Meade 628 6" Reflecting Telescope Equatorial Cradle Ring Mount & Motor & Lenses

Description: Beautiful Meade 628 6" Reflecting Telescope Equatorial Cradle Ring Mount & Motor Drive & lenses Telescope is circa 1980 and optics are in wonderful condition. See in photos images of a tree branch approximately 180 yards using the lowest magnification lens (25mm) Comes with instruction pamphlet and several lenses including: MA25mm MA9mm Series 3000 plossl 5mm Capable of wide range of magnification from 25x to 610x! Telescope has been in storage for 20+ years and is in great shape. Telescope tube measures 7.375” outside diameter x 50” long. Equatorial mount is cast aluminum and is 30” tall to attach point and base legs are approximately 31” diameter. Will package safely in foam and double wall container. Specifications Model 628: 6" f/8 Reflecting Telescope with Motor Drive-Complete with equatorial mount, pier and tripod legs; setting circles on both axes; #67 rack-and-pinion focuser with 1¼" eyepiece holder; 6 x 30mm achromatic viewfinder with crosshairs. Motor Drive System (115 volts A.C./60Hz): with timing motor, reduction gear system, automatic clutch, and dust cover. Optical system: 6" f/8 parabolic primary mirror and matching elliptical flat secondary mirror. Eye-pieces: Series 2 Modified Achromatic 9mm (135X) and 25mm (49X), multi-coated and threaded for photo-visual color filters. Fiberlite tube (7.38" O.D. × 50" long) with polished aluminum end rings. Complete operating instructions. Please feel free to email with questions. Listed below is helpful information from the original sales brochure. INTRODUCTION Meade 6'' and 8' reflecting telescopes give large-aperture performance to the serious amateur at very reasonable cost. These totally integrated systems permit detailed visual study of the Solar System and Deep-Space, while simultaneously allowing the observer to grow into more advanced subjects, such as long-exposure color astrophotography. No other telescopes in their price range permit such a diversity of applications, and no other telescopes - - of any optical design — in their aperture range exceed such a profes- sional level of performance. Meade 6'' and 8"' reflectors are manufactured at our Costa Mesa facility, incorporating original Meade designs and production techniques — and they are the only telescopes available which use exclusively the quality Meade components known throughout the astronomical world. Optical Specifications Mirror Systems: The primary and secondary mirrors of all Meade reflecting telescope models are manufactured of low-expansion, fine-annealed Pyrex glass. Each mirror is ground, polished, and figured to surface accuracies within the professional standard 1/10-wavelength of mercury green light. There are no finer optical systems obtainable. Focal Ratios: The focal ratio (or"f/number") of an optical system is defined as the system's focal length divided by its aperture. For example, a 6" diameter telescope with 48" focal length implies a focal ratio of f/8. The f/ratios of Meade reflecting telescopes have been carefully chosen to yield excellent deep-space photographic capability, while at the same time permitting superb planetary and lunar resolution. a focal length of 48"', and thus also yields 135X when used with a 9mm eyepiece. But the 8" telescope at 135X shows far more detail than the 6' telescope at 135X, since the larger aperture results in more light (in fact, 78% more light) entering the telescope. The key to the observation of fine detail is, therefore, not "power," but light-gathering capability, and the larger the tele-scope, the more light enters the system. Within practical limits higher powers are useful: Meade 6' telescopes have an effective power range from 30X to (under the best observing conditions) about 350X; Meade 8" models operate effectively in a range from 30X to about 600X. Magnifying Power: Related to f/ratio is the subject of magnification, or "power," perhaps the most widely misunderstood telescope characteristic among beginning amateur astronomers. In an astronomical telescope the power of the instrument is variable, depending upon the eyepiece used. Power is computed by dividing the eyepiece focal length into the focal length of the primary mirror (or objective lens, in the case of a refracting telescope). Thus a 6' f/8 telecope, with a focal length of 48'' , or 1219mm, operates at a power of 135X when used with a 9mm eyepiece. An 8" f/6 telescope also carries Meade 6" & 8" Reflecting Telescopes: Magnifying and Resolving Powers Used in conjunction with an eyepiece, the Barlow Lens (cf. Meade 2X Telenegative Ampli-fier, page 9) is a convenient method of increasing telescope power. When inserted into the telescope focuser, the Barlow doubles the power that a given eyepiece yields when used alone. Thus, the 9mm eyepiece in the example above gives 270X, instead of 135X, in conjunction with a Barlow. A quality Barlow Lens does not diminish image clarity or resolution, and there are several high-performance Barlows, including the Meade 2X Telenegative-Amplifier, available today. Resolving Power: An important corollary characteristic to light-gathering capability is the concept of resolving power: the ability of a telescope to separate clearly 2 points of light in close proximity. The larger the primary mirror, the finer the resolving power of the telescope. Meade 6" telescopes resolve starpoints as close as 0.74 arc seconds apart, the theoretical limit for a 6" telescope; Meade 8" reflectors resolve to 0.56 arc secs., again the theoretical limit. The purchaser of a Meade reflector may readily test his telescope on any number of catalogued double-stars, to assure that his optics are performing fully to specifications. Eyepieces: It is the eyepiece focal length which determines the power at which a telescope is operating. The type of eyepiece (Kellner, Ortho-scopic, Erfle, etc.) has no bearing on power, but does affect such characteristics as field of view, field corrections, and overall image resolution. All Meade reflecting telescopes include 2 high-performance multi-coated Modified Achromatic eyepieces as standard equipment; as listed on page 9, many other eyepieces are available. Sophisticated observers will appreciate the extra resolution and field corrections offered by the Orthoscopic and Erfle designs. Mechanical Specifications The Equatorial Mounting: All telescopes designed drive is in operation, the telescope tube may be for serious astronomical purposes utilize an moved manually at will in any direction. When the equatorial mounting, since this type of mounting observer releases manual contact with the tele-greatly facilitates the tracking of celestial objects. scope, the drive automatically resumes tracking. The equatorial mounting is a necessity if the telescope is to be equipped with an automatic tracking mechanism, or Motor Drive. The equatorial mounts included with all Meade 6' and 8' reflectors are of machined aluminum, and provide a lightweight, rock-solid platform for the optical tube systems. Polar and Declination shafts are of 1" diameter solid steel, ground, turned, and polished. The Polar Axis of each mount incorporates a precision-ground ball bearing at the critical thrust point, easily permitting the addition of heavy cameras, guide telescopes, and other auxiliary systems. Even with additional weight carried by the mounting, the telscope glides through the heavens with consummate ease. The machining tolerance of all mount components is.001", eliminating the annoying backlash and internal vibrations so detrimental to serious observing. Auxiliary R.A. Control: This optional control knob in Right Ascension is available with the Motor Drive, at small additional cost, to permit manual centering of the telescopic image. Shown in the accompanying photographs, the auxiliary R.A. control is located just above the dust cover of the drive system. Setting Circles: Two finely-indexed celestial cir-cles, one each in Right Ascension and Declination, are provided on all Meade 6"' and 8" telescopes. These setting circles facilitate the location of faint objects from catalogued celestial coordi-nates. Use of the circles is explained in the operating instructions accompanying each telescope. Parts and Components: The high quality of all parts, components and accessories on Meade reflectors is consistent with the performance standards required of all Meade products. Listed below Motor Drive Systems: The Meade Motor Drive are some of the more important of these com- System is included as standard equipment on 6" ponents. Models 628 and 645 and on 8 Models 826 and 856, on other models, it may be purchased separately at a later date, if desired. The Motor Drive System operates from any standard 115 volt A.C. outlet (220 volt/50Hz drive systems are available for foreign operation - see price list for details) and accurately tracks celestial objects by Viewfinder: The standard 6-power viewfinder includes a coated, achromatic lens of 30mm aperture, with crosshair eyepiece. The viewfinder is a significant aid in the quick, accurate location of celestial objects, for their detailed study in the main telescope. means of a synchronous timing motor, actuated through a precision reduction gear system. With the Motor Drive the observer need not touch the telescope to follow the stars, planets, Moon, or Deep-Space objects: the drive system enables Focuser: The Meade Model 67 precision rack-and-pinion focuser permits smooth, rapid focusing of the image without backlash. Focuser tension is fully adjustable. the instrument to track these objects automati-cally, compensating fully for the effects of the earth's rotation. Also included is an automatic clutch mechanism so that, even when the motor Tube: The excellent Fiberlite™ tubes used on Meade reflecting telescopes are of a strong, fibrous material with fine insulating character Mechanical Specifications (continued) istics, so that thermal tube currents are reduced ticularly important in reflecting telescopes. The to an absolute minimum. Each tube is finished in mirror cells on all Meade reflectors are of virgin a gleaming white ultrahard epoxy coating for last- cast aluminum, machined for a precise fit to the ing beauty and durability and is supplied with telescope tube. The 4-vane secondary-mirror sup-polished aluminum trim rings at each end. ports, or "spiders," are of spring steel: once set, the secondary mirror retains indefinitely its optical Mirror Cells and Secondary-Mirror Supports: Internal mechanisms used to hold the optical sys-tem, and to maintain optical alignment, are par- collimation with respect to the primary and will not sag or lose centration. Applications of the Telescope Meade 6"' and 8"' reflectors open up the skies for a breathtaking array of visual and photographic observations. Galaxies, nebulae, star clusters — in all their variations of form, color, and extent — as well as the Moon, planets, comets and other objects within the Solar System, may be studied in detail. Visually in Meade 6" telescopes, Saturn's ring system is a magnificent object, and the Cassini Division is routinely visible. In the 8"' models minor ring divisions may be resolved and detail in Saturn's surface structure is discernable. In the realm of Deep-Space the Andromeda galaxy displays a brilliant nucleus, surrounded by glowing nebulosity; in Meade 8"' reflectors this nebulosity is visible in wider extension, filling the telescopic field of view even at low powers. Beyond this brief listing, standard star catalogs enumerate literally thousands of objects within the visual grasp of Meade reflectors. The motivated amateur astronomer will find it impossible to exhaust the potential of his Meade 6'' or 8'' telescope. Astrophotography: All Meade 6'' and 8"' telescopes permit a wide range of photographic applications with both color and back-and-white films. On models not equipped with Motor Drive, excellent photographs of the Moon and planets may be obtained; for longer exposures of Deep-Space objects, the Motor Drive is essential. Amateurs who wish to take astrophotographs of long duration will find Meade VariGuide Drive Correctors a very significant aid in precise guid-ing. Details on these drive correctors are found on page 10. easy transport in the field. Setup time is about 5 minutes. Adjustments: Meade reflecting telescopes are shipped as a completely finished product. For safety and compactness in shipment some components of the optical tube are packed separately: these components are readily re-attached to the optical tube without difficulty. Adjustments of the mounting and optics are made at our factory prior to shipment, and are seldom needed there-after, except for simple fine-tuning of the optics (a 2-minute operation) during the very first use of the telescope. All 6" and 8 models include pre-positioned focal point settings for both first (prime) focus and eyepiece-projection photography, and adapters for virtually all 35mm cameras are available at nominal cost (page 9). Operating Instructions: A thorough operating manual accompanies each telescope, describing specific telescope applications. Topics discussed include: telescope operation, effective Optional Systems: Meade optional accessories methods of visual observation, and an introduc- permit the widest possible opportunity for ad- tion to astrophotography (choice of film, expo-vanced applications, and each accessory, as sure methods, use of filters). part of an integrated system, attaches easily and accurately to any Meade reflector described herein. Optional accessories which may be ordered either with the telescope or at a later date are listed on pages 9 and 10. Delivery Time: As one of the world's largest manufacturer/distributors of astronomical telescopes and telescope accessories, we ship promptly worldwide. All of our standard telescope models are normally available for shipment within 24 hours. Portability: Meade 6" and 8" reflectors readily break down into 3 subassemblies for quick assembly. Through the years the 6"' f/8 optical system has been the most popular aperture specification among serious amateurs. Meade 6" f/8 models combine large-aperture optics with a general-purpose focal ratio, ideal for both visual and photographic observations. These popular instruments provide more than ample capability for the majority of amateur applications, and are well-suited for educational observing programs. Specifications Model 628: 6" f/8 Reflecting Telescope with Motor Drive-Complete with equatorial mount, pier and tripod legs; setting circles on both axes; #67 rack-and-pinion focuser with 1¼" eyepiece holder; 6 x 30mm achromatic viewfinder with crosshairs. Motor Drive System (115 volts A.C./60Hz): with timing motor, reduction gear system, automatic clutch, and dust cover. Optical system: 6" f/8 parabolic primary mirror and matching elliptical flat secondary mirror. Eye-pieces: Series 2 Modified Achromatic 9mm (135X) and 25mm (49X), multi-coated and threaded for photo-visual color filters. Fiberlite tube (7.38" O.D. × 50" long) with polished aluminum end rings. Complete operating instructions. Optional Accessories: See page 9. Model 618:6" f/8 Reflecting Telescope-Identical in all specifications to Model 628, but without Motor Drive System, which may be added at a later date at the user's option. Equatorial Mounts These equatorial mounts are the same precision units supplied as standard equipment with complete Meade reflecting telescopes. Available separately, Meade equatorial mounts provide a stable, lightweight platform for homemade reflectors to 8" aperture, for refractors to 6"' aperture, or for special-purpose optical systems such as astrographic cameras. Polar and Declination shafts are 1" diameter solid steel, ground, turned, and polished. The machining tolerance of all mount components is .001". All Meade equatorial mounts include the following features: ball-bearing equatorial head, saddle plate, setting circles on both axes, 2 ft. pier, tripod legs. 6"' mounts include one 10 Ib. counterweight; 8" mounts include one 10 lb. and one 5 lb. counterweight. Mounts are available with or without the Motor Drive System and with or without cradle rings, as noted below. The cradle rings for 6"' mounts accept tubes to 7-3/8" outside diameter; cradle rings for 8"' mounts accept tubes to 9-5/8"' outside diameter. The high (4 ft.) pier for refractors or Cassegrain reflectors may be specified at nominal additional cost. See Price List for details. The entire range of Meade auxiliary systems and accessories may be ordered separately for attachment to any 6"' or 8'' mount described here. See pages 9 and 10 for additional information. Specifications Model 650: 6" Equatorial Mount without Motor Drive System and without cradle rings. Model 651: 6" Equatorial Mount without Motor Drive System but with cradle rings for tubes to 7-3/8" diameter. Model 652: 6" Equatorial Mount with Motor Drive System (115 volts/60Hz) but without cradle rings. Model 653: 6" Equatorial Mount with Motor Drive System (115 volts/60Hz) and with cradle rings for tubes to 7-3/8" diameter.

Price: 680 USD

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

End Time: 2024-08-05T15:10:55.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD