Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 8" LS-8 ACF, 6" LS-6 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF Speed 5 Medium Speed 1 Slow, Mode Key

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After the telescope powers on, you will hear a brief introductory message. You can press the “MEDIA” key to bypass the introduction if you like.

If you have attached a video cable from the Video Out connection on the telescope to the composite video input of a NTSC TV monitor, you will also see graphics accompanying the telescope introduction.

Slew Speeds:

Speed 9: Fast

'Arrow

'Keys

Speed 5: Medium

'

'

Speed 1: Slow

Number

Keys

At the end of this message, the telescope will immediately start its LightSwitch Automatic Alignment procedure. It will take about five to ten minutes for the telescope to orient and align itself. Once it has completed the alignment the handbox screen will display “Alignment Successful”.

LS TIPS

“MODE” Key

The “MODE” Key cycles the telescope through its three different modes; Menu Mode, Info Mode and Skymap Mode.

During most telescope operations, pressing the “MODE” key will stop the current operation.

Focus Knob

At this point look through the eyepiece of the telescope. You should see some light from the final alignment star but it is probably out of focus. Adjust the focus using the knob on the back of the telescope until you get a sharply focused star image.

Press the “Tours/8” key on theAutoStar and select the “Tonight’s Best” tour by pressing the Scroll Down arrow key at the bottom of theAutoStar. Press “ENTER” to start the tour of the best objects visible in your sky right now. You will hear a brief introduction to the tour and then the first object will be shown on the second line of the AutoStar display. If you press “ENTER” to select this object, you will hear a description of the object. If you press the GoTo key, the telescope will move (slew) to put the object in the eyepiece so you can view it directly. To move to the next object, press the “BACK” key and then the Scroll Down key to move through the available objects in the tour. Press “ENTER” to select the displayed object. To exit the tour, press the “Mode” key.

When you are finished observing for the night, replace the dust cover over the end of the telescope and the dust cap on the lens of the ECLIPS Module. Select “Shutdown” from the main top level menu. After the telescope has moved to its storage position and the AutoStar displays “Turn Off Telescope”, flip the LightSwitch to the OFF (0) position.

GETTING STARTED

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INDEX

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Contents LS-6 ACF / 6 LS-6 SC Index Contents LS-6 and LS-8 LightSwitch Telescopes IntroductionStarted Getting StartedAssembling the Tripod Lock-KnobInstalling the Batteries Using an AC Adapter or DC Power CordPower Port Mounting the TelescopeAttaching Accessories Your Telescope is now Fully AssembledMode Key Speed 5 Medium Speed 1 SlowKey Functions Autostar III Handbox Basic UsageNavigating the Menus Menu Mode Scope Info ModeSky Map Mode ShortcutsLS Keyfeatures LS KEY FeaturesLS KEY Features USB-A Connector for future expansion Eyepiece HolderLS KEY Features Using the Red-Dot Finder Adjusting the Red-Dot Finder Optional Accessories Choosing EyepiecesSeries 4000 Super Plössl Eyepieces are excellent Series 4000 Super Plössl EyepiecesOptional Accessories Power Supplies Imagers and AccessoriesFocal Reducers Deep Sky Imagers DSIAutostar III Handbox Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonAutostar III Handbox Slew Speeds Orion Nebula M42 Observing ConsiderationsTree Autostar III Menu TreeGuided Tour Menu Object MenuEvent Menu Take Picture MenuPleiades Star Cluster M45 Take Picture EnterUtilities Menu Setup Menu Autostar III Menu Options Two Star Alt Az Alignment Advanced LS FeaturesAdvanced LS Alt/Az 1 Star Alignment Finding Objects Not in the DatabaseLandmarks To enter coordinates of an object into the TelescopeObserving Satellites To view a landmark in the databaseTerrestrial Observing Capitol Reef, UtahCollimation MaintenanceMaintenance Collimation Screws Updating Your LS Firmware Inspecting the OpticsGauging the Movement of the Telescope Customer Service LS Mini SD Card for Updates and Image StorageDrive Appendix aAppendix B Creating User Objects and ToursObjects 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 DOC FCC Appendix ERecycling Recycling InformationMeade 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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