Meade LXD 75-Series instruction manual LXD75 Tips

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against the tripod legs.
Variable Height Tripod Legs (3): Supports the telescope mount. The mount attaches to the top of the tripod.

2( Want to learn more

about the polar align- ment viewfinder?

See the The Polar

Alignment Viewfinder,

page 52.

4)

4!

Fig. 1f: The LXD75-Series Battery Pack and holder.

4! Want to learn how to

install the batteries?

See step 12, page 13.

Caution: Use care to install batteries as indicat- ed by the battery com- partment. Follow battery manufacturer's precau- tions. Do not install batter- ies backwards or mix new and used batteries. Do not mix battery types. If these precautions are not followed, batteries may explode, catch fire, or leak. Improperly installed batteries void your Meade warranty. Always remove the batteries if they are not to be used for a long period of time.

sure to turn off the LED when finished with the polar viewfinder. Powered by (fac- tory-supplied) batteries contained within.

3! R.A. Setting Circle: See APPENDIX A, page 50, for more information.

3@ R.A. Setting Circle Lock Knob: Rotate the knob to lock the R.A. Setting Circle (see 3!) in place.

3# R.A. Lock: Controls the manual movement of the telescope. Turning the R.A. lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the R.A. axis. Turning the R.A. lock clockwise (to a firm feel only) tightens the lock and prevents the telescope from being moved manually, but engages the R.A. motor drive (see 2%) for Autostar or EC handbox operation.

3$ Dec. Motor Drive Assembly: Controlled by Autostar or the EC handbox. Moves the optical tube along the Dec. axis. The Dec. Lock (see 1&) must be tightened to a firm feel in order for the Dec. motor to operate.

3% T-Handle Lock and Shaft: Place the spreader bar (see 3^) over the shaft and thread the shaft into the tripod mounting base/mounting base (see 3&) and tighten to a firm feel to secure the tray to the tripod and keep the tripod stable. See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 11 for more information.

3^ Spreader Bar: Holds the tripod legs securely in place and also acts as a holder for extra eyepieces.

3& Tripod Mounting Base: Set the telescope mount into the tripod mounting base and secure into place using the T-handle lock and shaft. See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 11 for more information.

3*

3( Spreader Bar Tension Knob: Tighten to secure the spreader bar (see 3^)

4) Tripod Leg Lock Knobs (one on each leg): Loosen these knobs to slide the inner leg extension. Tighten the knobs to a firm feel to lock in the height of the tripod.

4! Battery Pack and holder (see Fig. 1f): Plug into the 12v DC power connector (B, Fig. 1e) of the computer control panel. Insert 8 (user-supplied)D-cell batteries to power motor drives and Autostar handbox.

LXD75 TIPS

Join an Astronomy Club, Attend a Star Party

One of the best ways to increase your knowledge of astronomy is to join an astronomy club. Check your local newspaper, school, library, or telescope dealer/store to find out if there’s a club in your area.

At club meetings, you will meet other astronomy and Meade enthusiasts with whom you will be able to share your discoveries. Clubs are an excellent way to learn more about observing the sky, to find out where the best observing sites are, and to compare notes about telescopes, eyepieces, filters, tripods, and so forth.

Often, club members are excellent astrophotographers. Not only will you be able to see examples of their art, but you may even be able to pick up some “tricks of the trade” to try out on your LXD75-Seriestelescope. See page 36 for more information about pho- tography with the LXD75-Series.

Many groups also hold regularly scheduled Star Parties at which you can check out and observe with many different telescopes and other pieces of astronomical equipment. Magazines such as Sky & Telescope and Astronomy print schedules for many popular Star Parties around the United States and Canada.

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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 Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar FeaturesFeatures 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 To Edit a Site Adding Observing SitesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the Libraries To GO to a user-entered objectTo 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 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 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 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 Slew Speeds To move the telescope using the Electronic ControllerModes of Operation 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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