[. . . ] INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF THE MEADE 4" FIELD TRIPOD AND EQUATORIAL WEDGE A. Field Tripod The Field Tripod for the Meade Model 2045 is supplied as a completely assembled unit. [. . . ] by placing the wedge alone on a table top and then mounting the telescope on the wedge. The Model 2045 telescope, placed onto the Equatorial Wedge alone, without the Field Tripod attached to the wedge, may become seriously imbalanced to the point where the telescope may actually tip over. The Equatorial Wedge is of modern design, with several important features incorporated to simplify and facilitate telescope operation. After using the wedge for your telescope, you will find that the functional design features included are of very significant value in routine telescope operations. Attachment of the Equatorial Wedge to the Field Tripod by means of only one manual knob. Quick azimuth adjustment by loosening the manual knob described above. To assemble the Equatorial Wedge, follow this procedure (note that all required hardware and manual knobs are shipped within the wedge carton): 1. The wedge consists of two basic parts: the wedge body and the tilt-plate. Attach the tilt-plate to the wedge body by means of the knobs provided. Two knobs, with washers, should be used on each side of the wedge body so that a total of 4 knobs attach the tilt-plate to the wedge body. 2. [. . . ] CAUTION: When changing the latitude angle of the wedge/telescope system, be sure to grasp the telescope firmly before loosening the tilt-plate knobs on the wedge. When these knobs are loosened, the telescope and fork mount will fall rapidly if not held by hand. 14-0243-00 Ver. [. . . ]