Meade Instruments Polaris Series - Manual (Page 6)

4 SETUP YOUR TRIPOD
The tripod is the basic support for your
telescope. Its height may be adjusted so that
you can view comfortably. Note: Number in
brackets, e.g., (3), refer to Fig. 1A and 1B
unless noted otherwise. The tripod is shipped
from the factory pre-assembled and needs
only the mount and accessory tray attached.
1.Spread the tripod legs out evenly apart.
2. Set the height of your tripod:
a. Rotate and loosen the tripod leg lock
thumbscrew (36) to unlock the sliding leg
extension (37).
b. Slide the inner portion of the leg (37) in or
out to the desired length.
c. Rotate and tighten the leg lock thumbscrew
(36) to re-lock the inner tripod leg.
d. Repeat for the other two legs so when
complete, the top of the tripod is level.
ATTACH THE ACCESSORY TRAY
using the large azimuth lock knob (30) at the
top of the tripod. Tighten to a firm feel.
ATTACH THE COUNTERWEIGHT SHAFT
AND COUNTERWEIGHT
1. Thread the counterweight shaft (6) into
the mounts declination axis (21, Fig. 3) until
it stops.
2. Remove the safety knob (8) and set aside.
3. Hold the counterweight (5) firmly in one
hand and slide the counterweight onto the
counterweight shaft (6) so it is about 2” from
the bottom of the shaft.
4. Secure in place by tightening the
counterweight lock knob (7).
5. Thread the safety nut (8) into the
counterweight shaft until tight.
Note: Make sure the safety knob (8) always
remains in place on the shaft. This safety
feature prevents the counterweight from
accidentally falling off the shaft.
The accessory tray attaches at the center of
the tripod legs and is a convenient place to
hold eyepieces and other Meade accessories
while observing, such as the Barlow lens.
To attach, place the hole in the center of the
accessory tray over the attachment point as
shown in Fig 2. Then rotate the tray until the
wings of the tray snap into place on the tripod
leg brace supports.
To remove the tray, rotate the tray so it
unlocks, then remove.
ATTACH THE MOUNT
Next, attach the mount body (2) to the tripod
by placing the base of the mount on top of the
tripod. Next, secure the mount to the tripod
Fig. 2
Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversable damage to your eye. Do not point this telescope at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.