: Use this port, along with the optional #506 Astrofinder Software and

Cable Connector Kit, to connect to your PC, or to update celestial objects for your control panel from the Meade website (www.meade.com). See

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 19, for more information.

F Optical Tube Attachment Knobs: Attach these knobs to the bolts on the optical

tube when you attach the optical tube to the bracket. See

YOUR TELESCOPE,

page 8, for more information.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE

G Viewfinder: Before looking at an object in the eyepiece, locate the object in the

viewfinder. The viewfinder provides a much easier way to locate celestial objects than a telescope eyepiece, because it has a much wider field of view.

H Eyepiece: Place the eyepiece into the 90° diagonal mirror (8, Fig. 1 or 28, Fig. 4)

and tighten the thumbscrew (25, Fig. 4) to a firm feel only. You may also place the eyepiece directly into the focuser drawtube (9, Fig. 1). Use the focus knobs (10, Fig. 1) to focus the eyepiece.

I 90° Diagonal Mirror, Style 1: Holds the eyepiece at a convenient angle for easy

viewing. Slide the diagonal mirror into the focuser drawtube the thumbscrew (26, Fig. 4) to a firm feel only.

(9, Fig. 1) and tighten

J Focuser Drawtube: Slide the diagonal mirror or an eyepiece into this tube.

Tighten the thumbscrew (26, Fig. 4) to a firm feel only.

1) Focus Knobs: Use to

image focus. Rotate the focus knobs clockwise to focus on distant objects, and counterclockwise to focus on nearby objects.

move the telescope’s focuser assembly

to obtain precise

1! Tripod Leg Nuts and Bolts (3): Attach the tripod legs (15, Fig. 1) to the tripod

head (

16, Fig. 1) using these three nuts and bolts. See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR

TELESCOPE, page 8, for more information.

1@ Tripod Struts: Attach the struts to accessory tray. See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR

TELESCOPE,

page 8, for more information.

1# Tripod Leg Lock (3): Lift the lock to loosen the inner section of a tripod leg and

extend the inner leg to the desired height. Press the lock down to lock the leg again.

1$ Accessory Tray: Use the tray to hold extra eyepieces during your observing ses-

sions.

1% Tripod Legs: Attach the legs to the tripod head (16, Fig. 1). See HOW TO ASSEM-

BLE YOUR TELESCOPE,

legs out as far as they will open for a secure viewing platform.

page 8, for more information. When observing, spread the

1^ Base/Tripod Head: Supports the telescope for placement on the tripod. See HOW

TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE,

page 8, for more information.

1& Dew shield: Reduces the formation of dew on the telescope's primary lens and

acts as a shade for daytime use.

1* Battery Compartment Lid (NGC Models Only): Remove the lid to install one

user-supplied 9v battery in this compartment. See

TELESCOPE, page 8, for more information.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR

NOTE: Sometimes air gets trapped below the compass dial causing the compass to not work properly.

Gently tap the battery cover to insure that no air is trapped below the compass dial.

1( Compass/Bubble Level NGC Models Only): Use the compass to locate North

while aligning the telescope. See tion. Note that the compass is positioned next to an arrow etched onto the base. When the arrow of the compass and the etched arrow both point in the same direction, the telescope is then pointed North.

Use the bubble level to help level the base of your tripod. When the bubble is in the center of the compass, the base is level.

EASY ALIGNMENT, page 12, for more informa-

2) Horizontal Slow Motion Control Knob (NGC Models Only): Use this control to

make fine adjustments in the horizontal movement of the telescope.

2! Viewfinder Lens: Gathers light for the viewfinder. 2@ Viewfinder Alignment Screws: Adjust these screws to align the viewfinder. See

ALIGNING THE VIEWFINDER, page 9, for more information.

2# Viewfinder Eyepiece and Rubber Cup: Turn the viewfinder eyepiece, if neces-

sary, to focus the viewfinder. The rubber cup may be removed, if so desired.

2$ Viewfinder Bracket: Holds the viewfinder in place. Attach to the optical tube. See

HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 8, for more information.

2% Diagonal Mirror Thumbscrew: Tightens the eyepiece in place. Tighten to a "firm

feel" only.

2^ Focuser Drawtube Thumbscrew: Tightens a diagonal mirror or an eyepiece in

place. Tighten to a firm feel only.

2& Focus Lock Knob (Fig. 4 inset): This feature is designed to prevent the focuser

drawtube from moving when a heavy accessory, such as a camera, is attached to the focuser assembly. For normal observing with an eyepiece and diagonal mirror, it is not necessary to use the lock knob.

2* 90° Diagonal Mirror, Style 2 (Fig. 4 inset): Holds the eyepiece at a convenient

angle for easy viewing. Slide the diagonal mirror into the eyepiece holder and tighten the thumbscrew to a firm feel only.

Insert bolt

GETTING STARTED

Parts Listing

• Complete 60mm diameter optical tube assembly with dew shield, dust cap, 5 x 24 viewfinder, and rack-and-pinion focuser; electronic control panel (NGC models only).

• Continuously adjustable aluminum tripod and leg braces.

• Accessories: Eyepieces and 90° diagonal mirror

Accessory tray 3 screws (3/8" long) with wing nuts and screwdriver tool 3 screws (1 9/16" long) with hex nuts 2 nuts for attaching optical tube to bracket (certain models) 3 cylindrical pins (certain models)

Fig. 5: Attach tripod legs to the tripod head.

Fig. 6: Tighten screws with screwdriver tool to attach tray to the struts (Style 1).

Fig. 7: Attach pin to tripod leg bracket with a large pliers (Style 2).

Fasten wing nuts

Fig. 8: Attach tray to the tripod: Thread the wing nuts to the bolts (bottom view; Style 2).

How to Assemble Your Telescope

Note that although the telescope is unassembled, all of the more difficult or complicated sections of the instrument are already factory pre-assembled. To set up the telescope, follow this procedure:

Identify: Remove from the gift box and identify the telescope’s components,

1. using the listing above.

2. Tripod setup: The tripod is shipped with the tripod head and the tripod legs unat- tached. Attach the 3 aluminum tripod legs (15, Fig. 1) to the tripod head (16, Fig.

) with the 3 leg locks facing inward. Three 1 9/16" long bolts and hex nuts are

provided for this purpose. See Fig. 5. Spread the tripod legs evenly apart.

3. Attach the accessory tray: Your telescope comes supplied with one of two dif- ferent tray styles.

Style 1: Attach the accessory tray (14, Fig. 1) to the leg brace supports (12, Fig.

1) using the three provided 3/8" long screws and the wing nuts. Place the acces-

sory tray on top of one of the leg brace supports of the tripod so that the mounting screw passes through the hole at one of the corners of the accessory tray, and through the slot in the leg brace support. Then thread-on the wing nut and tighten the screw using the provided screwdriver tool. See procedure until all 3 corners are mounted to the 3 leg braces.

Style 2: Attach the inner support struts to the tripod legs using the provided pins. Line up the cylinder on the end of each strut between the holes on the bracket on each tripod leg. Use a large pliers to squeeze the pins into the bracket assembly. See Fig. 7. Place the tray (14, Fig. 1) over any one of the inner support struts. Line up the bolts on the tray with the bolt holes on the strut. Slide the two provided bolts through the top of the bolt holes and tighten with the included wing nuts on the bottom side of the tray (

Note: This style tray does not have to be removed when you collapse the tripod at the end of a viewing session.

Style 3 (Round Tray): See APPENDIX B, page 24.

4. Set tripod leg height: Lift the tripod leg lock (13, Fig. 1) and extend the sliding center portion of the adjustable height tripod leg ( Press the leg lock down to lock.

5. Attach the optical tube to bracket: Your telescope comes supplied with one of two styles of optical tube attachment.

Style 1: Two bolts extend from the center portion of the optical tube (2, Fig. 1). Slide the bolts through the holes in the bracket (3, Fig. 1). Thread the provided attachment nuts over the bolts and tighten to a firm feel. See Fig. 9a.

Style 2: Unthread the cradle lock knob to open the cradle ring. Place the optical tube into the cradle ring. Tighten the lock knob so that it holds the tube loosely. Balance the tube: Slide the tube back and forth until you find a position where the tube remains horizontal ( ring lock knob to a firm feel. See

Note: If the horizontal and/or vertical movement of the optical tube seems to be too loose or too tight, you can adjust the amount of tension in the movement of the tube to suit your own preference. See ADJUSTING THE

HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL TENSION OF THE OPTICAL TUBE

i.e., without tipping up or down). Now tighten the cradle

Fig. 8). Tighten to a firm feel only.

15, Fig. 1) to the desired length.

Fig. 9b.

Fig. 6. Repeat this

, page 20.

Bracket

Attachment Nuts

Fig. 9a: Attach optical tube to the mount (Style 1).

Lock

Cradle

Fig. 9b: Attach optical tube to cradle ring (Style 2).

Fig. 10a: Attach viewfinder to the optical tube (Style 1).

Fig. 10b: Attach viewfinder to the optical tube (Style 2).

Knob

6. Insert the diagonal mirror and eyepiece: Insert the diagonal mirror (8, Fig. 1) into the focuser drawtube (9, Fig. 1) and a low-power eyepiece (e.g., 25mm or 26mm eyepiece) into the diagonal mirror. Tighten the eyepiece and diagonal mirror thumbscrews (

Note: Some models are supplied with one of two styles of the 90° diagonal mirror. Quantities of eyepieces and eyepiece size varies with each model.

7. Install battery (NGC Models Only): Lift the lid of the battery compartment (18,

) and attach a 9v battery (user-supplied) to the connector provided in the

Fig. 2

compartment.

8. Remove dust cap: Pull to remove the dust cap from the end of the telescope. Replace it on the telescope at the end of the observing session. The cap keeps the telescope lens free from dust and foreign particles when it is not in use.

25 and 26, Fig. 4) to a firm feel.

Aligning the Viewfinder

Because the main telescope has a fairly narrow field of view, locating objects directly in the main telescope can sometimes be difficult. The viewfinder ( wide-field telescope with crosshairs that permits you to more easily locate objects. When the viewfinder and optical tube are aligned to each other, both point to the same position in the sky. An object located in the viewfinder is therefore also positioned within the field of the main telescope.

Attach viewfinder bracket (Style 1): Remove the two attachment thumbscrews

1. from the optical tube. These screws are pre-threaded at the factory into the optical telescope tube at the viewfinder location. Line up the holes in the viewfinder bracket with the holes on the tube and thread the thumbscrews back onto the main tube. See

Attach viewfinder bracket (Style 2): Using a Phillips head screwdriver, thread the two attachment screws in the bracket (these screws are placed inside the bracket at the factory) into the mating threads on the optical tube. See

2. Attach viewfinder: Remove the rubber cup from the viewfinder tube and slide the tube into the viewfinder bracket. Orient the viewfinder as depicted in Fig. 4. Loosely tighten the collimation screws. You will use these screws to align the viewfinder; see TO ALIGN THE VIEWFINDER, below. Re-attach the rubber cup onto the viewfinder.

3. Focusing the Viewfinder: Turn the viewfinder eyepiece on its internal thread. Generally a few turns are sufficient to achieve proper focus.

To Align the Viewfinder:

It is recommended that you perform steps 1 and 2 of this procedure during the daytime and step 3 at night.

1. If you have not already done so, place a low-power ( piece in the diagonal mirror of the main telescope (8, Fig. 1) and point the telescope at an easy-to-find land object (e.g., the top of a telephone pole). Turn the focuser knob ( precisely in the main telescope’s field of view.

2. Then, looking through the viewfinder, turn some or all of the viewfinder’s alignment screws (22, Fig. 4) until the viewfinder’s crosshairs point precisely at the same object as centered in the main telescope. The viewfinder is now aligned to the main telescope. Now tighten the screws to hold the tube securely; be careful not shift the tube's alignment.

3. Check this alignment on a celestial object, such as the Moon or a bright star, and make any necessary refinements.

Fig. 10a.

10, Fig. 1) so that the image is sharply focused. Center the object

6, Fig. 1) is a small,

Fig. 10b.

e.g., 25mm or 26mm) eye-

Choosing an Eyepiece

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 12.5mm has a higher magnification than an eyepiece with a focal length of 25mm.

Low-power eyepieces ( of view with high image resolution. High-power eyepieces ( piece) provide a smaller field of view but higher magnification when seeing conditions permit.

e.g., a 25mm or 26mm eyepiece) give a wide, comfortable field

e.g., a 12.5mm or 4mm eye-

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