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A. Introducing the Meade Model 395
The Model 395 is an easy-to-operate, high performance 90mm refracting telescope,
intended for astronomical and terrestrial (land) observing. Equipped with
a deluxe equatorial mount, and aluminum tripod, the telescope's motion is
continuously adjustable for tracking celestial or land objects. Your telescope
comes to you ready for adventure; it will be your companion in a universe
of breathtaking landscapes, planets, galaxies, and stars.
Figure 1: Meade Model 395 90mm (3.5") Refracting Telescope
1. Tripod legs
2. Equatorial mount
3. R.A. flexible cable control
4. Dec. flexible cable control
5. Counterweight
6. Counterweight shaft
7. Counterweight lock
8. Safety washer/knob
9. Latitude lock
10. Polar axis
11. Latitude adjustment knob
12. Optical tube assembly
13. Optical tube saddle plate
14. Cradle rings
15. Cradle ring lock knobs
16. Diagonal mirror
17. Focuser
18. Focuser thumbscrew
19. Eyepiece
20. Diagonal thumbscrew
21. Declination axis
22. R.A. lock
23. Dec. lock
24. 6 x 30 viewfinder
25. Telescope front dust cover
26. Viewfinder bracket thumbscrews
27. R.A. setting circle
28. Dec. setting circle
29. Latitude scale
30. Azimuth lock
31. Focus knobs
32. Polar shaft acorn cap nut
33. Azimuth base
34. Azimuth shaft bolt
35. R.A. worm block assembly
36. Dec. worm block assembly
37. Dew shield
38. Viewfinder bracket
39. Objective lens cell
40. Leg brace supports
41. Tripod leg lock knobs
42. Accessory shelf central mounting knob
43. Tripod leg Phillips-head fastener screws
44. Tripod leg bolt 1/2" nuts
45. Accessory shelf
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1. This Manual
These instructions detail the set-up, operation, specifications, and optional
accessories of your Meade Model 395. In order that you may achieve maximum
enjoyment of the instrument, we urge that you take a few minutes to read
all of this manual before making first observations through the telescope.
As you read this manual, the technical terms associated with telescopes
will be made clear.
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2. Standard Equipment
—Complete optical tube assembly with multi-coated 90mm diameter objective
lens, dew shield, cradle rings, viewfinder bracket, and 1.25" rack
and pinion focuser. Lens focal length = 1000mm; f/11.
—Equatorial mount with pre-attached heavy duty, continuously adjustable,
aluminum tripod and leg braces.
—Accessories:
MA25mm (40x) eyepiece (1.25" O.D. )
Diagonal mirror (1.25" O.D.)
Counterweight with counterweight shaft
Flexible cable controls for both telescope axes
Accessory shelf with mounting knob
6 x 30 viewfinder
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B. Unpacking and Assembly
Your Meade Model 395 comes to you packaged almost entirely pre-assembled.
You will find upon opening the giftbox that there are two compartments within
that contain the optical tube assembly and the tripod with equatorial mount.
The accessories described above will be located within compartments custom-cut
into the styrofoam block inserts. (References herein e.g., (6) are
to Fig.1 unless otherwise specified.)
—Remove and identify the telescope's Standard Equipment listed in Section
A.2., above.
—The three tripod lock knobs (41) have been removed from the bottom
section of each tripod leg to insure safe arrival of the tripod assembly.
To install, thread in each tripod lock knob into the threaded hole located
at the right side of each of the three gray colored castings (see illustration
below) at the bottom of each tripod leg. Tighten the tripod lock knob only
to a "firm feel" to avoid damage to the tripod caused by overtightening.
—Spread the tripod legs (1) to full extension so that the leg braces (40)
are taut (should one of the tripod leg braces slip out of the center triangle
fastener, merely reposition the brace and slide it back into position).
Adjust the tripod with the attached equatorial mount (2) to the desired
height by loosening the tripod lock knobs and extend the sliding inner section
of each tripod leg; then tighten each knob.
—Remove the mounting knob (42) from the round accessory shelf. Place the
accessory shelf on top of the center triangle leg brace fastener of the
tripod so that the threaded stud protruding from the bottom of the accessory
shelf (45) passes through the hole in the center. Then replace and tighten
the accessory shelf mounting knob (42).
—Attach the flexible cable controls (3) and (4). These cable controls are
secured in place with a firm tightening of the thumbscrew located at the
end of each cable.
—The viewfinder bracket (38) comes pre-attached to the optical tube, but
the viewfinder (24) is shipped separately. Place the viewfinder into the
viewfinder bracket rings by backing off the thumbscrews. Then center the
viewfinder in both bracket rings by backing off the three thumbscrews (26)
on each bracket ring. Orient the viewfinder so its front objective lens
is pointing in the same direction as the main telescope's objective lens
(39).
—Holding the counterweight (5) firmly in one hand, slip the counterweight
onto the counterweight shaft (6). Attach the counterweight (5) and counterweight
shaft (6), by supporting the unlocked (7) counterweight firmly in one hand,
while threading the counterweight shaft into the base of the Declination
axis of the telescope's equatorial mount with the other (see Fig. 1). Once
firmly attached, slide the counterweight to the midpoint on the counterweight
shaft and secure it in place with the lock knob (7) of the counterweight.
Note: If the counterweight ever slips, the secured threaded safety washer/knob
(8) will not let the weight slide entirely off the counterweight shaft.
Be certain that this safety washer/knob is always in place.
—Release the latitude lock (9) of the equatorial mount, and tilt the polar
axis (10) of the telescope to roughly a 45° angle by turning the latitude
adjustment knob (11). With the polar axis thus tilted, firmly re-tighten
the latitude lock.
—While firmly holding the optical tube (12) position it onto the optical
tube saddle plate (13), with the midpoint of the optical tube's length lying
roughly in the center of the saddle plate. Then slide the cradle rings (14)
over the saddle plate of the mount. Tighten the cradle lock knobs (15) to
a firm feel. Do not overtighten these knobs. Make sure the focuser mechanism
is on the same side of the saddle plate as the Declination slow-motion control
(4).
—Insert the diagonal mirror (16) into the focuser (17), and tighten the
focuser thumbscrew (18), to secure the diagonal mirror.
—Insert the MA 25mm eyepiece (19) into the diagonal mirror, and tighten
the diagonal thumbscrew (20) to secure the eyepiece.
The telescope is now fully assembled. Before it can be properly used, however,
the telescope must be balanced and the viewfinder aligned.
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1. Balancing the Telescope
In order for the telescope to move smoothly on its mechanical axes, it must
first be balanced about the 2 telescope axes: the polar axis (10) and the
Declination axis (21). All motions of the polar aligned telescope (more
on this later) take place by moving about these two axes, separately or
simultaneously. To obtain a fine balance of the telescope, follow the method
below:
—Loosen the R.A. lock (22) and rotate the telescope so that the counterweight
shaft (6) is parallel to the ground (horizontal).
—Slide the counterweight (5) along the counterweight shaft (6) until the
telescope remains in one position without tending to drift in either direction.
Then tighten the counterweight lock knob (7), locking the counterweight
in position.
—Lock the R.A. lock (22), and unlock the Declination lock (23), but keep
the counterweight shaft in its horizontal position. The telescope will now
turn freely about the Declination axis. Loosen the cradle ring lock knobs
(15) so that the main tube in the cradle rings slides easily up-or-down
in the cradle rings. Move the main tube in the cradle rings until it is
balanced rotationally about the Declination axis. Re-lock the knobs (15).
The telescope is now properly balanced on both axes.
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2. Alignment of the Viewfinder
The wide field of view provided by the 6 x 30mm viewfinder permits easy
object sighting prior to observation in the higher-power main telescope.
The 6 x 30 Viewfinder (24) must be attached to the viewfinder bracket (38)
as seen in Fig. 1. In order for the viewfinder to be functional, however,
it must be aligned to the main telescope, so that both the viewfinder and
main telescope point at the same position in the sky. With this simple alignment
performed, finding objects is greatly facilitated, since you will first
locate an object in the wide-field viewfinder, then you will look in the
eyepiece of the main telescope for a detailed view. To align the viewfinder
follow these steps:
—Remove the telescope front dust cover (25), and the dust covers of the
viewfinder.
—Place the low- power (MA 25mm) eyepiece into the focuser of the main telescope.
—Unlock the R.A. lock (22) and the Dec. lock (23) so that the telescope
turns freely on both axes. Then point the main telescope at some well-defined
land object (e.g., the top of a telephone pole) at least 200 yards distant,
and re-lock the R.A and Dec. axes. Turn the flexible cable controls, (3)
and (4), to center the object in the telescopic field.
—With the front of the viewfinder already centered in the front bracket
ring, look through the viewfinder and loosen or tighten, as appropriate,
one or more of the rear viewfinder bracket ring thumbscrews (26) until the
viewfinder's crosshairs are likewise centered on the object previously centered
in the main telescope.
—Check this alignment on a celestial object, such as a bright star or the
Moon, and make any refinements necessary, using the method outlined above.
With this alignment performed, objects first located in the wide-field of
the viewfinder will also be centered in the main telescope's field of view.
(Note: The viewfinder presents an image which is upside-down; this orientation
is customary in astronomical viewfinders.)
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C. Understanding Celestial Movements and Coordinates
To line up the Model 395 with the pole, follow this procedure:
1) Release the Azimuth lock (30) of the Azimuth base (33), so that the entire
telescope-with-mounting may be rotated in a horizontal direction. Rotate
the telescope until the polar axis (10) points due North. Use a compass
or locate Polaris, the North Star (see Fig. 3), as an accurate reference
for due North.
2) Level the mount, if necessary, by adjusting the heights of the three
tripod legs.
3) Determine the latitude of your observing location by checking a road
map or atlas. Release the latitude lock (9) and turn the latitude adjustment
knob (11) to tilt the telescope mount so that the pointer indicates the
correct latitude of your viewing location on the latitude dial (29). Re-tighten
the latitude lock (9).
4) If steps (1) - (3) above were performed with reasonable accuracy, your
telescope is now sufficiently well-aligned to the North Celestial Pole for
visual observations.
Once the mount has been polar-aligned as described above, the latitude angle
need not be adjusted again, unless you move to a different geographical
location (i.e. a different latitude). The only polar alignment procedure
that need be done each time you use the telescope is to point the polar
axis due North, as described in step (1) above.
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D. Using the Telescope
With the telescope assembled, balanced and polar aligned as described above,
you are ready to begin observations. Decide on an easy-to-find object such
as the Moon, if it is visible, or a bright star to become accustomed to
the functions and operations of the telescope. For the best results during
observations, follow the suggestions below:
—To center an object in the main telescope, loosen the telescope's R.A.
lock (22) and Dec. lock (23). The telescope can now turn freely on its axes.
Use the aligned viewfinder to first sight-in on the object you wish to observe;
with the object centered on the viewfinder's crosshairs, re-tighten the
R.A. and Dec. locks.
—If you have purchased an assortment of eyepieces, always start an observation with a low power eyepiece
(e.g., MA 25mm eyepiece); get the object well-centered in the field
of view and sharply focused. Then try the next step up in magnification.
If the image starts to become fuzzy as you work into higher magnifications,
then back down to a lower power; the atmospheric steadiness is not sufficient
to support high powers at the time you are observing. Keep in mind that
a bright, clearly resolved but smaller image will show far more detail than
a dimmer, poorly resolved larger image. The MA 25mm eyepiece included with
the Model 395 presents a wide field of view, ideal for general astronomical
observing of star fields, clusters of stars, nebulae, and galaxies; it is
also probably the best eyepiece to use in the initial finding and centering
of any object.
—Once centered, the object can be focused by turning one of the knobs of
the focusing mechanism (31). You will notice that the astronomical object
in the field of view will begin to slowly move across the eyepiece field.
This motion is caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis, as described
in Section C, although the planets and stars, are, for practical purposes,
fixed in their positions in the sky. The platform on which the telescope
is sitting (the Earth) rotates once every 24 hours under these objects.
To keep astronomical objects centered in the field of the polar aligned
telescope, simply turn the R.A. flexible cable control (3). Note
that the Declination flexible cable control is used only for centering purposes,
and not for tracking.
—Avoid touching the eyepiece while observing through the telescope. Vibrations
resulting from such contact will cause the image to move. Likewise, avoid
observing sites where ground-based vibrations may resonate the tripod. Viewing
from the upper floors of a building may also introduce image movement.
—You should allow a few minutes to allow your eyes to become "dark
adapted" before attempting any serious astronomical observations. Use
a red filtered flashlight to protect your night vision when reading star
maps or inspecting the components of the telescope.
—Avoid setting up the telescope inside a room and observing through an
open window (or worse yet, a closed window). Images viewed in such a manner
may appear blurred or distorted due to temperature differences between inside
and outside air. Also, it is a good idea to allow your telescope a chance
to reach the ambient (surrounding) outside temperature before starting an
observing session.
—Avoid viewing objects low on the horizon. Objects will appear better
resolved with far greater contrast when viewed higher in the sky. Also,
if images appear to "shimmer" in the eyepiece, reduce power
until the image steadies. This condition is caused by air turbulence in
the upper atmosphere.
The Meade Model 395 may be used for a lifetime of rewarding terrestrial
and astronomical observing, but basic to your enjoyment of the telescope
is a good understanding of the instrument. Read the above instructions carefully
until you understand all of the telescope's parts and functions. One or
two observing sessions will serve to clarify these points forever in your
mind.
The number of fascinating objects visible through your Meade refractor is
limited only by your own motivation. Astronomical software, such as Meade's
AstroSearch, or a good star atlas, such as the "Meade Star Charts"
will assist you in locating many interesting celestial objects. These objects
include:
- Cloud belts across the surface of the planet Jupiter.
- The 4 major satellites of Jupiter, visible in rotation about the planet,
with the satellite positions changing each night.
- Saturn and its famous ring system, as well as several satellites of
Saturn, much fainter than the major satellites of Jupiter.
- The Moon: A veritable treasury of craters, mountain ranges and fault
lines. The best contrast for viewing the Moon is during its crescent phase.
The contrast during the full Moon phase is low due to the angle of illumination.
- Deep-Space: Nebulae, galaxies, multiple star systems, star clustershundreds
of such objects are visible through the Model 395.
- Terrestrial objects: Your Meade Model 395 may be used for high-resolution
land viewing. In this case note that the diagonal mirror results in an image
which is reversed left-for-right, but which is correctly oriented up and
down. For a fully-corrected image, the optional Meade #928 45° Erect-Image Roof
Prism is required. Terrestrial observations should almost always be made
using a low-power eyepiece (50X or less), for bright sharp images. Beyond
the 50X-limit images may appear very poor due to the fact that the images
are being viewed through the thickest and most turbulent part of the atmosphere,
unlike astronomical observations made by pointing the telescope up and through
a thinner atmosphere.
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E. Using Setting Circles
Setting circles of the polar aligned equatorial mount can facilitate the
location of faint celestial objects not easily found by direct visual observation.
To use the setting circles, follow this procedure:
—Use a star chart or star atlas, and look up the celestial coordinates,
Right Ascension and Declination (R.A. and Dec.), of an easy-to-find bright
star that is within the general vicinity of the faint object you wish to
locate.
—Center the determined bright star in the telescope's field of view.
—Manually turn the R.A. setting circle (27) to read the R.A. of the object
now in the telescope's eyepiece.
—The setting circles are now calibrated (the Dec. setting circle (28) is
factory calibrated). To locate a nearby faint object using the setting circles
determine the faint object's celestial coordinates from a star chart, and
move the telescope in R.A. and Declination until the setting circles read
the R.A. and Dec. of the object you are attempting to locate. If the above
procedure has been carefully performed, the faint object will now be in
the field of a low power eyepiece.
—The R.A. Setting Circle must be manually re-calibrated on the current
Right Ascension of a star every time the telescope is set up, and reset
to the centered object's R.A. coordinate before moving to a new R.A. coordinate
setting. The R.A. Setting Circle has two sets of numbers, the inner set
is for Southern hemisphere use while the outer set of numbers (the set closest
to the R.A. gear), is for use by observers located North of the Earth's
equator (e.g. in North America).
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F. Calculating Power
The power, or magnification of the telescope depends on two optical characteristics:
the focal length of the main telescope and the focal length of the eyepiece
used during a particular observation. For example, the focal length of the
Model 395 telescope is fixed at 1000mm. To calculate the power in use with
a particular eyepiece, divide the focal length of the eyepiece into the
focal length of the main telescope. For example, using the MA25mm eyepiece
supplied with the Model 395, the power is calculated as follows:
Meade Instruments manufactures several types of eyepiece designs that
are available for your telescope. The type of eyepiece (whether "MA"
Modified Achromatic, "SP" Super Plössl, etc.) has no bearing
on magnifying power but does affect such optical characteristics as field
of view, flatness of field, eye-relief, and color correction.
The maximum practical magnification is determined by the nature of the object
being observed and, most importantly, by the prevailing atmospheric conditions.
Under very steady atmospheric "seeing," the Model 395 may be used
at powers up to about 250X on astronomical objects. Generally, however,
lower powers of perhaps 75X to 175X will be the maximum permissible, consistent
with high image resolution. When unsteady air conditions prevail (as witnessed
by rapid "twinkling" of the stars), extremely high-power eyepieces
result in "empty magnification," where the object detail observed
is actually diminished by the excessive power. Under such conditions
a planet may appear as a featureless fuzzy orb of bright light.
Assorted eyepieces are available both to increase and decrease the operating
eyepiece power of the telescope. If the Model 395 is used on a regular basis,
a selection of four to five eyepieces is recommended. For example, an eyepiece
assortment of focal lengths 32mm or 40mm, 25mm, 12.5mm, 9mm, and 6mm yields
a magnifying range of 31x or 25x, 40x, 80x, 111x, and 167x respectively.
A high quality Barlow Lens, such as the Meade Barlow Lens #126, serves to
double the power of each of these eyepieces. To use the Barlow Lens, insert
the #126 unit into the telescope's focuser first, then insert the diagonal
mirror, followed by an eyepiece; the power thus obtained is then double
the power obtained when the eyepiece is used alone. For example, the MA 25mm
eyepiece, when used in conjunction with the #126 2x Telenegative Barlow
lens yields 80X.
As with any quality instrument, lens or mirror surfaces should be cleaned
as infrequently as possible. Multi-coated lens surfaces, in particular,
should be cleaned only when absolutely necessary. In all cases avoid touching
any lens surface. A little dust on the surface of a lens or mirror causes
negligible loss of performance and should not be considered reason to clean
the surface. When lens cleaning does become necessary, use a camel's hair
brush or compressed air gently to remove dust. If the telescope's dust cover
is replaced after each observing session, cleaning of the optics will rarely
be required. Note: remove the dew shield (37) to access the objective lens
(39) for cleaning.
Every Meade Model 395 equatorial mount and tripod is factory inspected for
proper fit and function prior to shipment. It is unlikely that you will
need to adjust, or tighten these parts after receipt of the telescope. However,
if the instrument received unusually rough handling in shipment, it is possible
that some of these assemblies can be loose. To make adjustments you will
need a 1/2" or 11/16" socket or adjustable end wrench, a 5/64"
hex wrench, and a Phillips-head screwdriver.
The equatorial mount has four main areas that can be adjusted: A loose polar
shaft can be tightened by releasing a 5/64" hex set-screw that is on
the side of the 11/16" polar shaft acorn cap nut (32), and then turning
the 11/16" acorn cap nut clockwise to a firm feel, and then tightening
the 5/64" hex set-screw. A loose Azimuth base (33), can be tightened
by turning the 11/16" Azimuth shaft bolt (34), located underneath the
mount and in between the three tripod legs, clockwise to a firm feel. The
R.A. (35), and Dec. (36) worm block assemblies can have backlash removed
by releasing the 2 Phillips-head screws on each assembly, applying pressure
to the worm block against the worm gear, and then tightening the Phillips-head
screws. Note that overtightening of any of the nuts, bolts, or screws can
inhibit the smooth rotating action of the axes and gears, and may result
in stripping the threads.
The tripod legs have 1/2" nuts (44), and Phillips-head screws (43)
that may have backed off, these may also be tightened to a firm feel for
the most sturdy performance of the telescope.