Meade LX90GPS instruction manual Slew Speeds, Observe the Moon

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NOTE:

Do not look through the telescope's eyepiece or viewfinder while it is rapidly moving. Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

2.Verify that AutoStar is properly connected to your telescope. See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 13.

3.Flip the telescope power switch to the ON position.

The AutoStar screen is activated and a copyright message displays briefly, followed by a short beep. Then AutoStar takes a few moments to start up the system. “Press 0 to align or Mode for Menu” displays (if you select "0" automatic Alignment will begin).

4.The Arrow keys are now activated. Press the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 2) to slew (move) the telescope up, down, right, or left.

5.Press a Number key (8, Fig. 2) to change the telescope’s slew speed. See SLEW SPEEDS, below, for more information.

6.Use SmartFinder (17, Fig. 1) and/or the viewfinder (1, Fig. 20) to locate an object and prac- tice using the AutoStar’s Arrow keys to center the object in the telescope’s field of view.

7.Use the telescope’s focus knob (8, Fig. 1) to bring the object into focus.

Slew Speeds

AutoStar has nine slew speeds that are directly proportional to the sidereal rate and have been calculated to accomplish specific functions. Pressing a Number key changes the slew speed, which is shown for about two seconds on AutoStar’s display.

The nine available speeds are:

Number Key 1

=

1x

=

1 x sidereal (0.25 arc-min/sec or 0.004°/sec)

Number Key 2

=

2x

=

2 x sidereal (0.5 arc-min/sec or 0.008°/sec)

Number Key 3

=

8x

=

8 x sidereal (2 arc-min/sec or 0.033°/sec)

Number Key 4

=

16x

=

16 x sidereal (4 arc-min/sec or 0.067°/sec)

Number Key 5

=

64x

=

64 x sidereal (16 arc-min/sec or 0.27°/sec)

Number Key 6

= 128x

=

32 arc-min/sec or 0.5°/sec

Number Key 7

=

1.5°

=

90 arc-min/sec or 1.5°/sec

Number Key 8

=

3°

=

180 arc-min/sec or 3°/sec

Number Key 9

=

Max

=

390 arc-min/sec or 6.5°/sec)

Speeds 1, 2, or 3: Best used for fine centering of an object in the field of view of a higher power eyepiece, such as a 12mm or a 9mm eyepiece.

Speeds 4, 5, or 6: Enables centering an object in the field of a low-to-moderate power eyepiece, such as the standard Super Plössl 26mm.

Speeds 7 or 8: Best used for rough centering of an object in the eyepiece.

Speed 9: Moves the telescope quickly from one point in the sky to another

Observe the Moon

Point your telescope at the Moon (note that the Moon is not visible every night) and practice using the Arrow keys and the slew speeds to view different features. The Moon contains many interesting features, including craters, mountain ranges, and fault lines. The best time to view the Moon is during its crescent or half phase. Sunlight strikes the Moon at an angle during these periods and adds a depth to the view. No shadows are seen during a full Moon, causing the overly bright surface to appear flat and rather uninteresting. Consider the use of a neutral density Moon filter when observing the Moon. Not only does it cut down the Moon's bright glare, but it also enhances contrast, providing a more dramatic image.

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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 SmartFinderObserving Observing Using AutoStars Arrow KeysObserving By Moving the Telescope Manually Terrestrial ObservingObserve the Moon Slew SpeedsTo Track an Object Automatically Astronomical ObservingMoving Through AutoStar’s Menus To prepare your telescope for Automatic AlignmentImportant Tip Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureGo To Saturn Using the Guided TourLX90 Tips Global Positioning System AutoStar Navigation Exercise Basic Autostar OperationTo Calculate Sunset time Entering Data into AutoStarNavigating AutoStar Select Item Object Menus and Menu OptionsObject Menu Utilities Menu Event MenuGlossary Menu Observing Considerations Setup Menu Page Delete Deletes a stored site from the database Adding Observing Sites Advanced Autostar FeaturesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list To Edit a SiteUsing AutoStar to Find Objects Not in the Database To GO to a user-entered object Observing SatellitesCommand Line How to Create Your Own Guided TourWhat you will need Tour ModesTitle Writing a TourPick END Downloading Tours LandmarksTo Add a landmark to the database To Select a landmark from the databaseAlternate Alt/Az Alignments IdentifyTo perform a Landmark Survey To check on the available amount of memory in AutoStarEasy Two-Star Alignment How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureTwo-Star Alt/Az Alignment To Set the Home Position ManuallyBrowse One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentPhotography with a Digital Camera Photography with the LX90Few tips on photography with the LX90 Meade Deep Sky Imager Photography with Meade’s AutoStar SuiteEyepiece Power 2x Barlow Super Plössl 4-elements Optional AccessoriesSuper Wide Angle 6-elements Ultra Wide Angle 8-elements#62 T-Adapter Collimation MaintenancePage Gauging the Movement of the Telescope Meade Consumer Solutions ServiceInspecting the Optics 10 LX90 Specifications LX90 SpecificationsAutoStar Dimensions 12 LX90 SpecificationsAutoStar Specifications Celestial Coordinates Polar AlignmentLocating the Celestial Pole Setting CirclesAutoStar Polar Alignment Easy Polar AlignmentEquatorial Wedge Lining Up with the Celestial PolePrecise Polar Alignment Follow these steps City State/Prov./Country Latitude Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldCity Country Latitude City State/Country LatitudeAppendix C Training the Drive Moon AutoStar GlossaryObjects in Space 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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