Meade LX90GPS instruction manual LX90 Tips Global Positioning System

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GPS

Receiver

Fig. 9: The GPS Receiver.

LX90 Tips

The Global Positioning System

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is comprised of 24 satellites orbiting the Earth that are constantly transmitting their precise position and time. The system provides highly accurate, worldwide positioning and navigation information for any number of applications.

GPS receivers on the Earth acquire signals from three to twelve satellites to determine the precise latitude, longitude, and time of the receiver. (Accuracy of the receiver's position may be within 10 to 15 feet.) As AutoStar uses latitude, longitude, and time information to calculate the positions of celestial objects, GPS is an ideal tool for aligning your your telescope.

Detecting True Level

To detect level of the base of the telescope, AutoStar must calculate the tip and tilt of the telescope at three compass points and then compensate for it. Finding level involves the geometric calculations of a "plane." In order to define a plane, three positions are necessary. This is not unlike building a table: For a table to stand level and solid, it must have a minimum of three legs. AutoStar makes gravitational measurements to make a precise determination of true level.

Finding True North

Locating True North is one of the most important ingredients in the alignment of a telescope. True North is the axis—the pole—which the Earth spins about and is a key reference for the motion of the Earth.

As you look at the night sky, the stars seem to move; in fact, if you watched long enough or took a long time-exposure photograph, you'd realize that the stars seem to revolve around one point—the pole or True North. When AutoStar knows where True North is and also knows the time, it can calcu- late the location of all the other objects in the sky.

One traditional way to find True North is to locate the North Star, Polaris, which lies very close to True North. Another way to calculate True North is to use gyroscopes or accelerometers.

LX90's determine True North by using a magnetic North sensor. The sensor locates magnetic North. Magnetic North is not True North, but a measure- ment of the magnetic lines of the Earth. Magnetic North may deviate several degrees from True North. But AutoStar, using the observation site location determined by the GPS and magnetic North information, can calculate the position of True North.

Some areas are subject to magnetic disturbances, and the magnetic field of the Earth changes slightly from year to year. AutoStar allows you to adjust for discrepancies in the local magnetic field using the "Calibrate Sensors" option in the Telescope menu. See page 29 for more information.

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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 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 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 the LX90 Few tips on photography with the LX90Photography with a Digital Camera 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 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 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 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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