Meade LX90GPS instruction manual Object Menu

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Use the OBJECT menu to select an object from the data- base.

When your telescope is aligned and you select an object from any of these lists, you just need to press the GO TO key to move the telescope so that it is pointed at the selected object.

Over 30,000 objects are available for the LX90.

The available objects include planets, constellations, individ- ual stars, double stars, star clusters, galaxies, quasars, satellites, asteroids and comets.

Also, try out the Guided Tour feature; the “Tonight’s Best” Guided Tour will point your telescope at the best objects visible in the sky for every given night of the year.

Object Menu

Almost all observing with AutoStar is performed using the Object menu category. (NOTE: Exceptions include Guided Tour and Landmark Survey.) See GO TO SATURN, page 20, for an example of observing using the Object menu. Also see USING THE GUIDED TOUR, page 20.

Many AutoStar menu categories contain databases. An AutoStar database is a list of viewable objects, such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae and so forth. When one of these objects is selected from a database, AutoStar moves your telescope (if properly aligned) and points it at the selected object.

The Object Menu options include:

Solar System is a database of the eight planets (Earth is not included) in order out from the Sun, followed by the Moon, asteroids, and comets.

Constellation is a database of all 88 Northern and Southern Hemisphere constellations. When this menu option is chosen and a constellation name appears on the first line of the screen, press GO TO once to change the second line to the name of the brightest star in the constellation. Press GO TO a second time to slew the telescope to that star. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the list of stars in the constellation, from brightest to dimmest.

Deep Sky is a database of objects outside our Solar System such as nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and quasars.

Star is a database of stars listed in different categories such as named, double, variable, or nearby.

Satellite is a database of Earth-orbiting objects such as the International Space Station, the Hubble Space Telescope, Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, and geosynchronous orbit satellites.

User Objects allows the user to define and store in memory deep-sky objects of specific interest that are not currently in the AutoStar database. See APPENDIX A for more information. Landmarks stores the location of terrestrial points of interest in the permanent AutoStar database.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To use the Landmark function, the telescope must be located and aligned exactly as when the landmark was added to the database.

JSelect: To select a Landmark already in the database (see ADD below), choose the "Select" option and scroll through the list. Press ENTER to select a Landmark, then press GO TO and the telescope slews to the object.

JAdd: To add a Landmark, choose the "Add" option. Enter a name for the Landmark. Locate and center the Landmark in the eyepiece, then press ENTER.

Identify is an exciting feature for an observer who wants to scan the night sky and start exploring. After the telescope has been properly aligned, use the AutoStar Arrow keys to move about in the sky. Then follow this procedure:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Only use the Arrow keys to move the telescope during the Identify procedure. Do not loosen the telescope locks or move the base or align- ment is lost.

1.When a desired object is visible in the eyepiece, keep pressing MODE until the “Select Item: Object” menu is displayed. Press ENTER to select this menu.

2.Scroll through the Object menu options until the “Object: Identify” screen appears.

3.Press ENTER. AutoStar searches the database for the identity of the object being observed.

4.If the telescope is not directly on an AutoStar database object, the nearest database object is located and displayed on the screen. Press GO TO and the telescope slews to that object.

Browse allows you to search the database for objects with certain parameters, much like a search engine. "Edit Parameters" lets you set various parameters for the search, such as: Object Type, Minimum Elevation, Largest, etc. Once you have set the parameters of the search, select "Start Search" and press ENTER. AutoStar will display the results of the search. See page 40 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 OperationNavigating AutoStar Entering Data into AutoStarTo Calculate Sunset time Select Item Object Menus and Menu OptionsObject Menu Glossary Menu Event 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 AlignmentFew tips on photography with the LX90 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 Inspecting the Optics Meade Consumer Solutions ServiceGauging the Movement of the Telescope 10 LX90 Specifications LX90 SpecificationsAutoStar Specifications 12 LX90 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 Objects in Space AutoStar GlossaryMoon 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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