Meade LXD 650 →LOCAL = 112430 Side =, Date = 11/28/97, →LOCAL = 162500 Side =, Hours from GMT + 0

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2.Press the MODE key twice. The display will look like Display 8, but with random LOCAL and SIDE times.

→LOCAL = 11:24:30 SIDE = 21:38:02

Display 8

3.Press and hold the ENTER key until the Keypad Hand Controller beeps (display like Display 9).

DATE = 11/28/97

Display 12

9.Press and hold the ENTER key until the Keypad Hand Controller beeps. The display will look like Display 13, with the blinking cursor over the first number.

→LOCAL = 11:24:30 SIDE = 21:38:02

Display 9

4.Using the number keys, enter the current local time to within 5 seconds. (Remember, 4:25:00 P.M. is 16:25:00 in the 24 hour format.) Corrections can be made by moving the flashing cursor using the "W" and "E" keys. The display should look like Display 10.

→LOCAL = 16:25:00 SIDE = 21:38:02

Display 10

5.Press the ENTER key when the time is correct. The display will change to Display 11.

Hours from GMT: + 0 8

Display 11

6.Enter the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) time zone shift. (This procedure is a lot easier than it sounds.) For users in the United States, look up your time zone in the table below to find the GMT time zone shift.

TIME ZONE

Standard Time

Daylight Savings Time

Eastern

+ 5 Hours

+ 4 Hours

Central

+ 6 Hours

+ 5 Hours

Mountain

+ 7 Hours

+ 6 Hours

Pacific

+ 8 Hours

+ 7 Hours

Hawaii

+ 10 Hours

+ 9 Hours

For example: For the Pacific Time Zone on Daylight Savings Time, the GMT time zone shift is +7 hours.

7.Use the number keys to enter the GMT time zone shift determined from the table above. Press ENTER when done; the display will go back to Display 8. If you are using the CDS East of Greenwich U.K., then you must enter a - (minus) GMT time zone shift by moving the blinking cursor backwards in the display with the "W" key and then pressing the NEXT key. The + (plus) sign will change to - (minus).

NOTE: The time keeping mechanism in the CDS is a standard clock chip. It may be necessary to confirm the time when first starting an observing run. However, once the system is aligned and the telescope knows its exact location in the sky, this information is used to calculate a very accurate sidereal time.

8.Press the ENTER key. This will select the DATE display (Display 12), with a random date showing.

DATE = 11/28/97

Display 13

10.Use the number keys to enter the current date. The display should look like Display 14. Use the "W" and "E" keys to move the blinking cursor left and right to correct any mistakes.

DATE = 01/15/9 8

Display 14

11. Press the ENTER key when the date is correct.

After you press the ENTER key, the Keypad Hand Controller will display “Updating planetary data”. The position of the planets depends on the date, so anytime the date is changed, the planet positions are recalculated.

This is all the information the CDS needs to make use of all its features. The next steps actually align the telescope with the night sky.

3) Telescope and CDS Alignment.

After the basic information has been entered into the system, the CDS is ready for use. With a telescope that has been properly assembled and balanced (as per the telescope's instruction manual), you are ready to begin. Following these steps:

1.Face the field tripod leg (1), Fig. 7, that is centered under the Power Panel, so that the LXD mount points to the approximate North or South Pole star position in the sky (using a simple hand held compass may help). Then, use the Bubble Level located on the base of the LXD mount to level the telescope.

2.Turn "On" the CDS electronics. After a few seconds (when the self-diagnostic test is complete) the display will look like Display 15.

→TELESCOPE OBJECT LIBRARY

Display 15

3.Press the ENTER key to select the TELESCOPE functions. The display should look like Display 16.

→1) SITE 2) ALIGN

Display 16

4.Press the NEXT key to move the arrow to the lower line (see Display 17).

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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 ONE TELESCOPE/ Object Library Mode FunctionsTelescope Menu File DEC Learn EnterCenter Star Xxxx then press GO to Using High Precision PointingHigh Precision SearchingObject Library Menu File BacklashObject 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.
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