Meade LXD 75 Method #4 Smart Drive Training Periodic Error Correction, PEC Train Menu Option

Page 56

The telescope first moves 180° on the Dec. axis and then rotates 180° on the R.A. axis. Autostar displays "Slewing....".

When the telescope has completed the 180° slew, the telescope will be under the mount instead of over it. The counterweight shaft is now pointed upwards and the cradle adjustment screws (Fig. 47) are easily accessible.

7.Autostar again prompts you to center the landmark you have chosen in the eye- piece. Use the Arrow keys to center the object and then press ENTER.

8.The telescope moves again on the R.A. axis. Use the cradle screw adjustment mechanism on the bottom of the cradle to center the landmark in the eyepiece.

To adjust the cradle screws, use the supplied hex key to loosen the two outside screws. Then adjust the position of the landmark by tightening or loosening the center screw. Perform this adjustment on both sets of screws. When finished, retighten the outer screws. The axis is now aligned.

Note: This procedure maximizes the pointing accuracy of the telescope provid- ed the telescope is always placed on the mount in the same fashion. A mark made on the mount under the saddle will ensure this alignment is maintained.

Method #4: Smart Drive Training (Periodic Error Correction)

If you wish to improve the gear performance on your telescope, first, perform the train the drive procedure (see page 20). Then use the Periodic Error Correction (PEC) Train menu option to remove the slight perturbations from center that occur due to the mechanical nature of a telescope. To perform this procedure, you need to use a high- power reticle, such as the 9mm reticle (see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 37).

Important Note: In order for the Smart Drive training to operate and be updated properly, you must “park” the telescope (see PARK SCOPE, page 28).

PEC Train Menu Option

To perform the procedure on the R.A. axis, pick a bright star in the South that has min- imal movement and is about 30° above the horizon (Note: If in the Southern hemi- sphere, pick a star in the North that is about 30° above the horizon).

Important Note: The Train option overwrites any previous PEC data.

1.Select "PEC Train" from the Smart Drive menu (in the "Setup: Telescope" menu) and press ENTER.

2.Look through the reticle. Use the Arrow keys to keep the star centered in the reticle cross-hairs. Autostar displays a count of the 150 positions of the worm gear. When the count reaches 150, one cycle is complete. A full cycle takes about 12 minutes.

3.Press MODE to exit.

PEC Update Menu Option

PEC Update does not overwrite the data, but updates the training using information gathered from both the last and the current training sessions. Press the MODE key to exit from this option. If you wish to further refine your training, select this menu again and repeat the procedure.

PEC Erase Menu Option

Select this option to erase all PEC training data.

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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 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 TipMoving 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 Appendix 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 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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