Instruction Manual
Meade 50AZ-P
50mm (2”) Altazimuth Refracting Telescope
27 Hubble, Irvine, California 92618
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
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6
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8
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Standard Equipment
Unpacking and Assembly
Viewfinder Focusing and Alignment
Using the Telescope
Calculating Power
A Few Words About Power
Maintenance
Specifications
Optional Accessories
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.
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Fig. 1: Meade 50AZ-P 2” Altazimuth Refracting Telescope
1.
Eyepiece
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Optical-tube-to-mount attachment point
Optical-tube-to-mount attachment knob
Optical-tube-to-mount locking knob
Diagonal mirror
2.
5 x 24 Viewfinder
3.
Viewfinder bracket
Viewfinder collimation screws
Optical tube assembly
Viewfinder bracket attaching nuts
Altitude locking control handle
Tripod legs
4.
5.
Objective lens and lens cell (inside tube)
Eyepiece holder and thumbscrew
Sliding leg extension locking collar
Adjustable sliding center leg extension
Dew shield/lens shade
6.
7.
8.
9.
Leg brace supports
Accessory tray
10.
11.
Front lens cap
Altazimuth mount
Focusing knob
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.
4
INTRODUCTION
Before you begin your visual journey, we urge you to take a few minutes to completely read this manual so that
you can get the best use of the equipment. This manual details the setup, operation, specifications, and optional
accessories of the Meade 50AZ-P Altazimuth Refracting Telescope. The Meade 50AZ-P is designed for both
astronomical and terrestrial observing. Whether you are observing objects a few meters away or light years distant,
the Meade 50AZ-P’s precision optics and sturdy mount are the tools with which you can learn basic telescope skills
that can lead to a lifetime of enjoyment and discovery.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT (Refer to Fig. 1)
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Complete optical tube assembly with 50mm-diameter, 625mm focal length, coated objective lens;
dew shield; 5 x 24 viewfinder with bracket; rack-and-pinion focuser.
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Altazimuth mount with pre-attached continuously-adjustable steel tripod and leg braces.
Altitude locking control handle.
Accessories:
Wide-field H 25mm (25X), H 12.5mm (50X) eyepieces (.965” O.D. “Outside Diameter”)
3x Barlow lens
Diagonal mirror (.965”)
Viewfinder
Accessory tray
Autostar Suite astronomy software CD-Rom (separate instructions supplied with the software
package)
UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
Note that although the telescope is unassembled, all of the more difficult or complicated sections of the instrument
are already factory pre-assembled; first time assembly of the telescope should not require more than about 15
minutes. To set up the telescope, follow this procedure:
1. Remove and identify the telescope’s components, using the listing on page 3.
2. Spread the three tripod legs (8, Fig. 1) evenly apart and insert the accessory tray (10, Fig. 1) in the hole at the
center of the leg brace supports (9, Fig. 1).
3. Snugly thread-in the altitude locking control handle (7, Fig. 1) into the altazimuth mount (11, Fig. 1) at the optical-
tube-to-mount attachment point (12, Fig. 1). Thread-in the optical-tube-to-mount attaching knob (13, Fig. 1) until
snug, and then tighten the optical-tube-to-mount lock knob (14, Fig. 1).
4. Attach the viewfinder (2, Fig. 1) and viewfinder bracket (3, Fig. 1) by unthreading the two viewfinder bracket
attaching nuts (6, Fig. 1) that are located on the tube near the focuser and placing the viewfinder bracket (with
the eyepiece-end of the viewfinder facing the focuser of the telescope) over the two protruding threaded studs.
Then replace the two viewfinder bracket attaching nuts to secure the bracket to the optical tube.
5. Insert the diagonal mirror (15, Fig. 1) into the eyepiece holder (17, Fig. 1) and the wide-field H 25mm eyepiece
(1, Fig. 1) into the diagonal mirror. Secure each in place with a moderate tightening of the respective
thumbscrews.
6. Extend the sliding leg extension (19, Fig. 1) portion of the adjustable height tripod to the desired length on all
three legs by rotating the sliding leg extension collar (18, Fig. 1) counterclockwise to release the inner sliding leg.
When you achieve the desired height, lock the tripod leg by rotating the sliding leg extension collar clockwise
until it is snug. Do not over-tighten the locking collars as they can become damaged.
ALTAZIMUTH MOUNT MOVEMENTS AND LOCK
The telescope can tilt just over 90° in altitude (the up-and-down movement) and rotate 360° in azimuth (the side-to-
side movement), hence the term “Altazimuth” in this telescope’s mount. The Altazimuth mount can be locked only in
altitude, the azimuth movement is always free.
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.
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To move the telescope on the mount, unlock the altitude locking control handle (7, Fig. 1) by turning the handle
counterclockwise one complete turn. Hold the handle while moving the telescope in altitude and/or azimuth. When
finished, lock the altitude control handle by tightening the handle, turning clockwise. Tip: By keeping the altitude
locking handle slightly tight, the telescope can still be moved in altitude without running the risk of having the
telescope “flip” in the up or down movement.
VIEWFINDER FOCUSING AND ALIGNMENT
The 5 x 24mm viewfinder (2, Fig. 1) is a low-power, wide-field sighting device that, once aligned, will allow you
to point the telescope with greater precision. Take note that when you look through the viewfinder, you will see a
crosshair with images that will be upside-down; this is normal.
To work properly, the viewfinder must first be aligned to the telescope’s main optical tube. To align the viewfinder,
follow these steps:
1. Remove the lens cap (21, Fig. 1) of the optical tube assembly. Place the H 25mm eyepiece in the diagonal
mirror and point the optical tube assembly (5, Fig. 1) at some well-defined, distant land object (e.g. the top of a
distant telephone pole). Note: Images are either backwards or upside-down, depending on the rotation angle of
the diagonal mirror; this is normal. It is recommended that you choose an object that is as distant as possible, so
that the viewfinder alignment will be accurate enough to point the telescope at individual planets and stars during
astronomical observations.
2. Look through the viewfinder (2, Fig. 1) and tighten or loosen, as appropriate, the viewfinder bracket’s three
collimation screws (4, Fig. 1), until the crosshairs of the viewfinder are precisely centered on the same object
already centered in the telescope’s H 25mm eyepiece. When finished, tighten the viewfinder’s three collimation
screws to a firm feel so that it remains in alignment.
3. Objects located in the 5 x 24mm viewfinder will now be centered in the telescope eyepiece.
USING THE TELESCOPE
With the telescope assembled, you are ready to begin observations.
1. First, pick out an easy-to-find object. Observing land objects during the daytime is a good way to become
accustomed to the operation of the telescope. At night, try observing the Moon at first (if it is visible) or a bright
star.
2. To center an object in the main telescope, first use the aligned viewfinder to find the object you wish to observe.
If necessary, slightly loosen the altitude locking control handle (7, Fig. 1), to re-position the telescope so that the
desired object can be centered in the viewfinder. When the object is centered in the viewfinder, it should then,
also, be somewhere in the main telescope’s field of view. Next, using the 25mm eyepiece, center the object in
the main telescope’s field of view, and sharply focus the image by turning the focus knob (22, Fig. 1).
The wide-field H 25mm eyepiece included as standard equipment is the best eyepiece to use for the initial finding
and centering of an object. The low-power H 25mm eyepiece presents a bright, wide field of view, ideal for
terrestrial and general astronomical observing of star fields, clusters of stars, nebulae, and galaxies. For lunar
and planetary viewing, switch to a higher power eyepiece such as the H 12.5mm – if you have good viewing
conditions. If the image starts to become fuzzy as magnification is increased, back down to a lower power; The
atmosphere is not steady enough to support higher powers. Note: Changing eyepieces changes power.
3. If you are observing an astronomical object (the Moon, a planet, star, etc.) you will notice that the object will
begin to move slowly through the telescopic field of view. This movement is caused by the rotation of the Earth
and makes an object appear to be moving in the telescope’s field of view. To keep astronomical objects centered
in the field, simply move the telescope up or down, or side-to-side (vertical and/or horizontal), using the altitude
control handle (7, Fig. 1) as appropriate. At higher powers, astronomical objects will seem to move through the
field more rapidly.
4. Avoid touching the eyepiece while observing through the telescope. Vibrations resulting from such contact will
cause the image to move. Avoid observing sites where vibrations may introduce image movement. Viewing
from the upper floors of a building may also introduce image movement.
5. Allow a few minutes for your eyes to become “dark adapted” prior to attempting any serious observations. Use
a red-filtered flashlight (you can make your own by taping red cellophane over a flashlight lens) to protect your
night vision when reading star maps, or inspecting components of the telescope.
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.
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6. Avoid setting up the telescope inside a room and observing through a closed window pane. Images may appear
blurred or distorted due to temperature differences between inside and outside air. Also, it is a good idea
to allow your telescope a chance to reach the ambient (surrounding) outside temperature before starting an
observing session.
7. We repeat the warning stated at the outset of this manual:
NEVER POINT THE TELESCOPE DIRECTLY AT OR NEAR THE SUN AT ANY TIME!
OBSERVING THE SUN, EVEN FOR THE SMALLEST FRACTION OF A SECOND, WILL RESULT
IN INSTANT AND IRREVERSIBLE EYE DAMAGE, AS WELL AS PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE
TELESCOPE ITSELF.
8. Planets and other objects viewed low on the horizon often lack sharpness — the same object, when observed
higher in the sky, will appear sharper and have greater contrast. Turbulent air in the atmosphere can cause
images to “shimmer” in the eyepiece. Try reducing power (change your eyepiece) until the image steadies. Keep
in mind that a bright, clear, but smaller image is more interesting than a larger, dimmer, fuzzy one.
9. Astronomical software or a good star atlas will assist you in locating many interesting celestial objects. These
objects include:
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The Moon, covered with craters, mountain ranges, and fault lines. The Moon is best observed during its crescent
or half phase when Sunlight strikes the Moon’s surface at an angle. It casts shadows and adds a sense of depth
to the view. No shadows are seen during a full Moon, causing the bright Moon to appear flat and uninteresting.
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Cloud belts across the surface of the planet Jupiter.
The 4 major moons of Jupiter, visible around the planet, changing position each night.
Saturn and its famous ring system.
Deep-Space: Nebulae, galaxies, multiple star systems, star clusters — hundreds of such objects are visible
through the Meade 50AZ-P.
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Terrestrial objects: Your Meade telescope may also be used for high-resolution land viewing. Important Note:
Using that the diagonal mirror results in an image which is reversed left-for-right, but which is correctly oriented
up-and-down. For a fully corrected image, the 35X erecting eyepiece (.965” O.D.) is required.
Terrestrial observations should almost always be made using the 25mm low-power eyepiece for bright, sharp
images. Observing horizontally through the Earth’s atmosphere distorts images in higher-power eyepieces (such
as 12.5mm).
10. The T-18mm erecting eyepiece is also a stand-alone 14X microscope. To use, place the clear base on top of the
object to be examined and look through the eyepiece.
CALCULATING POWER
The power, or magnification, at which a telescope is operating is determined by two factors: the focal length of the
telescope’s main (objective) lens and the focal length of the eyepiece being used.
The focal length of the Meade 50AZ-P’s objective lens is 625mm. To figure out the power you are using, divide the
the focal length of the objective lens by the focal length of the eyepiece. For example, if you are using the H 25mm
eyepiece with the Meade 50AZ-P, the resulting power will be:
Power = 625mm ÷ 25mm = 25X.
Similarly, if you are using the H 12.5mm eyepiece, the resulting power will be:
625mm ÷ 12.5mm = 50X.
Note: The letter “H” refers to the “Huygens” optical design which yields well-corrected images with refracting
telescopes.
With the 3.5x Barlow lens, an eyepiece’s power is multiplied 3.5 times. For example, the H 25mm (25X) eyepiece,
when used in conjunction with the 3.5x Barlow lens, produces a magnification of 88X. The H 12.5mm (50X)
eyepiece produces a magnification of 175X when used with the Barlow lens. To use the 3.5x Barlow lens, remove
the diagonal mirror from the eyepiece holder (17, Fig. 1), then insert the 3.5x Barlow lens, followed by the diagonal
mirror (15, Fig. 1) and eyepiece (1, Fig. 1). Refocus until the image is sharp.
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.
7
A FEW WORDS ABOUT POWER
The useful higher magnification with any 50mm diameter telescope is in the range of 50 to 100 power. The general
rule to follow with any telescope, regarding power: Only use as much magnification as a steady, well-defined image
supports. The stability of the air varies and is one reason why having various eyepieces is desirable. Higher powers
are no guaranty of better images; in fact, the opposite is often true.
MAINTENANCE
As with any quality optical instrument, lens surfaces should be cleaned as infrequently as possible. A little dust on the
surface of the objective lens causes negligible degradation of image quality and should not be considered reason to
“clean” the lens. When lens cleaning does become necessary, use a camel’s hair brush or compressed air to gently
remove dust. Wipe only with a soft, clean cloth, applying as little pressure as possible to avoid scratching glass
surfaces. Note: Remove the dew shield/lens shade (20, Fig. 1) to access the objective lens (16, Fig. 1).
SPECIFICATIONS
Objective (main) lens focal length 625mm
Objective lens diameter
Focal ratio
50mm (2.0”)
f/12.5
Mounting type
3X Barlow
Altazimuth, with locking pan-handle
Tray
Dust Cover
27 Hubble, Irvine, California 92618
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