Meade LX200 R Global Positioning System, Detecting True Level, Finding True North

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5.Press MODE to return to the Tour list. Press the Scroll keys to scroll through the list. Press ENTER when you find the next object you wish to observe.

6.Press and hold down MODE for two seconds to leave the Guided Tour menu.

Other Guided Tours are available, such as "How Far is Far" and "A Star's Life." If you have programming skills, you may wish to create a custom Guided Tour. See CREATE YOUR OWN GUIDED TOUR, page 58.

GPS

Receiver

Fig. 14: LX200R GPS Receiver.

LX200R INFO

The Global Positioning System

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is comprised of 24 satellites orbiting the Earth that are constantly transmitting their precise position and time. The system provides highly accurate, worldwide positioning and navigation information for any number of applications.

GPS receivers on the Earth acquire signals from three to twelve satellites to determine the precise latitude, longitude, and time of the receiver. (Accuracy of the receiver's position may be within 10 to 15 feet.) As AutoStar II uses latitude, longitude, and time information to calculate the positions of celestial objects, GPS is an ideal tool for aligning your LX200R telescope.

Detecting True Level

To detect level of the base of the telescope, AutoStar II must calculate the tip and tilt of the telescope at three compass points and then compensate for it. Finding level involves the geometric calculations of a "plane." In order to define a plane, three positions are necessary. This is not unlike building a table: For a table to stand level and solid, it must have a minimum of three legs. AutoStar II makes gravitational measurements to make a precise deter- mination of true level.

Finding True North

Locating True North is one of the most important ingredients in the alignment of a telescope. True North is the axis—the pole—which the Earth spins about and is a key reference for the motion of the Earth.

As you look at the night sky, the stars seem to move; in fact, if you watched long enough or took a long time-exposure photograph, you'd realize that the stars seem to revolve around one point—the pole or True North. When AutoStar II knows where True North is and also knows the time, it can cal- culate the location of all the other objects in the sky.

One traditional way to find True North is to locate the North Star, Polaris, which lies very close to True North. Another way to calculate True North is to use gyroscopes or accelerometers.

The LX200R determines True North by using a magnetic North sensor. The sensor locates magnetic North. Magnetic North is not True North, but a measurement of the magnetic lines of the Earth. Magnetic North may devi- ate several degrees from True North. But AutoStar II, using the observation site location determined by the GPS and magnetic North information, can calculate the position of True North.

Some areas are subject to magnetic disturbances, and the magnetic field of the Earth changes slightly from year to year. AutoStar II allows you to adjust for discrepancies in the local magnetic field using the "Calibrate Sensors" option in the Telescope menu. See page 29 for more information.

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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.

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Contents Page Page Contents QUICK-START Guide Important Note AutoStar Telescope FeaturesSee Optional ACCESSORIES, pages 43, 44, Ascension Declination setting# Computer Control Panel see inset Definitions Ascension,Shift Microfocuser? Autostar II Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonLibrary # of Objects Want to learn more about changing slew LX200R Tips Parts Listing How to Attach the Tripod to the Telescope AssemblyGetting Started How to Assemble Your Telescope To install batteriesTip 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?Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature Using the Guided TourGo To Saturn Global Positioning System Detecting True LevelFinding True North Basic Autostar AutoStar II Navigation ExerciseTo Calculate Sunset time Look into the Future Navigating AutoStarAt or MenusObject Menu To slew the telescope to catalog objectsWant to learn more about Observing Satellites? See Definition Event MenuGlossary Menu Utilities MenuLandmarks? See Setup Menu Mount Feature? See Appendix I SmartTiming is Everything Custom Tracking Rate Adding and editing sites? Setup Menu Daylight SAVING,Hot Button Menus Adding Observing Sites To Add a Site to the user-defined site listTo Edit a Site 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 BrowseHow to perform the Easy Align Procedure Alternate Alt/Az AlignmentsEasy Two-Star Alignment 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 TelescopeSpecifications 10 LX200R Specifications10 f/10 LX200R Specifications 14 f/10 LX200R Specifications 12 f/10 LX200R Specifications16 f/10 LX200R Specifications AutoStar II System SpecificationsAutoStar II Handbox Specifications Setting Circles Equatorial AlignmentCelestial Coordinates 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 option16 LX200R Unique Features Control Panel FeaturesCommercial Shipping To Assemble the 16 Super Field Tripod Telescope AssemblyMounting the Optical Tube Assembly OTA Attaching the 16 Drive BaseAttaching the Fork 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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