Instruction Manual

NGC-Series Telescopes NG-Series Telescopes

WARNING!

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.

CONTENTS

Telescope and Features.. 4 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
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.
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 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
The name Meade and the Meade logo are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent Office and in principal countries throughout the world. All rights reserved. "Easy Align" patent number 6,392,799 and other patents pending. Patent: US 6,392,Meade Instruments Corporation.
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

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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 (4, Fig. 1) or a battery compartment (18, Fig. 2) 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 (6, Fig. 4 and inset) styles vary Accessory tray styles vary Model colors vary Some models include a focus lock knob (27, Fig. 4 inset)

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

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Fig. 4: Detailed view of the focuser assembly and the viewfinder. Inset: Alternate style focuser and viewfinder.
Telescope and Tripod Features
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. 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. Optical Tube Attachment Bracket: Attach the optical tube to this bracket. See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 8, for more information. Control Panel (Fig. 3, NGC Models Only): A. 2-Line LCD Display: Displays menus and information concerning the computer 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. B. 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. C. 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 information 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. D. Up/Down Button: Use UP/DOWN to scroll through the letters of the alphabet, 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 adjustments in the vertical movement of the telescope. G. 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. Optical Tube Attachment Knobs: Attach these knobs to the bolts on the optical tube when you attach the optical tube to the bracket. See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 8, for more information. 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. 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. 90 Diagonal Mirror, Style 1: Holds the eyepiece at a convenient angle for easy viewing. Slide the diagonal mirror into the focuser drawtube (9, Fig. 1) and tighten the thumbscrew (26, Fig. 4) to a firm feel only. Focuser Drawtube: Slide the diagonal mirror or an eyepiece into this tube. Tighten the thumbscrew (26, Fig. 4) to a firm feel only.

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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.
Focus Knobs: Use to move the telescopes focuser assembly to obtain precise image focus. Rotate the focus knobs clockwise to focus on distant objects, and counterclockwise to focus on nearby objects. 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. Tripod Struts: Attach the struts to accessory tray. See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 8, for more information. 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. Accessory Tray: Use the tray to hold extra eyepieces during your observing sessions. Tripod Legs: Attach the legs to the tripod head (16, Fig. 1). See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 8, for more information. When observing, spread the legs out as far as they will open for a secure viewing platform. Base/Tripod Head: Supports the telescope for placement on the tripod. See HOW
TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 8, for more information.
Dew shield: Reduces the formation of dew on the telescope's primary lens and acts as a shade for daytime use. Battery Compartment Lid (NGC Models Only): Remove the lid to install one user-supplied 9v battery in this compartment. See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 8, for more information. Compass/Bubble Level NGC Models Only): Use the compass to locate North while aligning the telescope. See EASY ALIGNMENT, page 12, for more information. 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. Horizontal Slow Motion Control Knob (NGC Models Only): Use this control to make fine adjustments in the horizontal movement of the telescope. Viewfinder Lens: Gathers light for the viewfinder. Viewfinder Alignment Screws: Adjust these screws to align the viewfinder. See ALIGNING THE VIEWFINDER, page 9, for more information. Viewfinder Eyepiece and Rubber Cup: Turn the viewfinder eyepiece, if necessary, to focus the viewfinder. The rubber cup may be removed, if so desired. Viewfinder Bracket: Holds the viewfinder in place. Attach to the optical tube. See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 8, for more information. Diagonal Mirror Thumbscrew: Tightens the eyepiece in place. Tighten to a "firm feel" only. Focuser Drawtube Thumbscrew: Tightens a diagonal mirror or an eyepiece in place. Tighten to a firm feel only. 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. 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.

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

Choosing an Eyepiece

A telescopes eyepiece magnifies the image formed by the telescopes 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 (e.g., a 25mm or 26mm eyepiece) give a wide, comfortable field of view with high image resolution. High-power eyepieces (e.g., a 12.5mm or 4mm eyepiece) provide a smaller field of view but higher magnification when seeing conditions permit.
Fig. 10b: Attach viewfinder to the optical tube (Style 2).
Low power eyepieces offer a wide field of view, bright, high-contrast images, and eye relief during long observing sessions. To find an object with a telescope, always start with a low power eyepiece (e.g., 25mm or 26mm eyepiece). When the object is located and centered in the eyepiece, you may wish to switch to a higher power eyepiece to enlarge the image as much as practical for prevailing seeing conditions. NOTE: Seeing 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 lower power eyepiece for a more well-resolved image (Figs. 11a and 11b). The power, or magnification of a telescope is determined by the focal length of the telescope and the focal length of the eyepiece being used. To calculate eyepiece power, divide the telescope's focal length by the eyepiece's focal length. E.g., a 25mm eyepiece is used with a NGC60 telescope. The focal length of the NGC60 is 700mm (see SPECIFICATIONS, page 21). Focal length Eyepiece focal length = Power 700mm 25mm = 28 The eyepiece power, or magnification is therefore 28x.

Simple Observations

If you wish to observe a distant land object, such as a mountain top, you can observe by merely pointing the telescope and looking through the eyepiece. Move your telescope to observe distant street signs, mountains, trees and other structures. Use your viewfinder to help site-in on an object. Practice focusing objects with the focus knob (10, Fig. 1). 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. You can also observe stars and objects in the night sky using this method, but note that objects begin to slowly drift across the eyepiece field. This motion is caused by the rotation of the Earth. You'll find that you will need to reposition your telescope from time to time to keep an object in the eyepiece field of view. This is especially true when using high-power eyepieces. Viewing terrestrial objects requires looking along the Earth's surface through heat waves. These heat waves often cause loss of image quality. Lower power eyepieces, such as 25mm or 26mm eyepieces, magnify these heat waves less than higher power eyepieces. Therefore, lower power eyepieces provide a steadier, higher quality image. If the image is fuzzy or ill-defined, reduce to a lower power eyepiece, where the heat waves do not have such an effect on image quality. Observing in early morning hours, before the ground has built up internal heat, produces better viewing conditions than during late afternoon hours. If you have an NGC model telescope, you can locate stars and other celestial objects (over 1400 objects in all) using the control panel. In order to do so, you must initialize the control panel, set the telescope in the home position, and align the telescope. The control panel uses this information to determine the location of celestial objects.

TIPS for Beginners

Too Much Power?
Can you ever have too much power? If the type of power youre referring to is eyepiece magnification, yes, you can! The most common mistake of the beginning observer is to "overpower" a telescope by using high magnifications which the telescopes aperture and atmospheric conditions cannot reasonably support. Keep in mind that a smaller, but bright and well-resolved image is far superior to one that is larger, but dim and poorly resolved (see Figs. 11a and 11b). Powers above 200X should be employed only under the steadiest atmospheric conditions. Most observers should have three or four additional eyepieces to achieve the full range of reasonable magnifications. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 19.
Fig. 11a & 11b: Jupiter; examples of the right amount of magnification and too much magnification.
Initializing the Control Panel (NGC Models Only)
1. 2. 3. Make sure that you have installed a 9v battery in the battery compartment. Press ON/OFF to turn the power on. The control panel display lights up and a copyright message displays briefly. A message displays that warns you not to use the telescope to look at the Sun. At the end of this message, press the button prompted by the display to signify that the message has been read and understood. The control panel display then requests the current date. Use UP/DOWN (D, Fig. 3) to scroll through the digits for the date. Press ENTER after each of the desired digits displays and the cursor will move to the next position. After the date is entered, the month list displays. Use UP/DOWN to scroll through the list of months. When the current month displays, press ENTER. The cursor moves to the year display. Use UP/DOWN to scroll through the digits for the year. Press ENTER when each of the desired digits displays and the cursor will move to the next position. The control panel then requests the current time. Use UP/DOWN to display the digits for the time. (Use a "0" for the first digit if less than 10.) Press ENTER after each of the desired digits displays and the cursor will move to the next position. After the time is entered, "AM" is displayed. Note that there are three options in this setting: "AM," "PM" and "blank" (neither AM nor PM is displayed). If you select the "blank" option, the clock displays time in a 24-hour (military time) format. Use UP/DOWN to scroll to your choice. Press ENTER to start the clock. The next screen requests the status of Daylight Savings Time. Use UP/DOWN to move between the "Yes" and "No" settings. Select the desired setting by pressing ENTER. NOTE: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by a different name in various areas of the world. NOTE: When multiple choices are available within a menu option, the current option is usually displayed first and highlighted by a right pointing arrow (>). The next screen asks for the country or state/province (listed alphabetically) of the observing site. Note: The location settings (country/state/province and city) are only asked for the first time you turn on the control panel. If you wish to change this setting later on, use the Site menu. See SITE, page 18, for more information. Use UP/DOWN to scroll through the list of countries, states, and provinces. Press ENTER when the correct location displays. The next screen asks for the city (listed alphabetically) closest to the observing site. Use UP/DOWN to scroll through the list of cities. Press ENTER when the correct city appears on screen. System initialization is complete. The Easy Alignment feature begins automatically after the control panel is initialized. See Easy Alignment, page 12.

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 optical tube to suit your own preference. See
ADJUSTING THE HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL TENSION OF THE OPTICAL TUBE,

page 20.

NOTE: The control panel locates alignment stars based on the date, time, and location entered. The alignment stars may change from night to night.
Go To Saturn (NGC Models Only)
After performing the Easy Alignment procedure, the telescope is aligned for a night of viewing. IMPORTANT NOTE: As you observe Saturn, you will notice that the image moves in the eyepiece. This is because the Earth is rotating. You can use the horizontal and vertical slow motion controls (20, Fig. 2 and F, Fig. 3) to re-center the image in the eyepiece. The image will move much faster if you are using a higher-powered eyepiece such as a 4 mm or the 12mm eyepiece. IMPORTANT NOTE: Once aligned, do not move the telescope's tripod and base from the level position or alignment will be lost. This exercise demonstrates how to select an object for viewing from the control panel's Object menu. The control panel provides an Object menu which displays a list (sometimes called a database) of over 1400 objects you can view with your telescope. This example demonstrates how to select Saturn from the list. NOTE: Saturn is not visible the entire year and you may need to choose another object from the Object menu list; however, the procedure, as described below, remains the same. After the telescope is aligned, "Select Item: Object" displays. Press ENTER. "Object: Solar System" displays. Press ENTER. "Solar System: Mercury" displays. Keep pressing UP/DOWN until "Solar System: Saturn" displays. Press ENTER. "Calculating" displays. "Saturn" and its R.A. and Dec. coordinates display. See APPENDIX A: ADVANCED FEATURES, for information about celestial coordinates. Press ENTER. Next, Saturn's displacement numbers display: "Saturn: +14 -135." NOTE: Your displacement numbers will be different than the ones in this example. Displacement numbers are determined by location, time, and date. Move the telescope tube to the right or left until you notice the first displacement number getting smaller. Keep moving the tube until the number reaches zero. As you near zero, use the horizontal slow motion control (20, Fig. 2) to move the optical tube. Next, move the tube upward or downward until the second displacement number also reaches zero. As you near zero, use the vertical slow motion control (F, Fig. 3) to move the optical tube. If you performed the alignment procedure correctly, Saturn will appear in your eyepiece. You may need to center the image. If you wish to display information about Saturn, press MODE and then keep pressing UP/DOWN to scroll through various lines of information. The last line of information displays as a scrolling message. As the message scrolls, you can press UP or DOWN to increase or decrease the scrolling speed.

Surf the Web

One of the most exciting resources for astronomy is the internet. The internet is full of websites with new images, discoveries, and the latest astronomical information. You can find websites for almost any topic relating to astronomy on the internet. Check out Meades website for the latest product and technical information. Youll find our website at: http://www.meade.com/ Here are some other sites you might find interesting: Sky & Telescope: http://www.Sky and Telescope.com Astronomy: http://www.astronomy.com Astronomy Picture of the Day: http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.goc/apod Heavens Above (satellite observing information): http://www.heavens-above.com Photographic Atlas of the Moon: http://www.lpi.ursa.edu/research/lunar_orbiter Hubble Space Telescope Public Pictures http://oposite.stsci.edu/pubinfo/pictures.html

Select Item: Object

Solar System Mercury Etc. Moon Asteroids Comets Constellations Andromeda Etc. Deep Sky Named Object Galaxies Nebulae Planetary Neb. Etc. Star Named SAO Catalog Double Etc. User Objects Select Add Delete Edit Landmarks Select Add Delete Identify

Select Item: Event

Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset Moon Phases Next Full Moon Next New Moon Next 1st Qtr Next 3rd Qtr Meteor Showers Quadrantids Lyrids Eta Aquarids Delta Aquarids Perseids Orionids Taurids Leonids Geminids Ursids Solar Eclipses Lunar Eclipses Min. of Algol Autumn Equinox Vernal Equinox Winter Solstice Summer Solstice

Select Item: Guided Tour

Tour Objects Tonight's Best How Far is Far A Star's Life Messier Marathon

Select Item: Glossary

A. Accretion Disk Etc. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Q. R. S. T. U. V. W. X. Y. Z.

Select Item: Utilities

Timer Set Start & Stop Alarm Set On & Off Eyepiece Calc. Field of View Magnification Suggest Brightness Adj. Contrast Adj.

Select Item: Setup

Easy Align Date Time Daylight Saving Site Select Add Delete Edit Download Statistics Reset
Fig. 12: The NGC Menu structure.
IMPORTANT NOTE: No matter how many levels of menus are traveled, each press of the MODE key moves up a level, until the top level, "Select Item," is reached. Once in the Select Item level, press MODE to return to the topmost level, "Select Item: Object." How to move through menu options (NGC Models Only): It is helpful to understand that menu selections are set in a loop. This means that pressing the DOWN button scrolls down through all the available options within a given category, then returns to the first option. Pressing the UP key scroll up through the options in the opposite order. Note that this capability is a quick way to get to an option that is near the bottom of the list. The following example demonstrates this capability. To navigate to the "Select Item: Setup" menu option when the "Select Item: Object" menu is displayed: 1. Press DOWN five times or UP once. When the desired option is displayed on the second line, press the ENTER key to choose that option and move down one menu level. Press the MODE key to leave a level; e.g., the wrong menu option is chosen. How to Calculate Sunset time (NGC Models Only): This example demonstrates how to move through a typical menu and calculate Sunset time. This is an excellent exercise to try out as you can calculate the time when it is going to get darkand when you can start observing. 1. Press MODE several times, until "Select Item: Object" is displayed. 2. Press UP/DOWN until the "Event" option displays in the "Select Item" menu. 3. Press ENTER to choose the "Event" option and move down a level. "Event: Sunrise" is displayed. 4. Press UP/DOWN to display the "Sunset" option in the Event menu. 5. Press ENTER to choose the "Sunset" option and move down another level. 6. Sunset time displays; calculations are based on the current date, time, and location. 7. Press MODE once to start moving back up through the menu levels. The first level up is the Event menu. 8. Press MODE again to move up another level. This is the top level, "Select Item." 9. Press MODE again to return to the starting point of "Select Item: Object."

Object Menu

Almost all observing is performed using the Object menu category. (NOTE: Exceptions include Guided Tour and Landmark Survey.) See GO TO SATURN, page 13, for an example of observing using the Object menu. Also see USING THE GUIDED TOUR, page 13. The Object Menu includes: Solar System is a list of the eight planets (Earth is not included) in order out from the Sun, followed by the Moon, asteroids, and comets. Constellation is a list of all 88 Northern and Southern Hemisphere constellations. When this option is chosen and a constellation name displays (e.g., "Constellations: Aquarius"), press ENTER to select the constellation. You can use UP/DOWN to display lines of information about that constellation on the second line of the display. Press ENTER when the name of a constellation is displayed to display the name of the brightest star in the constellation. Use UP/DOWN to cycle through the list of important stars in the constellation (these are generally the stars that make up the shape of the constellation), from brightest to dimmest. When the desired star is displayed, press ENTER to select it. You may now use UP/DOWN to scroll through lines of information about the selected star, such as the star's celestial coordinates, brightness, and so forth. The last line of information displays as a scrolling message. As the message scrolls, you can press UP or DOWN to increase or decrease the scrolling speed. If you press ENTER when information about the star displays, the displacement numbers then display, which tell you how to move the optical tube to locate the star. See GO TO SATURN, page 13, for more information about using displacement numbers to locate an object. Use MODE to exit this menu. Deep Sky is a list of objects outside our Solar System such as nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and quasars. Star is a list of stars listed in different categories such as named, double, variable, or nearby. User Objects allows the user to create his or her own list of celestial objects that are not currently in any other list. See APPENDIX A, page 22, for more information. Landmarks stores the location of terrestrial points of interest in the permanent user-created list in the control panel database. Select: To select a Landmark already in the database, choose the "Select" option and use UP/DOWN to scroll through the list. Press ENTER to select a Landmark. See LANDMARKS, page 24, for a detailed procedure. Add: To add a Landmark, choose the "Add" option. Enter a name for the Landmark. Locate and center the Landmark, then press ENTER. Note that you must be aligned with other landmarks for this feature to work properly. See LANDMARKS, page 24, for a detailed procedure. Identify is an exciting feature for an observer who wants to scan the night sky and start exploring. Use this feature after the telescope has been properly aligned. Then follow this procedure: 1. When a desired object is visible in the eyepiece, keep pressing MODE until the "Select Item: Object" menu is displayed. Then press ENTER. 2. Use UP/DOWN to scroll through the Object menu options until the "Object: Identify" screen appears. 3. Press ENTER. The computer control panel searches its lists for the identity of the object being observed. 4. If the object is not in the computer's control panel database, the nearest object in the database is located and displayed on the screen, along with the object's celestial coordinates. Press ENTER and the displacement numbers for the object display. Use the displacement numbers to go to the object, as described in GO TO SATURN, page 13.

Fig. 13: Horizontal adjustment nut. (View of the underside of the base.)

Storage and Transport

When not in use, store the telescope in a cool, dry place. Do not expose the instrument to excessive heat or moisture. It is best to store the telescope in its original box. If shipping the telescope, use the original box and packing material to protect the telescope during shipment. When transporting the telescope, take care not to bump or drop the instrument; this type of abuse can damage the optical tube and/or the objective lens.

Vertical adjustment nut

Troubleshooting
Unable to see an image through the eyepiece: Confirm that the dust cap has been removed from the telescope. Images through the eyepiece appear unfocused or distorted: The magnification used may be too high for the seeing conditions. Back off to a lower power eyepiece. See TOO MUCH POWER? page 10.
Fig. 14: Vertical adjustment nut. (Bracket shown with optical tube removed.)
If inside a warm house or building, move outside. Interior air conditions may distort terrestrial or celestial images, making it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a sharp focus. For optimal viewing, use the telescope outside in the open air instead of observing through an open or closed window or screen. If viewing a land object on a warm day, heat waves distort the image. See SIMPLE OBSERVATIONS, page 10. For clear viewing of objects, turn the focus knob (10, Fig. 4) slowly since the "infocus" point of a telescope is precise. Turning the focus knob too quickly may cause the focus point to pass without notice. The optics within the telescope need time to adjust to the outside ambient temperature to provide the sharpest image. To "cool down" the optics, set the telescope outside for 10 to 15 minutes before observing begins.
A terrestrial object appears reversed left-for-right: The 90 diagonal mirror yields this image orientation. To view a correctly oriented image, the optional #Erecting Prism is required. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 19.

North Celestial Pole (Vicinity of Polaris)

+90 Dec. Star

ation clin De

Earths Rotation

Right Ascension

Celestial Equator 0 Dec.

South Celestial Pole -90 Dec.
Fig. 15: Celestial Sphere.
Entering Coordinates for Objects not in the Database
Although your computer control panel contains a database of more than 1400 celestial objects (stars, nebulae, planets, etc.) that you can observe, you may eventually want to view objects that are not part of the database. The computer control panel provides a feature that allows you to enter an object's R.A and Dec. coordinates in the "User: Objects" option of the Object menu. In order to use this menu option, you first need to look up the R.A and Dec. coordinates of the object or objects you wish to observe. Check your local library, computer store, bookstore, CD Roms, Internet, or magazines (such as Sky & Telescope or Astronomy), to find coordinates of celestial objects. The objects/coordinates you enter become part of your own permanent database, called "User Objects." To enter coordinates of an object into the "User: Objects" option of the Object menu: 1. Make sure the computer control panel has been initialized and the telescope has been aligned. 2. After the telescope is aligned, "Select Item: Object" displays. (If necessary, use UP/DOWN to scroll through the menus, as previously described, to find this option.) Press ENTER. 3. "Object: Solar System" displays. Keep pressing UP/DOWN until "Object: User Object" displays and press ENTER. 4. "User Object: Select" displays. Press UP/DOWN until "User Object: Add" displays. Press ENTER. 5. "Name" displays on the top line and a blinking cursor on the second line. Use UP/DOWN and ENTER, as previously described, to enter the name of the object you wish to add to the database.
"Right Asc.: 00.00.0" displays. Use UP/DOWN and ENTER to enter the digits for the Right Ascension coordinate of your object. "Declination: +00.00'" displays. Use UP/DOWN and ENTER to enter the digits for the Declination coordinate of your object. If necessary, use UP/DOWN to change "+" to "." The computer control panel then prompts you to enter the size of the object. This step is optional. Use UP/DOWN and ENTER to enter the size (in arc-minutes), if so desired, and press ENTER to go to the next display. If you do not wish to enter this information, simply press ENTER. The computer control panel then prompts you to enter the magnitude of the object. This step is also optional. Use UP/DOWN and ENTER to enter this information, if so desired, and press ENTER to go to the next display. "User Object: Add" displays again.

To Go To a user-entered object: In this procedure, you will choose an object from the User Object list and locate the object. 1. With "User Object: Add" displayed, press UP/DOWN until "User Object: Select" displays. Press ENTER. 2. Use UP/DOWN (if necessary) to scroll to the desired object. Press ENTER. 3. The name of the object and the Right Ascension and Declination coordinates display. Press ENTER. The displacement numbers for the object display. 4. Use the displacement numbers as previously described (see page 12) to locate the object.

Landmarks

This menu option allows you to define and store terrestrial objects in the Landmark database. First, a landmark needs to be stored in memory using the "Landmark: Add" option. To view a landmark, use the "Landmark: Select" option. Landmarks may also be viewed using the "Landmark Survey" option in the Utilities menu. To Add a landmark to the database: In this procedure, you will store the location of terrestrial landmarks in memory. 1. Set the telescope in the home position, if necessary. Note for future reference where the telescope is located. 2. Select the "Select Item: Setup" menu. 3. Press UP/DOWN until "Select Item: Object" displays. Press ENTER. "Object: Solar System" displays. 4. Press UP/DOWN until "Object: Landmarks" displays. Press ENTER. "Landmark: Select" displays. 5. Press UP/DOWN until "Landmark: Add" displays. Press ENTER. 6. "Landmark Name" displays. Using UP/DOWN and ENTER, enter a name for the landmark you wish to add to the database. 7. "Center Landmark. Press Enter" displays. Move the optical tube to the desired landmark and center the object in the eyepiece. Press ENTER. The object is now stored in memory. 8. "Landmark: Add" displays. If you wish to add more landmarks, repeat steps 5 through 7. To Select a landmark from the database: 1. Make sure the telescope is located exactly as when the desired landmark was entered into memory. 2. Display the "Landmark: Select" menu option. Press ENTER. 3. Use UP/DOWN to scroll through the list of objects you have previously entered. When the desired object displays, press ENTER to select the object. Press ENTER to display the displacement numbers for the landmark. Use the displacement numbers as previously described (see page 12) to locate the object. 4. Press MODE and then use UP/DOWN to scroll through location information about the object (that you have previously entered), if desired. 5. Press MODE again to exit the Landmark menu.

APPENDIX B: ALTERNATE TRAY ASSEMBLY

Leg brace

Introduction Some NGC/NG models are now shipped with a third style tray. The third style assembles with a round accessory tray. Assembly Use the provided 3 short screws, 3 washers and 3 bolts to attach the round accessory tray to the tripod. You will need a Phillips-head screwdriver to perform this assembly. Line up one of the leg braces (see Fig. 16) between the opening of one of the tripod leg brace supports on the tripod so that a screw will be able to pass through both the holes of the leg brace support and holes of the leg brace. Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, thread one of the short screws through the holes. Place a washer on the other end, followed by the matching nut. Tighten to a firm feel. Repeat this procedure until all 3 leg braces are mounted on the 3 leg brace supports. See Fig. 16. To attach the accessory tray to the leg braces, place the round accessory tray over the mounting bolt hole (Fig. 17). Thread the attachment knob into the the mounting hole on top of the tray (Fig. 17) and turn the knob clockwise (Fig. 18). Tighten to a firm feel, but do not overtightenyou will need to remove the tray if you wish to collapse the tripod. To remove the tray, just rotate the knob counterclockwise and remove the knob. You can then lift and remove the tray.

Leg brace support

Fig. 16: Attach the leg braces to the leg brace supports.

Mounting bolt hole

Fig. 17: Mounting bolt hole.
TIPS for Beginners Further Study
Below is a small sampling of books, magazines, and organizations that you might find helpful. Books 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. The Guide to Amateur Astronomy by Jack Newton and Philip Teece The Sky: A Users Guide by David Levy Turn Left at Orion by Guy Consolmagno and Dan Davis Astrophotography for the Amateur by Michael Covington Sky & Telescope Box 9111, Belmont, MA 02178 Astronomy Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187 Astronomical League Executive Secretary 5675 Real del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88012 The Astronomical Society of the Pacific 390 Ashton Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112 The Planetary Society 65 North Catalina Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106

Fig. 22: The Pleiades is one of the most beautiful open clusters.
Galaxies are large assemblies of stars, nebulae and star clusters that are bound by gravity. The most common shape is spiral (such as our own Milky Way), but galaxies can also be elliptical, or even irregular blobs. The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is the closest spiral-type galaxy to our own. This galaxy appears fuzzy and cigar-shaped. It is 2.2 million light years away in the constellation Andromeda, located between the large "W" of Cassiopeia and the great square of Pegasus.

MEADE LIMITED WARRANTY

Every Meade telescope, spotting scope, and telescope accessory is warranted by Meade Instruments Corporation ("Meade") to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE YEAR from the date of original purchase in the U.S.A. and Canada. Meade will repair or replace a product, or part thereof, found by Meade to be defective, provided the defective part is returned to Meade, freight-prepaid, with proof of purchase. This warranty applies to the original purchaser only and is non-transferable. Meade products purchased outside North America are not included in this warranty, but are covered under separate warranties issued by Meade international distributors. RGA Number Required: Prior to the return of any product or part, a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number must be obtained from Meade by writing, or by calling (949) 451-1450. Each returned part or product must include a written statement detailing the nature of the claimed defect, as well as the owners name, address, and phone number. This warranty is not valid in cases where the product has been abused or mishandled, where unauthorized repairs have been attempted or performed, or where depreciation of the product is due to normal wear-and-tear. Meade specifically disclaims special, indirect, or consequential damages or lost profit which may result from a breach of this warranty. Any implied warranties which cannot be disclaimed are hereby limited to a term of one year from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty gives you specific rights. You may have other rights which vary from state to state. Meade reserves the right to change product specifications or to discontinue products without notice.

BULLETIN 100

TELESCOPES

Explore the Universe with the Worlds Most Respected and Best Selling Telescope Brand

DSSERIES

Includes AutoStar Computer Controller

StarNavigator Software

Meade DS-2130ATS
130mm (5.1") Altazimuth Reflector
LARGE APERTURE GO TO TELESCOPE Reflectors have long been a favorite with amateur astronomers. The large 130mm diameter mirror of the Meade DS-2130ATS provides 469% brighter images and a tremendous increase in fine detail, compared to common 60mm telescopes. The standard equipment #494 AutoStar Computer Control System permits automatic object location and tracking of more than 1400 objects in the AutoStar database at the touch of a button. See fainter and more distant objects in far greater detail. Several thousand star clusters, galaxies and nebulae are within range of this telescope. This model is highly recommended for astronomical applications; however, due to its image orientation it is not recommended for land viewing. Includes two premium 4-element Super Plssl eyepieces.
SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model DS-2130ATS (P/N: 20132) Supplied complete with aluminized and multi-coated primary mirror (D = 130mm, F = 1000mm, f/7.7) Motorized tracking mount (requires eight user-supplied AA-size batteries) #494 AutoStar Computer Control System Meade PC-compatible astronomical software Full-length adjustable aluminum tripod with accessory shelf 6 x 30mm viewfinder; two premium eyepieces (1.25"): SP 9.7mm, and SP 26mm Operating instructions Giftbox.

114EQ-AST

EQSERIES

114EQ-A

Meade 1 14EQ-AST and Meade 1 14EQ-A
114mm (4.5") Equatorial Reflectors
LARGE APERTURE MANUAL TELESCOPES Because the earth rotates once on its axis every 24 hours, celestial objects move rapidly through the telescopic field, particularly at higher powers. The equatorial mount of both the Meade 114EQ-AST and 114EQ-A greatly facilitates object tracking, simply by manually turning one or both of the control cables. The large 114mm-diameter mirror of these models gathers 361% more light than 60mm telescopes. Fainter, more distant objects can be seen in far greater detail. The beginning amateur who intends to use a manual telescope on a regular basis will find the equatorial mount to be a valuable investment.
SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model 114EQ-A (P/N: 04055) Deluxe model supplied complete with overcoated primary mirror and aluminum optical tube assembly, (D=114mm, F=910mm, f/8) Rack-and-pinion focuser (1.25") Equatorial mount with unique covered worm-gear slow-motion control Setting circles Deluxe latitude control with scale Two eyepieces (1.25"): MA9mm (101X) and MA25mm (36X) 5 x 24mm viewfinder Adjustable aluminum tripod with shelf Planetarium software for the PC Operating instructions Giftbox. SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model 114EQ-AST (P/N: 04056) Basic model includes the same diameter mirror as above, but includes a special relay lens which shortens the tube length and yields a 1000mm focal length (f/8.8). Includes a somewhat smaller mount and tripod than the model above. The exact same accessories are present in both models.

Meade DS-2080AT

80mm (3.1") Altazimuth Refractor
HIGH-PERFORMANCE GO TO TELESCOPE Feel like a professional astronomer your first night under the stars. Revolutionary AutoStar computer technology allows you to navigate the heavens effortlessly at the touch of few buttons. Just enter the object you desire in the AutoStar display, press GO TO, and AutoStar places the object in the telescopic field of view, and tracks it automatically! Provides pristine, ultra high-contrast images of Saturns awesome rings, the cloud belts of Jupiter, and the essential structure of deep space objects. AutoStar has over 1400 fascinating celestial objects in its database. Features built-in internal tracking motors, gears and cords. The single-tine fork mount design and quick release tripod with accessory tray offers a sleek contemporary appearance. Includes two premium 4-element Super Plssl eyepieces.

SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model DS-2080AT (P/N: 20084) Supplied complete with coated objective lens (D = 80mm, F = 800mm, f/10) Motorized altazimuth mount (requires eight user-supplied AA-size batteries) #494 AutoStar Computer Control System with 1400-object database Meade PC-compatible astronomical software Adjustable aluminum tripod with accessory shelf 5 x 24mm viewfinder Diagonal mirror (1.25") Two premium eyepieces (1.25"): SP 9.7mm and SP 26mm Operating instructions Giftbox.

Meade 80EQ-A

80mm (3.1") Equatorial Refractor
HIGH-PERFORMANCE MANUAL TELESCOPE This large aperture 80mm diameter telescope with deluxe equatorial mount provides contrast-rich, high-resolution images of Saturn, Jupiter, the Moon and many deep-space objects, as well as landmarks and nature. The Meade 80EQ-A permits more advanced study than smaller telescopes and enables observation of the Cassini Division in Saturns rings. Jupiters surface now takes on added detail as the cloud belt begins to show their essential structure, and transits of the planets satellites across the planetary disk may now be seen. In deep-space, open star clusters, such as the Pleiades (M45) in Taurus, display hundreds of stars in one telescopic field of view. Includes two 3-element 1.25" eyepieces, deluxe equatorial mount with covered worm-gears that facilitate slow-motion tracking control of fast moving sky objects, heavy-duty aluminum tripod, and much more.
SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model 80EQ-A (P/N: 04051) Supplied complete with coated achromatic objective lens made of grade-A crown and flint glass Diagonal mirror Deluxe equatorial mount with slow-motion controls Deluxe latitude adjuster Adjustable aluminum tripod Two 3-element eyepieces (MA9mm, MA25mm) 6 x 30 viewfinder Software for the PC Operating instructions Giftbox.

NGSERIES

NGC-70

Meade NG-70 / NGC-70

Advanced 70mm (2.8") Refractor
NEW GENERATION TELESCOPES: ADVANCED MANUAL MOUNT WITH COMPUTER CAPABILITY Meade engineers have thoroughly updated the traditional entry-level telescope to a new standard for the 21st Century. These New Generation telescopes incorporate advanced industrial design yielding a striking, ultra modern appearance. Large, precision bearing surfaces provide smooth manual motions in both altitude and azimuth. An advanced computerized model (NGC) offers all the feature enhancements of the previously described NG model, plus includes the significant performance advantage of a built-in computer finding system with manual slowmotions controls. Both models include two premium 4-element Super Plssl eyepieces.

SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model NGC-70 Refracting Telescope (P/N: 20211) Supplied complete with multi-coated, achromatic objective lens (D=70mm, F=700mm, f/11.7) Built-in, self-guided GO TO computer control system offering 1400-object database (requires one 9 Volt user-supplied battery) Altazimuth mount with slowmotion controls PC-compatible astronomical software Adjustable aluminum tripod with accessory shelf 5 x 24mm viewfinder Diagonal mirror Two eyepieces (1.25"): SP 26mm and SP 9.7mm Operating instructions Giftbox. SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model NG-70 Refracting Telescope (P/N: 20210) Identical in all specifications to Model NGC-70 above, but without computer control system.

AZSERIES

Meade 70AZ-A
70mm (2.8") Altazimuth Refractor
A QUALITY TELESCOPE AT A GREAT PRICE The Meade 70AZ-A is a high performance 70mm refractor ideally suited to the beginning astronomer or terrestrial observer: the rings of Saturn, four satellites of Jupiter, and hundreds of Moon craters are only the beginning of what can be observed through this telescope. The Meade 70AZ-A includes an altazimuth mount with a slow motion control in vertical. The coated, achromatic (color-corrected) objective lens yields sharp, clear images for viewing both astronomical and terrestrial subjects. The Meade 70AZ-A includes two 3-element 1.25" barreldiameter eyepieces (MA9mm, MA25mm), adjustable aluminum tripod, and planetarium software for the PC with 10,000-object database.
SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model 70AZ-A (P/N: 04041) Supplied complete with coated objective lens assembly (D=70mm, F= 700mm, f/10) Rackand-pinion focuser Altazimuth yoke type mount with vertical slowmotion control Two eyepieces (1.25"): MA9mm (78X) and MA25mm (28X) 5 x 24mm viewfinder Diagonal mirror Adjustable aluminum tripod with shelf Planetarium software for the PC Operating instructions Giftbox.

60AZ-T

70AZ-T
Meade 60AZ-T, Meade 70AZ-T
Short Tube 60mm (2.4") and 70mm (2.8") Table Top Altazimuth Refractors
Whether used as casual telescopes for astronomy or as highresolution spotting scopes for land viewing, these short tube telescopes deliver powerful performance in a small package. These instruments provide bright, richest-field performance for observing wide-field astronomical objects like galaxies and nebula from dark skies, or use the provided Barlow lens for viewing close-up detail of the Moon, planets, or nature from your own backyard. Compact and portablethese scopes travel easily and store in a small space. Both models includes a quality 2-element, coated achromatic objective lens and two 3-element eyepieces.

SPECIFICATIONS Meade 70AZ-T (P/N: 04058) Supplied complete with coated achromatic lens (D=70mm, F=350mm, f/5) Table top mount with dual slow motion controls Two 1.25" eyepieces: (MA9mm, MA17.5mm) 2x Barlow lens 5 x 24 viewfinder Soft carry case Instructions. SPECIFICATIONS Meade 60AZ-T (P/N: 04062) Supplied complete with achromatic lens (D=60mm, F=350, f/5.8) Table top tripod with pan-handled control Two 1.25" eyepieces: (K9mm, K17.5mm) 2x Barlow lens Soft carry case Instructions.

SERIES

#882 Field Tripod

Standard Equipment

Meade ETX-70AT

Compact GO TO Refractor

INCLUDES AUTOSTAR COMPUTER AND FIELD TRIPOD Locate and explore planets, asteroids, comets, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and hundreds of other deep-space objects, all at the push of a few buttons. For the novice astronomer or casual observer, the ETX-70AT opens up the skies to reveal an amazing level of detail. Use the standard-equipment #494 AutoStar controller to automatically locate over 1400 celestial objects. Enter the object you wish to observe on to the AutoStar display, press GO TO, and the telescope moves automatically to place the object in the field of view and then tracks it. Compact, multi-coated 70mm refractive optical system of Grade-A crown and flint glass with 350mm focal length yields razor-sharp images. Supplied with 3-element MA25mm and MA9mm eyepieces. Includes flip-mirror system, built-in tracking motors, and electronic control panel.
SPECIFICATIONS ETX-70AT Astro Telescope (P/N: 0705-04-10) Includes a precision ground refractive lens with optical coatings (D = 70mm, F = 350mm, f/5) Fork mount with built-in tracking motors 9-speed #494 AutoStar computer controller with 1400-object database Internal battery compartment accepting six (user-supplied) AA-size batteries MA9mm (39X) and MA25mm (14X) eyepieces #882 Standard Field Tripod Operating instructions.

ETX-125AT

ETX-105AT

ETX-90AT

Meade ETX-90AT, ETX-105AT, ETX-125AT
Advanced GO TO Telescopes
#884 Deluxe Field Tripod Included
INCLUDES ADVANCED #497 AUTOSTAR COMPUTER CONTROLLER AND #884 DELUXE FIELD TRIPOD Revolutionary Meade ETX-90AT, ETX-105AT and ETX-125AT telescopes go with you anywhere at a moments notice, and present the finest optical images, bar none, ever made available in ultraportable telescopes. Use the standardequipment #497 AutoStar Computer Controller for automatic location and tracking of over 30,000 celestial objects at the push of a button. ETX optics are so high in contrast, image brightness, and resolution that they consistently outperform many instruments of larger aperture. (See ETX brochure for more information.)
SPECIFICATIONS ETX-90AT, ETX-105AT, ETX-125AT Astro Telescopes MaksutovCassegrain optical tube assembly (D = 90mm, F = 1250mm, f/13.8) or (D = 105mm, F = 1470mm, f/14) or (D = 127mm, F = 1900mm, f/15) with EMC super multi-coatings Internal flip-mirror system for straight-through or 90 observing position Fork mount with electric slow-motion controls, setting circles and locks on both axes; electronic control panel 9-speed dual-axis motor drive system with #497 AutoStar Computer Controller Internal compartment for eight (user-supplied) AA-size batteries 8 x 21mm erect-image viewfinder (ETX-90AT) 8 x 25mm right-angle viewfinder (ETX-105AT and ETX125AT) Series 4000 Super Plssl 26mm eyepiece (1.25") #884 Deluxe Field Tripod Operating instructions.

All ETX Premier Telescopes include AutoStar

ETX-125PE

ETX-105PE

PREMIER

ETX-90PE
Meade ETX-90PE, ETX-105PE, ETX-125PE Astro Telescopes
Premier Edition Telescopes with LNT and SmartFinder Advanced Technology
JUST BECAUSE A STAR MAY BE MILLIONS OF YEARS OLD DOESNT MEAN IT SHOULD TAKE YOU THAT LONG TO FIND IT
Until now, the stargazers two biggest challenges to enjoying the night sky have been aligning their telescope and finding objects. Meades new ETX Premier Edition eliminates these two challenges and makes astronomy as easy as pushing a buttonright out of the box. Want to see a hard-to-find deep space galaxy? Simply push a button. The same goes for planets, stars, nebulae and more. Just pick an object you want to observe, press a button, and then AutoStar will automatically point your telescope. All you need is a clear night, a dark sky and a little curiosity. Whether you already know the sky by heart, or are just beginning your journey of discovery, your Meade ETX Premier Edition will take you where you want to go. Astronomy has never been so fun and rewarding. Its diffraction-limited optics are so crisp in contrast, brightness and image resolution that they consistently out-perform telescopes of larger aperture. All ETX telescopes feature BK-7 glass and oversized Pyrex primary mirrors. The Meade #884 Field Tripod is included with each ETX-Premier telescope.
All ETX Premier telescopes feature:

ASTRONOMY

Adventures in Astronomy
From the comfort of your own backyard, you can explore hundreds of galaxies, gas clouds (nebulae), and star clusters, as well the Moon, planets, and comets with a Meade telescope. The powerful light-gathering capability of a Meade telescope can transform simple points of light into objects of incredible detail. You will be enriched with the experience of seeing first-hand some of natures most awesome spectacles.

What You Can See

With any of the Meade telescopes presented in this brochure, you can observe the following celestial objects, and a great many more, sharply and clearly: the magnificent ring system of Saturn; the distinctive cloud belt structure of Jupiter and four of its largest moons; hundreds of craters and mountain ranges on Earths Moon and deep-space objects including the Andromeda Galaxy, the Hercules globular star cluster, and the diffuse Orion Nebula. Meade Models 70AZ-A, NG-70, NGC-70, ETX-70AT, 80EQ-A, NG-70, NGC-70, DS-2080AT and ETX Maksutov-Cassegrain models ETX-90, 105 and 125 can also be used for high-resolution terrestrial observation from reading a license plate a half-mile away to studying the delicate detail of a birds feather. The additional light-gathering capability of the larger aperture Meade 114EQ-AST, 114EQ-A, DS-2130ATS, ETX-90, ETX-105 and ETX-125 are especially advantageous for deep-space phenomena. Several thousand star clusters, galaxies and nebulae are within range of these instruments.

COMPUTERIZED OBJECTLOCATION AND TRACKING

What About Power?

To calculate power, divide the focal length of the telescope (e.g., 700mm for Model NG-70) by the focal length of the eyepiece (e.g., 25mm). Lower power eyepieces (e.g., 25mm) offer wide fields of view for observing deep-space and terrestrial objects. Higher power eyepieces (e.g., 9mm) offer greater magnification and are useful for observing surface detail on the Moon and planets.
The Importance of Computerized Tracking and Object-Location
Observing an astronomical object involves following a constantly moving target. Every object in the sky moves in the same manner as our Sun, rising in the East and setting in the West. This apparent celestial movement is caused by the rotation of the Earth. Computerized Tracking: To the unaided eye an object like the Moon appears to move slowly across the sky, but will, in fact, move surprisingly quickly through the field of view of a telescope. The AutoStar Computer Control System directs the telescope to automatically follow fastmoving celestial objects. Automatic object-location: A novice astronomer often spends a disproportionate amount of time learning the sky and searching for subjects to view. AutoStar technology obliterates this learning curve. Meades revolutionary AutoStar Computer Control System facilitates automatic object-location and tracking of over 1400 objects.
Refracting Telescopes, like the Meade Model NGC-70, use a large objective lens as their primary lightcollecting element. Meade refractors include achromatic (2-element) objective lenses in order to reduce false color that results when light passes through a lens. Reflecting Telescopes use a concave primary mirror to collect light and form an image. In the Newtonian type of reflector telescope, the Meade Model DS2130ATS, light is reflected by a small, flat secondary mirror to the side of the main tube for observation of the image. This is a large telescope 14 for a comparatively low price.

Types of Telescopes

All telescopes fall into one of three optical classes.
Catadioptric (Mirror-Lens) Telescopes like the ETX-90 employ both mirrors and lenses, resulting in optical configurations that achieve remarkable image quality and resolution in extremely short, highly portable optical tubes.
Series 5000 5-Element Plssl
Series 4000 QX Wide Angle Eyepieces

EYEPIECES

Series 4000 Super Plssl
Meade Series 4000 and Series 5000 Eyepieces
The Finest in Premium Telescope Eyepieces
Series 4000 Super Plssl Eyepieces feature a great all-purpose eyepiece design: 4-element, fully multi-coated optics, wide 52 apparent field of view. Features long eye relief, with soft eyeguards.
Product Number Focal Length Barrel Size Product Number Focal Length Barrel Size
07170-02 07171-02 07172-02 07173-02

6.4mm 9.7mm 12.4mm 15mm

1.25" 1.25" 1.25" 1.25"
07174-02 07175-02 07176-02 07177-02

20mm 26mm 32mm 40mm

Series 4000 QX Eyepieces offer extra-wide 70 field of view.
Product Number Focal Length 15mm 20mm Barrel Size 1.25" 1.25"
Series 5000 5-Element Plssl Eyepieces represent a milestone in design and engineering. The five- and six-element designs feature tack sharp optical performance and 60 apparent field-of-view. Take a look through the new Meade Series 5000 Plssls and rediscover your favorite celestial objects.
Product Number 07654 Focal Length 5.5mm 9mm 14mm 20mm 26mm Barrel Size 1.25" 1.25" 1.25" 1.25" 1.25"
Series 5000 Super Wide Angle Eyepieces boast a 68 apparent fieldof-view and image resolution that is razor sharp from edge-to-edge, rich in detail and contrast with virtually no chromatic aberration. Series 5000 Ultra Wide Angle Eyepieces, representing the ultimate in technology, deliver extremely high resolution, contrast and fullfield sharpness over an astounding 82 apparent field-of-view to achieve the highest level of optical performance.

CaptureView 8X22 VGA

CaptureView 8X30 1.3MP Flashback
Meade CaptureView 8x22 VGA, 8x30 1.3MP
Binoculars that take pictures
WHAT A GREAT IDEA! Say goodbye to the phrase You should have been there. Whether its a mountain goat leaping a gorge, a recordbreaking home run, or a rafting trip through the rapids of the Colorado River, now you can view the action up close and capture it as digital images or video clips. Use the exclusive Flashback feature to save the last 5, 10, 15 or 20 seconds of any recording, then view an instant replay of what you recorded. Pick up a CaptureView for the boater, bird watcher, sports fan or outdoor enthusiast in your life. (See CaptureView Brochure for more information.)
SPECIFICATIONS: CV-1 CV-2 Power. 8x. 8x Objective Lens Diameter. 22mm. 30mm Field of View. 382 ft. 367 ft. at 1000 yards at 1000 yards Prism Type. Folding roof. Folding roof Close Focus (Binocular). 16 ft. 16 ft. Waterproof. No. No Flashback. No. Yes Weight. 12.8 oz. 17.2 oz. Memory (Camera). 16MB SDRAM. 16MB SDRAM Image Capacity (Camera). 400@VGA. 12@1.3MP Video. 200 sec. @QVGA. 30 sec. @QVGA

DIGITAL CAMERA BINOCULARS
CaptureView 8X30 2.0MP Flashback / WATERPROOF
CaptureView 8X42 2.0MP Flashback
Meade CaptureView 8x30 2.0MP Waterproof, 8x42 2.0MP
Capture the image you see in the binocularperfectly!
CAPTUREVIEW CV-1 8X22 VGA / CV-2 8x30 1.3MP Great for e-mailing up-close highlights of the big game, vacation or concert to family and friends. 16MB built-in memory. Compact, portable, easy to use. CAPTUREVIEW CV-4 8x30 2.0MP / CV-5 8X42 2.0MP A fantastic, bright, high-resolution 8-power binocular combined with a state-of-the-art digital camera. Full color flip-up LCD preview screen. 2.0 MP resolution. SD slot for additional memory. Flashback Video Instant Replay feature captures the last 10 seconds of live action. So you never miss the action. (See CaptureView Brochure for more information.)
SPECIFICATIONS: CV-4 CV-5 Power. 8x. 8x Objective Lens Diameter. 30mm. 42mm Field of View. 367 ft. 376 ft. at 1000 yards at 1000 yards Prism Type. Folding roof. Folding roof Close Focus (Binocular). 16 ft. 16 ft. Waterproof. Yes. No Flashback. Yes. Yes Weight. 19.4 oz. 24.9 oz. Memory (Camera). 16MB SDRAM. 16MB SDRAM 16MB Flash 16MB Flash Image Capacity (Camera). 40@2MP. 40@2MP Video. 90 sec. @QVGA. 90 sec. @QVGA

ASTROBINOCULARS

Meade 9X63

Astronomy Binoculars

Whether the object youre observing is light years away or an eagle perched in a tall tree, Meades 9x63 roof prism Astro binocular provides sharp, bright, high resolution images. Giant 63mm achromatic objective lenses provide powerful light-gathering ability. Long eye relief provides hours of comfortable viewing without eye strain.
The binocular is rubber armored for a comfortable and sure grip. Features precision, fluid-motion central focusing. Supplied complete with a soft carry case and neck strap.
Meade offers a complete line of general purpose binoculars for travel, spectator sports, concerts, and more to meet every need and pocketbook. For the complete line of Meade binoculars see the Meade Binocular Catalog or visit: www.meade.com/binoculars.
SPECIFICATIONS: Power. 9x Objective Lens Diameter. 63mm Field of View. 305 ft. at 1000 yards Prism Type. Full size roof prism Close Focus. 16.4 ft. Eye Relief. 21.5mm Exit Pupil. 7mm Weight. 44.1 oz. Dimensions. 6.25" x 10.5" x 2.8"

Other Night Vision

Meade NightView
Revolutionary Digital Night Vision
NIGHTVISION THATS FUN AND EASY TO USE! The Meade NightView monocular is a new digital compact night scope that will change the way you view the world after dark. NightView is built on state-of-the-art digital imaging technology which yields a crisp, detail-rich, full field-of-view image in all low-light conditions. Its what you expect night vision to be! Its fun and easy-to-use. It includes a video-out port that can be quickly connected to a video monitor or camcorder for surveillance purposes. Its perfect for boaters, nature hobbyists, campers, hikers, astronomers, and night vision enthusiasts. Buy it today, and open your eyes to a whole new world after dark.

Includes:

e n F ilt e r

R e d F ilt e r

u t r a l F ilt e r

ce C o nt

is e Nig ht V

h Lig ht to t

SPECIFICATIONS NightView Objective lens 1.5x, 12mm f/1.2 2x digital zoom Field-of-view 38 Image resolution 525x420 pixels Viewer resolution 400 x 225 pixels Eyepiece contrast filters: red, green and neutral density AC adapter Video-out port Tripod adaptable.

MEADE.COM

MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
6001 Oak Canyon Irvine, California 92618 USA (949) 451-1450 www.meade.com
Copyright 2004/2005 Meade Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved. Pyrex is a registered trademark of Corning Inc. 40-04078. B100-05