Meade DS Digital Electronic Telescope Series Assembly and Operating Instructions

Introduction

The Meade DS instruments are available under various trade names and with different accessory configurations. While specific models may vary, they share common optical tube assemblies, mechanical mountings, and tripods. These instructions apply to all DS trade names.

The figures referenced (A, B, C, etc.) illustrate different telescope models and components. Numbered references within the text correspond to items depicted in these figures.

Models may include optional telescope control systems such as the #490 Manual Slow-Motion Control Set, #492 Dual-Motor Electronic Control System, or #493 Autostar Computer Control System. Basic telescope assembly should be completed before installing these optional systems, with instructions provided in Appendix 2.

Unpacking

Carefully unpack the telescope and identify the following components:

• Optical tube (e.g., A-1)
• Viewfinder (e.g., A-4) and viewfinder bracket (e.g., A-5)
• Yoke mount (e.g., A-6)
• Tripod legs (e.g., A-7)
• Accessory shelf (e.g., A-8)
• Eyepiece(s) (e.g., A-9)
• Diagonal mirror (e.g., A-10, not included with 114mm and 127mm models)
• For 60mm and 70mm models: 3 bolts and nuts for attaching tripod legs to the yoke.

Note: On 60mm and 70mm models, the optical tube is factory-attached to the yoke mount, with tripod legs packed separately. On other models, the yoke mount is factory-attached to the tripod legs, with the optical tube packed separately.

Assembly

60mm and 70mm Models

Attach the three aluminum tripod legs to the base of the yoke mount. Slide a bolt through the hole at the top of each leg, thread a hex nut onto the opposite end, and tighten with a Phillips-head screwdriver to a firm feel, avoiding overtightening. Ensure flip-locks (e.g., A-13) face inward.

Spread the tripod legs gently until fully extended. Attach the accessory shelf (e.g., A-8) to one of the tripod legs by snapping its flanges into place. The shelf can be adjusted vertically.

For models with hardwood tripods, assembly is similar, using supplied bolts (e.g., D-5), washers, and wing nuts (e.g., D-6) to attach legs to the yoke mount (e.g., D-7). Metal flanges on wood legs should face inward. Attach the triangular accessory shelf (e.g., D-2) using thumbscrews (e.g., D-3) and wing nuts. Adjust tripod height by sliding leg sections and tightening thumbscrews (e.g., D-4).

80mm, 90mm, 114mm, and 127mm Models

Place the tripod with the attached yoke mount on a flat surface and spread the legs outward. These models feature a cradle ring system (e.g., B-1 or C-1) for balancing the optical tube. The cradle ring consists of lower and upper halves. Connect the upper half (e.g., E-4) to the lower half (e.g., E-1) by inserting the flange (e.g., E-2) into the slot (e.g., E-3). Ensure a firm seat. Close the upper ring to form a complete circle. Place the optical tube into the cradle rings and secure with latches (e.g., E-5).

The telescope should now resemble figures B or C, with the viewfinder yet to be attached. Tripod leg flip-locks (e.g., B-9 or C-10) allow height adjustment.

Balancing the Tube in the Mount (80mm, 90mm, 114mm, and 127mm models)

Slightly loosen the vertical lock (e.g., B-2 or C-2). Move the optical tube up and down within the yoke mount (e.g., B-4 or C-4) to achieve balance. If necessary, slightly loosen cradle ring latches (e.g., E-5) to adjust the tube's position before re-tightening.

Attaching the Viewfinder

The viewfinder is a small, wide-field telescope used for locating objects. It aids in pointing the main telescope accurately.

Attach the viewfinder bracket (e.g., A-5) to the focuser housing or mounting block (e.g., C-7 on 114mm/127mm models) using attachment screws (e.g., G-1). Slide the viewfinder (e.g., G-2) into the bracket, removing and then replacing the rubber eyecup (e.g., G-8). Secure the viewfinder by tightening the four alignment thumbscrews (e.g., G-3).

Focusing the Viewfinder

Two viewfinder models exist: 5x24mm and 6x30mm.

• 5x24mm: Focus by turning the eyepiece (e.g., H-1) on its internal thread.
• 6x30mm: This model is permanently focused at infinity. If focus appears unsharp on distant objects, loosen the focus lock ring (e.g., H-2), rotate the lens cell (e.g., H-3) until sharp, then re-tighten the lock ring.

Important Note: Objects viewed in the viewfinder appear upside-down and reversed left-to-right. Refracting telescopes (DS-60 to DS-90) with a diagonal mirror show terrestrial images right-side-up but reversed left-to-right. Reflecting telescopes (DS-114, DS-127) do not offer image inversion for terrestrial viewing.

Aligning the Viewfinder

Loosen the vertical (e.g., A-14) and horizontal (e.g., A-15) locks. Point the main telescope at a distant land object and focus it sharply using the focuser knob (e.g., A-16). Center the object in the main telescope's field of view. Re-tighten the locks.

Look through the viewfinder and adjust its four alignment screws (e.g., G-3) until the viewfinder's crosshairs precisely align with the centered object in the main telescope. Figure J illustrates the alignment process, showing the main telescope view (right) and viewfinder view (left) before and after alignment (Figure K).

Observing Through the Telescope

Basic Setup:

1. Insert the diagonal mirror (e.g., A-10) into the eyepiece-holder (e.g., A-17) and tighten the thumbscrews. (Note: 114mm and 127mm models do not require a diagonal mirror).
2. Insert a low-power eyepiece (e.g., 25mm) into the diagonal mirror or eyepiece-holder and secure with thumbscrews (e.g., A-18).

Observing Procedure:

Loosen the vertical (e.g., A-14) and horizontal (e.g., A-15) locks to allow free movement of the telescope tube. For a comfortable viewing experience, adjust the locks to provide a slight drag rather than being too loose or tight.

Begin by observing easy-to-find land objects. Obtain a sharp image by turning the focuser knob (e.g., A-16). Use the viewfinder to locate objects before viewing them in the main telescope. Start with a low-power eyepiece and gradually increase magnification if desired, after the object is centered and focused.

Astronomical Observing: Celestial objects move rapidly due to Earth's rotation. To track them, gently move the telescope tube. Tracking is greatly improved with manual or electronic control systems (see Appendix 2).

The Focuser and Eyepiece-Holder

Meade DS telescopes use eyepiece-holders accepting .965" (24.5mm) or 1.25" (31.7mm) barrel diameters. Larger models may include a holder for 2" (50.8mm) eyepieces. A focuser drawtube lock (e.g., G-5) prevents slippage.

Eyepieces and Magnification

Magnification is calculated using the formula:

Power = Focal Length of Main Telescope / Focal Length of Eyepiece

For example, a 60mm DS telescope with a 700mm focal length and a 25mm eyepiece yields 28X magnification (700mm / 25mm = 28X).

The Barlow Lens

A Barlow lens acts as a power multiplier, doubling or tripling the magnification when used with an eyepiece. To use a Barlow lens, insert it into the focuser/eyepiece-holder, followed by the diagonal mirror (if applicable) and then the eyepiece.

A Note About Power

Using excessive magnification beyond the telescope's aperture and atmospheric conditions can result in fuzzy, poorly resolved images. For terrestrial observing and general astronomical viewing, powers from 30X to 150X are typically recommended. Higher powers should only be used when atmospheric conditions are very steady and reveal more detail.

Collimation of the Telescope's Optical System

Meade DS 60mm through 90mm refracting telescopes are factory-collimated and do not require adjustment. For DS 114mm and 127mm reflecting telescopes, factory alignment is standard, but re-alignment may be necessary after rough handling. Refer to Appendix 1 for detailed collimation procedures for these models.

Maintenance

Clean telescope optics (lenses and mirrors) as infrequently as possible. Dust has a negligible effect on image quality. Regular use of the dust cover (e.g., A-3) minimizes the need for cleaning. If cleaning is necessary, use a camel's hair brush or compressed air. For refracting telescopes, remove the dew shield (e.g., A-19) to access the lens.

Questions and Repairs

For inquiries in the U.S.A., contact Meade Instruments Customer Service at 6001 Oak Canyon, Irvine, California 92618. Phone: (949) 451-1450, FAX: (949) 451-1460. It is recommended to contact Meade before returning any equipment. For international inquiries, contact your local Meade distributor. A listing is available on the Meade website: www.meade.com.

Appendix 1: Optical Alignment of 114mm and 127mm Models

Reflecting telescopes (DS 114mm and 127mm) may require optical alignment (collimation) if they have been subjected to rough handling. This appendix details the procedure using figures L through S.

Components: Primary mirror (L-1), secondary mirror (L-2), secondary mirror-holder (L-3), secondary mirror-vanes (L-4, M1), primary mirror-tilt screws (L-5). Focus point (L-6).

1. Confirm Alignment

Look down the focuser drawtube (e.g., P-1) with the eyepiece removed. Observe reflections of the primary mirror (P-2), secondary mirror (P-3), spider vanes (P-4), and your eye (P-5). Properly aligned optics will show concentric reflections (Fig. P). Deviations require adjustment of the secondary mirror-holder (Fig. M) and/or primary mirror cell (Fig. N).

2. Secondary Mirror-Vane Adjustments

If the secondary mirror (Q-1) is off-center horizontally within the drawtube (Q-2), loosen the 3-vane adjustment/lock knobs (M-1) and slide the secondary mirror-holder system until centered. If off-center vertically, adjust two knobs at a time (thread one in, unthread another) until the mirror appears centered (Fig. R).

3. Secondary Mirror-Holder Adjustments

If the secondary mirror (R-1) is centered but the primary mirror (R-3) is only partially visible, slightly unthread the three Phillips-head secondary mirror-tilt screws (M-2). Rotate the secondary mirror-holder (M-3) to center the primary mirror's reflection. Re-tighten the screws. Further adjustments to these screws can refine the tilt angle.

4. Primary Mirror Adjustments

If the secondary mirror (S-1) and primary mirror reflection (S-2) are centered, but your eye and secondary mirror reflection (S-4) are off-center, adjust the primary mirror-tilt using screws (N-3) at the rear of the main tube. First, unscrew the three hex-head primary mirror lock screws (N-2). Then, turn the Phillips-head tilt screws (N-3) to center your eye's reflection in the drawtube. Finally, re-tighten the lock screws (N-2).

Regularly re-check collimation and make small adjustments as needed.

Appendix 2: Telescope Control Systems

Meade DS telescopes may include manual or electronic control systems, or these can be purchased separately.

#490 Manual Slow-Motion Control Set

This set allows manual tracking of astronomical and terrestrial objects via control knobs attached to the vertical and horizontal axes (Figs. T, U). If standard, knobs (T-1, T-2) attach with a hex key. With lock-knobs (U-1, U-2) engaged, turn control knobs for tracking. Unlock to slew rapidly, then relock. Partially locking knobs provides a comfortable drag.

#492 Dual-Motor Electronic Control System

This system enables pushbutton control for all telescope motions (centering, tracking) via the Electronic Controller (Fig. X). If standard, motor assemblies (V-1, V-4) attach to the telescope. Components include a battery pack (Y-1, requires ten AA batteries), two motor assemblies, and the controller handbox (Fig. X).

To Install the #492 System:

1. Install batteries in the pack (Y-1) and attach it to a tripod leg or accessory shelf (Fig. Y).
2. Attach the vertical motor assembly (V-1) to the vertical control unit by engaging the knurled ring (V-2) with the reduction gear (V-3). Ensure locator tabs align. Thread the ring to a firm feel.
3. Attach the horizontal motor assembly (V-4) similarly. The telescope will then resemble Fig. Y.
4. Connect cords: Vertical motor (V-1) to ALT jack, horizontal motor (V-4) to AZ jack, controller (Y-2) to HBX jack, and battery pack (Y-1) to the 12v jack on the control panel (V-5, Fig. W).
5. Upon connecting the battery pack, indicator lights on the controller blink rapidly. Press SPEED to test motors. Light 1 should remain steady.

The #492 system is now operational. Use arrow keys (X-5) to slew. Press SPEED (X-6) to cycle through four speeds (5°/sec, 0.75°/sec, 8 arc-min/sec, 2 arc-min/sec), indicated by lights 1-4 (Fig. X).

Operating Notes on the #492 Dual-Motor Electronic Control System:

• Vertical and horizontal lock-knobs (V-6, V-7) must be locked for operation.
• Connect the battery pack last. If false signals occur, unplug and replug the battery pack.
• A brief pause may occur when reversing direction due to internal gears.
• The MODE key on the controller is inoperative for this system.
• IN and OUT keys are for the optional #1240 Electric Focuser.
• Ensure cords are not wrapped around the telescope and do not allow the telescope to slew into objects. Do not touch the tube while it is moving.
• If motors stall, replace batteries with fresh alkaline ones.

#493 Autostar Computer Control System

This system provides automatic motorized location of over 1400 celestial objects, including planets, Messier objects, NGC, IC, Caldwell catalog objects, stars, comets, and satellites. It also offers an automatic GO TO function using celestial coordinates.

To Install the #493 System:

Installation is identical to the #492 system, except for step 4c: the #493 Autostar cord plugs into the HBX (handbox) jack (Fig. W).

Important Note: Autostar calibrates motors on first initialization. If motors are removed, mark their orientation for reinstallation to avoid a false motor failure message, which requires recalibration.

Appendix 3: Optional Electronic and Computer Drive Systems Available

Meade DS telescopes can be enhanced with electronic drive systems for extended functionality.

• #490 Manual Slow-Motion Control Set: Enables manual tracking via control knobs on vertical and horizontal axes.
• #492 Dual-Motor Electronic Control System: Provides pushbutton control for all telescope motions at four speeds. Operates from a battery pack.
• #493 Autostar Computer Control System: Offers fully automatic astronomical object location from a database of over 1400 objects and automatic tracking. Supplied with motors, battery pack, and #495 handbox.
• #495 Autostar Handbox: Converts #492 EC System telescopes to full Autostar operation.
• #497 Autostar Handbox: Features an expanded database of over 14,000 objects.

For more information, contact your Meade dealer or send $3.00 for the Meade General Catalog. Dealer information is available by calling 1-800-62-MEADE.

Contact Information

Meade Instruments Corporation

ADVANCED PRODUCTS DIVISION

World's Leading Manufacturer of Astronomical Telescopes for the Serious Amateur

6001 Oak Canyon, Irvine, California 92618

Phone: (949) 451-1450

FAX: (949) 451-1460

Website: www.meade.com

© 2000 Meade Instruments Corporation.