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A. Introducing the Meade Model 4500
The Model 4500 is an easy-to-operate, high performance 4.5" (114mm) reflecting telescope, intended for
astronomical observing. Equipped with a deluxe equatorial mount and aluminum tripod, the telescope’s
motion is continuously adjustable for tracking celestial objects. Your telescope comes to you ready for
adventure; it will be your companion in a universe of planets, galaxies, and stars. Please note that the Model
4500 is a Newtonian reflecting telescope optimized for astronomical observing performance, and is not
intended for terrestrial observing.
1. This Manual
These instructions detail the set-up, operation, specifications, and optional accessories of your Meade
Model 4500. 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.
2. Standard Equipment
• Complete optical tube assembly with a 4.5" (114mm) diameter primary mirror, viewfinder mounting bolts
with mounting nuts and 1.25" rack-and-pinion focuser. Mirror focal length = 910mm; f/8.
• Equatorial mount with pre-attached heavy duty, continuously adjustable, aluminum tripod and leg
braces.
• Accessories: MA25mm (36x) eyepiece (1.25"O.D.)
Cradle rings with lock knobs
6 x 30 viewfinder and bracket
Counterweight with counterweight shaft
Flexible cable controls for both telescope axes
Accessory shelf with mounting knob
B. Unpacking and Assembly
Your Meade Model 4500 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 (43) 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 (42) 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 (41) from the round accessory shelf
(40). Place the accessory shelf on top of the center triangle leg
brace fastener of the tripod (1) so that the threaded stud protruding
from the bottom of the shelf (40) passes through the hole in the
center. Then replace and tighten the accessory shelf mounting
knob (41).
• 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.
• 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 counter-
weight. 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.
Threaded Hole
Leg Lock Knob
Sliding Inner Leg