Meade LX200 R instruction manual 14 LX200R Unique Features

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Fig. 59a: One of the two 14" LX200R battery compartments (older models).

Fig. 59b: An indentation on the underside of one of the 14" LX200R battery compartments (older models).

Fig. 59c: Location of one of the bat- tery compartment screws. The other is located on the opposite end of the horizontal beam of the fork arms near the other battery compartment (older models).

Fig. 60: 14" model auxiliary focus and reticle jacks are located on the inner left fork arm.

Fig. 61: Insert the included hex wrench into the slots in the plate of secondary mirror housing to access the collima- tion screws (14" model only).

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APPENDIX G:

14" LX200R FEATURES

14" LX200R Unique Features

The 14" LX200R contains, for the most part, the same features (covered earlier in this manual) as all other LX200R telescope models.

The following features are unique to the 14" model:

Battery Compartment

On newer models, the battery compartment is the same as the compartment described on page 13. For older models, the battery compartments for the 14" LX200R are located under the horizontal beam of the fork arms (Fig. 59a). Each compartment has an indentation below it (Fig. 59b) to allow you to slide out the compartment easily.

Important Note: The compartments are designed to hold batteries only. Do not use these compartments to store any other items.

Two button-head screws are provided to secure the battery compartments when using the telescope in equatorial alignment. The telescope ships with the screws installed. To install the batteries, first remove the screws with the supplied hex key. See Fig. 59c for location of the screws. Next, remove the battery holder and install the batteries as described in step #2 on page 13. Replace the holder and close the compartment. Replace the screws if you plan to use the telescope in equatorial alignment. These screws are not necessary when using the telescope in altazimuth alignment.

2" Diagonal Mirror with 1.25" Adapter

The 14" LX200R comes equipped with a 2" diagonal mirror with a 1.25" adapter. See pages 13 and 14 for information on how to install these devices to the microfocuser assembly.

Optical Tube Assembly

Important Note: Attaching the 14" LX200R optical tube assembly to the tripod is identical to the procedure described on pages 12 and 13.

Caution: Due to the weight and size of this product please use extreme caution whenever assembling, disassembling, lifting, transporting or stor- ing this product. Two or more persons should always be used whenever performing any of the above tasks. Disregard for the above warning could result in serious injury or death.

Caution: On the rear section of the optical tube is a red slot-head bolt, used only for safety reasons in shipment. Remove this bolt before attempt- ing to turn the focus knob. In its place, insert the rubber plug provided as a dust protector (this rubber plug is included with your hardware package).

The 14” LX200R should never be commercially shipped without the red bolt in place. This is essential during commercial transport, where rough han- dling may occur. Your transport and storage of the telescope never requires this bolt.

Auxiliary Jacks

The 14" model provides auxiliary focus and reticle jacks on the left fork arm (Fig. 60) for your convenience. Use of the auxiliary jacks eliminates the cord tangle which some- times occurs when using the jacks located on the control panel

Collimation

The 14" LX200R can be collimated using the procedure described in the Collimation section, pages 46 - 47, with one exception: When tightening a collimation screw, it is not necessary to loosen the other two collimation screws, or vice versa. In other words, the screws may be tightened or loosened independently of each other.

A hex wrench is included in the accessory kit for collimation (use the smaller of the two included hex wrenches; the smaller wrench is only included with the 14" model). Insert the hex wrench into the slots in the plate of the secondary mirror housing to access the collimation screws which are housed below the plate. See Fig. 61 for the position of the slots.

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.