Meade LX90GPS instruction manual Aligning SmartFinder, Aligning the Viewfinder

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Aligning SmartFinder

In order for the SmartFinder to be useful, it must first be aligned with the main telescope, so that both the SmartFinder and the main telescope are pointing at precisely the same location. To align the SmartFinder:

1.Point the main telescope at some well-defined distant (perhaps a mile away) land object, such as a telephone pole or sign. Center the object, as precisely as possible, in the SP 26mm eyepiece's field of view. Tighten the vertical and horizontal locks (6 and 9, Fig. 1) so that the tube cannot move and the object remains centered.

2.While looking through the SmartFinder (1, Fig. 6), turn the top or side alignment screws (2 and 3, Fig. 7), until the red dot of the SmartFinder points at precisely the same position as the view through the eyepiece of the main telescope.

The SmartFinder is now aligned to the main telescope. Unless the alignment screws are disturbed or the LNT Module is moved out of place, the SmartFinder should remain aligned indefinitely.

A

B C

Fig. 6a: SmartFinder Location.

Fig. 6b: Turn the top (2) or side

(3) SmartFinder.

Aligning the Viewfinder

Like the SmartFinder, the viewfinder helps you locate objects and must also be aligned to the main telescope. To align the viewfinder, perform steps 1 through 5 during the daytime; perform step 6 at night.

1.Slide the track on the bottom of the viewfinder into the slot in the viewfinder mounting assembly. See Fig. 7a. To secure the viewfinder to the mounting assembly, tighten the two thumbscrews (Fig. 7a) to a firm feel only.

2.If you have not already done so, insert the Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece into the diagonal prism.

3.Unlock the R.A. (9, Fig. 1) and Dec (7, Fig. 1) locks so that the telescope moves freely on both axes.

4.Point the telescope at some well-defined and stationary land object at least 200 yards dis- tant, such as the top of a telephone pole or street sign. Center the object in the telescope eyepiece. Re-tighten the R.A. and Dec locks.

5.Look through the viewfinder eyepiece (Fig. 7b) and loosen or tighten, as appropriate, one or more of the viewfinder alignment screws (Fig. 7b) until the viewfinder crosshairs are pre- cisely centered on the object you previously centered in the telescope eyepiece.

6.Check this alignment on a celestial object, such as the Moon or a bright star, and make any necessary refinements, using the method outlined in steps 3 and 4.

Mounting

Slot

Track

Thumbscrews

Alignment Screws

Viewfinder

Eyepiece

Fig. 7a: Viewfinder Assembly.

Fig. 7b: Viewfinder Assembly.

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Contents 10, 12 LX90GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical System Contents QUICK-START Guide ON/OFF E D Telescope FeaturesComputer Control Panel LX90 Your Personal Window to the UniverseTo Attach the Handbox Holder Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar FeaturesTopmost screen Select Item Object Down, left, and right, at any Slew SPEEDS, page 17. Getting Started How to Attach the Tripod to the Telescope AssemblyPrecautionary notes for the tripod How to Assemble Your TelescopeChoosing an Eyepiece Using SmartFinderAligning the Viewfinder Aligning SmartFinderTerrestrial Observing Observing Using AutoStars Arrow KeysObserving Observing By Moving the Telescope ManuallyObserve the Moon Slew SpeedsTo prepare your telescope for Automatic Alignment Astronomical ObservingTo Track an Object Automatically Moving Through AutoStar’s MenusImportant Tip Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureGo To Saturn Using the Guided TourLX90 Tips Global Positioning System AutoStar Navigation Exercise Basic Autostar OperationEntering Data into AutoStar Navigating AutoStarTo Calculate Sunset time Select Item Object Menus and Menu OptionsObject Menu Event Menu Glossary MenuUtilities Menu Observing Considerations Setup Menu Page Delete Deletes a stored site from the database To Edit a Site Advanced Autostar FeaturesAdding Observing Sites To Add a Site to the user-defined site listUsing AutoStar to Find Objects Not in the Database To GO to a user-entered object Observing SatellitesTour Modes How to Create Your Own Guided TourCommand Line What you will needTitle Writing a TourPick END To Select a landmark from the database LandmarksDownloading Tours To Add a landmark to the databaseTo check on the available amount of memory in AutoStar IdentifyAlternate Alt/Az Alignments To perform a Landmark SurveyTo Set the Home Position Manually How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureEasy Two-Star Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentBrowse One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentPhotography with the LX90 Few tips on photography with the LX90Photography with a Digital Camera Meade Deep Sky Imager Photography with Meade’s AutoStar SuiteUltra Wide Angle 8-elements Optional AccessoriesEyepiece Power 2x Barlow Super Plössl 4-elements Super Wide Angle 6-elements#62 T-Adapter Collimation MaintenancePage Meade Consumer Solutions Service Inspecting the OpticsGauging the Movement of the Telescope 10 LX90 Specifications LX90 Specifications12 LX90 Specifications AutoStar SpecificationsAutoStar Dimensions Celestial Coordinates Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment Setting CirclesLocating the Celestial Pole AutoStar Polar AlignmentEquatorial Wedge Lining Up with the Celestial PolePrecise Polar Alignment Follow these steps City State/Country Latitude Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldCity State/Prov./Country Latitude City Country LatitudeAppendix C Training the Drive AutoStar Glossary Objects in SpaceMoon Deep-Sky Objects PlanetsPage 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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