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Introduction: The Meade Model 647 CCD Flip-Mirror System
(2°) is a major advancement in systems specifically designed
for CCD
imaging where large CCD chips (ə.g., the Pictor
1616XT) are employed. One of the most important aspects of
this system is the dramatic reduction in setup and focus time
after initial calibration. Threaded on to the rear cell of any
Meade LxX-series mirror-lens telescope or to other Schmidt-
Cassegrain
telescope brands, the Flip-Mirror allows direct
visual inspection of the imaging area, permitting quick and
convenient image composition and focus. The Flip-Mirror may
be used with any Meade Pictor CCD Autoguider/Imager or with
other CCD imager brands, or with removabie-lens 35mm SLR
cameras.
Detailed here, are the standard accessories for the Meade Flip-
Mirror (2"), and instructions for use.
Attaching the Flip-Mirror to the Telescope: Remove any
attachments
to the threaded rear cell of the telescope
(e.g., eyepiece holder or diagonal prism/mirror) and attach the
Flip-Mirror, by turning the Flip-Mirror's thread-on, knurled ring
(1, Fig. 2) clockwise to a firm feel.
if a different viewing angle is desired, slightly tum the Flip-
Mirror's thread-on, knurled ring counterclockwise to loosen the
device from the rear cell, rotate the device to the desired
position and re-tighten using the method described above.
Attaching the CCD Camera to the Flip-Mirror: Meade Pictor
Autoguider/Imagers (or other CCD camera system brands) are
attached to the Flip-Mirror by means of the T-thread interface
(4 or 5, Fig. 2) or the 1.25" Barrel Adapter Holder (3, Fig. 2). It
is also possible to use the Pictor 216XT, 416XT, or 1616XT
with the Pictor Color Filter System (either #616 or #616A) in
conjunction with the Flip-Mirror.
To attach the CCD camera to the Flip-Mirror using the 1.25"
Barrel Adapter, first connect the 1.25" Barrel Adapter Holder
(3, Fig.2) to the Flip-Mirror's Back Plate (2, Fig. 2) by securing
it with the inner set of three thumbscrews (1, Fig. 1), then slide
in the camera. Secure the camera to the 1.25" Barrel Adapter
Holder with the outer set of three thumbscrews (2, Fig. 1).
Many CCD cameras, including all Pictor Autoguider/Imagers,
can be attached to the Flip-Mirror via the T-thread interface,
with or without their corresponding color filter systems. To
attach a T-thread compatible CCD camera without a color filter
system, thread-in the Long T-Adapter (4, Fig. 2) to the CCD
camera
body. Then attach the Long T-Adapter with CCD
camera to the Flip-Mirror's Back Plate (2, Fig.2), securing the
Long T-Adapter with the three thumbscrews.
To attach a T-thread compatible CCD camera with a color filter
system (or a removable-iens 35mm SLR camera body with the
appropriate optional camera-specific T-mount), thread-in the
Short T-Adapter (5, Fig.2) to the camera body. Then attach the
Short T-Adapter with CCD camera to the Flip-Mirror's Back
Plate (2, Fig. 2), securing the Short T-Adapter with the three
thumbscrews.
,
With either T-Adapter attached, the rotational orientation of the
CCD camera head can be changed as desired by loosening the
T-Adapter's three thumbscrews slightly (while securely holding
the camera) and changing the rotational position of the CCD
camera.
Secure
the
camera
by tightening
the
three
thumbscrews of the T-Adapter.
Operating Instructions
Meade Model 647 CCD Flip-Mirror System (2")
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FLIP- MIRROR
SYSTEM
MODEL 647
Fig. 1: Model 647 CCD Flip-Mirror System (2")
Choosing
the Eyepiece
and
Matching
Focus
to the
Camera: Once the focus is matched between the eyepiece and
the CCD camera, focusing the eyepiece using the telescope's
focus knob assures a sharp focus in the CCD camera. A great
many eyepieces, both 1.25" and 2" O.D., match focus with
Meade Pictor Series Autoguider/Imagers and with many other
CCD camera brands, when used with the fieace Model 647
—
Flip-Mirror System (2"). Among the eyepieces manufactured by
Meade, these specific eyepieces may be employed with Meade
Pictor Autoguider/Imagers:
¢
All Meade Illuminated Reticle Eyepieces including PL9mm
and MA12mm (1.25" O.D.)
e
Meade MA 12mm Astrometric Eyepiece (1.25" O.D.)
e
Meade Pléssi 25mm CCD Framing Eyepiece (1.25" O.D.)
e — All Series 3000 Pléss! Eyepieces (1.25" O.D.)
¢ _ All Series 4000 Super Pléss! Eyepieces (1.25" O.D.)
¢ _ All Series 4000 Super Wide Angle Eyepieces (1.25" O.D.)
e
Series 4000 Ultra Wide Angle Eyepieces 4.7mm, 6.7mm,
and 8.8mm (1.25" O.D.)
e
Series 4000 Super Wide Angle Eyepieces 32mm and
40mm (2" O.D.)
NOTE: Directions to tum the Mirror Control Knob to the "UP" or
"DOWN" position (i.e., clockwise
or counterclockwise) are
described
as
when
facing
the Flip-Mirror
Case
Cover
(16, Fig. 2).
To match focus with the selected eyepiece to the attached
CCD camera, place the mirror of the Flip-Mirror in the "UP"
position,
by tuming
the Mirror Control
Knob
(6, Fig. 2)
counterclockwise until the knob reaches its stop. This allows
the light coming through the telescope to reach the imaging
plane of the CCD camera.
Focus is made by tuming the
telescope's focus knob in the usual method as described in the
camera's instruction manual. Use the instruction manual for the
CCD camera to focus the image. Once the image (¢.g., a star
or other celestial object) is precisely focused on the CCD
camera, tum the Mirror Control Knob clockwise to piace the
mirror in the "DOWN" position until the knob reaches its stop.
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