Align The Deluxe Red Dot Finder; Using A Dobsonian Telescope - Meade Telescopes Instruction Manual

Intensity Dial
Hex screws
The deluxe red dot finder.
See step #12, page 7 to find out how th attach the finder to the telescope.

ALIGN THE DELUXE RED DOT FINDER

It is recommended that you perform steps 1 and 2 of this procedure during the day-
time and step 3 at night.
1. If you have not already done so, place the low-power 26mm) eyepiece in the
eyepiece holder (15) and point the telescope at an easy-to-find land object (e.g.,
the top of a telephone pole). Turn the focuser knob (13A) so that the image is
sharply focused. Center the object precisely in the main telescope's field of view.
2. Then, looking through the red dot finder, adjust one or both of the hex screws on
the top and side of the finder until the finder's red dot points precisely at the same
object as centered in the main telescope. Rotate the dial on top of the finder to
change the intensity of the indicator. The red dot finder is now aligned to the main
telescope.
3. Check this alignment on a celestial object, such as the Moon or a bright star, and
make any necessary refinements.
The deluxe red dot finder provides you with four different red dot indicator shapes: a
dot, a cross, a diamond and a bullseye. Push the lever below the finder to change the
shape of the dot.
1. Never lubricate the Teflon pads on the ground plate. Your Dobsonian has been

USING A DOBSONIAN TELESCOPE

designed with some inherent friction. You want the telescope to move easily when
you position it, but you also want it to stay in the position you place it. Using any
kind of oil, silicone spray, wax, or grease will ruin the performance by causing the
telescope to move too easily. Just keep these bearing surfaces clean; that's all
the maintenance required.
2. The altitude bearing surfaces (7, Fig 1) of the telescope are lightly lubricated at
the factory for optimum performance. Over a period of time, these surfaces may
become dry or dirty. Simply clean off the bearing surfaces with a dry cloth or
paper towel. Do not use solvents or alcohol-based cleaning solutions as this may
damage the bearings or the painted surfaces of the telescope.
3. You will notice that your telescope will move in altitude by raising and lowering
the tube, and in azimuth by rotating the base. As you observe objects in the night
sky they will appear to drift out of the field of view due to the Earth's rotation. To
keep an object centered in the field of view, just lightly nudge the telescope in the
proper direction. This may take a little practice at first, but you'll soon get the hang
of it.
4. Be sure the Mount is placed on a relatively level surface to allow proper
operation. Each of the three 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.
5. Part of the fun of using a Dobsonian type of telescope is the challenge of hunting
for objects in the night sky. Invest in some simple star charts and books that tell
you how to locate objects using a technique called "star hopping." Once you
begin learning the star patterns and constellations, you're well on you way to find-
ing many amazing sights.
Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversable damage to your eye. Do not point
this telescope at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.
11