Bubble Level Kit for Meade Telescope tripods

Bad Leveling causes bad GOTO

While the built-in bubble level indicates LEVEL, the tripod platform is actually NOT level

The bubble in the right picture may be difficult to see, the bubble is at the 11 o'clock position with the built in level centered

Meade 883 deluxe field tripod

Meade 884 deluxe field tripod

"Why do I need the two straight bubble levels ", you may ask. The two straight bubble levels help you to level the tripod faster and more precisely.  The proper way to level the tripod is to adjust only two of the three legs.  You level the tripod front to back and level the tripod left to right.  One of the tripod leg does not need be be changed.  The two straight bubble level tells you which leg to adjust.  The little trick of using the two straight bubble level is:  the side the bubble stay is the side that should be lowered.  It is easier to shorten the leg than to lengthen it because of the weight of the  tripod.  There is little confusion on which leg to adjust,  you adjust the NORTH leg for front to back leveling,  and adjust either the East OR West leg for left and right leveling.  If your tripod is leveled front to back and left to right, the circular bubble level would also be centered.

You may also use the two straight bubble level to level the telescope fork arm in the Polar position, the telescope optical tube assembly in the Alt/Az position.

If your star alignment or GOTO is less then perfect, this bubble level kit will give you a very portable tool to  improvement your alignment and GOTO accuracy.