Meade LX90GPS instruction manual Topmost screen Select Item Object

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NOTE:

AutoStar does not require batteries; the telescope’s batteries supply power to AutoStar.

NOTE:

Throughout this manual, you will notice the term "Alt/Az." Alt/Az is frequently used to refer to Altitude (vertical) and Azimuth (horizontal). Alt/Az is just one of many methods used by amateur astronomers to help locate stars in the night sky.

TIP:

To manually enter the R.A. and Dec coordinates of an object:

Press and hold MODE for two seconds or more. The R.A. and Dec coor- dinates display. Press GO TO. "Object Position" and a set of coordinates displays. Then enter the R.A. and Dec coordinates of any celestial object using Number keys. As soon as the coordinates are entered, AutoStar slews the telescope to the coordinates. Note that the telescope must be initialized for this procedure to operate properly.

The AutoStar Computer Controller provides control of virtually every telescope function within a compact handbox. AutoStar has soft-touch keys designed to have a positive feel. The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is backlit with a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) for easy viewing in the dark. The backlit display, key arrangement, and sequential database make AutoStar extremely user friendly.

12-Line LCD Display: Provides an interface between AutoStar and the telescope.

•Top line: Lists the primary category or menu item.

•Bottom line: Contains a menu option or information about an object or subject, depending on which function is being performed.

2ENTER Key: Accesses, in a sequential manner, the next menu or data level in the AutoStar database. See MOVING THROUGH AUTOSTAR'S MENUS, page 18 and MENU AND MENU OPTION DESCRIPTIONS, page 24.

NOTE: If ENTER is pressed for two seconds or more and then released, AutoStar emits a beep and “ENTER to Sync” is displayed. "ENTER to Sync" is relevant only after the telescope has been aligned and is pointing at an object. If the "ENTER to Sync" feature is accessed by mistake, press MODE to return to the previous screen. See HIGH PRECISION, page 29, for more details about this feature.

3MODE Key: Returns to the previous menu or data level in the AutoStar database until the top level, “Select Item," is reached. The MODE key is similar to the ESCAPE key on a computer.

NOTE: Pressing MODE while in the “Select Item” level moves AutoStar to the

topmost screen: “Select Item: Object.”

If MODE is pressed and held for two seconds or more, information about the telescope's status displays. When the status displays, press one of the Scroll keys (7, Fig. 2) to display the following information:

•Right Ascension and Declination (astronomical) coordinates

•Altitude (vertical) and Azimuth (horizontal) coordinates

•Local Time and Local Sidereal Time (LST)

•Timer and Alarm Status

•Accessory Port Module (APM) status (see the instructions supplied with the APM)

•Date

•Site coordinates

•Battery status

•SmartFinder Finder Set menu (see below)

Press MODE again to return to the previous menu.

Finder Set menu: Select the Finder Set menu to access options that will allow you to set the intensity and blink rate of the SmartFinder red dot.

To set the blink rate of SmartFinder’s red dot (circled numbers refer to Fig. 2):

1.Press and hold MODE c for two seconds. R.A and Dec. coordinates display.

2.Keep pressing the Scroll Down key h until “Finder Set: Set” displays.

3.Press ENTER b. “Finder Set: Intensity” displays.

4.Press the Scroll Down key h. “Finder: Blink On” displays.

5.Press ENTER b. A time value, in seconds, displays. For example, “00.5” may display. “00.5” (one-half second) is the amount of time, in seconds, that the red dot will blink “on.”

6.Use the Number keys g and the Arrow keys f to change the time value. For example,

you may wish to change the amount of time the red dot stays on to 10.2 seconds: Press “1,” press the Right Arrow key f, press “0,” press the Right Arrow key f, press “2.” An alternate method is to use the Scroll keys h to scroll through the time values. Once the time value is entered, press ENTER b.

7.Press the Scroll Down key h. “Finder: Blink Off” displays. Press ENTER b. A time value,

“00.1” (one-tenth second), may display. For example, you may wish to change the amount of time the red dot stays off to 00.7 seconds: Press the Right Arrow key f twice (as the first two values are already zero), then press “7.” Or you may use the Scroll keys h to scroll through the time values.

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Contents 10, 12 LX90GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical System Contents QUICK-START Guide ON/OFF Telescope Features E DLX90 Your Personal Window to the Universe Computer Control PanelTo Attach the Handbox Holder Autostar Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonTopmost screen Select Item Object Down, left, and right, at any Slew SPEEDS, page 17. How to Attach the Tripod to the Telescope Assembly Getting StartedHow to Assemble Your Telescope Precautionary notes for the tripodUsing SmartFinder Choosing an EyepieceAligning SmartFinder Aligning the ViewfinderObserving By Moving the Telescope Manually Observing Using AutoStars Arrow KeysObserving Terrestrial ObservingSlew Speeds Observe the MoonMoving Through AutoStar’s Menus Astronomical ObservingTo Track an Object Automatically To prepare your telescope for Automatic AlignmentObserve a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature Important TipUsing the Guided Tour Go To SaturnLX90 Tips Global Positioning System Basic Autostar Operation AutoStar Navigation ExerciseNavigating AutoStar Entering Data into AutoStarTo Calculate Sunset time Menus and Menu Options Select Item ObjectObject Menu Glossary Menu Event MenuUtilities Menu Observing Considerations Setup Menu Page Delete Deletes a stored site from the database To Add a Site to the user-defined site list Advanced Autostar FeaturesAdding Observing Sites To Edit a SiteUsing AutoStar to Find Objects Not in the Database Observing Satellites To GO to a user-entered objectWhat you will need How to Create Your Own Guided TourCommand Line Tour ModesWriting a Tour TitlePick END To Add a landmark to the database LandmarksDownloading Tours To Select a landmark from the databaseTo perform a Landmark Survey IdentifyAlternate Alt/Az Alignments To check on the available amount of memory in AutoStarTwo-Star Alt/Az Alignment How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureEasy Two-Star Alignment To Set the Home Position ManuallyOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment BrowseFew tips on photography with the LX90 Photography with the LX90Photography with a Digital Camera Photography with Meade’s AutoStar Suite Meade Deep Sky ImagerSuper Wide Angle 6-elements Optional AccessoriesEyepiece Power 2x Barlow Super Plössl 4-elements Ultra Wide Angle 8-elements#62 T-Adapter Maintenance CollimationPage Inspecting the Optics Meade Consumer Solutions ServiceGauging the Movement of the Telescope LX90 Specifications 10 LX90 SpecificationsAutoStar Specifications 12 LX90 SpecificationsAutoStar Dimensions Polar Alignment Celestial CoordinatesAutoStar Polar Alignment Setting CirclesLocating the Celestial Pole Easy Polar AlignmentLining Up with the Celestial Pole Equatorial WedgePrecise Polar Alignment Follow these steps City Country Latitude Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldCity State/Prov./Country Latitude City State/Country LatitudeAppendix C Training the Drive Objects in Space AutoStar GlossaryMoon Planets Deep-Sky ObjectsPage Meade Limited Warranty

LX90GPS specifications

The Meade LX90GPS is a premium telescope that offers both amateur and seasoned astronomers a powerful and user-friendly platform for exploring the night sky. This telescope blends advanced technology with robust design, making it one of the preferred choices for stargazers around the globe.

One of the standout features of the LX90GPS is its Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics. This design minimizes spherical aberration and eliminates off-axis coma, ensuring sharp, high-contrast images across the entire field of view. Coupled with a large aperture of 8, 10, or 12 inches, users can enjoy stunning views of celestial objects including planets, galaxies, and nebulae.

The telescope is equipped with a fully automated GoTo system that simplifies the hunting of celestial objects. The built-in GPS makes for effortless location setting, locking onto satellites and positioning the telescope accurately. Once set up, users can access a database containing over 30,000 celestial objects, allowing for easy navigation and exploration.

In addition to its exceptional optics and GoTo capabilities, the LX90GPS features Smart Mount technology. This innovative system incorporates adjustments based on real-time sky data, ensuring that the telescope remains aligned with celestial bodies as they move across the night sky. The LX90GPS also includes a unique Auto-Alignment feature, where a simple two-star alignment procedure helps calibrate the telescope quickly and easily.

The design of the LX90GPS is user-centric, combining functionality with comfort. The telescope comes with an easy-to-operate control panel and a large, multi-line LCD screen that displays critical information. Users can easily manage various functions and settings without fumbling through complex menus.

Additional features include the option for removable optical tubes, allowing for easy upgrades or repairs. The telescope is compatible with a variety of Meade accessories, including focal reducers and filter sets, enhancing its versatility for different observing conditions.

In conclusion, the Meade LX90GPS stands out for its remarkable optics, user-friendly technology, and impressive range of features. Whether you’re gazing at the Moon, tracking planets, or delving into deep-sky observations, the LX90GPS provides a fulfilling astronomical experience that inspires exploration and delight in the universe.
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