Meade LX200 R instruction manual Hot Button Menus

Page 31

Note:

The Download function requires the optional LX200 Interface Cable. See the instruction sheet included with the cable for more infor- mation on how to download. Also see OPTIONAL

ACCESSORIES, page 44.

Important Note:

If your download fails in the middle of the download attempt (e.g., your PC crashes), turn off the tele- scope. Turn the telescope back on and as soon the AutoStar II display lights up, press "999." Then attempt the download again

Focus Speeds:

Key #

Speed

1 or 2

Fine

3, 4, or 5

Slow

6 or 7

Medium

8 or 9

Fast

All: Everything—user-defined information and AutoStar II software—is sent to another AutoStar II.

Download: Transfers information from a personal computer or another AutoStar II. During the operation, the warning “Downloading Do Not Turn Off” appears.

Catalogs: Receives only user-defined object information, such as new satellite orbits or comet data to another AutoStar II handbox.

Software: Receives only the basic AutoStar II software. This is useful if one user has downloaded a new version of AutoStar II software from the Meade website (www.meade.com) and wants to pass this software along to friends.

All: Everything—user-defined information and AutoStar II software—is received by another AutoStar II handbox.

Statistics: Provides basic statistical data about AutoStar II, including:

Characters Free: Displays how much room is available in user-defined object memory.

Version: Displays the current version of the AutoStar II software.

Serial Number: Displays the unit's serial number.

Reset: Completely resets AutoStar II. Most values entered into the menus revert to factory defaults. AutoStar II requires initialization again after a Reset before proceed- ing with observations. See AUTOMATIC ALIGNMENT, page 18.

"Hot Button" Menus

Two menus, six object libraries and two functions can be accessed directly using the Number keys (commonly referred to as "hot buttons"). The two functions, the Speed mode and the Utility light are described earlier in the manual.

Focus Control Menu: Press Number key "4" to select this menu directly from AutoStar II's keypad. Press the Up or Down Scroll keys to cycle through the four focus speed options and then press ENTER to select the desired speed. Or press a Number key after pressing the Focus key to change the speed (see chart to the left). Use the Up or Down Arrow keys to achieve fine focus of the object. See page 17 for more information.

Reticle Control Menu: Press Number key "7" to select this menu directly from

AutoStar II's keypad. "Reticle Control: Set Intensity" displays. Press ENTER. The Intensity menu allows you to change the intensity of the Reticle Eyepiece Illuminator. Use the Scroll keys to change the value. As you change the value, look through the reticle to note how the Intensity changes.

Note: You may continue to change the values using the Scroll keys (and thus changing the intensity) until you press ENTER again. This allows you to experiment with the intensity level until you decide which intensity level works best for you. This feature operates in the same manner in the Rate and Duty Cycle menus.

When you have finished adjusting the intensity, press ENTER. Press Number key "7" again and the Rate menu displays. Press ENTER again. Use the Scroll keys to change the value of the the rate at which the Reticle Eyepiece blinks. As you change the value, look through the reticle to note how the Blink Rate changes.

When you have finished adjusting the rate, press ENTER. Next, Press Number key "7" again and the Duty Cycle menu displays. Press ENTER again. The Duty Cycle menu controls how long the Reticle Eyepiece Illuminator is on during a blink cycle. Use the Scroll keys to change the value. As you change the value, look through the reticle to note how the Duty Cycle changes. When you have decided on a Duty Cycle value, press ENTER.

To exit the Reticle menu, press MODE once.

Object Catalogs: See page 25 for more information.

- 31 -

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 30 Page 32
Image 31
Page 30 Page 32
Contents Page Page Contents QUICK-START Guide Important Note AutoStar Telescope FeaturesAscension 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 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?Using 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 Look into the Future Navigating AutoStarAt or MenusTo slew the telescope to catalog objects Object MenuWant to learn more about Observing Satellites? See Definition Event MenuUtilities Menu Glossary MenuLandmarks? See Mount Feature? See Appendix I Smart Setup MenuTiming is Everything Custom Tracking Rate Adding and editing sites? Setup Menu Daylight SAVING,Hot Button Menus To Add a Site to the user-defined site list Adding Observing SitesTo 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 BrowseAlternate Alt/Az Alignments How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureEasy 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 Optics10 LX200R Specifications Specifications10 f/10 LX200R Specifications 14 f/10 LX200R Specifications 12 f/10 LX200R SpecificationsAutoStar II System Specifications 16 f/10 LX200R SpecificationsAutoStar II Handbox Specifications Equatorial Alignment Setting CirclesCelestial 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 optionControl Panel Features 16 LX200R Unique FeaturesCommercial Shipping To Assemble the 16 Super Field Tripod Telescope AssemblyAttaching the 16 Drive Base Mounting the Optical Tube Assembly OTAAttaching 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.
Top Page Image Contents