Meade LX200 R Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually, Terrestrial Observing

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Important Note:

Objects appear upside- down and reversed left-for- right when observed in the viewfinder. Objects viewed through the telescope eye- piece when inserted into the diagonal prism and microfocuser assembly appear right-side-up, but reversed left-for-right.

This image inversion is of no consequence when observing astronomical objects and, in fact, all astronomical telescopes yield inverted images.

During terrestrial observing, where a fully-correctly-ori- ented image (right-side-up and correct left-for-right) is desirable, an optional #928 45° Erecting Prism is avail- able. See OPTIONAL

ACCESSORIES, page 44.

Note:

Viewing conditions vary wide- ly from night-to-night and site- to-site. Turbulence in the air, even on an apparently clear night, can distort images. Low-power eyepieces, such as the 26mm Plössl supplied with your telescope, are better suited to resolving images in poor viewing conditions.

NEVER point the telescope directly at or

near the Sun at

any time! Observing the Sun, even for the smallest fraction of a second, will result in instant and irre- versible eye damage, as well as physical damage to the telescope itself.

Warning:

Do not look through the tele- scope's eyepiece or viewfind- er while it is rapidly moving.

Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

Want to learn more about

Slew Speeds? See Slew

Speeds, this page.

OBSERVING

Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually

If you wish to observe a distant land object, such as a mountain top or a bird, you can observe by merely pointing the telescope and looking through the eyepiece.

1.Loosen the telescope’s R.A. lock (12, Fig. 1) and Dec. lock (17, Fig. 1).

2.Move your telescope to observe distant street signs, mountains, trees, and other structures. Use your viewfinder to help site-in on an object.

3.Center the object in the viewfinder’s crosshairs and then in the telescope eye- piece. When the object is centered in your eyepiece, remember to re-tighten the R.A. and Dec. locks.

4.To move telescope in the R.A. and Dec. axes again, remember to loosen the R.A. lock and tighten the Dec. lock. Then rotate the manual slow motion control knobs (10, Fig. 1) and (16, Fig. 1) .

5.Practice focusing objects using the coarse focus knob (6, Fig. 1).

Important Note: The telescope is shipped with the mirror locked. Before using the coarse focus knob , rotate the mirror lock knob (9, Fig. 1) towards the "unlock" position, until it feels loose.

For more precise focusing, see FOCUSING THE EYEPIECE, page 17.

6.Once you get a feel for how your telescope moves and focuses, try to view some- thing more challenging, like a bird or a distant moving train.

You can also observe stars and objects in the night sky using this method, but note that objects begin to slowly drift across the eyepiece field. This motion is caused by the rotation of the Earth. As you become familiar with the AutoStar II handbox opera- tion, you can counteract the drift using the automatic tracking feature in the AutoStar

IISetup menu (see TO TRACK AN OBJECT AUTOMATICALLY, page 18), or by using AutoStar II's GO TO capabilities (see GO TO SATURN, page 20).

Terrestrial Observing

The LX200R models are excellent high-resolution terrestrial (land) telescopes. Viewing terrestrial objects requires looking along the Earth's surface through heat waves. These heat waves often cause degradation of image quality. Lower power eyepieces, like the Series 5000 26mm 5-element Plössl eyepiece, magnify these heat waves less than higher power eyepieces. Therefore, lower power eyepieces pro- vide a steadier, higher quality image. If the image is fuzzy or ill-defined, reduce to a lower power eyepiece, where the heat waves do not have such an effect on image quality. Observing in early morning hours, before the ground has built up internal heat, produces better viewing conditions than during late afternoon hours.

Observing Using AutoStar II's Arrow Keys

You may observe land and astronomical objects using AutoStar II's Arrow keys to move the telescope.

1.Tighten the R.A. and Dec. locks (12 and 17, Fig. 1).

2.Verify that AutoStar II is properly connected to your telescope. See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 13.

3.Flip the telescope power switch to the ON position.

The AutoStar II screen is activated and a copyright message displays briefly, followed by a short beep. Then AutoStar II takes a few moments to start up the system.

4.A message displays that warns not to look at the Sun. At the end of this message, press the key prompted by AutoStar II to signify that the message has been read and understood.

5."Automatic Alignment" displays. Press any AutoStar II key to abort automatic alignment.

6.The Arrow keys are now activated. Press the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 2) to slew (move) the telescope up, down, right, or left.

7.Press the Speed key (Number key "1") and then a Number key (6, Fig. 2) to change the telescope’s slew speed. ("1" is the slowest speed, "9" is highest speed.)

8.Use the viewfinder (22, Fig. 1) to locate an object and practice using the AutoStar II’s Arrow keys to center the object in the telescope’s field of view.

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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.

Image 16
Contents Page Page Contents QUICK-START Guide Important Note Telescope Features AutoStarAscension Declination setting See Optional ACCESSORIES, pages 43, 44,# Computer Control Panel see inset Ascension, DefinitionsShift Microfocuser? Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar II FeaturesLibrary # of Objects Want to learn more about changing slew LX200R Tips How to Attach the Tripod to the Telescope Assembly Parts ListingGetting Started To install batteries How to Assemble Your TelescopeTip Attach Diagonal or accessories Choosing an EyepieceMounting and Adjusting the Viewfinder Too Much Power?Observing Using AutoStar IIs Arrow Keys ObservingObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Terrestrial ObservingFocusing the Eyepiece Using the Microfocuser Slew SpeedsTo use the microfocuser Key # SpeedObserve the Moon Astronomical ObservingTo Track an Object Automatically Moving Through AutoStar II’s MenusWhich One’s the Alignment Star? It is recommended that you do not attempt a GPS fix indoorsUsing the Guided Tour Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureGo To Saturn Detecting True Level Global Positioning SystemFinding True North AutoStar II Navigation Exercise Basic AutostarTo Calculate Sunset time Navigating AutoStar Look into the FutureMenus At orTo slew the telescope to catalog objects Object MenuWant to learn more about Observing Satellites? See Event Menu DefinitionUtilities Menu Glossary MenuLandmarks? See Mount Feature? See Appendix I Smart Setup MenuTiming is Everything Custom Tracking Rate Setup Menu Daylight SAVING, Adding and editing sites?Hot Button Menus To Add a Site to the user-defined site list Adding Observing SitesTo Edit a Site Creating User Objects To GO to a user-entered objectObserving Satellites LandmarksTo Add a landmark to the database TipsIdentify To Select a landmark from the databaseTo perform a Landmark Survey To check on the available amount of memory in AutoStarBrowse Displayed information ExampleAlternate Alt/Az Alignments How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureEasy Two-Star Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentTo Set the Home Position Manually Tip Try a Spiral SearchPeriodic Error Correction Update Menu OptionTrain 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 Meade Consumer Solutions Service What is Smart Drive?Inspecting the Optics Gauging the Movement of the Telescope10 LX200R Specifications Specifications10 f/10 LX200R Specifications 12 f/10 LX200R Specifications 14 f/10 LX200R SpecificationsAutoStar II System Specifications 16 f/10 LX200R SpecificationsAutoStar II Handbox Specifications Equatorial Alignment Setting CirclesCelestial Coordinates Declination Setting Circle Equatorial WedgeLining Up with the Celestial Pole Locating PolarisPrecise Polar Alignment LX200R mounted on an equa- torial wedgeAutoStar II Polar Alignment Easy Polar AlignmentOne-Star Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentAppendix B Latitude Chart Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldCity State/Prov./Country Latitude City Country LatitudeCommand Line What you will needTour Modes 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 MenuControl Panel Features 16 LX200R Unique FeaturesCommercial Shipping Telescope Assembly To Assemble the 16 Super Field TripodAttaching the 16 Drive Base Mounting the Optical Tube Assembly OTAAttaching the Fork Attaching the Power and Data Cords Observing Considerations14 LX200R Unique Features Appendix H To attach the microfocuser to the de-rotaterAppendix IntroductionOperation TrainingUpdate Permanently Mounted ScopesOther Menus Options Save As and Load OffBasic Astronomy AutoStar II GlossaryObjects in Space 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.