Meade LXD75 instruction manual Observing Satellites, Landmarks, To Add a landmark to the database

Page 34

Tip:

To easiest way to get satellite information is to go to the Meade website and click “Autostar Update” in the Customer Support sec- tion. Follow the on-screen instructions to automatically download the information to your Autostar handbox.

The optional #505 Astrofinder Software and Cable Connector Kit is required to use the Autostar Update Utility.

Tip:

To use the Landmark func- tion, the telescope must be located and aligned exactly as when the landmark(s) was added to the database.

Observing Satellites

In this procedure, you will prepare your telescope to observe a satellite pass.

1.Navigate to the "Object: Satellite" menu option and press ENTER.

2.Use the Scroll keys to scroll through the list of satellites.

3.Select a satellite from the list and press ENTER.

4."Calculating...." and then "Tracking..." displays. If the satellite is going to make a pass, "Located" displays.

5.Use the Scroll keys to display data about the pass: aos – acquisition of signal and los – loss of signal. If you subtract the aos from the los, you can calculate how long the satellite will be visible. Location information also displays.

6."Alarm" displays after the location information. Press ENTER and Autostar auto- matically sets the alarm to sound a minute before the satellite's scheduled appearance. You may return to regular observations until the alarm goes off.

7.When the alarm goes off, return to the Satellite menu and press a Scroll key until the desired satellite is on the top line of the display.

8.Press GO TO. Autostar slews the telescope to where the satellite should appear. The motor drive stops and a countdown is displayed.

Note: If the scheduled appearance position of the satellite is obstructed (i.e., by a building, tree, or hill), press ENTER and Autostar starts to move the telescope along the expected satellite track. When the track clears the obstruction, press ENTER again to pause the telescope, then continue with this procedure.

9.With about 20 seconds left on the countdown timer, start watching through the tel- escope viewfinder for the satellite to enter the field of view.

10.When the satellite enters the viewfinder field of view, press ENTER. The tele- scope starts to track with the satellite.

11.Use the Autostar Arrow keys to center the object in the viewfinder, then look through the eyepiece to view the object.

Satellite orbits change and new satellites (including the Space Shuttle) are launched. Visit the Meade website (www.meade.com) approximately once a month to get updated information and instructions on how to download this data to Autostar. If orbital parameters are more than one month old, the satellite pass may not happen at the time predicted by Autostar. Downloading requires the optional #505 AstroFinder™ Software and Cable Connector Kit. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 38.

Note: Satellite observing is an exciting challenge. Most satellites are in low orbit, travelling at approximately 17,500 mph. When visible, they move quickly across the sky and are only in the field of view for a few minutes, requiring Autostar to slew the telescope rapidly. Best viewing is near Sunrise or Sunset when the sky is still dark. Viewing in the middle of the night can be problematic because the satellite may pass overhead, but not be visible as it is in the Earth's shadow.

Landmarks

This menu option allows you to define and store terrestrial objects in the Landmark database. First, a landmark needs to be stored in memory using the "Landmark: Add" option. To view a landmark, use the "Landmark: Select" option. Landmarks may also be viewed using the "Landmark Survey" option in the Utilities menu.

To Add a landmark to the database:

In this procedure, you will store the location of terrestrial landmarks in Autostar's memory.

1.Note for future reference where the telescope is located. Select an easily recog- nizable reference object and center the object in the telescope eyepiece. Each time you wish to view landmarks you have added to the database, setup the telescope in this location and center the reference object in the eyepiece. If you do not use a consistent point of reference, the telescope will not be able to locate the objects you have added to the database.

34

Page 33 Page 35
Image 34
Page 33 Page 35
Contents LXD 75 -Series Telescopes Page Contents Telescope Features BC1 g f eD E F LXD75-SeriesYour Personal Window to the Universe $ Computer Control Panel see e LXD75 Tips Features Autostar FeaturesTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Tip Accessories How to Assemble Your TelescopeTelescope Assembly Getting StartedViewfinder assembly Newtonian reflector models C D E F Balancing the TelescopeAligning the Viewfinder Choosing an EyepieceToo Much Power? Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyActivate the Arrow Keys Autostar Models Only Slew Speeds Autostar Models OnlyTracking Objects Setting the Polar Home PositionObserve the Moon 16bObserve a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature Using Autostars GO to Capabilities Autostar Models OnlyMoving Through Autostar’s Menus Autostar Models Only Initializing Autostar Autostar Models OnlyTraining the Drive Autostar Models Only Easy Alignment Autostar Models Only Go To Saturn Autostar Models OnlyUsing the Guided Tour Autostar Models Only Planet Saturn is over 800 million miles from the EarthAutostar Navigation Exercise To Calculate Sunset timeEntering Data into Autostar Navigating AutostarAutostars Menus Select Item ObjectMenus Object MenuUtilities Menu Event MenuGlossary Menu LXD75-SeriesSetup Menu EnterObserving Considerations Setup Menu Daylight SAVING, Surf the Web To Add a Site to the user-defined site list Adding Observing SitesTo Edit a Site Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the Libraries To GO to a user-entered objectLandmarks Observing SatellitesTo Add a landmark to the database To Select a landmark from the database To Check on the Available MemoryTo perform a Landmark Survey Few tips on photography with the LXD75-Seriestelescopes PhotographyPhotography with Meade’s Autostar Suite Optional Accessories 10 f/4Series 4000 Photo-Visual Optional Autostar handbox for EC model users Maintenance General MaintenanceD e f g Page Defocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, Aligned Page Page 5 Model SN-6AT, SN-6EC Specifications Specifications4 Model SN-8AT, SN-8EC Specifications 9.3 Model AR-5AT, AR-5EC Specifications 10 f/4 Model SN-10AT Specifications8 Model AR-6AT Specifications 10 Model SC-8AT Specifications 5 Model N-6EC SpecificationsMeade Customer Service Autostar SpecificationsAutostar Dimensions Inspecting the OpticsSetting Circles Appendix a Celestial CoordinatesOne-Star Polar Alignment Locating the Celestial PolePolar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentEnhancement Methods Method #1 Three-Star Alignment Using AutostarPolar Alignment Viewfinder To perform the Three-Star AlignmentMethod 2 Axis Alignment Procedures Procedure #1 To correct for attitude misalignmentProcedure #2 To correct for elevation misalignment Position aMethod 3 Axis Alignment Using Autostar TipsPEC Train Menu Option Method #4 Smart Drive Training Periodic Error CorrectionPEC Update Menu Option PEC Erase Menu OptionCity State/Prov./Country Latitude Appendix C Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City Country LatitudeAppendix D EC Handbox Modes of Operation To move the telescope using the Electronic ControllerSlew Speeds Tracking Rates Changing the Polar Mode Optional Autostar Computer Controller for LXD75 EC UsersHow to Attach the Optical Tube to the Mount Mounting the SC bracket and optical tube to the mountObjects in Space Appendix F Basic AstronomyAutostar Glossary MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsFurther Study Page Meade Limited Warranty

LXD75 specifications

The Meade LXD75 series represents a remarkable range of telescopes designed for both amateur astronomers and advanced users seeking high-quality performance at an affordable price. Known for its robust construction and innovative technology, the LXD75 aims to provide a user-friendly experience while catering to the demands of stargazers looking for sophistication in their equipment.

One of the main features of the LXD75 is its advanced German equatorial mount, which provides exceptional stability and tracking accuracy. This mount is equipped with dual-axis servo motors facilitating smooth movements, making it easy to locate and follow celestial objects. The LXD75 also includes a built-in autostar system featuring a database of over 30,000 celestial objects, allowing users to effortlessly navigate the night sky with a push of a button.

The LXD75 series includes several models, each with different optical configurations to suit the preferences of various users. The telescopes come with either an achromatic refractor or Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design, providing clear and bright images. The Schmidt-Cassegrain models offer a compact design with a fast focal ratio, making them excellent for both astrophotography and visual observation.

In terms of build, the Meade LXD75 features high-quality optics with multi-coated lenses, reducing glare and enhancing light transmission. This results in sharper and brighter images, making it easier to observe delicate details on planets, the moon, and deep-sky objects. The telescope tubes are crafted from durable materials, ensuring longevity and resilience against the elements.

Another characteristic worth noting is the ease of setup and operation. The LXD75 mount comes equipped with adjustable legs and can be easily assembled, requiring minimal tools. The intuitive control system also features a user-friendly interface, allowing both novices and experienced astronomers to operate the telescope with confidence.

For astrophotography enthusiasts, the LXD75 provides excellent support, with a wide range of accessories available to enhance imaging capabilities. The mount can accommodate various cameras, providing flexibility for capturing stunning astronomical photographs.

In summary, the Meade LXD75 series delivers a robust combination of features, technologies, and characteristics designed to meet the needs of both amateur and advanced astronomers. With its reliable mount, quality optics, and ease of use, the LXD75 ensures that stargazers can enjoy the wonders of the universe with clarity and precision.
Top Page Image Contents