Meade ETX - Manual

Meade Instruments Corporation

6001

OAK CANYON, IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92620-4205

n

(949) 451-l 450

FAX: (949) 451-1460

n

www.meade.com

Operating Instructions

ETX Field Tripod

For Use With the ETX Astro Telescope

Fig.

1:

ETX Field Tripod. (1) Mounting Slots; (2) Mounting Plate; (3)

Scale; (4) Fine Latitude Adjustment Knob; (5) Height

Adjustment Knob; (6) Accessory Tray; (7) Extension Strut System;

North-Pointing Tripod Leg (marked

at position of arrow);

Fine Azimuth Adjustment Knobs; (10) Latitude Lock Knob:

Latitude Lock Lever

(opposite side).

PARTS LISTING AND ASSEMBLY

When opening the packing box for the first time, note carefully

the following parts included with the ETX Field Tripod:

Tripod

2 Attachment Knobs

Tray

1. Preparing the Tripod For Use

The ETX Field Tripod (Fig. 1) is simple to set up and easy to

use. Users need only attach the accessory tray and adjust the

to the

a. Extending the Tripod:

Remove the tripod from the

box and stand it

upright. Grasp two of the

legs, leaving the full

weight of the tripod on the third leg. Gently pull the legs

apart to a full open

b. Attaching the Accessory Tray:

Remove the round accessory tray

Fig. 1, from the

shipping box. Remove the black, star-shaped lock knob
from the threaded rod on the bottom of the accessory tray.

Attach the tray to the tripod by inserting the threaded rod

through the central hub of the extension strut

1.

Rethread the lock knob onto the accessory tray.

Varying the Tripod Height:

Loosen the black, star-shaped height adjustment knob

at the base of each

leg.

the three top tripod leg sections to the desired height.

Tighten the three height adjustment knobs,

Fig. 1, to a

feel”. Do not overtighten.

Collapsing the Tripod for Storage:

Remove the accessory tray

Fig. 1, from the tripod.

Grasp the top of the tripod

one hand, and with the

other hand, pull up on the central hub of the extension

strut

Fig. where the accessory tray was attached.

This action will cause the tripod legs to move inward to a

collapsed position.

Important Notes on using ETX Field Tripod:

2.

a.

b .

.

C .

Remove the accessory tray before attempting to collapse

the tripod.

If the tripod does not extend or collapse easily, do not
force the tripod legs in or out. By following the above
instructions the tripod

function properly. Forcing the

tripod into an incorrect position may damage the extension
strut system.

Do not overtighten the three star-shaped height adjustment

knobs on the tripod legs. “Firm feel” tightening is sufficient.

Attaching the ETX Astro Telescope to the Tripod

Confirm that the latitude lock lever

Fig. is in the

locked

by

the lever

Also

that

the N/S

on the base

of the

E T X

Astro Telescope

IS

set for the correct hemsphere

In the side of the ETX

drive base, locate the

two attachment holes,

Fig. 2. (These holes

are normally used with

the fixed legs of the

table tripod.) Position
the ETX on the Field

so that the

Fig.

2: ETX

Base,

attachment holes.

Then, align the two holes in the base of the ETX with the

mounting slots

Fig. on the mount plate

Fig. 1.