Meade LX200 R instruction manual Precise Polar Alignment, LX200R mounted on an equa- torial wedge

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Fig. 44: LX200R mounted on an equa- torial wedge.

ting circle and slightly loosen the two bolts located under the knob. Now turn the cir- cle unit until it reads 89.2°, the Declination of Polaris. Then tighten down the two bolts and replace the knurled knob.

Should you wish to use the manual setting circles, the R.A. setting circle (Fig. 40) must be calibrated manually on the Right Ascension of a star every time the telescope is set up. (The R.A. setting circle has two sets of numbers, the inner set is for Southern hemisphere use, while the other is for Northern hemisphere use.) Locate a star with which you're familiar. Look up the R.A. for the star in a star chart or other aid. With the star centered in the telescope's eyepiece, move the R.A. setting circle, using one of knobs (C, Fig. 43), so that the R.A. of the star lines up with the tick mark on the base of the telescope (B, Fig. 43).

Precise Polar Alignment

It should be emphasized that while doing casual observing, precise alignment of the telescope’s polar axis to the celestial pole is not necessary. Don’t allow a time-con- suming effort at lining up with the pole to interfere with your basic enjoyment of the tel- escope. For long-exposure photography, however, the ground rules are quite different, and precise polar alignment is not only advisable, but almost essential.

Even though the LX200R telescopes offers a very precise and sophisticated drive sys- tem, the fewer tracking corrections required during the course of a long-exposure pho- tograph, the better. (“Long-exposure” means any photograph of a celestial object that last for 10 minutes or longer). In particular, the number of Declination corrections required is a direct function of the precision of polar alignment.

Precise polar alignment requires the use of a crosshair eyepiece. The Meade Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece (see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 44) is well-suited in this application, but it is also preferable to increase the effective magnification through the use of a 2X or 3X Barlow lens as well. Follow this procedure (particularly if the pole star is not visible), sometimes better known as the “Drift” method:

1.Obtain a rough polar alignment as described earlier. Place the illuminated reticle eyepiece (or eyepiece/Barlow combination) into the eyepiece holder of the telescope.

2.Point the telescope, with the motor drive running, at a moderately bright star near where the meridian (the North-South line passing through your local zenith) and the celestial equator intersect. For best results, the star should be located within ±30 minutes in R.A. of the meridian and within ±5° of the celestial equator (see CELESTIAL COORDINATES, page 52). Pointing the telescope at a star that is straight up, with the Declination set to 0°, will point the telescope in the

right direction.

3.Note the extent of the star’s drift in Declination (disregard drift in Right Ascension):

a.If the star drifts South (or down), the telescope’s polar axis is pointing too far East.

b.If the star drifts North (or up), the telescope’s polar axis is pointing too far West.

4.Move the wedge in azimuth (horizontally) to effect the appropriate change in polar alignment. Reposition the telescope’s East-West polar axis orientation until there is no further North-South drift by the star. Track the star for a period of time to be certain that its Declination drift has ceased.

5.Next, point the telescope at another moderately bright star near the Eastern hori- zon, but still near the celestial equator. For best results, the star should be about 20° or 30° above the Eastern horizon and within ± 5° of the celestial equator.

6.Again note the extent of the star’s drift in Declination:

a.If the star drifts South, (or down) the telescope’s polar axis is pointing too low.

b.If the star drifts North, (or up) the telescope’s polar axis is pointing too high.

7.Use the altitude adjust control on the wedge to make appropriate changes in alti- tude, based on your observations above. Again, track the star for a period of time to be certain that Declination drift has ceased.

The above procedure results in very accurate polar alignment, and minimizes the need for tracking corrections during astrophotography.

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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 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.