Meade LX200 R # Computer Control Panel see inset, See Optional ACCESSORIES, pages 43, 44

Page 7

Caution:

Using products other than standard Meade accessories may cause damage to the telescope’s internal electron- ics and may void the Meade warranty.

BWant to learn more about the eyepieces available for your LX200R telescope?

See OPTIONAL

ACCESSORIES, pages 43, 44, and 45.

FWant to learn how to attach the microfocuser assembly to the rear cell port of your LX200R telescope?

See HOW TO ASSEM-

BLE YOUR TELESCOPE,

pages 13 and 14.

GWant to learn more about focusing your telescope? See pages 17 and 31.

See page X.

IWant to learn how to install the batteries? See page 13.

jWant to learn more

about the primary mirror lock? See

MIRROR MIRROR,

page 37.

1! Want to learn more about the Right

Ascension and

Declination setting

circles? See page 55.

- 7 -

LX200R: YOUR PERSONAL WINDOW TO THE UNIVERSE

The Meade LX200R models are extremely versatile, high-resolution telescopes. With pushbutton controls, precision GPS alignment, zero image-shift microfocusing, true- level and North electronic sensors, automatic tracking of celestial objects, periodic error correction for both axes, and a library of 145,000+ objects in the AutoStar II data- base, the LX200R models offer unmatched state-of-the-art performance.

Observe the feather structure of an eagle from 50 yards or study the rings of the plan- et Saturn from a distance of 800 million miles. Focus beyond the Solar System on ancient star clusters, remote galaxies, and stars recently discovered to have planets orbiting about them. Meade LX200R telescopes are capable of growing with your inter- est and can meet the requirements of the most demanding advanced observer.

BEyepiece: Place the Series 5000 26mm 5-element Plössl eyepiece into the 90° diagonal prism (3, Fig. 1) and tighten in place with the eyepiece thumbscrew (2, Fig. 1). The eyepiece magnifies the image collected in the optical tube.

CEyepiece Thumbscrew: Tightens the eyepiece (1, Fig. 1) in place. Tighten to a firm feel only.

D1.25" Diagonal Prism (or 2" Mirror): Provides a more comfortable right angle view- ing position. A 2" diagonal mirror with a 1.25" adapter is standard with the 12" model. See page 14 for information about attaching the prism or mirror to the microfocuser.

EDiagonal Prism Thumbscrew: Tightens the diagonal prism in place. Tighten to a firm feel only.

FRear Cell Port: The microfocuser assembly threads onto this port.

GCoarse Manual Focus Knob: Moves the telescope’s primary mirror in a finely- controlled motion to achieve coarse image focus. The LX200R telescopes can be focused on objects from a distance of about 25 ft. to infinity. Rotate the focus

knob counterclockwise to focus on distant objects, and clockwise to focus on nearby objects.

HFork Arms: This heavy-duty mount holds the optical tube securely in place.

IBattery Compartments: Insert four user-supplied C-cell batteries into each com- partment (one compartment on each fork arm; eight batteries total).

JPrimary Mirror Lock: Rotate this knob towards the "Lock" position and adjust the

tension to a firm feel; this action serves to lock in the coarse focus and also to pre- vent mirror flop. Use in conjunction with the Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser (see 2$).

1) Right Ascension (R.A.) Slow-Motion Control: Make fine adjustments in the Right Ascension, i.e., the horizontal axis, by turning this control with the R.A. Lock (see below) in the unlocked position. Set the R.A. Lock to a "partially locked" position to create a comfortable drag for the R.A. Slow Motion Control.

Caution: Do not operate the R.A. Slow Motion Control with the R.A. Lock in the fully locked position, as such operation may result in damage to the internal gear system and also cause you to lose alignment.

1! Right Ascension (R.A.) Setting Circle: See APPENDIX A, page 55, for detailed

information.

1@ Right Ascension (R.A.) Lock: Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the tel- escope. Turning the R.A. lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope, enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the horizontal axis. Turning the R.A. lock clockwise locks the telescope, prevents the telescope from being rotated manu- ally, and engages the horizontal motor drive for AutoStar II operation.

1# Computer Control Panel (see Fig. 1 inset):

A.ON/OFF Switch: Turns the computer control panel and AutoStar II ON or OFF. The red power indicator LED next to the switch illuminates when power is supplied to the AutoStar II handbox, the microfocuser, and to the telescope’s motor drives (the LED can be turned off in the Panel Light menu; see page 27).

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.

Page 6 Page 8
Image 7
Page 6 Page 8
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.
Top Page Image Contents