Meade LT SC Series, LT ACF Series Introduction, LT Series ACF and LT Series SC Telescope

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INTRODUCTION

The LT Series ACF and LT Series SC Telescope

A solid telescope built for a lifetime of service

Congratulations on receiving your new LT Series telescope. You’ll find that this telescope system has all you need to explore the Universe we live in. Meade’s concept was to create a telescope that would be simple enough for anyone to use, yet capable enough for the experienced amateur to stretch their knowledge and skills. With the LTs’ advanced set of features, you will have plenty of room to learn and expand your interest in astronomy and not out grow your telescope. Here are a few of the features that set the Meade LT Series telescope system apart from all others.

Optics: Your choice of optical systems to meet your needs. Meade’s Schmidt-Cassegrain (SC) optics give you high performance for the best possible price. Water-white glass, Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) and oversized, thermally-stable Pyrex® primary mirrors provide spectacular viewing experience not available on comparable competitors’ telescopes. Advanced Coma-Free takes all of the features of our SC models and then ups the ante. ACF gives a flatter, coma-free field of view with pinpoint images all the way to the edge of the field, equaling Ritchey-Crétien performance. ACF is the perfect solution for the serious astroimager or visual astronomer looking for observatory-class optics.

Mechanics: Strong and stable aluminum castings with large precision worm-gear drives in both axes for smooth tracking with low periodic error.

Computer: AutoStar #497 handbox gives you complete control of your LT Series system from the palm of your hand. With a database of over 30,000 objects, you will never run out of things to explore.

If you are like us, you can’t wait to get outside under a dark sky to try out your new LT Series telescope. We have provided a Getting Started Guide that will get you up and running in the shortest amount of time possible. After your first experience, please sit down with this manual and read about all the advanced features that are available to you with this telescope system. We are confident that the LT Series will keep you fascinated with the Universe and entertained for many years to come.

Clear Skies,

The people at Meade

INTRODUCTION

INDEX

 

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Contents Index Battery Safety Instructions Contents Introduction LT Series ACF and LT Series SC TelescopeGetting Started Assembling the TripodLock-Knob Spreader Shaft End Nut Spreader BarInstalling the Batteries Using an AC Adapter or DC Power CordPower Port Mounting the TelescopeAttaching Accessories Your Telescope is now Fully AssembledUsing the Red Dot Finder Adjusting the Red Dot Finder GETTING#497 HandboxstartedAligning the LT Series LT Series Home PositionMagnetic North Home Position True North Home PositionMoving Through AutoStar’s Menus Initializing AutoStarHow to perform the Easy Align Procedure Easy Two-Star AlignUsing the Guided Tour Go To SaturnAutoStarLT SERIES#497KEYHANDBOXFEATURES B. C. D. E Eyepiece Holder Thumb Screw Computer Control PanelChoosing Eyepieces Optional Accessories52º AutoStarOPTIONAL#497ACCESSORIESHANDBOX Power Supplies Imagers and AccessoriesAUTOAutotarSTAR#497HANDBOX Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonSlew Speeds Observing Using AutoStar’s Arrow Keys Observe the Moon Terrestrial ObservingAutoStar Navigation Exercise To Calculate Sunset timeEntering Data into AutoStar Guided Tour MenuObject Menu Navigating AutoStarAutoStar #497 Menu Tree Event Menu Glossary Menu Utilities MenuSetup Menu Index Autostar #497 Handbox To Add a Site to the user-defined site list Adding Observing SitesTo Edit a Site To GO to a user-entered object Using AutoStar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseObserving Satellites How to Create Your Own Guided Tour Tour ModesWriting a Tour Command LineComment Line Index Landmarks Downloading ToursTo Add a landmark to the database To Select a landmark from the databaseTo perform a Landmark Survey To check on the available amount of memory in AutoStarIdentify Advanced Alt/Az AlignmentTwo-Star Alt/Az Alignment Displayed information ExampleAutostar Features Browse One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentMaintenance CollimationCollimation Screws LT Series CollimationCustomer Service Inspecting the OpticsGauging the Movement of the Telescope Updating Your LT Series FirmwareDrive Appendix aAppendix B Objects in SpaceDeep-Sky Objects Appendix C Specifications Model and Product Number LT ACF # Optical SystemAutoStarSPECIFICATIONS#497 Handbox Appendix D ACF and SC Optical SystemsAppendix E Federal Communications CommissionRecycling Meade Limited Warranty 55-09004

LT Series, LT ACF Series, LT SC Series specifications

The Meade LT SC Series, LT ACF Series, and LT Series telescopes are designed to meet the diverse needs of amateur astronomers and astrophotographers alike. Each of these series caters to various levels of experience while incorporating advanced features and technologies that enhance observational stability and image quality.

The Meade LT SC Series, featuring the advanced Schmidt-Cassegrain design, excels in versatility. This series includes different aperture sizes, allowing users to view celestial objects ranging from the moon to distant galaxies. The telescopes come equipped with an AudioStar hand controller that provides a database of over 30,000 celestial objects, enabling users to easily locate and track their subjects. The built-in GPS feature facilitates effortless alignment by automatically determining the user’s location and time.

In contrast, the LT ACF Series showcases Meade's innovative Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics. This design minimizes coma and field curvature, providing sharp, crisp images across a wider field of view. Ideal for astrophotography, this series is enhanced by features like a fast focal ratio for better imaging of dim objects and a robust construction that ensures stability during use. The LT ACF telescopes also support advanced imaging techniques, allowing users to capture stunning images of deep-sky objects while minimizing aberrations.

The classic LT Series remains a favorite among beginners. Known for its straightforward setup and usability, this series is designed with a lightweight and portable frame. The LT Series telescope is equipped with an altazimuth mount, making it user-friendly for quick observations. The simplicity allows new astronomers to start observing with minimal technical knowledge. Additionally, these telescopes support a variety of accessories such as smartphone adapters, making it easy for users to capture their observations.

All three series incorporate Meade's proprietary StarLock technology in certain models, which facilitates automated tracking. This feature frees astronomers from the complexities of manual tracking, allowing them to focus more on the experience of observing celestial wonders.

In summary, the Meade LT SC Series, LT ACF Series, and LT Series deliver exceptional optical performance and user-friendly features, making them suitable for a wide range of astronomy enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned astrophotographer or a novice sky-watcher, Meade's telescopes provide the technology and capabilities needed to explore the universe.
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