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Meade Deluxe Field Tripod Operating Instructions

Meade Deluxe Field Tripod Operating Instructions

For use with the etx-90ra, etx-90ec, and etx-125ec astro telescopes

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For use with the ETX-90RA, ETX-90EC, and ETX-125EC Astro Telescopes
PARTS LISTING AND ASSEMBLY
When opening the packing box for the first time, note carefully
the following parts included with the full-length #883 Deluxe
Field Tripod:
Tripod
2 Attachment Knobs (with 1/4-20 threads)
Accessory Tray
Preparing the Tripod For Use
The #883 Deluxe Field Tripod (Fig. 1) is simple to set up and
easy to use. Users need only attach the accessory tray and
adjust the tripod to the desired observing height.
1.
Extending the Tripod
Remove the tripod from the packing box and stand it
upright. Grasp two of the tripod legs, leaving the full
weight of the tripod on the third leg. Gently pull the legs
apart to a full open position.
2.
Attaching the Accessory Tray
Remove the round accessory tray (7, Fig. 1) from the
packing box. Remove the black, star-shaped lock knob
from the threaded rod on the bottom of the accessory tray.
Attach the tray to the tripod by inserting the threaded rod
through the central hub of the extension strut (8, Fig. 1).
Rethread the lock knob onto the accessory tray.
3.
Varying the Tripod Height
Loosen the black, star-shaped height adjustment knob
(6, Fig. 1) at the base of each tripod leg. Slide the three
inner tripod leg sections to the desired height. Tighten the
three height adjustment knobs to a "firm feel." Do not
overtighten.
NOTE: The tripod legs do not all have to be extended to exactly
the same length. Vary the height of one or more tripod legs as
required to achieve an approximately level mounting surface
for the telescope, as shown by the bubble level (5, Fig. 1).
2
1
1
3
4
5
8
7
6
Fig. 1: #883 Deluxe Field Tripod.
Operating Instructions
#883 Deluxe Field Tripod
1. Mounting Slots
2. Mounting Plate
3. Latitude Scale
12
4. Fine Latitude
Adjustment Knob
5. Bubble Level
11
6. Height Adjustment
Knob
10
7. Accessory Tray
8. Extension Strut
System
9
9. North-Pointing
Tripod Leg (marked
"N" at position of
arrow)
10. Fine Azimuth
Adjustment Knobs
11. Latitude Lock Knob
12. Latitude Lock Lever
(opposite side)
4.
Collapsing the Tripod for Storage
Remove the accessory tray (7, Fig. 1) from the tripod.
Grasp the top of the tripod with one hand, and with the
other hand, pull up on the central hub of the extension
strut (8, Fig. 1) where the accessory tray was attached.
This action will cause the tripod legs to move inward to a
collapsed position.
Important Note: If the tripod does not extend or collapse
easily, do not force the tripod legs in or out. By following the
above instructions the tripod will function properly. Forcing the
tripod into an incorrect position may damage the extension strut
system.
Attaching an ETX Astro Telescope to the Tripod
1.
Confirm that the latitude lock lever (12, Fig. 1) is in the
locked position by rotating the lever clockwise until tight. If
using the ETX-90RA model, confirm that the N/S switch
on the bottom of the drive base of the telescope is set for
the correct hemisphere prior to mounting.
2.
On the side of the
telescope drive base,
locate the two table
tripod attachment hole
covers (Fig. 2).
NOTE: These holes are
for the optional table
tripod and are used for
location purposes only
with the field tripod.
3.
Locate the field tripod mounting hole on the bottom of the
drive base that is closest to the hole covers located in
step 3. Slightly thread one of the provided 1/4-20
attachment knobs into the hole.
4.
Place the telescope base on the tripod mounting plate
(2, Fig. 1), aligning the knob inserted in step 3 with the
mounting slot (1, Fig. 1) located directly above the "N"
tripod leg (8, Fig. 1). Slide the knob into the slot, then
position the telescope base so that the second field tripod
mounting hole lines up with the second mounting slot.
5.
Thread the second 1/4-20 knob through the slot and into
the hole in the telescope drive base. Tighten both knobs
to a firm feel only to secure the telescope to the tripod. Do
not overtighten or damage to the threads may occur.
The #883 Deluxe Field Tripod provides for two alignment
configurations of ETX Astro Telescope models: Alt/Az and polar.
ALT/AZ ALIGNMENT
Alt/Az alignment (Fig. 3) is best used for terrestrial (land)
viewing and for casual celestial observation. The telescope's
manual slow-motion controls (ETX-90RA) or the Electronic
Controller arrow keys (ETX-90EC and ETX-125EC) are used to
keep the object within the field of view.
NOTE: Fully automatic tracking of celestial objects can be
accomplished in the Alt/Az configuration using the optional
#497 Autostar Computer Controller with the ETX-90EC and
ETX–125EC. The ETX-90RA must be polar-aligned to
automatically track celestial objects (see POLAR ALIGNMENT).
In Alt/Az viewing applications, the three legs of the #883 Deluxe
Field Tripod may be positioned in an arbitrary orientation. The
telescope mounting, however, should be placed in a horizontal
position by turning the fine latitude adjustment knob (4, Fig. 1) until
the latitude scale (3, Fig. 1) reads 90°, unlocking and re-locking the
latitude lock knob (11, Fig. 1) to accomplish this adjustment.
NOTE: The ETX-90RA motor drive should be turned off in
terrestrial applications.
Fig. 2: Drive Base of the ETX-90RA
showing attachment holes covers
standard on all ETX telescopes.

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Summary of Contents for Meade Deluxe Field Tripod

  • Page 1 • Accessory Tray Preparing the Tripod For Use The #883 Deluxe Field Tripod (Fig. 1) is simple to set up and easy to use. Users need only attach the accessory tray and adjust the tripod to the desired observing height.
  • Page 2 Fig. 3: Examples of Alt/Az (left) and polar mounting (right) of an ETX-90EC to the #883 Deluxe Field Tripod. POLAR ALIGNMENT Polar alignment (Fig. 3) is the process of lining up the telescope’s polar axis with the North Celestial Pole (or South Celestial Pole if observing from the southern hemisphere).

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883 deluxe field tripod