Meade LX90GPS instruction manual LX90 Your Personal Window to the Universe, Computer Control Panel

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CAUTION:

Using products other than standard Meade accessories may cause damage to the telescope’s internal electronics and may void the Meade warranty.

LX90: Your Personal Window to the Universe

The Meade LX90 is an extremely versatile, high-resolution telescopes with features similar to those available only with larger and more specialized imaging systems. With pushbutton controls, automatic tracking of celestial objects and software downloading capability, the LX90 telescope may be all the telescope ever required by many terrestrial and astronomical observers.

1Eyepiece: Place the Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece into the eyepiece holder or 90° diagonal prism (4, Fig. 1) and tighten in place with the thumbscrews. The eyepiece magnifies the image collected in the optical tube.

2Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew: Tightens the eyepiece in place. Tighten to a firm feel only.

3Eyepiece Holder: Holds the eyepiece in place.

4Diagonal Prism: provides a more comfortable right angle viewing position. Slide the diagonal prism directly into the eyepiece holder (3, Fig. 1).

EOptical Tube: The main optical component that gathers the light from distant objects and brings this light to a focus for examination through the eyepiece.

FDec Lock: Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. Turning the Dec lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the vertical axis. Turning the Dec lock clockwise (to a firm feel only) prevents the telescope from being moved manually, but engages the vertical motor drive for AutoStar operation.

NOTE: The Dec lock knob is a knurled knob located on the fork arm to the right of the focus knob (8, Fig. 1).

CAUTION: When loosening the Dec lock, be sure to support the optical tube (5, Fig. 1). The weight of the tube could cause the tube to swing through the fork arms suddenly.

GFork Arms: Hold the optical tube in place.

HFocus Knob: Moves the telescope’s primary mirror in a finely-controlled motion to achieve precise image focus. The LX90 telescope can be focused on objects from a distance of about 25 ft. to infinity. Rotate the focus knob counterclockwise to focus on distant objects, and clockwise to focus on nearby objects.

IR.A. Lock: Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the telescope. Turning the R.A. lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope, enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the horizontal axis. Turning the R.A. lock clockwise prevents the telescope from being rotated manually, and engages the horizontal motor drive for AutoStar operation.

JRight Ascension (R.A.) Setting Circle: See APPENDIX A, page 50, for detailed information.

KDeclination (Dec) Setting Circle (on left fork arm): See APPENDIX A, page 50, for detailed information. Note the small, molded triangular pointer underneath the circle. Line up the desired Declination setting with this pointer.

1@ GPS Receiver: Receives information transmitted from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. See page 21 for more information.

MComputer Control Panel

A.Handbox (HBX) Port: Plug the AutoStar coil cord (10, Fig. 2) into this port.

B.LED: The red power indicator light illuminates when power is supplied to the AutoStar handbox and to the telescope’s motor drive.

C.ON/OFF Switch: Turns the Computer Control Panel and AutoStar ON or OFF.

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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 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 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 AlignmentFew tips on photography with the LX90 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 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 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 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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