Meade LX200 R instruction manual What you will need, Tour Modes, Comment Line, Command Line

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APPENDIX C: CREATE YOUR OWN GUIDED TOUR

Creating your own Guided Tour can be an extremely useful tool. You can preprogram a script of objects you wish to view and study on any given night. You can also create a viewing script for students or for a friend.

More commands will be added from time-to-time to the list below. Periodically visit Meade's website (www.meade.com) for future additions.

When a Guided Tour is selected, AutoStar II slews your telescope to a predetermined list of objects and displays information about each object, such as type of object, con- stellation location, R.A. and Dec. coordinates, and so forth. AutoStar II contains a few Guided Tours which are programmed at the factory. But it is also possible for an observ- er to create a custom Guided Tour.

A tour is basically an ASCII text file that contains a list of directions and descriptions. Each line of a tour is either a comment line, a command line, or a description.

What you will need:

A PC with text editor or word processing software installed (the tour must be saved as a "text only" or as a "MS-DOS text" file).

The optional Meade LX200 Interface Cable to download tour information to the AutoStar II handbox.

Tour Modes

The objects chosen for a tour list are selected from AutoStar II's database or by enter- ing the object's R.A. and Dec. coordinates. The tour is presented in one of two modes:

Automatic Mode: The title of an object appears on first line and descriptive text scrolls on line 2.

Interactive Mode: Tour name appears on the first line of the AutoStar II display and the name of the object displays on line 2. To display descriptive text in this mode, the user must press ENTER.

Comment Line

Information in the Tour program that is not displayed, such as authorship, revision his- tory, copyrights, etc. All comments begin with a "/" character in column 1 of the line. For example:

/Extreme Objects

/(c) 2002 Meade Instruments Corporation

Command Line

This line contains programming commands, including: R.A. and Dec. coordinates, a title string, a description string, and a keyword.

R.A.: Enter the Right Ascension of an object in the following format: HH:MM:SS. Eg., 18:51:05

Dec.: Enter the Declination of an object in the following format: DDdMMmSSs. Eg., – 06d16m00s

Title String: Text within a title string is displayed as the title of the object. A title string can contain up to 16 characters and must be surrounded by quotation marks. For example: "M64" or "My Favorite Star."

In Interactive Mode, the title string appears on line 2 until it is selected with the ENTER key.

In Automatic Mode, or after Interactive Mode selection, the title string appears on line 1 while the description scrolls across line 2.

Keywords: Action to be performed during a tour. AutoStar II recognizes the following keywords:

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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 Telescope Features AutoStarAscension 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 Attach Diagonal or accessories Choosing an EyepieceMounting and Adjusting the Viewfinder Too Much Power?Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually Observing Using AutoStar IIs Arrow KeysObserving Terrestrial ObservingTo use the microfocuser Focusing the Eyepiece Using the MicrofocuserSlew Speeds Key # SpeedTo Track an Object Automatically Observe the MoonAstronomical Observing Moving Through AutoStar II’s MenusWhich One’s the Alignment Star? It is recommended that you do not attempt a GPS fix indoorsUsing 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 Navigating AutoStar Look into the FutureMenus At orTo slew the telescope to catalog objects Object MenuWant to learn more about Observing Satellites? See Event Menu DefinitionUtilities Menu Glossary MenuLandmarks? See Mount Feature? See Appendix I Smart Setup MenuTiming is Everything Custom Tracking Rate Setup Menu Daylight SAVING, Adding and editing sites?Hot Button Menus To Add a Site to the user-defined site list Adding Observing SitesTo Edit a Site Creating User Objects To GO to a user-entered objectTo Add a landmark to the database Observing SatellitesLandmarks TipsTo perform a Landmark Survey IdentifyTo Select a landmark from the database To check on the available amount of memory in AutoStarBrowse Displayed information ExampleAlternate Alt/Az Alignments How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureEasy Two-Star Alignment To Set the Home Position Manually Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Tip Try a Spiral SearchTrain Menu Option Periodic Error CorrectionUpdate 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 Inspecting the Optics Meade Consumer Solutions ServiceWhat is Smart Drive? Gauging the Movement of the Telescope10 LX200R Specifications Specifications10 f/10 LX200R Specifications 12 f/10 LX200R Specifications 14 f/10 LX200R SpecificationsAutoStar II System Specifications 16 f/10 LX200R SpecificationsAutoStar II Handbox Specifications Equatorial Alignment Setting CirclesCelestial Coordinates Declination Setting Circle Equatorial WedgeLining Up with the Celestial Pole Locating PolarisPrecise Polar Alignment LX200R mounted on an equa- torial wedgeOne-Star Polar Alignment AutoStar II Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentCity State/Prov./Country Latitude Appendix B Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City Country LatitudeTour Modes Command LineWhat you will need 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 MenuControl Panel Features 16 LX200R Unique FeaturesCommercial Shipping Telescope Assembly To Assemble the 16 Super Field TripodAttaching the 16 Drive Base Mounting the Optical Tube Assembly OTAAttaching the Fork Attaching the Power and Data Cords Observing Considerations14 LX200R Unique Features Appendix H To attach the microfocuser to the de-rotaterOperation AppendixIntroduction TrainingOther Menus Options Save As and Load UpdatePermanently Mounted Scopes OffObjects in Space Basic AstronomyAutoStar II Glossary 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.
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