Meade LX200 R Setup Menu, Timing is Everything, Mount Feature? See Appendix I Smart

Page 28

Want to learn more about using the new Smart

Mount Feature? See

Appendix I: Smart

Mount s 67 and 68.

Want to learn more about using the Date menu? See the LX200R TIPS box, page 23.

Sleep Scope: A power saving option that shuts down AutoStar II and the telescope without forgetting its alignment. With "Sleep Scope" selected, press ENTER to activate the Sleep function. AutoStar II goes dark, but the internal clock keeps running. Press any key, except ENTER, to re-activate AutoStar II and the telescope.

Park Scope: Designed for a telescope that is not moved between observing sessions. Align the telescope one time, then use this function to park the telescope. The next time it is powered up, pressing ENTER causes the telescope to move to its predetermined Park position. Once parked, the screen prompts to turn off power.

Important Note: When the "Park Scope" option is chosen and the display prompts you to turn off the telescope's power, AutoStar II is unable to be returned to operation without turning the power off and then back on.

Setup Menu

The Setup menu’s primary function is used for manual telescope alignment (see MAN- UAL ALT/AZ ALIGNMENTS, pages 36 and 37). However, there are numerous other fea- tures available within the Setup menu, including:

Align on Home: For permanently mounted telescopes only. If Calibrate Home has been performed, power up your telescope and select this menu to return the previous- ly calibrated home position. In other words, the telescope is fully aligned according to the setting that were stored in AutoStar II's memory during the Calibrate Home proce- dure. See CALIBRATE HOME, page 29, for more information.

Date: Changes the date used by AutoStar II. This function is useful to check events in

the past or future. For example: Set the Date menu for a day three months in the future.

Then check the "Select Item: Event" menu for the Sunset time on that date. See EVENT MENU, page 26.

Time: Changes the time entered into AutoStar II. Setting the correct time is critical for AutoStar II to properly calculate locations and events. Time may be set to "AM," "PM," or 24-hour mode (military time). To select the 24-hour mode, press ENTER when the the "blank" option displays (i.e., neither "AM" nor "PM" is displayed).

Daylight Saving: Enables or disables the Daylight Savings time setting.

Note: See TIMING IS EVERYTHING below.

Note: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by different names in various areas of the world. Check local time to verify.

Telescope: Accesses the several options, including:

Mount: Set this option to "Alt/Az" if using alt/az alignment and to "Polar" if using polar alignment. "Alt/Az" is the default value.

Model: Allows you to select the telescope model connected to AutoStar II.

Focal Length: Displays the focal length of the selected telescope.

Max Slew Rate: Sets the upper limit for the slew rate. 8 degrees per second is the fastest setting.

Mount Upper Limit: Allows you enter a number from 0 to 90 that sets an upper limit as to how far the optical tube can swing upward during a programmed slew.

LX200R TIPS

Timing is Everything

Your telescope receives the precise time when it synchs with the GPS. Precise time is important in aligning your telescope so that it can accurately locate celestial objects.

AutoStar II receives time data in the Universal Time format. However, if you wish to display the correct time in your local time zone, use the Daylight Saving menu (see above) to turn the Daylight Saving option on or off. Keep in mind that the tele- scope is receiving the correct time whether or not you set this option to display your local time.

- 28 -

Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversible damage to your eye. Do not point this tele-

 

scope at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.

Page 27 Page 29
Image 28
Page 27 Page 29
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.
Top Page Image Contents