Meade LX200 R instruction manual Custom Tracking Rate

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Note:

Custom Tracking Rate

allows you to enter values from -999 (stands for - 99.9%) to 999 (stand for +99.9%). The lower the number, the slower the rate; the higher the number the faster the rate. If you enter -999, the telescope will move so slow as to appear to be stopped. If you enter 999, the telescope will be moving at approximately twice the tracking rate.

(Note that it does not prevent you from performing a manual slew past this limit.) This is useful when you have a camera or other peripheral attached to the tele- scope—you can prevent it from striking the telescope base. 90 (straight up) is the maximum value that can be entered.

Mount Lower Limit: Allows you enter a number from 0 to 90 that sets a lower limit as to how far the optical tube can swing downward during a programmed slew. (Note that it does not prevent you from performing a manual slew past this limit.) This is useful when you have a large optical tube (12" model) or have a dewshield attached to the telescope—you can prevent it from striking the tele- scope base. -90 (straight down) is the maximum value that can be entered.

Park Position: For permanently mounted telescopes only. After aligning your tel- escope, select this menu and power down the telescope. The alignment set- tings—level, North, time, alignment stars—are stored in AutoStar II's memory and are remembered after you power off the telescope. When you power on the tele- scope, "Automatic Alignment" displays after the start up routine. Press MODE (do not press ENTER). The telescope remembers its alignment and you can contin- ue viewing or performing other operations without aligning the telescope again.

Park Position provides two options. Use Current Position uses the last position set by the user. Use Default Position levels telescope and points it North. Calibrate Home: For permanently mounted telescopes only. After aligning your telescope, select this menu and the alignment settings—level, North, time, align- ment stars—are stored in AutoStar II's memory and are remembered after you power off the telescope. You can enable AutoStar II to retrieve and automatical- ly align your telescope using these settings the next time you power up by choos- ing the Align on Home menu. See ALIGN ON HOME, page 28, for more informa- tion. Note: This method is not as precise as PARK POSITION (see above). Anti-Backlash:This option allows you to change the backlash along either the R.A. and the Dec. axes by entering a number from 0% to 199%. This sets the backlash in the way the Arrow keys move the telescope along an axis. If you enter a value near 199%, telescope responds more quickly as you hold down an Arrow key. If you enter a value near 0%, it takes longer for the tube to respond as you hold down an Arrow key. Experiment with this option: Try changing the values until the motion of the telescope (while holding down an Arrow key) feels comfortable to you.

Train Drive: All telescopes have a certain amount of "backlash" (looseness in the interplay of gears). This menu allows you to compensate for the backlash in the the Altitude and Azimuth motors—which helps locate objects with more precision. Calibrate Sensors: This menu allows you to improve your telescope's pointing accuracy to alignment stars. It calibrates to correct slight mechanical misalign- ment due to transport, vibration, or aging. It is recommended that calibration be performed once on a new telescope after the user initially assembles it.

When this menu is selected, the telescope slews to Polaris. AutoStar II then prompts you to center Polaris and to press ENTER. AutoStar II uses the position of Polaris to fine tune the position of North and also detects level for the base of the telescope.

Tracking Rate: Changes the speed at which the telescope tracks targets in the sky.

a.Sidereal: The default setting for AutoStar II; sidereal rate is the standard rate at which stars move from East to West across the sky due to the rotation of the Earth.

b.Lunar: Choose this option to properly track the Moon over long observing sessions.

c.Custom: Allows entry of user-defined tracking rates.

Guiding Rate: Allows you to change the base slew speed, 1x. Enter a percent- age of the speed (less than 100%) and press ENTER. This function may be use- ful in guiding the telescope during CCD and long-exposure photography. See SLEW SPEEDS, page 17, for more information.

Reverse L/R: Reverses the functions of the Left and Right Arrow keys for con- trolling the telescope's motion (i.e., the Right key moves the telescope to the left).

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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 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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