Meade LX200 R instruction manual Choosing an Eyepiece, Attach Diagonal or accessories

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Groove

Fig. 7a: Microfocuser groove.

Fig. 7b: Microfocuser adapter thumb- screw in groove.

Groove

Line up

 

Fig. 8a: SC adapter groove.

Fig. 8b: Line up SC adapter groove with microfocuser thumbscrew. groove.

Fig. 9: Microfocuser and 1.25 diago- nal prism with eyepiece completely assembled.

Fig. 10a: Handbox holder: (A) Lock knob; (B) Clamp; (C) Holder.

Fig. 10b: Handbox holder attached to fork arm handle.

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Note: The AutoStar II handbox and the microfocuser do not require batteries; the telescope supplies their power.

4.Attach microfocuser: Remove the dust cap from the rear cell port (5, Fig. 1) of the telescope. Thread the microfocuser adapter (B, Fig. 6) onto the rear cell port thread. Slide the microfocuser (C, Fig. 6) over the microfocuser adapter and tight- en the three hex screws (K, Fig. 6) using the provided hex key.

5.Attach Diagonal (or accessories)

1.25" Diagonal Prism Users: If using the 1.25" diagonal prism (G, Fig. 6), slide the 1.25" adapter (D, Fig. 6) into the microfocuser. Line up the thumbscrew into the groove in the microfocuser (Fig. 7a and 7b). Tighten the microfocuser thumb- screws (I, Fig. 6) to a firm feel only. Slide the 1.25" diagonal prism into the adapter (D, Fig. 6). Tighten the accessory adapter thumbscrew (H, Fig. 6) to a firm feel only.

SC Optional Accessory Users: If using any of the optional accessories (such as the Off-Axis Guider, T-Adapter, etc.; see page 44) with the LX200R SC models, slide the supplied SC accessory adapter (L, Fig. 6) into the microfocuser. Line up the groove on the side of the adapter with either of the microfocuser thumbscrews (Fig. 8a and 8b) and tighten that thumbscrew to a firm feel only. Slide the optional acces- sory into the accessory adapter. Tighten the other microfocuser thumbscrew to a firm feel only.

2.0" Diagonal Mirror Users: If using the 2.0" diagonal mirror, slide the mirror directly into the microfocuser. The adapters (H and L, Fig. 6) are not required. Tighten the thumbscrews (I, Fig. 6) to a firm feel only.

Plug in the microfocuser: Plug the microfocuser into the Focus port (13C, Fig. 1).

Note: If you wish to mount a camera directly to the microfocuser, you need to attach an optional T-Adapter to the microfocuser. See OPTIONAL ACCES- SORIES, page 44.

Important Note: The microfocuser is carefully adjusted at the factory. If it become necessary to adjust the microfocuser, it must be performed by fac- tory trained technicians. If the microfocuser is improperly adjusted, perform- ance will degrade and damage will result. Damage due to improper adjust- ments not authorized by the factory will not be covered under warranty.

6.Insert eyepiece: Remove the Series 5000 26mm 5-element Plössl eyepiece (1, Fig. 1) from its container and place it in the diagonal prism (G, Fig. 6) or diago- nal mirror. Tighten the eyepiece holder thumbscrew (2, Fig. 1) to a firm feel only. Rotate the mirror lock knob (9, Fig. 1) towards the “Unlock” position, until it feels loose—the telescope is shipped with the mirror locked.

7.Remove dust cover: Remove the dust cover (18, Fig. 1) from the optical tube assembly (19, Fig. 1) by gently prying it off.

8.Attach the handbox holder: Remove the handbox holder from the plastic bag. If necessary, loosen the lock knob (A, Fig. 10a) and place the clamp (B, Fig. 10a) about one of the fork arm handles (15, Fig. 1). Tighten the lock knob to a firm feel. Slide the AutoStar II handbox into the holder (C, Fig. 10a). You may also snap the handbox into the holder: Slide one side of the handbox into the holder and then firmly press the other side of the handbox into the holder until it snaps in place. Adjust the tilt of of the holder by loosening the lock knob and then moving the holder clamp to the desired angle. Retighten the lock knob.

Choosing an Eyepiece

A telescope’s eyepiece magnifies the image formed by the telescope’s main optics. Each eyepiece has a focal length, expressed in millimeters, or “mm.” The smaller the focal length, the higher the magnification. For example: An eyepiece with a focal length of 9mm has a higher magnification than an eyepiece with a focal length

of 26mm.

Your telescope comes supplied with a Series 5000 26mm 5-element Plössl eyepiece which gives a wide, comfortable field of view with high image resolution.

Low power eyepieces offer a wide field of view, bright, high-contrast images, and eye relief during long observing sessions. To find an object with a telescope, always start

Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversible damage to your eye. Do not point this telescope at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.

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Contents Page Page Contents QUICK-START Guide Important Note Telescope Features AutoStar# Computer Control Panel see inset See Optional ACCESSORIES, pages 43, 44,Ascension Declination setting Shift Microfocuser? DefinitionsAscension, Library # of Objects Autostar II FeaturesTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Want to learn more about changing slew LX200R Tips Getting Started Parts ListingHow to Attach the Tripod to the Telescope Assembly Tip How to Assemble Your TelescopeTo install batteries Attach Diagonal or accessories Choosing an EyepieceMounting and Adjusting the Viewfinder Too Much Power?Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually Observing Using AutoStar IIs Arrow KeysObserving Terrestrial ObservingTo use the microfocuser Focusing the Eyepiece Using the MicrofocuserSlew Speeds Key # SpeedTo Track an Object Automatically Observe the MoonAstronomical Observing Moving Through AutoStar II’s MenusWhich One’s the Alignment Star? It is recommended that you do not attempt a GPS fix indoorsGo To Saturn Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureUsing the Guided Tour Finding True North Global Positioning SystemDetecting True Level To Calculate Sunset time Basic AutostarAutoStar II Navigation Exercise Navigating AutoStar Look into the FutureMenus At orWant to learn more about Observing Satellites? See Object MenuTo slew the telescope to catalog objects Event Menu DefinitionLandmarks? See Glossary MenuUtilities Menu Timing is Everything Setup MenuMount Feature? See Appendix I Smart Custom Tracking Rate Setup Menu Daylight SAVING, Adding and editing sites?Hot Button Menus To Edit a Site Adding Observing SitesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list Creating User Objects To GO to a user-entered objectTo Add a landmark to the database Observing SatellitesLandmarks TipsTo perform a Landmark Survey IdentifyTo Select a landmark from the database To check on the available amount of memory in AutoStarBrowse Displayed information ExampleEasy Two-Star Alignment How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureAlternate Alt/Az Alignments To Set the Home Position Manually Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Tip Try a Spiral SearchTrain Menu Option Periodic Error CorrectionUpdate Menu Option Erase Menu OptionPhotography Few tips on photography with the LX200R telescopesPhotography with a Digital Camera Photography with Meade’s AutoStar SuiteStar Charts Image of M13 captured with the Deep Sky ImagerOptional Accessories Meade Series 4000 EyepiecesSeries 4000 8 24mm Zoom Eyepiece Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece Maintenance CollimationDefocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, Aligned Inspecting the Optics Meade Consumer Solutions ServiceWhat is Smart Drive? Gauging the Movement of the Telescope10 f/10 LX200R Specifications Specifications10 LX200R Specifications 12 f/10 LX200R Specifications 14 f/10 LX200R SpecificationsAutoStar II Handbox Specifications 16 f/10 LX200R SpecificationsAutoStar II System Specifications Celestial Coordinates Setting CirclesEquatorial Alignment Declination Setting Circle Equatorial WedgeLining Up with the Celestial Pole Locating PolarisPrecise Polar Alignment LX200R mounted on an equa- torial wedgeOne-Star Polar Alignment AutoStar II Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentCity State/Prov./Country Latitude Appendix B Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City Country LatitudeTour Modes Command LineWhat you will need Comment LineWriting a Tour TitlePick ONE / Pick END Pick END Auto Slew on / Auto Slew OFF Downloading ToursAppendix D Training the Drive Further StudyTo observe the Apollo 15 landing site using the Moon option Appendix E the Moon MenuCommercial Shipping 16 LX200R Unique FeaturesControl Panel Features Telescope Assembly To Assemble the 16 Super Field TripodAttaching the Fork Mounting the Optical Tube Assembly OTAAttaching the 16 Drive Base Attaching the Power and Data Cords Observing Considerations14 LX200R Unique Features Appendix H To attach the microfocuser to the de-rotaterOperation AppendixIntroduction TrainingOther Menus Options Save As and Load UpdatePermanently Mounted Scopes OffObjects in Space Basic AstronomyAutoStar II Glossary MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsPage Page Meade Limited Warranty

LX200 R specifications

The Meade LX200 R is a renowned telescope that has captivated astronomers and enthusiasts alike with its impressive blend of advanced technology, user-friendly features, and excellent optical performance. Launched as part of Meade's line of enjoyable yet high-performing telescopes, the LX200 R remains a top choice for both amateur stargazers and serious astrophotographers.

At the heart of the LX200 R is its advanced telescope design. It features a robust, 8-inch primary mirror, which provides exceptional light-gathering capability. This larger aperture allows users to observe faint celestial objects, including distant galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, with stunning clarity and detail. The telescope's reflective optics are coated with high-quality, anti-reflective coatings that enhance contrast and minimize light loss, ensuring crisp, clear images even in challenging viewing conditions.

One of the standout features of the LX200 R series is its sophisticated computer-controlled GoTo mount. This feature allows users to locate over 30,000 celestial objects with remarkable precision using a simple one-button operation. The dual-axis motor drives enable smooth tracking of objects across the night sky, making it easier to follow their movements. The mount also includes an integrated GPS system, which automatically adjusts the telescope's location and time settings for accurate alignment without requiring complex manual adjustments.

The LX200 R is configured for both visual observations and astrophotography, accommodating a wide range of accessories like cameras and focal reducers. Its sturdy construction minimizes vibrations, which is crucial for capturing sharp images during extended exposures. Additionally, the telescope's optical tube is designed to be both lightweight and durable, making it convenient for transport and setup in various observing locations.

The ergonomic design of the LX200 R also enhances user experience, featuring a comfortable eyepiece height and an intuitive control panel. The display is user-friendly, allowing even novice astronomers to navigate settings and options quickly. With its combination of high-quality optics, advanced tracking capabilities, and versatile design, the Meade LX200 R continues to be a preferred choice for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the universe with sophistication and ease.