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Introduction: Meade Digital Electronic Telescope Series (DS) models are illustrated in the fol-
lowing figures: Fig. A — 60mm and 70mm refracting telescopes; Fig. B — 80mm and 90mm
refracting telescopes; Fig. C — 114mm and 127mm reflecting telescopes. Telescope optical
specifications (diameter, D, and focal length, F) are printed on a foil plate affixed to the opti-
cal tube. Example: 60mm models have a diameter D = 60mm and a focal length F = 700mm.
Meade DS instruments are available in a variety of trade names (Polaris, Saturn, TeleStar,
etc.), with different levels and types of accessorization. All of these telescopes, however,
share the same basic optical tube assemblies, mechanical mountings, tripods, and other fea-
tures. The instructions provided here apply equally well to all DS trade names.
All Meade DS telescopes are similar in assembly and operation. Fig. A is used in these
instructions for most references where assembly or operation is identical among all the
models. Differences among the models, where these differences affect assembly or opera-
tion, are pointed out below.
Users of DS models which include (either as part of the original telescope or purchased sep-
arately as an optional feature) an additional telescope control system (such as the #490
Manual Slow-Motion Control Set, the #492 Dual-Motor Electronic Control System, or the #493
Autostar Computer Control System) should first assemble the basic telescope; instructions for
adding one of these optional control systems are given in Appendix 2 of this manual.
Unpacking: Locate and remove the following components and parts from the packing box:
optical tube (A-1); viewfinder (A-4) and viewfinder bracket (A-5); yoke mount (A-6); tripod legs
(A-7); poly bag with 3 bolts and nuts for attaching the tripod to the yoke (60mm and 70mm
models only); accessory shelf (A-8); one or more eyepieces (A-9); diagonal mirror (A-10, not
included with 114mm and 127mm models). On 60mm and 70mm models the optical tube is
factory-attached to the yoke mount and the tripod legs are packed separately in the packing
box. On all other models the yoke mount is factory-attached to the three tripod legs and the
optical tube is packed separately in the packing box.
Assembly: 60mm and 70mm Models — Attach the three (aluminum) tripod legs to the base
of the yoke mount, as shown in Fig. A. In attaching each leg, slide one of the bolts through
the hole (A-12) at the top of the leg, thread the hex nut on to the opposite end of the bolt, and
- 5 -
WARNING! Never use a Meade
®
DS
Telescope to look at the Sun! Looking at or
near the Sun will cause instant and irre-
versible damage to your eye. Eye damage is
often painless, so there is no warning to the
observer that damage has occurred until it is
too late. Do not point the telescope or its
viewfinder at or near the sun. Do not look
through the telescope or its viewfinder as it is
moving. Children should always have adult
supervision while observing.
CAUTION: Use care to install batteries
as indicated by the battery compart-
ment. Follow battery manufacturers'
precautions. Do not install batteries
backward or mix new and used batter-
ies. Do not mix battery types. If these
precautions are not followed, batteries
may explode, catch fire, or leak.
Improperly installed batteries void your
Meade warranty.
Assembly and Operating Instructions for
Meade
®
Digital Electronic Telescope Series
60mm (2.4"), 70mm (2.8"), 80mm (3.1"), 90mm (3.5") Refracting Telescopes; 114mm
(4.5"), and 127mm (5") Reflecting Telescopes
Numbered references are to the figures on the pages of this manual. Example: “D-4” refers to
item 4 of Fig. D.