Meade LXD 75-Series instruction manual Tracking Rates

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Fig. 52a: Indicator Light Key for changing tracking rates in the Northern Hemisphere Polar mode.

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Fig. 52b: Indicator Light Key for changing tracking rates in the Southern Hemisphere Polar mode.

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7.When the test is complete, light 1 remains on; lights 2, 3, and 4 turn off.

8.Use the four Arrow keys (1, Fig. 49) to slew the telescope to the desired object. To change the slew speed, press SPEED.

9.Fine-adjust the position of the object with the Electronic Controller Arrow keys so that it is centered in the viewfinder. The object is now ready to be viewed through the telescope’s eyepiece.

Tracking Rates

In polar mode the Electronic Controller normally tracks objects at the sidereal rate (see TRACKING OBJECTS, page 17). For most observing sessions (once the telescope has been polar aligned and the tracking motor activated), there is little need to change this speed.

For objects, like the Moon or a comet, that move at slightly different rates, the Electronic Controller Arrow keys (1, Fig. 49) are sufficient to move the telescope slightly as the object very slowly moves off-center through the eyepiece field.

To change the tracking rate, for extended observations of an object not moving at the sidereal rate, follow the procedure for the appropriate hemisphere:

Use the following procedure to change tracking rates when using the Northern Hemisphere polar mode. Refer to Fig. 52a.

1.Press and hold MODE (5, Fig. 49) until the Mode function is active (i.e., lights 1 and 2 are on steady; lights 3 and 4 signify whatever tracking mode was last cho- sen).

2.Press SPEED (3, Fig. 49) until lights 1, 2, and 3 are on steady with light 4 blink- ing. The telescope is now in the Northern Hemisphere polar mode.

3.Press IN (7, Fig. 49) and light 4 comes on steady. The tracking rate is now 0.5% faster than sidereal. If the object you're tracking is moving faster than the sidere- al rate, look through the eyepiece and press IN. Each time you press IN, the track- ing rate increases by 0.5%. Note that when the Mode function is active, the tracking motor stops. To restart the tracking motor, press MODE again. Experiment with this function to get the right speed: Press IN to set the tracking rate. Then press MODE and look through the eyepiece. Continue pressing IN and MODE until the object remains centered with little or no drifting in the eyepiece.

Note: The tracking rate can be increased by up to 65%.

4.To use a rate slower than sidereal, press OUT (6, Fig. 49) until light 4 blinks again (sidereal rate). Press OUT again and light 4 goes out, signifying a tracking rate 0.5% slower than sidereal. Note that when the Mode function is active, the tracking motor stops. To restart the tracking motor, press MODE again. Experiment with this function to get the right speed: Press OUT to set the track- ing rate. Then press MODE and look through the eyepiece. Continue pressing OUT and MODE until the object remains centered with little or no drifting in the eyepiece.

Note: The tracking rate can be decreased by up to 65%.

5.Press and hold MODE until only a single light is on. This exits the Mode function. If Northern or Southern Hemisphere polar mode was chosen, the motor drive starts operating at the sidereal rate.

6.Use the four Arrow keys (1, Fig. 49) to slew the telescope to the desired object. To change the slew speed, press SPEED.

Use the following procedure to change tracking rates when using the Southern Hemisphere polar mode. Refer to Fig. 52b.

1.Press and hold MODE (5, Fig. 49) until the Mode function is active (i.e., lights 1 and 2 are on steady; lights 3 and 4 signify the tracking mode last chosen).

2.Press SPEED (3, Fig. 49) until lights 1 and 2 are on steady, light 3 is off, and Light 4 is blinking.

3.Press IN (7, Fig. 49) and light 4 comes on steady. The tracking rate is now 0.5% faster than sidereal. Note that when the Mode function is active, the tracking motor stops. To restart the tracking motor, press MODE again. Experiment with this function to get the right speed: Press IN to set the tracking rate. Then press MODE and look through the eyepiece. Continue pressing IN and MODE until the object remains centered with little or no drifting in the eyepiece.

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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 How to Assemble Your Telescope Telescope AssemblyAccessories 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 OnlySetting the Polar Home Position Observe the MoonTracking Objects 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 MenuEvent Menu Glossary MenuUtilities 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 SpecificationsAutostar Specifications Autostar DimensionsMeade Customer Service Inspecting the OpticsSetting Circles Appendix a Celestial CoordinatesLocating the Celestial Pole Polar AlignmentOne-Star Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentMethod #1 Three-Star Alignment Using Autostar Polar Alignment ViewfinderEnhancement Methods 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 TipsMethod #4 Smart Drive Training Periodic Error Correction PEC Update Menu OptionPEC Train Menu Option PEC Erase Menu OptionAppendix C Latitude Chart Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldCity State/Prov./Country Latitude 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 mountAppendix F Basic Astronomy Autostar GlossaryObjects in Space 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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