Meade 8" LS-8 ACF, 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 SC Eyepiece Holder, USB-A Connector for future expansion

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Diagonal Holder: Holds the eyepiece in place.

Diagonal Prism: provides a more comfortable right angle viewing position. Slide the diagonal prism directly into the eyepiece holder (Fig. 1, 3).

1.25" Eyepiece Holder

Eyepiece Holder Thumb Screw

Eyepiece: Place the Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece into the 90° diagonal prism (Fig. 1, 4) and tighten in place with the thumbscrews. The eyepiece magnifies the image collected in the optical tube.

Diagonal Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew: Tightens the eyepiece in place. Tighten to a firm feel only.

Optical Tube Assembly (OTA): The main optical component that gathers the light from distant objects and brings this light to a focus for examination through the eyepiece.

Single Fork Arm Mount: Holds the optical tube in place and moves it to find and track objects.

Focus Knob: Moves the telescope’s primary mirror in a finely-controlled motion to achieve precise image focus. The LS telescope can be focused on objects from a distance of about 25 ft. to infinity. Rotate the focus knob counterclockwise to focus on distant objects, and clockwise to focus on nearby objects.

Integrated Sensor Module: Receives location and time information transmitted from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. Determines north and level positions.

Telescope Input/Output Panel

Dust Cover: Gently lift out the dust cover from the front lens of the telescope. The dust cover should be replaced after each observing session and the power turned off to the telescope. Verify that any dew that might have collected during the observing session has evaporated prior to replacing the dust cover.

ON/OFF LightSwitch: Turns the LS system ON or OFF. The red LED power indicator light illuminates when power is on.

Battery Compartment: Insert eight ANSI 14A (IEC LR14) Alkaline “C-Cell” (user-supplied) batteries in compartment. Be sure batteries are aligned correctly as shown in the battery compartment.

ECLIPS CCD Module: The integrated camera is part of the system that allows the telescope to align itself, and provides you with a wide field imager when a video monitor is attached to your telescope.

Red Dot Finder: Provides an easy way to sight on objects and put them in the telescope’s eyepiece.

Red Dot Finder Alignment Screws: Adjust these screws to align the Red Dot Finder with the telescope’s main optics. See page 15 for more information.

Handbox Storage Cradle: Holds the AutoStar handbox in a convenient position on the telescope.

Mini SD Card Slot: Allows standard Mini-SD™ cards to be used to store images taken with the telescope. Can also be used to update the application firmware in the telescope.

USB-A Connector for future expansion

2! USB-B Connector to PC: Connects your telescope to a PC computer, so that the telescope can be remotely controlled from AutoStar Suite software, or other computer planetarium programs. This port can also be used to update the software in your telescope, manage custom catalogs, keep data on satellites, comets and asteroids current, and to download new tours to your telescope.

2@ Video Output: This connector allows you to connect the telescope to a NTSC television monitor (not supplied). This monitor will display:

a.Multiple line menus.

LS KEY FEATURES

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INDEX

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Contents LS-6 ACF / 6 LS-6 SC Index Contents Introduction LS-6 and LS-8 LightSwitch TelescopesGetting Started StartedAssembling the Tripod Lock-KnobUsing an AC Adapter or DC Power Cord Installing the BatteriesPower Port Mounting the TelescopeYour Telescope is now Fully Assembled Attaching AccessoriesSpeed 5 Medium Speed 1 Slow Mode KeyNavigating the Menus Autostar III Handbox Basic UsageKey Functions Scope Info Mode Menu ModeSky Map Mode ShortcutsLS KEY Features LS KeyfeaturesLS KEY Features Eyepiece Holder USB-A Connector for future expansionLS KEY Features Using the Red-Dot Finder Adjusting the Red-Dot Finder Choosing Eyepieces Optional AccessoriesSeries 4000 Super Plössl Eyepieces are excellent Series 4000 Super Plössl EyepiecesOptional Accessories Imagers and Accessories Power SuppliesFocal Reducers Deep Sky Imagers DSITour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar III HandboxAutostar III Handbox Slew Speeds Observing Considerations Orion Nebula M42Autostar III Menu Tree TreeObject Menu Guided Tour MenuTake Picture Menu Event MenuPleiades Star Cluster M45 Take Picture EnterUtilities Menu Setup Menu Autostar III Menu Options Advanced LS Advanced LS FeaturesTwo Star Alt Az Alignment Finding Objects Not in the Database Alt/Az 1 Star AlignmentLandmarks To enter coordinates of an object into the TelescopeTo view a landmark in the database Observing SatellitesCapitol Reef, Utah Terrestrial ObservingMaintenance MaintenanceCollimation Collimation Screws Gauging the Movement of the Telescope Inspecting the OpticsUpdating Your LS Firmware LS Mini SD Card for Updates and Image Storage Customer ServiceAppendix a DriveCreating User Objects and Tours Appendix BAppendix C Basic AstronomyObjects in Space Deep-Sky Objects Specifications SpecificationsModel and Product Number LS-6 SC # Optical System Model and Product Number 8LS-8 ACF # Optical System Model and Product Number LS-8 SC # Optical System Appendix E DOC FCCRecycling Information RecyclingMeade Limited Warranty

6" LS-6 SC, 8" LS-8 ACF, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 SC specifications

The Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 ACF, and 6" LS-6 SC telescopes represent cutting-edge advancements in amateur astronomy, catering to both novice stargazers and seasoned astronomers alike. Each model incorporates innovative technologies, making it easier than ever to explore the cosmos.

The Meade 8" LS-8 SC (Schmidt-Cassegrain) features a compact design with an 8-inch aperture that provides exceptional light-gathering capabilities. This telescope utilizes an advanced computer-controlled system known as the AutoStar II. This technology allows for hassle-free navigation across the night sky. The LS-8 SC comes equipped with a built-in observatory, ensuring a user-friendly experience, allowing beginners to locate and track celestial objects with ease. The telescope's premium optics guarantee sharp, high-contrast images, making it an ideal choice for planetary and deep-sky observation.

Next, the Meade 6" LS-6 ACF (Advanced Coma-Free) delivers superior optical performance with minimal distortion. This design eliminates spherical aberrations, providing exceptionally sharp images across the entire field of view. Featuring a 6-inch aperture, the LS-6 ACF is highly portable and perfect for both visual observations and astrophotography. It includes the AutoStar computer system for easy alignment and tracking, as well as a robust, sturdy mount that enhances stability during viewing sessions.

The 8" LS-8 ACF builds on the strengths of its predecessors with an even larger aperture, ensuring maximum light-gathering potential for serious observers. The improved ACF optics yield crisp images without the common off-axis distortions seen in traditional designs. This telescope is also equipped with hassle-free setup features, allowing users to spend more time observing and less time setting up. The OTA design and mount are tailored for easy transport, making it a favorite for astrophotographers seeking high-quality celestial imagery.

Finally, the Meade 6" LS-6 SC offers a balanced option for those seeking portability without sacrificing optical quality. Like its larger counterpart, the LS-6 SC is designed for ease of use and includes the AutoStar technology for automated tracking. Its compact design and lightweight build make it convenient for travel, while still providing an impressive 6-inch aperture for celestial viewing.

In summary, the Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 ACF, and 6" LS-6 SC telescopes exemplify the intersection of portability, usability, and advanced optics. Each telescope supports astronomers of all skill levels, making the wonders of the universe accessible to everyone. Whether you're observing planets, nebulae, or star clusters, Meade’s innovative technologies enhance the overall experience, ensuring that the night sky is within reach.
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