INSTRUCTION MANUAL

6”, 8”, 10”, & 12.5” Starfinder

Dobsonian Telescopes

Meade Instruments Corporation

 WARNING!
Never use the Starfinder Dobsonian telescope to look at the Sun! Looking at or near the Sun will
cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye. Eye damage is often painless, so there is no
warning to the observer that damage has occurred until it is too late. Do not point the telescope
or its viewfinder at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope or its viewfinder as it is

11

10

7
9

Fig. 1: The Meade Starfinder Dobsonian Telescope.

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Captions for Fig. 1 Contents

1. Focuser assembly 6", 8" 10", and 12.5 Starfinder
2. Eyepiece Dobsonian Telescopes
3. Viewfinder bracket Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. Viewfinder Parts Listing and Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5. Optical tube assembly Assembling the Mount. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
6. Mirror cell Optical Tube Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
7. Side board Attaching the Focuser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
8. Ground plate Attaching the Viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installing the Primary Mirror. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
9. Base plate
Balancing the Telescope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
10. Front board
The Viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
11. Altitude bearing Aligning the Viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Using the Viewfinder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Collimation of the Optical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Correct Collimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Spider Vane Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Secondary Mirror Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Primary Mirror Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Star Testing the Collimation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Tips on Using a Dobsonian Telescope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Magnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Seeing Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Observing Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Care of Optics and Main Tube. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Meade Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Specifications and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

® The name ‘Meade’ and the Meade logo are trademarks

registered with the U.S. Patent Office and in principal
countries throughout the world.
© 1999 Meade Instruments Corporation
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INTRODUCTION 4. Firmly press the screw cover caps (2, Fig. 2) into the
The Starfinder Dobsonian telescope will open up the skies for heads of the wood screws on the side boards. You may
a breathtaking array of visual observations. Galaxies, nebulae, have to lightly tap the screw cover caps to properly seat
star clusters — in all their variations of form, color, and extent them into the screw heads.
— as well as the Moon, planets, comets and other objects 5. Install the two handles (1, Fig. 2) onto the side boards
within the solar system, may be studied in great detail. utilizing the supplied screws. Firmly tighten the screws.
This manual is designed for the 6", 8", 10", and 12.5" Starfinder 6. To install the center pivot bearing, first insert the nylon
Dobsonian Telescopes. With the exception of a few assembly center bearing bushing (8, Fig. 2) into the center hole of
operations and features, the four telescopes are almost the ground plate (10, Fig. 2) from the top side. You may
identical operationally. When differences in procedures occur, have to lightly tap the bushing to fully seat it into the hole.
they are clearly noted. Most standard and optional accessories
7. Place the four (six on the 12.5" model) nylon washers
are interchangeable between the four telescopes. For optimal
(9, Fig. 2) onto the nylon center bearing bushing. Then,
enjoyment of the telescope, please take a few minutes to read
from the bottom, insert the 2 1/4" x 5/16" hex pivot bolt
this manual and become familiar with all of the instrument’s
(12, Fig. 2), with a flat washer (13, Fig. 2) up through the
capabilities.
center of the ground plate. This bolt should then be
PARTS LISTING AND ASSEMBLY inserted through the center hole of the base plate
(7,Fig. 2). Secure this assembly with the other flat washer
When first opening the packing boxes, note carefully the
and the 5/16" locking nut (6, Fig. 2).
following parts included with the Starfinder Dobsonian
Telescope (use Figure 1 and 2 to aid in the identification NOTE: Do not overtighten the nut or the base plate will not
process): easily rotate upon the ground plate. Only tighten the pivot
bolt and nut sufficiently to maintain a very light pressure
Carton #1: The Telescope
between the ground plate and base plate. The two parts
— Optical tube assembly
should easily turn in a “Lazy Susan” fashion.
— Primary mirror mounted in its cell
— Focuser This completes assembly of your Meade Starfinder Dobsonian
— Modified Achromat (MA) 25mm eyepiece Mount.
— 5 x 24mm viewfinder
— Hardware kit. 1
CAUTION: The primary mirror must be handled with
special care. Never touch its reflective surface or
4
place the mirror where it could be damaged. Save all
original packing materials; if it is ever necessary to 1
11
ship the telescope, these materials will help to assure
that no shipping damage will occur.

Carton #2: The Mount 5

— 2 Side boards
— Front board
3
2
— Ground plate
— Base plate
— 2 Handles
— Hardware kit 6
Assembling the Mount
Assembly of your Meade Starfinder Dobsonian telescope 7
should only take a few minutes. A phillips screwdriver, pliers, 2
and an adjustable wrench are the only tools you will need.
8
1. Attach the self-adhesive rubber feet (11, Fig. 2) to the
underside of the ground plate (10, Fig. 2), the round piece 9
with the Teflon pads. The feet should be mounted directly
under the already installed Teflon pads. 13
10
Two extra rubber feet have been supplied for use as
“bumpers” where the telescope tube hits the front board 11
(5, Fig 2.) at the travel limits. Place one in the center of the 12
top ledge, and one in the center on the inside near the
bottom (see Fig. 2). The exact position for these two Fig. 2: Construction of the Dobsonian Mount. (1) Handle; (2) Screw
Cover Caps; (3) Wood Screws; (4) Side Boards; (5) Front Board;
bumpers will be obvious with the telescope mounted on
(6) 5/16" Locking Nut; (7) Base Plate; (8) Center Bearing Bushing;
the base. (9) Nylon Washer; (10) Ground Plate; (11) Rubber Foot; (12) 2 14" x
2. Attach the front board (5, Fig. 2) loosely to the two side 5/16" Hex Pivot Bolt; (13) Flat Washers.
boards (4, Fig. 2) using the supplied wood screws
(3,Fig.2), and the predrilled holes. Do not fully tighten the
screws yet.
3. Attach the front board/side board assembly to the base
plate (7, Fig 2) using the supplied Wood Screws, and the
predrilled holes. Snugly tighten all screws, including those
previously installed.

CAUTION: Do not overtighten the wood screws. The

screws should be tightened sufficiently so that the
head of the screw is flush with the wood surface.
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Optical Tube Assembly BALANCING THE TELESCOPE
The optical tube has been pre-drilled at the Meade factory to Dobsonian telescopes are designed to move easily, but at the
accept all standard accessories. same time remain in the position they are placed. This is
1. Attaching the Focuser: Lay the tube flat on the floor. achieved by carefully balancing the telescope at the Meade
Align the holes in the focuser assembly (1, Fig. 1) with the factory. The telescope is balanced for standard accessories.
four pre-drilled holes in the optical tube. From the However, should anything attached to the telescope change,
provided hardware, place the four Phillips-head screws for example using a larger or smaller eyepiece, or even moving
through the holes. Then, carefully reach into the optical the primary mirror during collimation, slight imperfections in
tube and attach a nut and washer to each screw. Tighten balance may occur.
the screws, but do not overtighten; tightening to a firm feel
You may find as you change eyepieces or accessories, that the
is sufficient.
telescope is out-of-balance. This is a relatively easy problem to
2. Attaching the Viewfinder: With the optical tube lying flat correct. With a little ingenuity, counterweights can be fashioned
on the floor, align the two holes in the viewfinder bracket by the telescope owner, using fishing sinkers or washers.
(3, Fig.1) with the pre-drilled holes in the optical tube.
From the supplied hardware, place a screw through each THE VIEWFINDER
of the holes. Carefully reach into the optical tube and The Starfinder telescope, as with almost all astronomical
attach a nut to each screw. As with the focuser, tightening telescopes, presents a fairly narrow field of view to the
to a firm feel is sufficient. Overtightening may result in observer. As a result, it is sometimes difficult to locate and
damage to the tube's finish. Aligning the viewfinder is center objects in the telescope’s field of view.
discussed later in this manual.
The viewfinder, by contrast, is a low-powered, wide-field
Your Meade Starfinder telescope was fully assembled, aligned, sighting scope with crosshairs that enables the easy centering
and tested at the Meade factory. To ensure safe shipping, the of objects in the main telescope’s field of view. Standard
primary mirror was then removed from the telescope. Locate equipment with the Starfinder telescope is a viewfinder of 5-
the primary mirror cell assembly (Fig 3). Again, take extreme power and 24 mm aperture, called an “5 x 24mm viewfinder.”
care not to touch or bump the primary mirror.
Aligning the Viewfinder
3. Installing the Primary Mirror: (Refer to Figure 3) You will
In order for the viewfinder to be useful, it must first be aligned
note that there is a colored marker on the rear of the
with the main telescope, so that both the viewfinder and the
telescope tube. There is a corresponding colored marker
main telescope are pointing at precisely the same place. To
(3, Fig. 3) on the mirror cell. Carefully slide the mirror cell
align the viewfinder, follow this procedure:
into the rear of the tube, ensuring that the two colored
markers line up. Secure the cell to the tube with the four 1. The viewfinder bracket includes six alignment screws.
provided large-headed screws (1, Fig. 3). Again, do not Turn the three rear-most alignment screws so that the
overtighten the screws. A firm feel is sufficient. viewfinder tube is roughly centered within the viewfinder
bracket, as viewed from the eyepiece-end of the
4. Carefully place the assembled optical tube into the telescope.
previously assembled base as illustrated in Figure 1. Note
that the two large bearings on the side of the tube 2. Using the standard equipment 25mm eyepiece, point the
(11, Fig.1) rest in the cutouts of the mount . Also note the main telescope at some easy-to-find, well-defined land
orientation of the tube to the mount; the focuser (1, Fig. 1) object, such as the top of a telephone pole. Center the
should be on the opposite side from the mount’s Front object precisely in the main telescope’s field.
Board (10, Fig. 1). 3. While looking through the viewfinder, gently turn one or
more of the three front-most viewfinder alignment screws
until the crosshairs of the viewfinder point at precisely the
1 3 same position as the main telescope. During this
2
procedure, occasionally look through the main telescope
to make sure the object is still centered.
When the object is centered in the viewfinder, confirm that the
3 viewfinder’s crosshairs and the main telescope are now
pointing at precisely the same object. The viewfinder is now
aligned to the main telescope. Unless the alignment screws are
disturbed, the viewfinder will remain aligned indefinitely.
Using the Viewfinder
4 Now, to locate any object, terrestrial or astronomical, first
center the object on the crosshairs of the viewfinder; the object
will then be centered in the field of the main telescope.
Note: If you intend to use higher observing magnifications, first
locate, center, and focus the object using a low-power eyepiece
(e.g., the 25mm eyepiece). Objects are easier to locate and
center at low powers; higher power eyepieces may then be
employed by changing eyepieces.
5
1 COLLIMATION OF THE OPTICAL SYSTEM
Precise collimation, or alignment, of your telescope’s optical
system is essential for good performance. All Meade
Fig. 3: Installing the Primary Mirror in the Optical Tube Assembly.
telescopes are accurately collimated at the factory prior to
(1) Attachment Bolts; (2) Primary Mirror; (3) Alignment Markers;
(4) Counterweight Thread; (5) Collimation Bolts. shipment, so collimation adjustments will probably not be
necessary. Nevertheless, take the time now to familiarize
yourself with the following collimation procedure so that you
may recognize a properly collimated instrument and adjust the
collimation yourself, if necessary.
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1 2
3

4
6 5

Fig. 4: Newtonian Reflecting Telescope. (1) Spider Vanes; (2) Secondary Mirror; (3) Parabolic Primary Mirror; (4) Primary Mirror Hex Screws;
(5) Focuser Drawtube; (6) Focused Image.

(3, Fig. 4) and secondary mirror (2, Fig. 4) are tilted so that the
focused image (6, Fig. 4) falls directly through the center of the
Face-on view Edge-on view
focuser drawtube (5, Fig. 4).
To inspect the view of the mirror collimation, remove the
1 eyepiece and look down the focuser drawtube. The round edge
of the focuser drawtube (1, Fig. 6) will frame the reflections of
the primary mirror with the secondary mirror (2, Fig. 6) the
spider vanes (3, Fig. 6) and your eye (4, Fig. 6). Properly
aligned, all of these reflections will appear concentric (i.e.
centered) as illustrated in Fig. 6. Any deviation from the
3 concentric reflections will require adjustments to the secondary
mirror assembly (Fig. 5), and/or the primary mirror cell.
2
Spider Vane Adjustments
Fig. 5: Secondary Mirror Assembly. (1) Spider Vanes; (2) Tilt Screws; Looking down the open end of the telescope tube, check to see
(3)Secondary Mirror Holder. if the secondary mirror system is centered in the optical tube. If
the assembly is off-center, loosen one of the spider vane
Correct Collimation adjustment/lock knobs while unscrewing the opposite knob.
A properly collimated (aligned) mirror system in your Starfinder Only make adjustments to 2 knobs at a time until the secondary
Dobsonian telescope assures the sharpest images possible. mirror is centered in the drawtube. When the spider vane is
Your Starfinder is properly aligned when the primary mirror correctly positioned, the view through the drawtube will look like

Fig. 6: Correct Collimation. (1) Round Edge of Focuser Drawtube; Fig. 8: Secondary Mirror Misalignment. (1) Secondary Mirror;
2) Secondary Mirror; (3) Spider Vanes; (4) Eye. (2) Round Edge of Focuser Drawtube; (3) Reflection of Primary Mirror.

Fig. 7: Spider Vane Misalignment. (1) Secondary Mirror; (2) Round Fig. 9: Primary Mirror Misalignment. (1) Secondary Mirror; (2) Round
Edge of Focuser Drawtube. Edge of Focuser Drawtube; (3) Eye.
 -7-
Fig. 8. (Note that the secondary mirror is misaligned.) cleaning solutions as this may damage the bearings or the
painted surfaces of the telescope.
Secondary Mirror Adjustments
If the secondary mirror (1, Fig. 8) is centered in the drawtube 3. You will notice that your telescope will move in altitude by
(2, Fig. 8) but the primary mirror is only partially visible in the raising and lowering the tube, and in azimuth by rotating
reflection (3, Fig. 8) the 3 hex screws located on the secondary the base. As you observe objects in the night sky they will
mirror assembly (2, Fig. 5) must be unthreaded slightly to refine appear to drift out of the field of view due to the Earth’s
the tilt-angle of the secondary mirror until the entire primary rotation. To keep an object centered in the field of view,
mirror can be seen centered within the secondary mirror just lightly nudge the telescope in the proper direction.
reflection. When the secondary mirror is correctly aligned, it will This may take a little practice at first, but you’ll soon get
look like Fig. 9. (Note that the primary mirror is misaligned.) the hang of it.
4. Be sure the Mount is placed on a relatively level surface
Primary Mirror Adjustments
to allow proper operation. Each of the three feet should be
If the secondary mirror and the reflection of the primary mirror
in firm contact and not wobble. If you are in an area with
(1, Fig. 9) appear centered within the drawtube (2, Fig. 9) but
particularly rough or soft ground, it may be helpful to place
the reflection of your eye (3, Fig. 9) appears off-center, you will
the Mount on a thick piece of plywood.
need to adjust one or more of the three primary mirror hex
screws of the primary mirror cell. These primary hex screws are 5. Part of the fun of using a Dobsonian type of telescope is
located behind the primary mirror, at the lower end of the main the challenge of hunting for objects in the night sky. Invest
tube. Adjust the primary mirror alignment by slightly turning one is some simple star charts and books that tell you how to
hex screw at a time, looking through the focuser after each locate objects using a technique called “star hopping.”
adjustment to determine if the mirror is moving in the correct Once you begin learning the star patterns and
direction. constellations, you’re well on you way to finding many
amazing sights.
Star Testing the Collimation
With the collimation performed, the next step is to test the MAGNIFICATION
accuracy of the alignment on a star. Use the 25mm eyepiece The magnification, or power, at which a telescope is operating
and point the telescope at a moderately bright (second or third is determined by two factors: the focal length of the eyepiece
magnitude) star, then center the star image in the telescope’s employed and the focal length of the telescope. The Meade
field-of-view. With the star centered, follow the method below: Starfinder Dobsonian telescope is supplied with one eyepiece
1. Bring the star image slowly out of focus until one or more as standard equipment. The focal length of the eyepiece,
rings are visible around the central disc. If the collimation 25mm, is printed on its side.
was performed correctly, the central star disk and rings will Telescope focal length is, roughly speaking, the distance that
be concentric circles, with a dark spot dead center within light travels inside the telescope before reaching a focus.
the out-of-focus star disk (this is the shadow of the
secondary mirror), as shown in Fig. 10A. (An improperly The focal length of the Dobsonian 6" f/8 = 1220mm.
aligned telescope will reveal elongated circles, Fig. 10B, The focal length of the Dobsonian 8" f/6 = 1220mm.
with an off-center dark shadow.) The focal length of the Dobsonian 10" f/4.5 = 1140mm
2. If the out-of-focus star disk appears elongated (Fig. 10B), The focal length of the Dobsonian 12.5" f/4.8= 1525mm
you will need to adjust the primary mirror tilt hex screws of On a given telescope, such as the Starfinder Dobsonian,
the primary mirror cell. Adjust the hex screw on the mirror different eyepiece focal lengths are used to achieve different
cell until the circles are concentric on either side of focus. magnifications, from low to high.
To calculate the magnification obtained with a given eyepiece,
use this formula:
Power = ___________________
Telescope Focal Length
Eyepiece Focal Length

Example: Using the 25mm eyepiece supplied with the 8" f/6,
the power is:
Power = ________
1220mm = 49x
25mm
Fig. 10A. Fig. 10B.
The type of eyepiece, whether Modified Achromatic, Plössl, or
TIPS ON USING A Super Plössl, has no effect on magnification, but does have a
bearing on such optical characteristics as field of view, flatness
DOBSONIAN TELESCOPE
of field, and color correction.
1. Never lubricate the Teflon pads on the ground plate. The
Meade Starfinder Dobsonian has been designed with Maximum practical magnification is about 50X per inch of
some inherent friction. You want the telescope to move aperture. Generally, however, lower powers will produce higher
easily when you position it, but you also want it to stay in image resolution. When unsteady air conditions prevail (as
the position you place it. Using any kind of oil, silicone witnessed by rapid “twinkling” of the stars), extremely high
spray, wax, or grease will ruin the performance by causing powers result in “empty” magnification, where the object detail
the telescope to move too easily. Just keep these bearing observed is actually diminished by the excessive power.
surfaces clean; that’s all the maintenance required. When beginning observations on a particular object, start with
2. The altitude bearing surfaces (11, Fig 1) of the telescope a low power eyepiece; get the object well-centered in the field
are lightly lubricated at the factory for optimum of view and sharply focused. Then try the next step up in
performance. Over a period of time, these surfaces may magnification. If the image starts to become fuzzy as you work
become dry or dirty. Simply clean off the bearing surfaces up into higher magnifications, then back down to a lower
with a dry cloth or paper towel and reapply a thin coating power: the atmospheric steadiness is not sufficient to support
of silicone grease or spray to the surfaces to maintain high powers at the time you are observing. Keep in mind that a
peak performance. Do not use solvents or alcohol-based bright, clearly resolved, but smaller, image will show far more
 -8-
detail than a dimmer, poorly resolved, larger image. As you use your telescope more and more, you will find that
Because of certain characteristics of the human eye (in you are seeing more and finer detail: observing through a
particular, eye pupil diameter) and because of optical large-aperture telescope is an acquired skill. Celestial
considerations inherent in the design of the telescope, there observing will become increasingly rewarding as your eye
exist minimum practical power levels also. Generally speaking becomes better trained to the detection of subtle nuances of
the lowest usable power is approximately 4X per inch of resolution.
telescope aperture.
CARE OF OPTICS AND MAIN TUBE
SEEING CONDITIONS With the reasonable care due any fine instrument, your Meade
Even in normal city conditions, with all of the related air and telescope will last a lifetime. If the eyepieces become dirty, try
light pollution, there are many interesting celestial objects to cleaning them with a camel’s hair brush or compressed air. If
observe. But, to be sure, there is no substitute for the clear, you must wipe the surface of the lenses, do so gently with a soft
dark, steady skies generally found only away from urban cloth so as not to scratch the protective coatings.
environments, or on mountaintops: objects previously viewed The aluminum coating on the primary and secondary mirrors
only in the city take on added detail or are seen in wider may last more than ten years without significant deterioration.
extension, or even become visible at all for the first time. (The coatings will last a shorter period if regularly exposed to
The amateur astronomer is faced typically with two broadly salty or polluted air.) Minor blemishes, scratches, or streaks will
defined problems when viewing astronomical objects through NOT impair the telescope’s performance. Re-coating, when
the Earth’s atmosphere: first is the clarity, or transparency, of necessary, is relatively inexpensive. Contact your local Meade
the air, and secondly the steadiness of the air. This latter dealer for information on mirror re-coating services.
characteristic is often referred to as the quality of “seeing.” The most common error is to clean the optics too often. If
Amateur astronomers talk almost constantly about the “seeing cleaning does become necessary, clean as follows:
conditions,” since, perhaps ironically, even the clearest, darkest
1. Using distilled water and cotton, gently swab the surface
skies may be almost worthless for serious observations if the
of the mirror to remove any dust or dirt. Use the cotton to
air is not steady. This steadiness of the atmosphere is most
make one pass over the mirror and then use new cotton.
readily gauged by observing the “twinkling” of the stars: rapid
This will keep the dirt previously removed from contacting
twinkling implies air motion in the Earth’s atmosphere, and
the mirror surface and scratching the coatings.
under these conditions, resolution of fine detail (on the surface
of Jupiter, for instance) will generally be limited. When the air is 2. Dip a wad of cotton in a mild detergent solution (1/2
steady, stars appear to the naked eye as untwinkling points of teaspoon to 1 pint of water) and gently swab the entire
unchanging brightness, and it is in such a situation that the full surface. This will remove any oily deposits or fingerprints.
potential of the telescope may be realized: higher powers may 3. Swab the entire surface. Do not turn over the cotton wads
be used to advantage, closer double stars resolved as distinct or dissolved skin oils may deposit on the mirror’s surface.
points, and fine detail observed on the Moon and planets. Immediately take a dry swab and continue wiping the
entire surface gently. Keep changing wads until the mirror
OBSERVING GUIDELINES surface is completely dry and free of streaks.
Several basic guidelines should be followed for best results in
using your telescope: When cleaning the outside of the Starfinder optical tube (1),
use a mild detergent, (Pine-Sol, Formula 409, Fantastic, or oil
1. Try not to touch the eyepiece while observing. Any soap). Oil soap is preferred as it also acts as a preservative for
vibrations resulting from such contact will immediately the paint. Solvent or alcohol-based cleaning solutions will
cause the image to move. diminish the original luster of the paint.
2. Allow your eyes to become “dark-adapted” prior to making
serious observations. Night adaptation generally requires OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
about 10-15 minutes for most people. A wide assortment of professional Meade accessories is
3. Let the telescope “cool down” to the outside available for the Starfinder telescopes.
environmental temperature before making observations. Dust Covers: Snug-fitting vinyl dust covers protect optics from
Differences in temperature between a warm house and outside dust during storage of the telescope.
the cold outside air require about 30 minutes for the
Eyepieces: Many additional eyepieces are available for higher
telescope’s optics to regain their true correct figures.
and lower magnifications. All Meade Starfinder Equatorial
During this period the telescope will not perform well.
telescopes accept standard 1.25" O.D. eyepieces as well as 2"
4. If you wear glasses and do not suffer from astigmatism, O.D. eyepieces.
take your glasses off when observing through the
Meade Super Plössl (SP),
telescope. You can re-focus the image to suit your own
Super Wide Angle (SWA),
eyes. Observers with astigmatism, however, should keep
and Ultra Wide Angle (UWA)
their glasses on, especially with lower powered
Eyepieces in the standard
eyepieces. The effects of astigmatism are reduced with
American-size (1.25") barrel
higher power eyepieces, so eyeglasses may be removed
diameter permit a wide range
to improve eye relief.
of magnifying powers with the
5. Avoid setting up the telescope inside a room and telescope. Powers obtained
observing through an open window (or, worse yet, through with each eyepiece are as
a closed window!). The air currents caused by follows:
inside/outside temperature differences will make quality
observing impossible.
6. Perhaps most important of all, avoid “overpowering” your
telescope. The maximum usable magnification at any
given time is governed by the seeing conditions. If the
telescopic image starts to become fuzzy as you increase
in power, drop down to a reduced magnification. A smaller,
but brighter and sharper, image is far more preferable to a
larger, but fuzzy, indistinct one.
 -9-
Eyepiece 6" f/8 8" f/6 10" f/4.5 12.5" f/4.8 Viewfinders: In addition to the standard-equipment 5x24mm
Power Power Power Power viewfinder supplied with all Starfinder telescopes, the higher
SP 6.4mm 191X 191X 178X 238X power/larger aperture 6x30 and 8x50mm viewfinder are
available to substitute or retrofit.
SP 9.7mm 126X 126X 118X 157X
SP 12.4mm 98X 98X 92X 123X MEADE CUSTOMER SERVICE
SP 15mm 81X 81X 76X 102X If you have a question concerning your Meade Starfinder
SP 20mm 61X 61X 57X 76X Dobsonian telescope, call Meade Instruments/Customer
SP 26mm 47X 47X 44X 59X Service Department at (949) 451-1450, or fax at (949) 451-
SP 32mm 38X 38X 36X 48X 1460. Customer Service hours are 8:30AM - 4:00PM, Pacific
SP 40mm 31X 31X * * Time, Monday through Friday. In the unlikely event that your
SWA 13.8mm 88X 88X 83X 111X Dobsonian telescope requires factory servicing or repairs, write
SWA 18mm 68X 68X 63X 85X or call the Meade Customer Service Department first, before
returning the telescope to the factory, giving full particulars as
SWA 24.5mm 50X 50X 47X 62X
to the nature of the problem, as well as your name, address,
SWA 32mm 38X 38X 36X 48X
and daytime telephone number. The great majority of Starfinder
SWA 40mm 31X 31X * *
servicing issues can be resolved by telephone, avoiding return
UWA 4.7mm 260X** 260X** 243X 324X** of the telescope to the factory.
UWA 6.7mm 182X 182X 170X 228X
UWA 8.8mm 139X 139X 130X 173X
UWA 14mm 87X 87X 81X 109X
* Not recommended for 10" and 12.5" models.
** Should be used only under extremely steady
atmospheric conditions.
Meade Super Plössl and Super Wide Angle Eyepieces are
ideal for general-purpose astronomical or terrestrial observing.
The typical Starfinder Dobsonian user may wish to add 2 or 3
of these eyepieces to his or her telescope. An introductory
selection might include the SP9.7mm and SP15mm. The more
advanced observer will perhaps select the SP 9.7mm, SP
12.4mm, and SWA 18mm. The Super Wide Angle Eyepiece
series yields extremely wide fields of view, perfect for the
examination of star fields, diffuse nebulae, or for terrestrial
applications. Under very steady seeing conditions Meade UWA
4.7mm and 6.7mm eyepieces present the widest fields of view
obtainable at high powers and are excellent eyepieces for the
Moon and planets.
Filters: Thirteen color filters are
available for significantly increased
contrast and resolution of detail on
the Moon and planets. For
example, the #80A (blue) filter
effectively enhances the reddish-
colored detail on the surface of
Jupiter. These filters thread into the barrels of all standard 1.25"
O.D. eyepieces and may also be used for eyepiece projection
photography.
Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece: Permits
easy visibility of guiding crosslines even
against the darkest skies. The standard
#702A double-crossline, phosphorescent-
enhanced reticle allows for variable
illumination from faint to very bright.
Magellan I: The Magellan I accessory will
permit you to add a powerful pointing tool
to your Starfinder Dobsonian telescope.
Encoders supplied with this product for the
R.A. and Dec. axis can be easily installed
in factory machined mounting features.
Once installed, the Magellan I will allow the
electronic selection and pointing of the
telescope at a large number of catalogued
objects in the sky.
#140 2x Barlow Lens: The Barlow
Lens, or Telenegative Amplifier, is a
convenient accessory used to
increase the effective magnification
of any given eyepiece. The Barlow
Lens is inserted into the focuser and
accepts all standard 1.25" O.D. eyepieces.
 - 10 -

Specifications and Features: Meade Starfinder™ Dobsonian Telescopes

TELESCOPE: Starfinder Starfinder Starfinder Starfinder

Dobsonian 6 Dobsonian 8 Dobsonian 10 Dobsonian 12.5

Optical Design Newtonian Reflector Newtonian Reflector Newtonian Reflector Newtonian Reflector

Diameter/Clear Aperture 152mm (6") 203mm (8") 254mm (10") 318mm (12.5")
® ® ®
Primary & Grade-A Pyrex glass, Grade-A Pyrex glass, Grade-A Pyrex glass, Grade-A Pyrex® glass,
Secondary Mirrors fine annealed fine annealed fine annealed fine annealed

Secondary Mirror Support 4-vane; steel 4-vane; steel 4-vane; steel 4-vane; steel

Focal Length 1220mm 1220mm 1140mm 1525mm

Focal Ratio f/8 f/6 f/4.5 f/4.8

Resolving Power (arc secs.) 0.74 0.56 0.45 0.36

Limiting Visual Magnitude 13.5 14.0 14.5 15.0

Limiting Photographic Magnitude 16.0 16.5 17.0 17.4

Image Scale 1.18°/inch 1.18°/inch 1.26°/inch 0.95°/inch

Maximum Practical Visual Power 400X 500X 600X 600X

35mm Angular Film Coverage 1.11° x 1.58° 1.11° x 1.58° 1.19° x 1.70° 0.89° x 1.27°

Optical Tube 7.6" dia. x 48" long- 9.6" dia. x 48" long- 12.7" dia. x 45" long 15.1" x 58" long
spiral-wound Sonotube spiral-wound Sonotube spiral-wound Sonotube spiral-wound Sonotube

Secondary Mirror Minor Axis 1.18" 1.83" 2.37" 2.60"

Secondary Mirror Obstruction 3.9% 3.6% 5.6% 4.3%

Dobsonian Mounting
Base Diameter 13.75" 17.1" 22.2" 26.75"
Mount Dimensions (approx.) 12" square x 19" high 16" square x 17" high 21" square x 20" high 25" square x 22 " high
Materials-- ----------------All models: thermally-fused Melamine® with industrial particle board core.---------------
Bearings: Altitude Nylon Nylon Nylon Nylon
Azimuth Teflon Teflon Teflon Teflon

Net Weights: Optical Tube 20 lbs. 26 lbs. 30 lbs. 55 lbs.

Mounting 14 lbs. 18 lbs. 32 lbs. 41 lbs.

Shipping Weight (approx.) 38 lbs. 49 lbs. 68 lbs. 106 lbs

 - 11 -

MEADE LIMITED WARRANTY

Every Meade telescope, spotting scope, and telescope accessory is warranted by Meade Instruments Corporation (“Meade”)
to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE YEAR from the date of original purchase in the U.S.A.
and Canada. Meade will repair or replace a product, or part thereof, found by Meade to be defective, provided the defective
part is returned to Meade, freight-prepaid, with proof of purchase. This warranty applies to the original purchaser only and is
non-transferable. Meade products purchased outside North America are not included in this warranty, but are covered under
separate warranties issued by Meade international distributors.

RGA Number Required: Prior to the return of any product or part, a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number must be
obtained from Meade by writing, or by calling (949) 451-1450. Each returned part or product must include a written statement
detailing the nature of the claimed defect, as well as the owner’s name, address, and phone number.

This warranty is not valid in cases where the product has been abused or mishandled, where unauthorized repairs have been
attempted or performed, or where depreciation of the product is due to normal wear-and-tear. Meade specifically disclaims
special, indirect, or consequential damages or lost profit which may result from a breach of this warranty. Any implied
warranties which can not be disclaimed are hereby limited to a term of one year from the date of original retail purchase.

This warranty gives you specific rights. You may have other rights which vary from state to state.

Meade reserves the right to change product specifications or to discontinue products without notice.

This warranty supersedes all previous Meade product warranties.

 Meade Instruments Corporation
World’s leading manufacturer of astronomical telescopes for the serious amateur.
6001 Oak Canyon, Irvine, California 92620 (949) 451-1450
Fax: (949) 451-1460 www.meade.com

Ver. 0499 Part no. 14-0218-00