Meade LXD 75-Series Procedure #2 To correct for elevation misalignment, Position a

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Fig. 45: Position A.

Fig. 46: Position B.

Important Note: The image will appear right-side-up, but reversed left-for- right, in the eyepiece of a refractor telescope. The image will appear upside-down, but correct left-for-right, in the eyepiece of a Schmidt- Newtonian telescope, if the eyepiece extends horizontally from the tube, as described in Step #3.

5.Loosen the R.A. Lock (Tip: Make sure you do not accidentally loosen the Dec. Lock. If you do, restart the procedure beginning at Step #2). Rotate the telescope 180° in the R.A. axis ONLY, until the optical tube is in position B. See Fig. 46. Note the position of your target in the eyepiece.

6.Using the Autostar Up and Down Arrow keys ONLY, move the optical tube in Dec. axis until your target is HALFWAY back to the center of the eyepiece.

7.Rotate the telescope 180° in the R.A. axis ONLY, to return the optical tube to posi- tion A. Verify that your target is in the same location in the eyepiece vertically as in the previous step (that is, it is not higher or lower or absent from the eyepiece). Ignore side-to-side misalignment (that is, if it has moved to the right or left).

8.Repeat steps 6 and 7, if necessary, alternating positions A and B, until the hori- zontal object is in the same vertical location in the eyepiece in both positions.

9.The Dec. optical axis is now calibrated to be at 90 degrees. For Procedure #2, DO NOT adjust the declination of the optical tube, either manually or with the handbox.

Procedure #2: To correct for elevation misalignment

After performing the attitude correction, select an object that is at a very great distance (at least a mile away) to approximate infinity. Ideally, the object should be unique, with several identifiable objects to the left and right of it.

1.Rotate the mount about the R.A. axis only and move the optical tube to position A.

2.WITHOUT moving the declination axis from its position determined in the previ- ous alignment, adjust the legs, latitude, and azimuth of the tripod to center the object in the eyepiece.

Fig. 47: Cradle adjustment screws.

Procedure #2: Step 2

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

3.Rotate the telescope 180° in the R.A. axis ONLY, until optical tube is in position B.

4.Observe the position of the object in the eyepiece. Assuming that the declination was properly set in the previous procedure, the object should have moved only horizontally (that is, side-to-side) from its original position. It may be out of the eyepiece altogether.

5.Using the adjustment mechanism on the bottom of the cradle (Fig. 47), move the reference object approximately half the distance towards the center of the eye- piece.

To adjust the cradle screws, use the supplied hex key to loosen the two outside screws. Then adjust the position of the object by tightening or loosening the cen- ter screw. Perform this adjustment on both sets of screws. When finished, retight- en the outer screws.

Before moving the optical tube, note the location that the telescope is centered on relative to the reference object. Depending on the telescope type and acces- sories in use, you may need to move the optical tube opposite to the direction that appears in the eyepiece. The best way to be sure is to move the optical tube (using the cradle screws) a little, and verify that the correct direction was moved through the eyepiece.

6.WITHOUT moving the declination axis from its position determined in the previ- ous alignment, and WITHOUT adjusting the cradle position further, adjust the legs, latitude, and azimuth of the tripod to center the object in the eyepiece again.

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Contents LXD 75 -Series Telescopes Page Contents Telescope Features BC1 g f eD 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 Accessories How to Assemble Your TelescopeTelescope Assembly Getting StartedViewfinder assembly Newtonian reflector models C D E F Balancing the TelescopeAligning the Viewfinder Choosing an EyepieceToo Much Power? Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyActivate the Arrow Keys Autostar Models Only Slew Speeds Autostar Models OnlyTracking Objects Setting the Polar Home PositionObserve the Moon 16bObserve a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature Using Autostars GO to Capabilities Autostar Models OnlyMoving Through Autostar’s Menus Autostar Models Only Initializing Autostar Autostar Models OnlyTraining the Drive Autostar Models Only Easy Alignment Autostar Models Only Go To Saturn Autostar Models OnlyUsing the Guided Tour Autostar Models Only Planet Saturn is over 800 million miles from the EarthAutostar Navigation Exercise To Calculate Sunset timeEntering Data into Autostar Navigating AutostarAutostars Menus Select Item ObjectMenus Object MenuUtilities Menu Event MenuGlossary Menu LXD75-SeriesSetup Menu EnterObserving Considerations Setup Menu Daylight SAVING, Surf the Web Adding Observing Sites To Add a Site to the user-defined site listTo Edit a Site Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the Libraries To GO to a user-entered objectObserving 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 Optional Accessories 10 f/4Series 4000 Photo-Visual Optional Autostar handbox for EC model users Maintenance General 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 10 Model SC-8AT Specifications 5 Model N-6EC SpecificationsMeade Customer Service Autostar SpecificationsAutostar Dimensions Inspecting the OpticsSetting Circles Appendix a Celestial CoordinatesOne-Star Polar Alignment Locating the Celestial PolePolar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentEnhancement Methods Method #1 Three-Star Alignment Using AutostarPolar Alignment Viewfinder To perform the Three-Star AlignmentMethod 2 Axis Alignment Procedures Procedure #1 To correct for attitude misalignmentProcedure #2 To correct for elevation misalignment Position aMethod 3 Axis Alignment Using Autostar TipsPEC Train Menu Option Method #4 Smart Drive Training Periodic Error CorrectionPEC Update Menu Option PEC Erase Menu OptionCity State/Prov./Country Latitude Appendix C Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City Country LatitudeAppendix D EC Handbox To move the telescope using the Electronic Controller Modes of OperationSlew Speeds Tracking Rates Changing the Polar Mode Optional Autostar Computer Controller for LXD75 EC UsersHow to Attach the Optical Tube to the Mount Mounting the SC bracket and optical tube to the mountObjects in Space Appendix F Basic AstronomyAutostar Glossary MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsFurther 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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