Meade LX200 R instruction manual Contents

Page 3

WARNING!

Never use a Meade® LX200®R Telescope to look at the Sun! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye. Eye damage is often painless, so there is no warning to the observer that dam- age has occurred until it is too late. Do not point the telescope or its viewfinder at or near the Sun. Do not look through the tele- scope or its viewfinder as it is moving. Children should always have adult supervi- sion while observing.

Caution: Use care to install batteries in the orientation indicated by illustration in the bat- tery slots of the battery holder. Follow battery manufacturer's precautions. Do not install batteries backwards or mix new and used batteries. Do not mix battery types. If these precautions are not followed, batteries may explode, catch fire, or leak. Improperly installed batteries void your Meade warranty.

If you are anxious to use your telescope for the first time, read the QUICK-START GUIDE on pages 4 and 5.

16" LX200®R Users: See APPENDIX F, page 64, for features unique to the 16" model.

14" LX200®R Users: See APPENDIX G, page 68, for features unique to the 14" model.

®The name "Meade," the Meade logo, LX200 and Autostar are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in principal countries throughout the world.

Patents:

US 7,092,156

US 7,079,317

US 6,304,376

US 6,392,799

US 6,563,636

D422,610 Patent Pending.

© 2006 Meade Instruments Corporation.

CONTENTS

 

Quick-Start Guide

4

Telescope Features

6

AutoStar® II Features

9

Getting Started

12

Parts Listing

12

How to Attach the Tripod to the Telescope

12

How to Assemble Your Telescope

13

Choosing an Eyepiece

14

Mounting and Adjusting the Viewfinder

15

Observing

16

Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually

16

Terrestrial Observing

16

Observing Using AutoStar II's Arrow Keys

16

Focusing the Eyepiece with the Microfocuser

17

Slew Speeds

17

Observe the Moon, Astronomical Observing

18

To Track an Object Automatically

18

Moving Through AutoStar II’s Menus

18

Automatic Alignment

18

Observe a Star Using Automatic Tracking

20

Go To Saturn

20

Using the Guided Tour

20

Basic AutoStar II Operation

22

AutoStar II Navigation Exercise

22

Navigating AutoStar II

23

AutoStar II Menus

24

Menu Tree

24

Objects Menu

25

Event Menu

26

Glossary Menu, Utilities Menu

27

Setup Menu

28

Hot Button Menus

31

Advanced AutoStar II Features

32

Adding Observing Sites

32

Creating User Objects

33

Observing Satellites, Landmarks

34

Identify

35

Browse

36

Alternate Alt/Az Alignment Methods

37

Initialize AutoStar II (for Alternate Alignments)

37

Easy (Two-Star) Alignment

37

Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment

37

To Set the Home Position Manually

38

One-Star Alt/Az Alignment

38

Periodic Error Correction

39

Photography

40

Optional Accessories

43

Maintenance

46

Specifications

49

Appendix A: Equatorial (Polar) Alignment

52

Appendix B: Latitude Chart

57

Appendix C: How to Create Your Own Guided Tour

58

Appendix D: Training the Drive

62

Appendix E: The Moon Menu

63

Appendix F: 16" LX200R Features

64

Appendix G: 14" LX200R Features

68

Appendix H: De-rotater and Microfocuser Assembly ....

69

Appendix I: Smart Mount

70

Basic Astronomy

72

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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 ViewfinderTerrestrial Observing Observing Using AutoStar IIs Arrow KeysObserving Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyKey # Speed Focusing the Eyepiece Using the MicrofocuserSlew Speeds To use the microfocuserMoving Through AutoStar II’s Menus Observe the MoonAstronomical Observing To Track an Object AutomaticallyIt 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 ObjectsTips Observing SatellitesLandmarks To Add a landmark to the databaseTo check on the available amount of memory in AutoStar IdentifyTo Select a landmark from the database To perform a Landmark SurveyDisplayed information Example BrowseHow to perform the Easy Align Procedure Alternate Alt/Az AlignmentsEasy Two-Star Alignment Tip Try a Spiral Search Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment To Set the Home Position ManuallyErase Menu Option Periodic Error CorrectionUpdate Menu Option Train 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 Gauging the Movement of the Telescope Meade Consumer Solutions ServiceWhat is Smart Drive? Inspecting the OpticsSpecifications 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 AlignmentTwo-Star Polar Alignment AutoStar II Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment One-Star Polar AlignmentCity Country Latitude Appendix B Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City State/Prov./Country LatitudeComment Line Command LineWhat you will need Tour ModesTitle 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 HTraining AppendixIntroduction OperationOff UpdatePermanently Mounted Scopes Other Menus Options Save As and LoadMoon Basic AstronomyAutoStar II Glossary Objects in SpaceDeep-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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