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.
