Meade Ultrawedge Operating Instructions Download Page 1

This optional Ultrawedge model is designed for the Meade
LX200GPS and RCX400 telescope series (

Note:

Not for use

with 16” models). The Ultrawedge fits onto both the Meade
Variable Height Field Tripods and the RCX Tripods, and allows
the telescope to be used in an astronomical, or “equatorial”
mode.

This Meade Ultrawedge is designed for use with the Meade
Variable Height Field Tripod and the RCX Tripod.

Warning: If

the telescope is placed on the wedge without the tripod
attached to it, the wedge will be seriously overbalanced
and the telescope could tip over.

The following instructions assume that the Ultrawedge will be
used with the Meade Variable Height Field Tripod. The
assembly procedure requires two people who can lift up to 55
lbs. each.

Ultrawedge Assembly

The required wedge hardware and manual knobs are shipped
within the wedge carton.

Note: The tangent arm 

(

5, Fig. 2

)

is

standard  and already attached to Meade’s RCX400 tripods;
if you have an RCX400 tripod, you do not need to attach the
tangent arm that is supplied with the Ultrawedge to your
tripod (step #2).

1.

LX Model Users only:

On the tripod, locate and remove

the two 8-32 nylon set screws (

1, Fig. 2

) from the rim of

the tripod head.

2.

LX Model Users only:

Attach the tangent arm (

5, Fig. 2

)

to tripod using the supplied 8-32 X 1/2" socket cap screws.

3.

On the tripod, push the threaded rod (

4, Fig. 2

) up so that

the rod extends above the top of the tripod.

4.

Holding the threaded rod (

4, Fig. 2

) in position, place the

wedge body (

3, Fig. 2

) on top of the tripod so that the

threaded rod passes through the center hole on the
wedge floor. Align the azimuth thrust bar pin (

6, Fig. 2

) so

that it slips into the slot on the tangent arm (

5, Fig. 2

).

5.

Thread the large manual knob/compass (

2, Fig. 2

) onto

the threaded rod.

6.

Pass the three 5/16-18 X 1-1/4” buttonhead screws (

7,

Fig. 2

) through the oval slots on the wedge floor and

thread them into the tripod head. Use of these three
screws, designed to provide extra stability for the
wedge/tripod system, is optional.

7.

The tilt angle adjusting screw (

1, Fig. 3

) is installed in the

factory to allow the tilt plate to be adjusted for any latitude
greater than 25° and less than 55°. If viewing in a region
with a latitude greater than 55°, unthread the adjusting
screw with the supplied hex key wrench and move the
screw to the optional mounting hole (

3

Fig. 3

).

Operating Instructions

Meade

®

Ultrawedge

For use with all Meade

®

7” to 14” LX200GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain and RCX400 Telescopes

(not for use with 16” models)

Fig. 1: Ultrawedge.

(1) Tilt-plate; (2) Attachment screw; (3) Fine

latitude control knob; (4) Mounting slot at top of tilt plate; (5) Vernier
pointer; (6) Latitude Scale; (7) Azimuth Control Knob; (8) Wedge
Body; (9) Bubble Level; (10) Mounting slots; (11) T-bar bolt.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

10

11

8

Meade

Fig. 2: Mounting the Ultrawedge

. (1) Position of nylon set screws;

(2) Manual knob/compass; (3) Wedge body; (4) Threaded rod;
(5) Tangent arm (

LX Users only

); (6) Azimuth thrust bar pin; (7)

Buttonhead crews.

2

7

1

3

4

5

6

Fig. 3: Latitude Range Holes.

(1) Tilt Angle Adjustment Screw;

(2) Vernier Pointer; (3) Optional Mounting Hole.

1

2

3

Fig. 4: Back view of the Ultrawedge:

(1) T-bar; (2) Fine latitude

control knob; (3) Steel reinforcement bars.

1

2

3

Summary of Contents for Ultrawedge

Page 1: ...3 Fig 2 on top of the tripod so that the threaded rod passes through the center hole on the wedge floor Align the azimuth thrust bar pin 6 Fig 2 so that it slips into the slot on the tangent arm 5 Fig 2 5 Thread the large manual knob compass 2 Fig 2 onto the threaded rod 6 Pass the three 5 16 18 X 1 1 4 buttonhead screws 7 Fig 2 through the oval slots on the wedge floor and thread them into the tr...

Page 2: ...ant to insert the T bolt into the wedge telescope assembly The T bolt insures the precise pointing accuracy of the Ultrawedge The telescope is now fully mounted onto the wedge and tripod Adjustments in wedge latitude angle and or azimuth orientation may be made with the telescope in place Setting the Observing Latitude Look up the latitude of the desired observing site most road maps show latitude...

Page 3: ...ass Installation The Magnetic Compass is now set for the correct Magnetic Declination angle To attach the compass to the Ultrawedge follow these steps a Position the compass into the manual knob so that the 360 location on the direction scale the North position lines up with one of the nine points of the knob 5 Fig 6 b Press the compass firmly into the manual knob 3 Finding True North The Magnetic...

Page 4: ...e weight and size of this product please use extreme caution whenever assembling disassembling lifting transporting or storing this product Two or more persons should always be used whenever performing any of the above tasks Disregard for the above warning could result in serious injury or death If you have a question concerning use of the Meade ULTRAWEDGE call the Meade Instruments Customer Servi...

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