Meade LX200 R Focusing the Eyepiece Using the Microfocuser, Slew Speeds, To use the microfocuser

Page 17

See MIRROR MIRROR, page 38, for more information about the microfocuser and the primary mirror lock.

Tip:

The slowest speed, 1x, may be changed using the Guiding Rate menu. This menu allows you to change the speed by entering a percentage of the speed (either more or less than 100%). This function may be useful in guiding the telescope during CCD and long- exposure photography. See GUIDING RATE, page 29, for more information.

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9.Bring the object into focus (see below).

Focusing the Eyepiece Using the Microfocuser

The LX200R zero image-shift microfocuser (24, Fig. 1) allows you to obtain the most pre- cise image focus possible during visual, photographic, and CCD applications, main- taining precise and "jiggle-free" image centering on even the smallest CCD chips.

To use the microfocuser:

1.Perform this part of the procedure during the daytime, without the eyepiece assembly (eyepiece, diagonal, etc.) attached to the microfocuser. Press the AutoStar II Focus button and then the Up and Down Arrow keys. Observe the microfocuser drawtube as it travels in and out. When the drawtube reaches the furthest extension of its travel, listen for a change in the pitch of the motor. Notice that the drawtube's maximum extension is about a half-inch out from the micro- focuser. Set the drawtube so that it extends about a quarter-inch (about halfway).

2.When you begin your viewing session, attach the eyepiece assembly. See pages 13 and 14 for details.

3.Make sure that the microfocuser is plugged into the computer control panel focus port (13C, Fig. 1).

4.Point the telescope at a bright star.

5.Rotate the mirror lock knob (9, Fig. 1) towards the "unlock" position, until it feels loose. Use the coarse focus control (6, Fig. 1) to achieve a rough focus of the star.

6.Rotate the mirror lock knob towards the "lock" position and adjust the tension to a firm feel; this action serves to lock in the coarse focus.

Important Note: Do not use or bump the coarse focus knob once you have set the coarse focus. If you do so, repeat steps 5 and 6 above to reset the coarse focus.

7.Press the Focus key (Number key "4"). "Focus Control: Speed: Fast" displays. Press the Up or Down Scroll keys to cycle through the four speed options. Press ENTER to select the desired speed. Or press one of the following Number keys after pressing the Focus key to change the speed:

Key #

Speed

Key #

Speed

1 or 2

Fine

6 or 7

Medium

3, 4, or 5

Slow

8 or 9

Fastest

8.Use the Arrow keys to bring the star into fine focus.

9.You may need to repeat this procedure when you change eyepieces.

Slew Speeds

AutoStar II has nine slew speeds that move the optical tube at rates that are directly pro- portional to the sidereal rate and have been calculated to accomplish specific functions. Press the Speed key (Number key "1") and then press a Number key to change the slew speed, which is shown for about two seconds on AutoStar II’s display.

The nine available speeds are:

Number Key 1

=

1x

=

 

Guide Rate, programmable (see Tip at left)

Number Key 2

=

2x

=

2

x sidereal (0.5 arc-min/sec or 0.008°/sec)

Number Key 3

=

8x

=

8

x sidereal (2 arc-min/sec or 0.033°/sec)

Number Key 4

=

16x

=

16

x sidereal (4 arc-min/sec or 0.067°/sec)

Number Key 5

=

64x

=

64

x sidereal (16 arc-min/sec or 0.27°/sec)

Number Key 6

=

128x

=

30

arc-min/sec or 0.5°/sec

Number Key 7

=

1.5° =

90

arc-min/sec or 1.5°/sec

Number Key 8

=

3° =

180

arc-min/sec or 3°/sec

Number Key 9

=

Max =

480

arc-min/sec or 8°/sec)

Speeds 1, 2, or 3: Best used for fine centering of an object in the field of view of a higher power eyepiece, such as a 12mm or a 9mm eyepiece.

Speeds 4, 5, or 6: Enable centering of an object in the field of a low-to-moderate power eyepiece, such as the standard Super Plössl 26mm.

Speeds 7 or 8: Best used for rough centering of an object in the viewfinder.

Speed 9: Moves the telescope quickly from one point in the sky to another.

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 AutoStar Telescope Features# 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 Choosing an Eyepiece Attach Diagonal or accessoriesToo Much Power? Mounting and Adjusting the ViewfinderObserving Observing Using AutoStar IIs Arrow KeysObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Terrestrial ObservingSlew Speeds Focusing the Eyepiece Using the MicrofocuserTo use the microfocuser Key # SpeedAstronomical Observing Observe the MoonTo Track an Object Automatically Moving Through AutoStar II’s MenusIt is recommended that you do not attempt a GPS fix indoors Which One’s the Alignment Star?Go 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 Look into the Future Navigating AutoStarAt or MenusWant to learn more about Observing Satellites? See Object MenuTo slew the telescope to catalog objects Definition Event MenuLandmarks? See Glossary MenuUtilities Menu Timing is Everything Setup MenuMount Feature? See Appendix I Smart Custom Tracking Rate Adding and editing sites? Setup Menu Daylight SAVING,Hot Button Menus To Edit a Site Adding Observing SitesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list To GO to a user-entered object Creating User ObjectsLandmarks Observing SatellitesTo Add a landmark to the database TipsTo Select a landmark from the database IdentifyTo perform a Landmark Survey To check on the available amount of memory in AutoStarDisplayed information Example BrowseEasy Two-Star Alignment How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureAlternate Alt/Az Alignments One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentTo Set the Home Position Manually Tip Try a Spiral SearchUpdate Menu Option Periodic Error CorrectionTrain Menu Option Erase Menu OptionFew tips on photography with the LX200R telescopes PhotographyPhotography with Meade’s AutoStar Suite Photography with a Digital CameraImage of M13 captured with the Deep Sky Imager Star ChartsMeade Series 4000 Eyepieces Optional AccessoriesSeries 4000 8 24mm Zoom Eyepiece Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece Collimation MaintenanceDefocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, Aligned What is Smart Drive? Meade Consumer Solutions ServiceInspecting the Optics Gauging the Movement of the Telescope10 f/10 LX200R Specifications Specifications10 LX200R Specifications 14 f/10 LX200R Specifications 12 f/10 LX200R SpecificationsAutoStar II Handbox Specifications 16 f/10 LX200R SpecificationsAutoStar II System Specifications Celestial Coordinates Setting CirclesEquatorial Alignment Equatorial Wedge Declination Setting CircleLocating Polaris Lining Up with the Celestial PoleLX200R mounted on an equa- torial wedge Precise Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment AutoStar II Polar AlignmentOne-Star Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World Appendix B Latitude ChartCity State/Prov./Country Latitude City Country LatitudeWhat you will need Command LineTour Modes Comment LineTitle Writing a TourPick ONE / Pick END Downloading Tours Pick END Auto Slew on / Auto Slew OFFFurther Study Appendix D Training the DriveAppendix E the Moon Menu To observe the Apollo 15 landing site using the Moon optionCommercial Shipping 16 LX200R Unique FeaturesControl Panel Features To Assemble the 16 Super Field Tripod Telescope AssemblyAttaching the Fork Mounting the Optical Tube Assembly OTAAttaching the 16 Drive Base Observing Considerations Attaching the Power and Data Cords14 LX200R Unique Features To attach the microfocuser to the de-rotater Appendix HIntroduction AppendixOperation TrainingPermanently Mounted Scopes UpdateOther Menus Options Save As and Load OffAutoStar II Glossary Basic AstronomyObjects in Space MoonDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsPage 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.
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