Meade LX90GPS instruction manual Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical System

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The Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical System

 

(2)

(1)

 

 

(1)

 

(2)

 

 

Ray (2)

Ray (1)

 

 

(2)

 

 

(1)

 

Secondary

 

 

Focal

 

Mirror

 

 

Plane

 

Secondary

Primary Baffle Tube

 

Baffle

Field Stops

 

Correcting

 

 

Primary Mirror

 

Plate

 

 

In the Schmidt-Cassegrain design of the Meade LX90, light enters from the right, passes through a thin lens with 2-sided aspheric correction (“correcting plate”), proceeds to a spherical primary mirror, and then to a convex secondary mirror. The convex secondary mirror multiplies the effective focal length of the primary mirror and results in a focus at the focal plane, with light passing through a central perforation in the primary mirror.

The Meade LX90 Schmidt-Cassegrain includes an oversize primary mirror of an 8.25" diameter, yielding a fully illuminat- ed field-of-view significantly wider than is possible with a standard-size primary mirror. Note that light ray (2) in the figure would be lost entirely, except for the oversize primary. It is this phenomenon which results in Meade Schmidt-Cassegrains having off-axis field illuminations about 10% greater, aperture-for-aperture, than other Schmidt-Cassegrains utilizing stan- dard-size primary mirrors. Field stops machined into the inside-diameter surface of the primary mirror baffle tube signifi- cantly increase lunar, planetary, and deep-space image contrast. These field stops effectively block off-axis stray light rays.

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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 ExerciseTo Calculate Sunset time Entering Data into AutoStarNavigating AutoStar Menus and Menu Options Select Item ObjectObject Menu Utilities Menu Event MenuGlossary 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 BrowsePhotography with a Digital Camera Photography with the LX90Few tips on photography with the LX90 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 Gauging the Movement of the Telescope Meade Consumer Solutions ServiceInspecting the Optics LX90 Specifications 10 LX90 SpecificationsAutoStar Dimensions 12 LX90 SpecificationsAutoStar Specifications 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 Moon AutoStar GlossaryObjects in Space 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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