Meade Telescope, LXD 75 instruction manual Tracking Rates

Page 60

Step 2.

Step 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4.

Step 5.

Fig. 52a: Indicator Light Key for changing tracking rates in the Northern Hemisphere Polar mode.

Step 2.

Step 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4.

Step 5.

Fig. 52b: Indicator Light Key for changing tracking rates in the Southern Hemisphere Polar mode.

60

7.When the test is complete, light 1 remains on; lights 2, 3, and 4 turn off.

8.Use the four Arrow keys (1, Fig. 49) to slew the telescope to the desired object. To change the slew speed, press SPEED.

9.Fine-adjust the position of the object with the Electronic Controller Arrow keys so that it is centered in the viewfinder. The object is now ready to be viewed through the telescope’s eyepiece.

Tracking Rates

In polar mode the Electronic Controller normally tracks objects at the sidereal rate (see TRACKING OBJECTS, page 17). For most observing sessions (once the telescope has been polar aligned and the tracking motor activated), there is little need to change this speed.

For objects, like the Moon or a comet, that move at slightly different rates, the Electronic Controller Arrow keys (1, Fig. 49) are sufficient to move the telescope slightly as the object very slowly moves off-center through the eyepiece field.

To change the tracking rate, for extended observations of an object not moving at the sidereal rate, follow the procedure for the appropriate hemisphere:

Use the following procedure to change tracking rates when using the Northern Hemisphere polar mode. Refer to Fig. 52a.

1.Press and hold MODE (5, Fig. 49) until the Mode function is active (i.e., lights 1 and 2 are on steady; lights 3 and 4 signify whatever tracking mode was last cho- sen).

2.Press SPEED (3, Fig. 49) until lights 1, 2, and 3 are on steady with light 4 blink- ing. The telescope is now in the Northern Hemisphere polar mode.

3.Press IN (7, Fig. 49) and light 4 comes on steady. The tracking rate is now 0.5% faster than sidereal. If the object you're tracking is moving faster than the sidere- al rate, look through the eyepiece and press IN. Each time you press IN, the track- ing rate increases by 0.5%. Note that when the Mode function is active, the tracking motor stops. To restart the tracking motor, press MODE again. Experiment with this function to get the right speed: Press IN to set the tracking rate. Then press MODE and look through the eyepiece. Continue pressing IN and MODE until the object remains centered with little or no drifting in the eyepiece.

Note: The tracking rate can be increased by up to 65%.

4.To use a rate slower than sidereal, press OUT (6, Fig. 49) until light 4 blinks again (sidereal rate). Press OUT again and light 4 goes out, signifying a tracking rate 0.5% slower than sidereal. Note that when the Mode function is active, the tracking motor stops. To restart the tracking motor, press MODE again. Experiment with this function to get the right speed: Press OUT to set the track- ing rate. Then press MODE and look through the eyepiece. Continue pressing OUT and MODE until the object remains centered with little or no drifting in the eyepiece.

Note: The tracking rate can be decreased by up to 65%.

5.Press and hold MODE until only a single light is on. This exits the Mode function. If Northern or Southern Hemisphere polar mode was chosen, the motor drive starts operating at the sidereal rate.

6.Use the four Arrow keys (1, Fig. 49) to slew the telescope to the desired object. To change the slew speed, press SPEED.

Use the following procedure to change tracking rates when using the Southern Hemisphere polar mode. Refer to Fig. 52b.

1.Press and hold MODE (5, Fig. 49) until the Mode function is active (i.e., lights 1 and 2 are on steady; lights 3 and 4 signify the tracking mode last chosen).

2.Press SPEED (3, Fig. 49) until lights 1 and 2 are on steady, light 3 is off, and Light 4 is blinking.

3.Press IN (7, Fig. 49) and light 4 comes on steady. The tracking rate is now 0.5% faster than sidereal. Note that when the Mode function is active, the tracking motor stops. To restart the tracking motor, press MODE again. Experiment with this function to get the right speed: Press IN to set the tracking rate. Then press MODE and look through the eyepiece. Continue pressing IN and MODE until the object remains centered with little or no drifting in the eyepiece.

Page 59 Page 61
Image 60
Page 59 Page 61
Contents LXD 75 -Series Telescopes Page Contents Telescope Features BC1 g f eD E F LXD75-SeriesYour Personal Window to the Universe $ Computer Control Panel see e LXD75 Tips Autostar Features FeaturesTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Tip How to Assemble Your Telescope Telescope AssemblyAccessories Getting StartedViewfinder assembly Newtonian reflector models C D E F Balancing the TelescopeAligning the Viewfinder Choosing an EyepieceToo Much Power? Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyActivate the Arrow Keys Autostar Models Only Slew Speeds Autostar Models OnlySetting the Polar Home Position Observe the MoonTracking Objects 16bObserve a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature Using Autostars GO to Capabilities Autostar Models OnlyMoving Through Autostar’s Menus Autostar Models Only Initializing Autostar Autostar Models OnlyTraining the Drive Autostar Models Only Easy Alignment Autostar Models Only Go To Saturn Autostar Models OnlyUsing the Guided Tour Autostar Models Only Planet Saturn is over 800 million miles from the EarthAutostar Navigation Exercise To Calculate Sunset timeEntering Data into Autostar Navigating AutostarAutostars Menus Select Item ObjectMenus Object MenuEvent Menu Glossary MenuUtilities Menu LXD75-SeriesSetup Menu EnterObserving Considerations Setup Menu Daylight SAVING, Surf the Web Adding Observing Sites To Add a Site to the user-defined site listTo Edit a Site Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the Libraries To GO to a user-entered objectObserving Satellites LandmarksTo Add a landmark to the database To Check on the Available Memory To Select a landmark from the databaseTo perform a Landmark Survey Photography Few tips on photography with the LXD75-SeriestelescopesPhotography with Meade’s Autostar Suite Optional Accessories 10 f/4Series 4000 Photo-Visual Optional Autostar handbox for EC model users Maintenance General MaintenanceD e f g Page Defocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, Aligned Page Page Specifications 5 Model SN-6AT, SN-6EC Specifications4 Model SN-8AT, SN-8EC Specifications 10 f/4 Model SN-10AT Specifications 9.3 Model AR-5AT, AR-5EC Specifications8 Model AR-6AT Specifications 10 Model SC-8AT Specifications 5 Model N-6EC SpecificationsAutostar Specifications Autostar DimensionsMeade Customer Service Inspecting the OpticsSetting Circles Appendix a Celestial CoordinatesLocating the Celestial Pole Polar AlignmentOne-Star Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentMethod #1 Three-Star Alignment Using Autostar Polar Alignment ViewfinderEnhancement Methods To perform the Three-Star AlignmentMethod 2 Axis Alignment Procedures Procedure #1 To correct for attitude misalignmentProcedure #2 To correct for elevation misalignment Position aMethod 3 Axis Alignment Using Autostar TipsMethod #4 Smart Drive Training Periodic Error Correction PEC Update Menu OptionPEC Train Menu Option PEC Erase Menu OptionAppendix C Latitude Chart Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldCity State/Prov./Country Latitude City Country LatitudeAppendix D EC Handbox To move the telescope using the Electronic Controller Modes of OperationSlew Speeds Tracking Rates Changing the Polar Mode Optional Autostar Computer Controller for LXD75 EC UsersHow to Attach the Optical Tube to the Mount Mounting the SC bracket and optical tube to the mountAppendix F Basic Astronomy Autostar GlossaryObjects in Space MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsFurther Study Page Meade Limited Warranty
Related manuals
Manual 68 pages 38.91 Kb

Telescope, LXD 75 specifications

The Meade LXD 75 is an advanced telescope mount designed for both amateur and professional astronomers looking to explore the wonders of the night sky. Known for its precision and ease of use, the LXD 75 offers several features and technologies that make it a standout choice for astrophotography and visual observation alike.

At the heart of the Meade LXD 75 is its robust equatorial mount, which provides stable tracking of celestial objects. This mount is both lightweight and durable, allowing for easy transport to observing sites. The equatorial design is especially beneficial for astrophotography, as it compensates for the Earth's rotation, enabling longer exposure times without the trailing effects commonly associated with less sophisticated mounts.

One of the most notable features of the LXD 75 is its dual-axis tracking system. This system allows users to electronically control the telescope's movements along both the right ascension and declination axes. The built-in Data Sky control panel is user-friendly, offering intuitive access to a wealth of astronomical data, including over 30,000 celestial objects. This makes locating and tracking objects in the sky simpler and more efficient.

The LXD 75 also supports a variety of telescope configurations, accommodating optical tubes up to 10 inches in diameter. This versatility makes it suitable for a range of viewing preferences, from planetary observations to deep-sky astrophotography. The mount's heavy-duty construction ensures it can handle the weight of larger telescopes while maintaining stability.

In terms of technology, the Meade LXD 75 is equipped with AutoStar computer technology. This innovative feature enables automatic location and tracking of celestial bodies using a simple pointing and clicking interface. Users can also create custom observing lists, making it easier to plan and execute dedicated viewing sessions.

Additionally, the LXD 75 boasts robust connectivity options, including the ability to integrate with a wide range of imaging software and accessories, making it a great choice for those interested in advanced astrophotography techniques. The mount's compatibility with Meade's own range of cameras and filters further enhances its potential for capturing stunning images of the universe.

In conclusion, the Meade LXD 75 is a well-rounded telescope mount that combines advanced technology with user-friendly features. Its equatorial design, dual-axis tracking, and AutoStar system make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced astronomers. Whether for visual observation or astrophotography, the LXD 75 offers the performance and versatility to enhance any stargazing experience.
Top Page Image Contents