Operating Instructions

Meade #1209 Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser
For use with Schmidt-Cassegrain and 7 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescopes

Introduction

The Meade #1209 Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser allows precise, vibration-free image focus during visual, CCD, and astrophotographic applications. It also allows you to achieve focus without causing a viewed object to move out of position in the eyepiece. The microfocuser comes equipped with a handbox which requires 8 AAA batteries (user-supplied). The microfocuser maintains precise image centering on even the smallest CCD chips. The microfocuser operates at four speeds: Fine to fast. Important Note: The microfocuser is shipped with the SC accessory adapter (L, Fig. 1) threaded into the microfocuser adapter (B, Fig. 1). Unthread the adapters from each other before attaching the microfocuser.
the adapter (D, Fig. 1). Tighten the accessory adapter thumbscrew to a firm feel only. 2b. SC Optional Accessory Users: If using any of the Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain optional accessories, slide the supplied SC accessory adapter (L, Fig. 1) into the microfocuser. Line up the the groove on the side of the adapter with either of the microfocuser thumbscrews (Fig. 3a and 3b) and tighten that thumbscrew to a firm feel only. Slide the optional accessory into the accessory adapter. Tighten the other microfocuser thumbscrew to a firm feel only. 2c. 2.0" Diagonal Mirror Users: Slide the 2.0" diagonal mirror directly into the microfocuser. The adapters are not required. Tighten the thumbscrews (I, Fig. 1) to a firm feel only. 3. Plug in the handbox: Plug the coiled cord attached to the microfocuser into the port (3, Fig. 6) located at the top of the handbox. Note: The coiled cord may be plugged into the Focus port of the LX90 APM or the LX200 control panel instead of the handbox. The microfocuser is then controlled with the Arrow keys of the Autostar handbox or computer controller handbox.
To Attach the Microfocuser
1. to the Telescope Remove the dust cap from the rear cell port of your telescope. Thread the microfocuser adapter (B, Fig. 1) onto the rear cell port thread (A, Fig. 1). Slide the microfocuser (C, Fig. 1) over the microfocuser adapter and tighten the three set screws (K, Fig. 1) using the provided hex key. 2a. 1.25" Diagonal Prism Users: Slide the 1.25" adapter (D, Fig. 1) into the microfocuser. Line up the thumbscrew (H, Fig. 1) into the groove in the microfocuser (Fig. 2a and 2b). Tighten the microfocuser thumbscrews (I, Fig. 1) to a firm feel only. Slide the 1.25" diagonal prism into

Maintenance:

The microfocuser is carefully adjusted at the factory. If it becomes necessary to adjust the microfocuser ball bearings (see Fig. 5), it must be performed by factory trained technicians. If the microfocuser is improperly
Fig. 2a: Microfocuser groove. Fig. 2b: Microfocuser 1.25" adapter thumbscrew in groove.
Fig. 1: Microfocuser and eyepiece assembly. (A) Rear cell of telescope (shown separate from the telescope assembly for the sake of clarity); (B) Microfocuser adapter; (C) Microfocuser; (D) 1.25" accessory adapter. SC accessory adapter (L) may be used in this position instead if Schmidt-Cassegrain accessories are being used. Do not use either adapter if using a 2" diagonal diagonal mirror; (E) Eyepiece holder thumbscrew; (F) Eyepiece; (G) 1.25 "Diagonal Prism. 2" diagonal mirror may also be used in this position (12" models); (H) Adapter thumbscrew; (I) Microfocuser thumbscrews; (J) Microfocuser bearings; (K) Set screws.

Groove

Line up
Fig. 3a: SC adapter groove. Fig. 3b: Line up SC adapter groove with microfocuser thumbscrew.
adjusted, performance will degrade and damage will result. Damage due to improper adjustments not authorized by the factory will not be covered under warranty. Note: If you wish to mount a camera directly to the microfocuser, you need to attach an optional TAdapter to the microfocuser. For more information about Meade optional accessories, see the Meade General Catalog or contact your local Meade dealer. To Focus Using the Microfocuser 1. Perform this step of the procedure during the daytime, without the eyepiece assembly (eyepiece, diagonal, etc.) attached to the microfocuser. Press the In or Out keys (1, Fig. 6) of the handbox to change the focus. Observe the microfocuser drawtube as it travels in and out. When the drawtube reaches the furthest extension of its travel, listen for a change in the pitch of the motor. Notice that the drawtube's maximum extension is about a half-inch out from the microfocuser. Set the drawtube so that it extends about a quarter-inch (about halfway). When you begin your viewing session, attach your telescope's eyepiece assembly. Point the telescope at a bright star. Press the In/Out keys (1, Fig. 6) to change the focus. Press the Speed key (2, Fig. 6) to change the speed: Each press of the Speed key decreases the focus speed until the lowest speed is reached. The next press then returns the speed to the highest speed again. Four speeds are available: fast, medium, slow and fine. You may need to repeat steps 2 through 5 when you change eyepieces.

Fig. 4: Microfocuser and 1.25" diagonal prism with eyepiece completely assembled. Microfocuser shown attached to a Meade LX200 telescope. Fig. 5: Microfocuser ball bearings.

2. 3. 4. 5.

Use with Meade De-Rotater When using a Meade de-rotater, it is important to attach the microfocuser so that it is backed off slightly from the derotater. If the microfocuser is flush against the de-rotater, the assembly will not work properly. This is true also with other accessories that may attach flush against the de-rotater housing. To Attach the Microfocuser to the De-rotater: Refer to Fig. 1. Perform this assembly on a flat surface (such as a desk or a table) before you attach the de-rotater and microfocuser to the telescope. 1. With the de-rotater on a flat surface, thread on the adapter ring (B, Fig. 1) until it just touches the housing; then back off the adapter ring (i.e., turn it counter-clockwise) one full revolution as shown in Fig. 7. 2. Place the microfocuser over the ring with the "hump" of the microfocuser in the 12:00 position as shown in Fig. 8. 3. Using the provided hex key, tighten to a firm feel one of the three microfocuser set screws (K, Fig. 1) against the adapter ring as shown in Fig. 9. Take care not to tighten or loosen the adapter ring as you position and tighten the microfocuser in place. 4. Tighten to a firm feel the other two microfocuser set screws. 5. Attach the de-rotater to the rear cell of the telescope.
Fig. 6: Microfocuser handbox: (1) In/Out keys; (2) Speed key; (3) Handbox port (on top)

12:00 position

Fig. 7: Back off the adapter ring one full revolution.
Fig. 8: Place the microfocuser over the adapter ring. Notice the orientation of the microfocuser.
Fig. 9: Tighten the three microfocuser set screws to a firm feel.
If you have a question concerning use of the Meade #1209 Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser, call the Meade Instruments Customer Service Department at (949) 451-1450. Customer Service hours are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

Part no. 14-7280-00

Ver. 6-04