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Instruction Manual
®
™
16" Meade Starfinder
Dobsonian Telescope
Meade Instruments Corporation
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WARNING NEVER ATTEMPT TO OBSERVE THE SUN T H ROUGH YOUR MEADE TELESCOPE! OBSERVING THE SUN, EVEN FOR THE SHORT E S T FRACTION OF A SECOND WILL CAUSE INSTANT AND IRREVERSIBLE EYE DAMAGE. WHEN OBSERVING DURING THE DAYTIME, DO NOT POINT THE TELESCOPE EVEN CLOSE TO THE SUN. ALL MEADE TELESCOPES ARE UNDER CONTINUOUS T E C H N I C A L REVIEW, AND SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE CHANGED WITHOUT NOTICE. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SHIP OUR LATEST MODELS. MEADE LIMITED WARRANTY Every Meade telescope, spotting scope,
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- 3 - TABLE OF CONTENTS A. Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 B. Assembly and Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 1. Assembling the Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2. Optical Tube Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 C. Balancing the Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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- 4 - 1 2 3 4 7 6 5 8 1. Focuser 5. Mirror Cell 2. Eyepiece 6. Mount 3. Viewfinder (Optional) 7. Altitude Bearing 4. Optical Tube Assembly 8. Azimuth Bearing Figure 1
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- 5 - Congratulations on your purchase of the Meade Starfinder Dobsonian 16 Telescope! Your new instrument features the professional-quality optics of Meade Starfinder Reflectors, a precision rack-and-pinion focuser, high-quality mounting, and many other features generally found only on more expensive telescopes. The Meade Starfinder Dobsonian 16 is ideal for those just starting out in amateur astronomy, as well as the more serious visual observer. In order to get the most enjoyment from your
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- 6 - 1 5 8 4 7 3 14 12 6 13 9 2 11 1 10 1. Rubber Feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Qty. 9 8. Handles and Mounting Screws .Qty. 2 2. Ground Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Qty. 1 9. Center Bearing Bushing . . . . . . .Qty. 1 3. Front Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Qty. 1 10. 2 1/4" x 5/16" Hex Pivot Bolt . . .Qty. 1 4. Side Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Qty. 2 11. Flat Washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Qty. 2 5. Wood Screws . . . . . . . . . . . . .Qty. 22 12. 5/16" Locking Nu
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- 7 - 2. If you have purchased one of the optional Viewfinders (3, Fig 1), attach it as shown using the supplied hardware. As with the focuser, a firm feel is sufficient. Overtightening may result in damage to the tube’s finish. Your Meade Starfinder telescope was fully assembled, aligned, and tested at the Meade factory. To ensure safe shipping, the primary mirror was then removed from the telescope. Locate the primary mirror cell assembly (see Fig 1). Again, take extreme care not to touch
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- 8 - D. ALIGNING THE VIEWFINDER (optional accessory) The viewfinder will require alignment, or collimation, with the main telescope, in order that the viewfinder and the main telescope are parallel and point to the same position. 1. Insert the 25mm eyepiece and focus the main telescope on a convenient land target by turning the focuser pinion knobs. This target should be a well-defined, specific point (e.g. the top of a telephone pole or the corner of a building) at least 200 yards distant. 2.
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- 9 - 2. If the diagonal mirror is not centered within the circle formed by the bottom edge of the focuser drawtube, rotate the diagonal mirror holder about its support bolt. When the mirror is centered, tighten the lock nuts (7, Fig. 3) on the long bolt against the central hub of the 4-vane system. 3. If the reflection of the main mirror is not centered on the surface of the diagonal mirror, adjust the 3 tilt screws (6, Fig. 3) on the back of the diagonal mirror holder to achieve correct cente
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- 10 - 3. Be sure the Mount is placed on a relatively level surface to allow proper operation. The feet should be in firm contact and not wobble. If you are in an area with particularly rough or soft ground, it may be helpful to place the Mount on a thick piece of plywood. 4. Part of the fun of using a Dobsonian type of telescope is the challenge of hunting for objects in the night sky. Invest is some simple star charts and books that tell you how to locate objects using a technique called “s
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- 11 - I. OBSERVING GUIDELINES Several basic guidelines should be followed for best results in using your telescope: 1. Try not to touch the eyepiece while observing. Any vibrations resulting from such contact will immediately cause the image to move. 2. Allow your eyes to become “dark-adapted” prior to making serious observations. Night adaptation generally requires about 10-15 minutes for most people. 3. Let the telescope “cool down” to the outside environmental temperature before making ob
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- 12 - K. OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES For details on the following optional accessories, see your Meade dealer, or the Meade Instruments General Catalog. Viewfinders: Your Meade Starfinder Dobsonian is pre-drilled and ready to install either the Meade #637 6x30mm or the #545 8x50mm Viewfinder. These small, low-power telescopes have “crosshairs” which greatly assist in pointing the main telescope. Eyepieces: Many additional eyepieces are available for higher and lower magnifications. All Meade reflec
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- 13 - NOTES
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- 14 - NOTES
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Meade Instruments Corporation 6001 OAK CANYON, IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92618-5200 U.S.A. (949) 451-1450 FAX: (949) 451-1460 www.meade.com Ver. 0899 Part no. 14-0218-16
