Meade LXD 75-Series instruction manual Optional Autostar handbox for EC model users

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Fig. 30: Optional Autostar handbox for EC model users.

#1205 Electric focuser: For use with LXD75 Schmidt-Cassegrain SC-8 model. Meade electric focusers are uniquely designed to yield smooth, precise microfocus- ing of the image, without disabling the manual focus knob, which may be used for rapid coarse focusing. Includes push-button hand controller with self-contained (user provided) battery.

#1209 Microfocuser: For use with LXD75 Schmidt-Cassegrain SC-8 model. Supplied with a handbox, the microfocuser threads directly to the rear cell of model SC-8. Permits precise focusing of the image during visual or photographic applica- tion, during CCD applications maintains precise image centration on even the small- est CCD chips. Operates at four speeds, from extremely slow to fast; accepts both 2" and 1.25" eyepiece barrels. Requires 8 x AAA (user-supplied batteries).

Optional #497 AutostarComputer Controller for LXD75 EC Users: One of the most important advances in telescope control in the past 25 years, the Meade Autostar Computer Controller turns your LXD75 EC model into an automatic celestial object locating system. Just plug Autostar into the telescope’s HBX port in place of the standard-equipment Electronic Controller, do a quick telescope alignment, and you are ready to observe any object in the Autostar’s 30,000-object database.

Any of Autostar’s database objects can be called up and entered on the hand con- troller display in seconds. The observer then simply presses the GO TO pushbutton and watches as the telescope automatically slews to the object and places it in the field of view. Autostar moves the telescope to automatically track (follow) the object across the sky. Autostar brings into easy access objects that were previously unreach- able for all but the most dedicated of amateur astronomers.

Autostar Suite with Meade LPI (Lunar Planetary Imager) and Planetarium software (Fig. 23) turns your Meade LXD75 telescope, Autostar and PC into even more powerful and easy-to-use astronomical instruments. See page 36 for more details.

To find out more about these and other accessories available for your telescope, check out the Meade General Catalog or contact your local Meade dealer.

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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 Autostar Features FeaturesTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Tip Getting Started How to Assemble Your TelescopeTelescope Assembly AccessoriesViewfinder 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 Only16b Setting the Polar Home PositionObserve the Moon Tracking ObjectsUsing 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 MenusLXD75-Series Event MenuGlossary Menu Utilities MenuEnter Setup MenuObserving Considerations Setup Menu Daylight SAVING, Surf the Web Adding Observing Sites To Add a Site to the user-defined site listTo Edit a Site To GO to a user-entered object Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the LibrariesObserving 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 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 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 5 Model N-6EC Specifications 10 Model SC-8AT SpecificationsInspecting the Optics Autostar SpecificationsAutostar Dimensions Meade Customer ServiceAppendix a Celestial Coordinates Setting CirclesTwo-Star Polar Alignment Locating the Celestial PolePolar Alignment One-Star Polar AlignmentTo perform the Three-Star Alignment Method #1 Three-Star Alignment Using AutostarPolar Alignment Viewfinder Enhancement MethodsProcedure #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 Erase Menu Option Method #4 Smart Drive Training Periodic Error CorrectionPEC Update Menu Option PEC Train Menu OptionCity Country Latitude Appendix C Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City State/Prov./Country LatitudeAppendix D EC Handbox To move the telescope using the Electronic Controller Modes of OperationSlew Speeds 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 MountMoon Appendix F Basic AstronomyAutostar Glossary Objects in SpaceDeep-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.