Meade LX200 R instruction manual Series 4000 8 24mm Zoom Eyepiece

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Fig. 28: Series 4000 8 - 24mm Zoom

Eyepiece.

Fig. 29: #140 2x Barlow Lens.

Fig. 30: #905 Variable Polarizer and #1A Skylight Filter.

Fig. 31: #929 2" Diagonal Mirror and

#928 45° Erect-Image Diagonal

Prism.

Series 4000 8 - 24mm Zoom Eyepiece: The internal zoom optics of this eyepiece move on smooth, precisely machined surfaces which maintain optical collimation at all zoom settings. A scale graduated in 1mm units indicates the zoom focal length in operation. An excellent addition to any eyepiece set.

#140 2x Barlow Lens: A 3-element design, doubles each eyepiece power while maintaining uncompromised image resolution, color correction, and contrast. Insert the #140 into the telescope’s eyepiece-holder first, followed by the diagonal prism and eyepiece. The #126 2x Barlow Lens, a compact 2-element alternative to the #140, may also be employed with any LX200R-Series telescope.

Series 4000 Photo-Visual Color Filters: Color filters significantly enhance visual and photographic image contrast of the Moon and planets. Each filter threads into the barrel of any Meade 1.25" eyepiece, and into the barrels of virtually all other eye- piece brands as well. Meade filters are available in 12 colors for lunar and planetary applications, and in Neutral Density as a lunar glare-reduction filter.

Series 4000 Nebular Filters: A modern boon to the city-dwelling deep-space observer, the interference nebular filter effectively cancels out the effects of most urban light pollution, while leaving the light of deep-space nebular emissions virtual- ly unattenuated. Meade Series 4000 Nebular Filters utilize the very latest in coating technology, and are available with threaded cells for eyepieces or for attachment to the rear cells of Meade Advanced Ritchey-Chrétien Telescopes models.

Variable Tele-Extender:For eyepiece-projection photography of the Moon and the planets, a Tele-Extender is required. The variable Tele-Extender threads onto the tele- scope's eyepiece-holder, into which is inserted an eyepiece of typically about 26mm focal length; the 35mm camera body couples to the tele-extender by means of a T- Mount. The Meade Variable Tele-Extender permits a range of projection images.

#929 2" Diagonal Mirror; #928 45° Erect-Image Diagonal Prism: The #929 2" Diagonal Mirror (provided as standard equipment on the 12" LX200R, available option- ally on other models) attaches to the rear cell of all LX200R telescopes and permits the use of wide-field 2" O.D. eyepieces (e.g., Meade Series 4000 Super Wide 32mm and 40mm eyepieces and others). Each diagonal includes a Meade optical-flat mirror of Pyrex® glass, aluminized and multi-coated. Diagonal mirrors and prisms result in images that are correctly oriented up-and-down but reversed left-for-right. For terres- trial observing a fully correctly oriented telescopic image is desirable; the #928 Diagonal Prism accomplishes this image correction and places the eyepiece at a convenient 45° viewing angle. The #928 is for use with the 1.25" Eyepiece-Holder.

Series 4000 Plössl 9mm Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece: The most advanced com- mercially-available illuminated reticle eyepiece, this Series 4000 Plössl 9mm model, powered by an internal battery, includes micrometric x-y positioning controls which greatly facilitate locking onto the guide star: Turn the finely-threaded controls and place the reticle’s crossline pattern precisely at the desired position in the field. The sharp, high-power imaging of the 4-element,multi-coated Plössl optical system is complemented by a rubber eyecup (foldable for eyeglass wearers) that shuts out dis- tracting stray light from the observer’s eye. The upper (lens) section of the eyepiece rotates on a fine thread for precise diopter adjustment to the user’s eye. Reticle pat- tern is a double crossline with two concentric circles.

#62 T-Adapter:The T-Adapter is the basic means of prime-focus photography through all Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain models. Thread the T-Adapter on to the rear cell of your telescope, followed by a T-Mount for your 35mm camera, and the camera body is rigidly coupled to the telescope.

#777 Off-Axis Guider: The Off-Axis Guider provides a means during long-exposure astrophotography for the photographer to monitor the tracking of the telescope

to assure that the telescope remains precisely positioned on the object being photographed. Like the T-Adapter, the Off-Axis Guider couples the camera body to the telescope but it also causes a small amount of the guidestar’s incoming light to be diverted at a right angle, where the star’s position can be examined for tracking errors with an illuminated reticle eyepiece; position corrections can then be effected using AutoStar II.

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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.

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Contents Page Page Contents QUICK-START Guide Important Note Telescope Features AutoStar# 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 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 indoorsGo 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 Navigating AutoStar Look into the FutureMenus At orWant to learn more about Observing Satellites? See Object MenuTo slew the telescope to catalog objects Event Menu DefinitionLandmarks? See Glossary MenuUtilities Menu Timing is Everything Setup MenuMount Feature? See Appendix I Smart Custom Tracking Rate Setup Menu Daylight SAVING, Adding and editing sites?Hot Button Menus To Edit a Site Adding Observing SitesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list 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 ExampleEasy Two-Star Alignment How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureAlternate Alt/Az Alignments 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 f/10 LX200R Specifications Specifications10 LX200R Specifications 12 f/10 LX200R Specifications 14 f/10 LX200R SpecificationsAutoStar II Handbox Specifications 16 f/10 LX200R SpecificationsAutoStar II System Specifications Celestial Coordinates Setting CirclesEquatorial Alignment 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 MenuCommercial Shipping 16 LX200R Unique FeaturesControl Panel Features Telescope Assembly To Assemble the 16 Super Field TripodAttaching the Fork Mounting the Optical Tube Assembly OTAAttaching the 16 Drive Base 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.