Meade LX90GPS instruction manual #62 T-Adapter

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Fig. 22: #62 T-Adapter.

Fig. 23: Off-Axis Guider.

Fig. 24: Meade Deep Sky Imager

#62 T-Adapter:The T-Adapter (Fig. 22) is the basic means of prime-focus photography through all Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain models. Thread the T-Adapter on to the rear cell of your telescope, followed by a T-Mount for your 35mm camera, and the camera body is rigidly coupled to the telescope.

Variable Tele-Extender:For eyepiece-projection photography of the Moon and the planets, a Tele-Extender is required. The variable Tele-Extender threads onto the telescope's eyepiece- holder, into which is inserted an eyepiece of typically about 26mm focal length; the 35mm camera body couples to the tele-extender by means of a T-Mount. The Meade Variable Tele-Extender permits a range of projection images.

Off-Axis Guider: The Off-Axis Guider (Fig. 23) provides a means during long-exposure astrophotography for the photographer to monitor the tracking of the telescope to assure that the telescope remains precisely positioned on the object being photographed. Like the T-Adapter, the Off-Axis Guider couples the camera body to the telescope but it also causes a small amount of the guidestar’s incoming light to be diverted at a right angle, where the star’s position can be examined for tracking errors with an illuminated reticle eyepiece; position corrections can then be effected using AutoStar.

Electric Focusers: Meade electric focusers are uniquely designed to yield smooth, precise microfocusing of the image, without disabling the manual focus knob, which may be used for rapid coarse focusing. Two focuser models are available: the #1205, which includes pushbutton hand controller with self-contained (user-provided) battery, and the #1206, which plugs directly into the Accessory Port Module (see previous page), with actuation from the hand controller.

Piggyback Brackets: Piggyback photography is one of the most popular and easiest ways to get started in astrophotography. Attach your 35mm camera, with its own 35mm-to-250mm lens, atop your LX90 in equatorial mode, and guiding the camera through the main telescope, wide- field photos of the Milky Way of remarkable detail and clarity can be taken.

Dew Shield: In moist climates, water particles suspended in the atmosphere may condense on the front surface of the telescope's correcting plate. This dew formation may be inhibited to a significant extent by the addition of a dew shield, essentially an extension tube attaching to the front-cell of the telescope.

#541 AC Adapter: The optional #541 AC Adapter permits powering of the telescope via a standard household (115v.AC) electrical outlet. Includes the #607 Power Cord (see below).

#607 Power Cord: Powering the LX90 telescope by means of an automobile cigarette lighter plug requires the #607 Power Cord. With this 25 ft. cord, the LX90 may be powered for a full night’s observing without risk of car-battery drain.

Deep Sky Imager Series: This high-performance, easy-to-use and affordable color CCD cam- era (Fig. 24) suppresses electronic noise and does not compress data from the sensor to increase picture quality. The Deep Sky Imager uses a full 16-bit analog-to-digital converter to enhance picture depth, contrast and dynamic range. It is USB compatible for easy interface with most Windows-based laptop computers. Includes AutoStar Suite which automatically sorts, aligns and combines the best images, resulting in a highly detailed color image.

The following Deep Sky Imagers models and accessories are available:

Deep Sky Imager II (DSI II) w/Autostar Suite

Deep Sky Imager Pro II (DSI PRO II), w/Autostar Suite

Deep Sky Imager Pro II (DSI PRO II), w/RGB Color Filter Set & Autostar Suite Deep Sky Imager (DSI) w/Autostar Suite

Deep Sky Imager PRO (DSI PRO), w/Autostar Suite

Deep Sky Imager PRO (DSI PRO), w/RGB Color Filter Set & Autostar Suite Lunar Planetary Imager (LPI™) w/Autostar Suite

Deep Sky Imager Fan Accessory, for all DSI cameras

Deep Sky Imager RGB Color Filter Set, for DSI PRO and DSI PRO II

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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 Using AutoStars Arrow Keys ObservingObserving By Moving the Telescope Manually Terrestrial ObservingSlew Speeds Observe the MoonAstronomical Observing To Track an Object AutomaticallyMoving Through AutoStar’s Menus 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 Advanced Autostar Features Adding Observing SitesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list To Edit a SiteUsing AutoStar to Find Objects Not in the Database Observing Satellites To GO to a user-entered objectHow to Create Your Own Guided Tour Command LineWhat you will need Tour ModesWriting a Tour TitlePick END Landmarks Downloading ToursTo Add a landmark to the database To Select a landmark from the databaseIdentify Alternate Alt/Az AlignmentsTo perform a Landmark Survey To check on the available amount of memory in AutoStarHow to perform the Easy Align Procedure Easy Two-Star AlignmentTwo-Star Alt/Az 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 ImagerOptional Accessories Eyepiece Power 2x Barlow Super Plössl 4-elementsSuper Wide Angle 6-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 CoordinatesSetting Circles Locating the Celestial PoleAutoStar Polar Alignment Easy Polar AlignmentLining Up with the Celestial Pole Equatorial WedgePrecise Polar Alignment Follow these steps Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City State/Prov./Country LatitudeCity 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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