Meade LXD 75 Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the Libraries, To GO to a user-entered object

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Tip:

Entering R.A. and Dec. Coordinates of an object without using the menus:

If you do not wish to navigate through the menus, a more direct way to enter coordi- nates is to press and hold MODE for two seconds or more. R.A. and Dec. coordi- nates display. Press GO TO. "Object Position" and a set of coordinates displays. Enter the R.A. and Dec. coordinates of any celestial object using Number keys, overwriting the coordinates currently dis- played. As soon as the coor- dinates are entered, Autostar slews the telescope to the coordinates. Note that the tel- escope must be initialized (see page 19), placed in the Home position (see page 17), and aligned (see page 21) for this procedure to operate properly.

However, if you wish to store the coordinates of an object in memory, use the method described at the right.

11.Press MODE. "Site: Edit" displays.

12.Using the Arrow keys, scroll to "Site: Select." The site you have just edited dis- plays. Press ENTER to select the site or press MODE to exit.

Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the Libraries

In this procedure, you will enter coordinates of celestial objects that do not appear in any of the Autostar libraries. You will enter the object's name and R.A. and Dec. coor- dinates (required information). You may also enter the object's magnitude and size (optional information).

Although Autostar contains an extensive database of celestial objects (stars, nebulae, planets, etc.) that you can observe, you may eventually want to view objects that are not part of a library. Autostar provides a feature that allows you to enter an object's R.A and Dec. coordinates in the "User: Objects" option of the Object menu and allows automatic slewing of the telescope to the user-entered coordinates.

In order to use this menu option, you first need to look up the R.A. and Dec. coordi- nates of the object or objects you wish to observe. Check out your local library, com- puter store, or bookstore for astronomy books, CD Roms, or magazines (such as Sky

&Telescope or Astronomy), to find coordinates of celestial objects. The objects/coor- dinates you enter become part of your own permanent database, called "User Objects."

To enter coordinates of an object into the "User: Objects" option of the Object menu:

1.Make sure Autostar has been initialized and the telescope has been aligned.

2.After the telescope is aligned, "Select Item: Object" displays. (If necessary, use the Scroll keys to scroll through the menus, as previously described, to find this option.) Press ENTER.

3."Object: Solar System" displays. Keep pressing the Scroll Up key until "Object: User Object" displays and press ENTER.

4."User Object: Select" displays. Press the Scroll Down key once. "User Object: Add" displays. Press ENTER.

5."Name" displays on the top line and a blinking cursor on the second line. Use the Arrow keys, as previously described, to enter the name of the object you wish to add to the database. When you are finished, press ENTER.

6."Right Asc.: 00.00.0" displays. Use the Number keys to enter the digits for the Right Ascension coordinate of your object. When you are finished, press ENTER.

7."Declination: +00°.00' " displays. Use the Number keys to enter the digits for the Declination coordinate of your object. If necessary, use the Scroll Keys to change "+" to "-." When you are finished, press ENTER.

8.Autostar then prompts you to enter the size of the object. This step is optional. Use the Number keys to enter the size (in arc-minutes), if so desired, and press ENTER to go to the next display. If you do not wish to enter this information, sim- ply press ENTER.

9.Autostar then prompts you to enter the magnitude of the object. This step is also optional. Use the Number keys to enter this information, if so desired, and press ENTER to go to the next display. "User Object: Add" displays again.

To GO TO a user-entered object

In this procedure, you will choose an object from the User Object list and GO TO the object.

1.With "User Object: Add" displayed, press the Scroll Up key once. "User Object: Select" displays. Press ENTER.

2.Use the Scroll keys (if necessary) to scroll to the desired object. Press ENTER.

3.The name of the object and the Right Ascension and Declination coordinates dis- play.

4.Press GO TO and the telescope slews to the object.

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Contents LXD 75 -Series Telescopes Page Contents BC1 g f e Telescope FeaturesD 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 Telescope Assembly How to Assemble Your TelescopeAccessories Getting StartedViewfinder assembly Newtonian reflector models Balancing the Telescope C D EChoosing an Eyepiece Aligning the ViewfinderObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Too Much Power?Slew Speeds Autostar Models Only Activate the Arrow Keys Autostar Models OnlyObserve the Moon Setting the Polar Home PositionTracking Objects 16bTip Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureInitializing Autostar Autostar Models Only Moving Through Autostar’s Menus Autostar Models OnlyTraining the Drive Autostar Models Only Go To Saturn Autostar Models Only Easy Alignment Autostar Models OnlyPlanet Saturn is over 800 million miles from the Earth Using the Guided Tour Autostar Models OnlyTo Calculate Sunset time Autostar Navigation ExerciseNavigating Autostar Entering Data into AutostarSelect Item Object Autostars MenusObject Menu MenusGlossary Menu Event MenuUtilities Menu LXD75-SeriesEnter Setup MenuObserving Considerations Setup Menu Daylight SAVING, Surf the Web Adding Observing Sites To Add a Site to the user-defined site listTo Edit a Site To GO to a user-entered object Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the LibrariesObserving 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 10 f/4 Optional AccessoriesSeries 4000 Photo-Visual Optional Autostar handbox for EC model users General Maintenance 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 5 Model N-6EC Specifications 10 Model SC-8AT SpecificationsAutostar Dimensions Autostar SpecificationsMeade Customer Service Inspecting the OpticsAppendix a Celestial Coordinates Setting CirclesPolar Alignment Locating the Celestial PoleOne-Star Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentPolar Alignment Viewfinder Method #1 Three-Star Alignment Using AutostarEnhancement Methods To perform the Three-Star AlignmentProcedure #1 To correct for attitude misalignment Method 2 Axis Alignment ProceduresPosition a Procedure #2 To correct for elevation misalignmentTips Method 3 Axis Alignment Using AutostarPEC Update Menu Option Method #4 Smart Drive Training Periodic Error CorrectionPEC Train Menu Option PEC Erase Menu OptionAppendix C Latitude Chart Appendix D EC Handbox To move the telescope using the Electronic Controller Modes of OperationSlew Speeds Tracking Rates Optional Autostar Computer Controller for LXD75 EC Users Changing the Polar ModeMounting the SC bracket and optical tube to the mount How to Attach the Optical Tube to the MountAutostar Glossary Appendix F Basic AstronomyObjects in Space MoonDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsFurther Study Page Page Meade Limited Warranty
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LXD 75 specifications

The Meade LXD 75 is an advanced telescope mount designed for both amateur and professional astronomers looking to explore the wonders of the night sky. Known for its precision and ease of use, the LXD 75 offers several features and technologies that make it a standout choice for astrophotography and visual observation alike.

At the heart of the Meade LXD 75 is its robust equatorial mount, which provides stable tracking of celestial objects. This mount is both lightweight and durable, allowing for easy transport to observing sites. The equatorial design is especially beneficial for astrophotography, as it compensates for the Earth's rotation, enabling longer exposure times without the trailing effects commonly associated with less sophisticated mounts.

One of the most notable features of the LXD 75 is its dual-axis tracking system. This system allows users to electronically control the telescope's movements along both the right ascension and declination axes. The built-in Data Sky control panel is user-friendly, offering intuitive access to a wealth of astronomical data, including over 30,000 celestial objects. This makes locating and tracking objects in the sky simpler and more efficient.

The LXD 75 also supports a variety of telescope configurations, accommodating optical tubes up to 10 inches in diameter. This versatility makes it suitable for a range of viewing preferences, from planetary observations to deep-sky astrophotography. The mount's heavy-duty construction ensures it can handle the weight of larger telescopes while maintaining stability.

In terms of technology, the Meade LXD 75 is equipped with AutoStar computer technology. This innovative feature enables automatic location and tracking of celestial bodies using a simple pointing and clicking interface. Users can also create custom observing lists, making it easier to plan and execute dedicated viewing sessions.

Additionally, the LXD 75 boasts robust connectivity options, including the ability to integrate with a wide range of imaging software and accessories, making it a great choice for those interested in advanced astrophotography techniques. The mount's compatibility with Meade's own range of cameras and filters further enhances its potential for capturing stunning images of the universe.

In conclusion, the Meade LXD 75 is a well-rounded telescope mount that combines advanced technology with user-friendly features. Its equatorial design, dual-axis tracking, and AutoStar system make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced astronomers. Whether for visual observation or astrophotography, the LXD 75 offers the performance and versatility to enhance any stargazing experience.
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