Meade 2045 - Introduction; Standard Equipment; Setting Up The Telescope

MEADE MODEL 2045:4" SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE
INTRODUCTION
The Meade Model 2045 permits a very wide range of serious astronomical and terrestrial applications —
and in an extremely compact and portable optical/mechanical package. The advanced
Schmidt-Cassegrain mirror-lens ("catadioptric") optical design of the Model 2045 enables a 40” effective
optical tube length to be compressed into an actual tube length only 10" long — and with no sacrifice
whatsoever in the most demanding performance requirements. The capabilities of the instrument are
essentially limited not only by the telescope, but by the acquired skills of the observer and photographer.
Do take time to read this manual thoroughly so that you will be fully acquainted with the many important
features of the telescope, as well as with the auxiliary equipment and accessories available for advanced
applications.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
• 4” Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube assembly and fork mount with pulse motor drive system
• 1 Eyepiece — MA25mm 1-1/4" O.D.
• 1 eyepiece holder/diagonal prism assembly
• 5x24mm viewfinder
• 3 thread-in tripod legs (2 fixed length legs; 1 adjustable length leg)
• Dust covers (front and rear)
• Battery pack with cord
• Hardware package
SETTING UP THE TELESCOPE
The basic Model 2045 telescope is shipped as a completely assembled instrument. After removing he
telescope from its shipping carton and carrying case, familiarize yourself with the various controls and
accessories (See Fig. 1).
The eyepiece holder/diagonal prism threads directly onto the rear cell thread of the telescope and, in turn,
accepts the supplied eyepiece. The 5x24 viewfinder attaches to the rear portion of the telescope with the
supplied hardware (see (1), Fig. 1).
For astronomical observations, the diagonal prism provides a comfortable right-angle viewing position.
Note, however, that although the image appears correctly oriented up-and-down, it is reversed
left-for-right. For terrestrial observations, where a fully-corrected image orientation (both up-and-down
and left-for-right) is desirable, the optional #928 45* Erect-Image Roof Prism and eye piece holder (1-1/4")
should be ordered separately. The standard diagonal prism is also well-suited for many terrestrial
observations. Eyepieces are held in place in the diagonal prism with a moderate tightening of the small
thumbscrew.