Leisure Time Using the LX200 In ALTAZ Altazimuth, a. Entering Basic Information

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The LX200 can also be moved manually with the R.A. and Dec. locks released, or as described above only. The Declination manual slow-motion knob (1, Fig.4) is non-functional when power is supplied to the telescope. When the power is "on", only use the N, S, E, and W keys on the keypad hand controller. Serious damage can occur to the internal gears of the motor assembly if the Declination manual slow-motion knob is turned even a slight amount by hand.

3. Using the LX200 In ALTAZ (Altazimuth )

The two quick start methods described above allow you to use the telescope, but do not make use of any of the computer features available, including finding objects from the Object Library and automatic tracking of stars. In order for these features to work, the telescope's power needs to be "on," and the computer needs some basic information, which is entered through the keypad. Once entered, the information is permanently remembered by the telescope's computer and need never be entered again, even if the telescope is turned "on" and "off" many times.

This section will explain what keys to push to get the minimum data required into the computer, without any detailed explanation (see MODE FUNCTIONS, page 16, for detailed instructions). The steps detailed here only take a few minutes and allow you to begin making use of all the LX200 features.

a. Entering Basic Information

In order for the LX200 to make the conversions between the stellar coordinate system (R.A. and Declination) and the Altazimuth coordinate system (altitude and azimuth), it needs to know three pieces of information. This information only needs to be entered one time — the LX200 remembers data even when the power is off. Note, however, that the time should be checked and reset, if necessary, on each observing session.

b. Location of the Observing Site

NOTE: The SITE information cannot be entered if the telescope is in LAND mode.

If the telescope is in LAND mode, the SITE menu option (Display 2) will appear in lower case letters (see Which Alignment

Method to Use?, page 13). Follow steps 4 through 8 in Setting Up the Telescope, page 11, to change the telescope's operation to Altazimuth (ALTAZ) mode before proceeding.

You should find the position of your observing site to within 1 or 2 minutes of arc in both latitude and longitude. Many automobile, pilot, and topographical maps, as well as most atlases show latitude and longitude in 15 minute increments or better. The accuracy of the LX200 will depend on how close you get, so take a little time to get as accurate as you can.

Once the above information is determined, it can be entered into the telescope. It is easiest to enter the data with the telescope sitting on a table indoors—do not try to do it outside at night.

Each step below is given without any details or explanations to keep the process as simple and fast as possible. Next to each step will also be a sample of what the keypad hand controller display (1, Fig. 6) should look like after each step.

As an example, we will enter the data for Irvine, CA (LAT = 33°35', LONG = 117°42'). If at any time you get "lost," simply turn off the telescope and restart this procedure.

1.Turn the telescope power on. After a few seconds (after the self-diagnostic test is complete), the display will look like Display 1.

2.Press the ENTER key. This selects the TELESCOPE functions. The display should now look like Display 2.

3.Press the ENTER key. This selects the SITE functions. The display should look like Display 3.

4.Press and Hold the ENTER key until the keypad hand controller beeps. This selects the first site for editing. The display should look like Display 4, with the first "A" flashing.

5.Press the ENTER key. The display should now look like Display 5.

6.Use the number keys to enter your latitude. The underline designates the current cursor position. Mistakes can be corrected by moving back (using the "E" and "W" keys). A negative latitude can be entered by positioning the cursor under the "+" and hitting the "NEXT" key (lower right-hand key). When the latitude is correct, press ENTER. The display will look like Display 6.

7.Use the number keys to enter your Longitude as above. When complete, the display will look like Display 7.