Meade LXD 650, LXD 750 RA = DEC = +1303, Objects Center Cngc, Cngc 4438 VG GAL, MAG 10.1 SZ

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using the M, STAR, or CNGC keys, and pressing the ENTER key. Press MODE to exit to the main menu file.

2) START FIND

The START FIND option utilizes the CNGC objects within the Object Library and begins a logical search beginning where ever the telescope is positioned when activated. To cover the entire visible sky it will make 31 strip divisions about 12 degrees wide, moving from West to East, from the North Pole to the South Pole, then South to North. Once it has found all of the deep sky objects, it will repeat its sequence until new objects are visible.

RA = 12:27.2*

DEC = +13'03

Display 26

Press ENTER once more to see how far your telescope needs to be moved to acquire the object. The display will show LED bars, each bar represents ten degrees of movement as shown in Display 27:

Press the ENTER key and the keypad display will show the first object in its finding sequence. This first object is selected by the CDS, based on where the instrument is pointing in the sky when you entered START FIND. To point the CDS to the object displayed, press the GO TO key. The CDS will slew to the object.

While in the START FIND option, you can either choose the next object in line or skip it as you wish. In order to find the next object in sequence, press the NEXT key. The display will read the new CNGC object. If you do not wish to view this object, the object may be skipped by pressing NEXT. If you wish to return to a previously viewed object, press the PREV key until the desired catalog number is displayed. Then, press the GO TO key. If any parameters have been set within the PARAMETERS option, the CDS will find only those objects within the chosen confines.

a) Coordinate Matching Feature

If the object is not well centered in the eyepiece after executing a GO TO (due to poor leveling, improper time input, or errors in site location), center the object; then press and hold the ENTER key until the display reads “Coordinates Matched.” This feature "synchronizes" or updates the CDS's information for an area of the sky, so that the next object (if the leveling, time input, or site location information is not corrected) will be better centered.

To exit the START FIND menu selection (and cease its operation) and return to the main menu, press the MODE key.

3) FIELD

Press the ENTER key to identify objects in the field of view of the telescope. The CDS will display the object centered in the eyepiece field, and how many other NGC objects are in the field at the same time (defined by the RADIUS parameter setting) as shown in Display 24:

■ ■ ■ ■

Display 27

If the object is already centered in the telescope, Display 27 will be blank.

To review any of the data of an object, continue to press the ENTER button until the desired field appears. You can use the above commands at any time that you have an object entered in the Keypad, while directly entering in specific objects by pressing the M, STAR, or CNGC keys, in the START FIND menu selection, the OBJECT INFORMATION menu selection, or the FIELD menu selection.

4) PARAMETERS

To set observing parameters (e.g., the CDS will only GO TO objects of a certain type, brightness, etc.), press ENTER to enter the Parameters Menu. There are eight parameter options which can be reviewed using the PREV or NEXT key. To edit one of the options, move the arrow to the desired option and press and hold the ENTER key until a double beep is heard. A blinking cursor appears (except in the BETTER option). Where numerical values are required, type them in using the Keypad. If a mistake is made, move the cursor backward using the "W" key, then re-enter the data. To exit to the main option menu, press the ENTER key once again. A description of the eight options and how to set them is below:

a) TYPE GPDCO

This option allows a user to select the type of CNGC objects to be located. The symbols GPDCO represent:

Object Symbol Symbol Description

Objects: 5

Center: CNGC 4438

Display 24

Press the ENTER button to reveal information about the object as shown in Display 25:

CNGC 4438 VG GAL

MAG 10.1 SZ 9.3'

Display 25

Display 25 is interpreted; Computerized New General Catalog #4438, Very Good, Galaxy, Magnitude 10.1, Size (in arc minutes) 9.3'. Press ENTER again to read the coordinate location of the object (notice the * legend next to R.A. coordinate number, indicating the catalog coordinates of the object, not necessarily where the telescope is pointing) as shown in Display 26:

G

Galaxies

P

Planetary Nebulae

D

Diffuse Nebulae

C

Globular Star Clusters

O

Open Star Clusters

Initially, the blinking cursor appears over the G symbol. If you decide not to look for galaxies, press the NEXT key and the symbol will change from an upper case letter (G) to a lower case letter (g), to deselect the GALAXIES category. If you wish to leave GALAXIES selected, then move the blinking cursor over to one of the other category symbols by pressing the "W" or "E" key on the Keypad. Deselect any undesired categories.

To recall a category symbol, move the blinking cursor over the symbol and press the PREV key, changing the letter to uppercase. After your selections are made, press ENTER.

b) BETTER

The BETTER option allows you to define the visual object quality range. At power up, the range is set at the bottom of the scale on VP. When using the START FIND menu selection, The CDS

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Meade Limited Warranty Contents #1697 Computer Drive System Introduction InstallationQuick Start Basic Telescope Setup→1 Site 2 Align →TELESCOPE Object Library→LAT LongHours from GMT + 0 →LOCAL = 112430 Side =Date = 11/28/97 →LOCAL = 162500 Side =Center Polaris then press Enter Using the #1697 Computer Drive SystemSite →2 Align Move to 90 deg., dec. and 00 H.ACDS Keypad Hand Controller Object below HorizonPlanet Daytime SlewingCDS Control Panel Mode Functions Mode ONE TELESCOPE/ Object LibraryTelescope Menu File DEC Learn EnterCenter Star Xxxx then press GO to Using High Precision PointingHigh Precision SearchingBacklash Object Library Menu FileObject Info MAG 10.1 SZ RA = DEC = +1303Objects Center Cngc Cngc 4438 VG GALCoordinates Menu Option Quality SymbolMode TWO COORDINATES/GO to RA = DEC = +225402Freq = 60.1 M Mode Three CLOCK/CALENDARMode Four TIMER/ Freq Mode Five Keypad OFF/ Brightness AdjustMeade Customer Service Optional AccessoriesAppendix a Precise Polar Alignment

LXD 650, LXD 750 specifications

The Meade LXD 750 and LXD 650 telescopes represent a significant advancement in amateur astronomy, merging cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features. These telescopes cater to both novice stargazers and seasoned astronomers, providing exceptional optical performance and ease of use.

The LXD 750 is equipped with a remarkable 7-inch (180mm) f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system. This design combines the advantages of a large aperture with a compact form factor, making it suitable for both terrestrial and astronomical observations. With its high-resolution optics, users can expect stunning images of celestial objects, ranging from planets to deep-sky phenomena.

On the other hand, the LXD 650 features a slightly smaller aperture at 6 inches (150mm), also adopting the f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain configuration. While it may have a smaller light-gathering ability compared to its larger counterpart, the LXD 650 still offers exceptional optical clarity and is highly portable, making it an excellent choice for backyard astronomers or those who enjoy traveling.

Both models utilize Meade's innovative Autostar computer system, which provides users with the ability to easily locate and track celestial objects. The Autostar hand controller is intuitive, featuring a database of thousands of stars, galaxies, and other astronomical targets. Users can automatically slew the telescope to any of these objects, enhancing the overall observing experience.

The LXD series also includes an impressive mount system. Both the 750 and 650 come with a sturdy equatorial mount that provides stability and smooth tracking capabilities. With the built-in motor drive, these telescopes can accurately follow celestial objects as they move across the night sky, making prolonged observation sessions seamless and enjoyable.

Furthermore, the LXD 750 and LXD 650 boast robust construction, ensuring durability and reliability during field use. They are designed to withstand the rigors of transport while remaining lightweight enough for easy setup. Accessibility features such as adjustable legs and quick-release clamps enhance the user experience, allowing telescopes to be set up in minutes.

In summary, the Meade LXD 750 and LXD 650 telescopes offer a combination of powerful optics, advanced tracking technology, and user-friendly features. Whether for casual observing or more serious astrophotography, these instruments are designed to inspire and delight anyone looking to explore the night sky. Their blend of performance and ease of use makes them a valuable addition to any astronomer's toolkit.