Meade LX90GPS instruction manual Easy Two-Star Alignment, Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment

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North

0°

Fig. 14: Alt/Az Home Position.

Two-Star alt/az alignment procedures, you will (unlike the Automatic and Easy alignment pro- cedures) manually place the telescope in the home position.

The procedures for equatorial (polar) alignment are discussed in APPENDIX A, page 50; the three alternative alt/az alignment methods are discussed below.

Easy (Two-Star) Alignment

In this method, AutoStar automatically sets the home position, and also automatically picks two stars from its libraries for alignment. During the procedure, AutoStar slews the telescope to a first alignment star. The user is asked to verify that the telescope is pointed at the chosen star and then prompted to center the star in the eyepiece. The process is repeated with a second star to complete the alignment.

How to perform the Easy Align Procedure

1.Select Alignment. Select "Align: Easy" from the Setup menu. Press ENTER.

2.Home Position. The telescope automatically sets the following positions: home, level, North, and True North. If so desired, you may turn off the sensors and manually set these positions. See CALIBRATE SENSORS, page 29 for more information.

3 . Star Alignment. AutoStar chooses two stars to align upon. The telescope slews to the first star for alignment. Should the alignment star not appear in the field of view in the eyepiece, it should be easily recognized: It will be the brightest star in the area of the sky where the telescope is pointing. Use the Arrow keys to move the telescope until the star is visible and centered in the eyepiece. Press ENTER. Repeat the procedure for the second alignment star.

Note: See WHICH ONE'S THE ALIGNMENT STAR, page 23, for some important tips concerning alignments stars and using your viewfinder.

When the procedure is performed correctly, "Alignment Successful" displays. If AutoStar does not display this message, perform this procedure again. (Keep pressing MODE until "Align: Easy" displays and repeat the procedure.)

Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment

Two-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. AutoStar provides a library of bright stars and two stars from this library are chosen by the observer for alignment. In this procedure, AutoStar does not automatically find home, level, or North.

1.Select Alignment. Select "Align: Two Star" from the Setup menu. Press ENTER.

3.Set Home Position. Place the telescope in the home position.

To Set the Home Position Manually:

a.See Fig. 14. Loosen the telescope’s Dec. lock (6, Fig. 1). Set the optical tube to 0° on the Dec. setting circle (11, Fig. 1).

b.Tighten the Dec. lock (6, Fig. 1) to a firm feel only.

c.Level the tripod base.

d.Move the base of the telescope so that the computer control panel (13, Fig. 1) approximately faces South.

e.Unlock the R.A. lock (9, Fig. 1) and turn the telescope's optical tube horizontally until it points North.

f.Re-lock the R.A. lock (9, Fig. 1). Press ENTER.

g.Press ENTER.

4 . Star Alignment. "Select Star" displays. AutoStar then displays a library of stars for the observer to choose from. Use the Scroll keys to scroll to a star on the list that you wish to align upon—select a star that you can easily locate in the night sky. Press ENTER.

5.Center Star. The telescope slews to the star. Use the Arrow keys to move the telescope until the star is centered in the eyepiece. Press ENTER.

6.Center Star. Repeat procedure for a second alignment star. Once ENTER is pressed, the telescope is aligned and you are now ready to use AutoStar's GO TO capabilities for a night of observing.

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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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