Meade 8" LS-8 ACF, 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 SC Advanced LS Features, Two Star Alt Az Alignment

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ADVANCED LS FEATURES

Two Star Alt Az Alignment

FEATURES

1.Select Alt. Az. 2 Star alignment from the Align menu to begin two star alignment.

2.“Automatic Alignment” displays. The system now performs the following routines (press any ETX- LS key to abort Automatic Alignment).

Caution: As the telescope performs the following operations, it will swing and rotate. Keep a safe distance from the telescope. The telescope now finds the level and tilt position of the telescope, and also detects where true North is. It may not actually level or tilt the telescope or point to North — it is just detecting these positions. This may take a minute or two.

a.Attempts a “GPS Fix”. The GPS receiver attempts to acquire and sync up with signals from GPS satellite system. “Getting GPS Fix” displays Note: Press Mode key to abort the GPS fix. You will then be prompted to enter the time, date and location.

b.Detects “level” of the base of the telescope; finds tilt and tip. To detect level, LS must calculate “level” at three compass points. LS also determines the positioning (i.e., tilt and tip) of the optical tube.

c.Finds North. Locates magnetic North, then calculates true North.

NOTE: After performing these operations, LS now knows:

•The telescope’s limiting positions

•Where level is for the telescope

•The location of true North

•The observing site’s location

•The date and time

d.Once the level, tilt and North are detected, the telescope will “GO TO” 2 alignment stars. The telescope will go to these stars in order to orient itself to the sky. Once it has done this, it will be able to point to any one of nearly 100,00 objects in its database.

e. “Automatic Alignment: Selecting Star” and “Slewing” display. When it is close to the alignment star “Center Brightest Star: Press “ENTER””displays.Whenthetelescopeslews to the first star, it may not appear in the field of view in the eyepiece. Use the Red Dot Finder (Pg. 12, Fig. 2, 16) to locate the star. The alignment star will be easy to recognize

— it will be the brightest star in the area of the sky where the telescope is pointing. Use the Arrow keys to center the alignment star in the eyepiece. When the alignment star is centered, press “ENTER”. Repeat the procedure for the second alignment.

f.The telescope now slews to the second alignment star. LS displays “Center Brightest Star”.

g.“Press “ENTER”” displays. Use the Arrow keys to center the alignment star in the eyepiece. When the second alignment star is centered, press “ENTER”.

h.“Alignment successful” displays. If “Alignment Unsuccessful” displays, perform the procedure again.

NOTE: If you have an obstruction, such as a tree or a building blocking your view of the alignment star, or if you have any doubts at all about the star that has been chosen, no problem. Just press the SCROLL DOWN key and LS will find another star to align upon.

NOTE: The selected alignment stars may vary by date and time. All that is required is for the observer to center the selected stars in the eyepiece when prompted.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The “Telescope: Mount” option of the Setup menu is set to “Alt/Az” as the default alignment by the factory. The example presented in this section assumes that you are performing an alignment procedure for the first time with your telescope and therefore, the “Telescope: Mount” option does not need to be selected.

ADVANCED LS

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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 KeyKey Functions Autostar III Handbox Basic UsageNavigating the Menus 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 Two Star Alt Az Alignment Advanced LS FeaturesAdvanced LS 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 ObservingCollimation MaintenanceMaintenance Collimation Screws Updating Your LS Firmware Inspecting the OpticsGauging the Movement of the Telescope LS Mini SD Card for Updates and Image Storage Customer ServiceAppendix a DriveCreating User Objects and Tours Appendix BObjects in Space Basic AstronomyAppendix C 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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