Meade LX200 R instruction manual Appendix D Training the Drive, Further Study

Page 62
LX200R TIPS

APPENDIX D: TRAINING THE DRIVE

Train the telescope motors using AutoStar II. Perform this procedure if you are experiencing any pointing accuracy problems. Fig. 41 depicts the complete Drive Training procedure.

Note: Use a terrestrial object, such as a telephone pole or lamp post, to train the drive. Complete this exer- cise once every 3 to 6 months to maintain the highest level of telescope pointing accuracy.

Further Study....

This manual gives only the briefest introduction to astron- omy. If you are interested in pursuing further studies in astronomy, a few topics are suggested below that are worth reading up on. Try looking up some of these in the optional AutoStar II glossary.

Also included below is a small sampling of books, maga- zines, and organizations that you might find helpful.

Topics

1. How is a star born? How does a solar system form?

2. How is the distance to a star measured? What is a light year? What is red shift and blue shift?

3. How are the craters on our Moon formed? Is there water under the surface of the Moon?

4. What is a black hole? A neutron star? A quark star? A gamma burster? An Einstein lens?

5. What are stars made of? Why are stars different col- ors? How is the elemental composition of a star determined? What is an Lyman Alpha forest?

6. What is the difference between a Type 1 and a Type II supernova?

7. What is the importance of studying the composition of comets? Where do comets come from?

8. How old is our Sun? Will our Sun evolve into a plan- etary nebula or go supernova?

9. What is the Inflationary Big Bang? What is dark mat- ter? What are MACHO's?

10. How are extrasolar planets discovered? What is an accretion (or protoplanetary) disk?

11. What are the differences between elliptical, spiral, and irregular galaxies? Can globular clusters be older than the universe itself?

Books

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

The Guide to Amateur Astronomy by Jack Newton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and Philip Teece

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

The Sky: A User’s Guide by David Levy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Turn Left at Orion by Guy Consolmagno & Dan Davis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Astrophotography for the Amateur by Michael

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Covington

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magazines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Sky & Telescope

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

49 Bay St., Cambridge, MA 02138

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Astronomy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organizations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Astronomical League

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5675 Real del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

390 Ashton Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

The Planetary Society

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65 North Catalina Ave, Pasadena., CA 91106

Figure 45: Training the Drive Procedure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And watch Jack Horkheimer, Star Gazer, on your local

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PBS station.

- 62 -

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 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 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 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 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 ExampleEasy Two-Star Alignment How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureAlternate Alt/Az Alignments 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 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 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 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-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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