Meade LXD 75-Series instruction manual Observing Considerations

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Want to learn more about using the Date menu? See the LXD75 TIPS box, page 24.

Want to learn more about Training the Drive? See the LXD75 TIPS box, page 20.

Date changes the date used by Autostar. This function is useful to check events in the past or future. For example, set the Date menu for a day three months in the future. Then check the "Select Item: Event" menu for the Sunset time on that date. See EVENT MENU, page 27.

Time changes the time entered into Autostar. Setting the correct time is critical for Autostar to properly calculate locations and events. Time may be set to 24-hour mode (military time) by selecting the "blank" option (i.e., no option is displayed) which fol- lows the "AM" and "PM" options.

Daylight Saving is used to enable or disable Daylight Savings time.

Note: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by different names in vari- ous areas of the world. Check local time to verify.

Telescope accesses several options, including:

■Telescope Model: Allows you to select the telescope model connected to Autostar.

■Focal Length: Displays the focal length of the selected telescope.

■Az/R.A. Ratio and Alt/Dec. Ratio: The Az (Azimuth) or the R.A. (Right Ascension) ratio and Alt (Altitude) or Dec. (Declination) ratio refers to the gears of the telescope's motors. Do not alter these numbers.

■Az/R.A. Percent: This option allows you to change the AZ (azimuth) or R.A. (right ascension) backlash, i.e., the way the Arrow keys move the telescope along the azimuth or R.A. axes. If you enter a value near 100, the telescope tube responds more quickly (it responds immediately at 100%) as you hold down an Arrow key and also slews (moves) the tube more quickly. If you enter a value near 0, it takes longer for the tube to respond as you hold down an Arrow key and also slews the tube more slowly. Experiment with this option. Try changing the percent value until you get a "feel" for the Arrow keys that is comfortable for you.

■Alt/Dec. Percent: The option operates identical to the Az/R.A. Percent option (see above), but allows you to change the altitude or declination backlash, i.e., the way the telescope responds to the Arrow keys when moving along the altitude or declination axes.

■Train Drive: Trains the Altitude/Declination and Azimuth/R.A. motors to locate objects with more precision.

■Tracking Rate: Changes the speed at which the telescope tracks targets in the sky.

LXD75 TIPS

Observing Considerations

•Try to pick an observing site away from street and house lights and car head- lights. While this is not always possible, the darker the site, the better.

•Give your eyes about ten minutes to adjust to the darkness before observing. Give your eyes a rest from observing every ten or fifteen minutes to relieve eyestrain.

•Try not to use a standard flashlight. Experienced observers use red LED flash- lights, the red utility light on the Autostar handbox, or tape red cellophane over their flashlights to use for setup and map reading so they don’t have to con- tinually readjust their eyes to the darkness. Be careful not to shine bright lights if there are other observers in the area. Do not shine a flashlight into the tele- scope while someone is observing!

•Dress warmly. It gets chilly when you’re sitting for prolonged periods.

•Practice setting up your equipment during the day or in a lighted area to become familiar with it before going to a dark site.

•Use your 26mm eyepiece to view terrestrial objects and wider areas of space, such as open star clusters. Use an optional 9mm eyepiece when you wish to view something up close, such as craters on the Moon or the rings of Saturn.

•Know your observing site. If you’re going to try out an unfamiliar site, check it out in the daylight for possible obstructions and pitfalls.

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Contents LXD 75 -Series Telescopes Page Contents BC1 g f e Telescope FeaturesD E F LXD75-SeriesYour Personal Window to the Universe $ Computer Control Panel see e LXD75 Tips Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar FeaturesFeatures Tip Telescope Assembly How to Assemble Your TelescopeAccessories Getting StartedViewfinder assembly Newtonian reflector models Balancing the Telescope C D E FChoosing an Eyepiece Aligning the ViewfinderObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Too Much Power?Slew Speeds Autostar Models Only Activate the Arrow Keys Autostar Models OnlyObserve the Moon Setting the Polar Home PositionTracking Objects 16bUsing Autostars GO to Capabilities Autostar Models Only Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureInitializing Autostar Autostar Models Only Moving Through Autostar’s Menus Autostar Models OnlyTraining the Drive Autostar Models Only Go To Saturn Autostar Models Only Easy Alignment Autostar Models OnlyPlanet Saturn is over 800 million miles from the Earth Using the Guided Tour Autostar Models OnlyTo Calculate Sunset time Autostar Navigation ExerciseNavigating Autostar Entering Data into AutostarSelect Item Object Autostars MenusObject Menu MenusGlossary Menu Event MenuUtilities Menu LXD75-SeriesEnter Setup MenuObserving Considerations Setup Menu Daylight SAVING, Surf the Web To Edit a Site Adding Observing SitesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list To GO to a user-entered object Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the LibrariesTo Add a landmark to the database Observing SatellitesLandmarks To perform a Landmark Survey To Check on the Available MemoryTo Select a landmark from the database Photography with Meade’s Autostar Suite PhotographyFew tips on photography with the LXD75-Seriestelescopes 10 f/4 Optional AccessoriesSeries 4000 Photo-Visual Optional Autostar handbox for EC model users General Maintenance MaintenanceD e f g Page Defocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, Aligned Page Page 4 Model SN-8AT, SN-8EC Specifications Specifications5 Model SN-6AT, SN-6EC Specifications 8 Model AR-6AT Specifications 10 f/4 Model SN-10AT Specifications9.3 Model AR-5AT, AR-5EC Specifications 5 Model N-6EC Specifications 10 Model SC-8AT SpecificationsAutostar Dimensions Autostar SpecificationsMeade Customer Service Inspecting the OpticsAppendix a Celestial Coordinates Setting CirclesPolar Alignment Locating the Celestial PoleOne-Star Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentPolar Alignment Viewfinder Method #1 Three-Star Alignment Using AutostarEnhancement Methods To perform the Three-Star AlignmentProcedure #1 To correct for attitude misalignment Method 2 Axis Alignment ProceduresPosition a Procedure #2 To correct for elevation misalignmentTips Method 3 Axis Alignment Using AutostarPEC Update Menu Option Method #4 Smart Drive Training Periodic Error CorrectionPEC Train Menu Option PEC Erase Menu OptionLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World Appendix C Latitude ChartCity State/Prov./Country Latitude City Country LatitudeAppendix D EC Handbox Slew Speeds To move the telescope using the Electronic ControllerModes of Operation Tracking Rates Optional Autostar Computer Controller for LXD75 EC Users Changing the Polar ModeMounting the SC bracket and optical tube to the mount How to Attach the Optical Tube to the MountAutostar Glossary Appendix F Basic AstronomyObjects in Space MoonDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsFurther Study Page Meade Limited Warranty

LXD 75-Series specifications

The Meade LXD 75-Series telescopes represent a significant advancement in amateur astronomy technology, combining ease of use with professional-grade features. Designed for both novice and experienced astronomers, the LXD 75-Series offers sophisticated tracking capabilities and a range of optical tube assemblies, making it a versatile choice for stargazers.

One of the most notable features of the LXD 75-Series is its advanced German equatorial mount, which provides precise tracking of celestial objects. This mount is equipped with digital setting circles and a built-in autoguider port, allowing users to take long-exposure astrophotography without the hassle of manual adjustments. The telescope's mount is designed to be sturdy yet lightweight, enhancing portability for backyard observations or remote excursions.

The optical tube assemblies available in the LXD 75-Series include both refractor and reflector designs, allowing astronomers to choose according to their preferences. Refractors provide crisp, high-contrast images ideal for planetary observations, while reflectors excel in deep-sky viewing, revealing the nuances of nebulae and galaxy structures. The series typically offers apertures ranging from 6 to 10 inches, giving users the flexibility to select a model that best suits their observational needs.

Another feature that stands out in the LXD 75-Series is its user-friendly GoTo system. This system utilizes a database containing thousands of celestial objects and employs sophisticated software to navigate the night sky effortlessly. With a simple push of a button, users can locate and track objects, making the stargazing experience more engaging and less intimidating for beginners.

The LXD 75-Series also emphasizes durability and ease of assembly. The telescopes are designed for quick setup, with intuitive components that make it easy to get started in minutes. Additionally, the quality of craftsmanship ensures longevity, which is vital for a reliable observational tool.

In conclusion, the Meade LXD 75-Series stands out for its combination of advanced technologies and user-centric designs. With powerful tracking capabilities, versatile optical options, and an easy-to-use GoTo system, these telescopes cater to the diverse needs of astronomical enthusiasts. Whether for casual observation or serious astrophotography, the LXD 75-Series proves to be a stellar option for those looking to explore the wonders of the universe.
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