Meade LX200 R instruction manual Attaching the 16 Drive Base, Attaching the Fork

Page 66

Fig. 56: Position the holes over the shoulder bolts. When they are in place, slide the OTA back so that the shoulder bolts lock into the slots.

Fig. 57: Tighten the fork arm assem- bly using the provided hex key.

Fig. 58: Plug in the DB-9 connectors to provide power from the Dec. motor to the fork arms.

To collapse the tripod (after removing the telescope) for storage, follow these steps:

a. Loosen the tension knob and rotate the spreader bar 60° from its assembled position, so that one spreader bar arm is located between each adjacent pair of tripod legs.

b. Move the spreader bar to the top of the threaded rod. Tighten the tension knob, locking the bar.

c. Working one leg at a time, gradually collapse the legs of the field tripod until the tension hub is positioned onto the threaded rod. Use the second tension knob to secure the tension hub in place.

Attaching the 16” Drive Base

a. Remove the three pointed bolts that hold the packing material in place. These bolts are used only for shipping purposes and not used in the telescope assembly pro- cedure. See Fig. 51.

b. Rotate the field tripod so that one leg is pointing approximately South (it need not point exactly South).

c. Position the 16” drive base onto the field tripod, with the power panel facing South. Secure the drive base using the three 1/2”-13x1-1/2” long bolts. Thread these bolts up through the underside of the tripod head into the drive base using the supplied hex key. Firmly tighten these bolts. See Fig. 52.

c. Level the drive base by loosening the six lock-knobs (5, Fig. 48) and sliding out the inner tripod legs.

d. Note the DB-15 connector at the center of the base.

Attaching the Fork

a. Place the single-piece fork onto the top of the drive base. One side of the base of the fork has a cutout to allow clearance for the R.A. lock (12, Fig. 1) and R.A. slow- motion control (10, Fig. 1), which are located on top of the drive base.

b. Bolt the fork to the drive base using the four 3/8”-16x3/4” long bolts (Fig. 53). Using the supplied hex key, tighten to a firm feel only.

c. Unscrew and remove the four thumbscrews from the rectangular plate (Fig. 54) in the center of the fork base. Remove the plate. Note the DB-15 plug under the fork base.

d. Connect the DB-15 plug to the DB-15 connector underneath the plate. Tighten the two thumbscrews onto the connector to a firm feel. See Fig. 55.

e. A fifth 3/8”-16x3/4” long bolt is supplied with the telescope. Just using your fingers, loosely tighten this bolt under the plate. See Fig. 55. This bolt acts as a safety fea- ture to prevent the DB-15 connector and cable from being damaged when you dis- assemble the telescope. You will not be able to disassemble the telescope until the bolt is removed. The bolt is located near the DB-15 assembly in the base as a reminder to unplug the connector before removing the fork from the drive base.

Mounting the Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)

This step requires two people who can lift up to 70 pounds each (Note: See Caution on page 65). The optical tube assembly (OTA) weighs about 125 lbs. and it must be positioned accurately in order to mount to the fork.

a. Located on the two top surfaces of the fork are two shoulder bolts. These two bolts function as locating pins for the OTA. On the inside edge of the Dec. castings are two matching holes (with slots). Before trying to mount the OTA, be sure to locate these two bolts and holes. Notice that the bolts and holes are located on one side of the castings, requiring the OTA to be mounted one way only.

b. Tighten the Dec. lock (12, Fig. 1) to a firm feel only. With you on one side of the OTA and your assistant on the other side, grasp the two handles on each side and lift the OTA onto the top of the fork. Position the holes over the shoulder bolts. When they are in place, slide the OTA back so that the shoulder bolts lock into the slots (Fig. 56).

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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 AutoStarSee Optional ACCESSORIES, pages 43, 44, Ascension Declination setting# Computer Control Panel see inset Definitions Ascension,Shift Microfocuser? Autostar II Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonLibrary # of Objects Want to learn more about changing slew LX200R Tips Parts Listing How to Attach the Tripod to the Telescope AssemblyGetting Started How to Assemble Your Telescope To install batteriesTip 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 indoorsObserve a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature Using the Guided TourGo To Saturn Global Positioning System Detecting True LevelFinding True North Basic Autostar AutoStar II Navigation ExerciseTo Calculate Sunset time Navigating AutoStar Look into the FutureMenus At orObject Menu To slew the telescope to catalog objectsWant to learn more about Observing Satellites? See Event Menu DefinitionGlossary Menu Utilities MenuLandmarks? See Setup Menu Mount Feature? See Appendix I SmartTiming is Everything Custom Tracking Rate Setup Menu Daylight SAVING, Adding and editing sites?Hot Button Menus Adding Observing Sites To Add a Site to the user-defined site listTo 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 ExampleHow to perform the Easy Align Procedure Alternate Alt/Az AlignmentsEasy 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 TelescopeSpecifications 10 LX200R Specifications10 f/10 LX200R Specifications 12 f/10 LX200R Specifications 14 f/10 LX200R Specifications16 f/10 LX200R Specifications AutoStar II System SpecificationsAutoStar II Handbox Specifications Setting Circles Equatorial AlignmentCelestial 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 Menu16 LX200R Unique Features Control Panel FeaturesCommercial Shipping Telescope Assembly To Assemble the 16 Super Field TripodMounting the Optical Tube Assembly OTA Attaching the 16 Drive BaseAttaching 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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