Sleep Scope is a power and time saving option that shuts down the LS telescope without forgetting its alignment. With “Sleep Scope” selected, press “ENTER” to activate the Sleep function. LS goes dark, but the internal clock keeps running. Press any key, except “ENTER”, to re-activate LS.

Park Scope is designed for a telescope that has not moved between observing sessions. Align the telescope one time, then use this function to park the telescope. Next time it is powered up, no alignment is required. Pressing “ENTER” causes the telescope to move to its pre-determined Park position. Once parked, the screen prompts to turn off power.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When the “Park Scope” option is chosen and the display prompts you to turn off the telescope’s power, LS is unable to be returned to operation without turning the power off and then back on.

Setup Menu

The Setup menu’s primary function is to align the telescope. However, there are numerous other features available within the Setup menu, including:

Align prepares your telescope to automatically locate and track objects. There are four different alignment methods available. Unless you specifically disable LightSwitch as the default alignment, the scope will use this method immediately upon powering up. If you desire to use an alternate method below, be sure to disable automatic alignment in the preferences.

•Automatic Align will use the LightSwitch® alignment method to align your telescope.

•Alt. Az. 2 Star will begin the interactive two star alignment process. Complete details are described in the Advanced LS features section of this manual.

•Alt. Az. 1 Star will begin the interactive one star alignment process. Complete details are described in the Advanced LS features section of this manual.

•Terrestrial will set up the telescope to use on land objects.

Preferences allows you to configure the telescope’s behaviors to suit your own viewing tastes. Configurable options include:

•Restore Defaults sets all the settings back to the factory original values.

•Hi Precision Slews allows you to turn high precision slews on and off. When this feature is enabled and you command the telescope to GoTo and object, it will first slew to a nearby star and ask you to center the star and then press “ENTER” to proceed. This feature insures the target will be in the precise center of the eyepiece. With faint objects at the limit of your scope, or when making astro-images, enabling Hi Precision assures you are right on target.

•Default Alignment allows you to enable or disable LightSwitch alignment when the scope powers up. When you disable default alignment, the telescope will require you to select and perform one of the alignment procedures under the Setup menu before your telescope will automatically locate and track objects.

•Play Intro Video allows you to disable the introductory media message that plays when the telescope is first powered up.

•Play Media 1st allows you to select when multimedia object descriptions are played. As shipped from the factory, the telescope is configured to play the descriptive media before showing you the object data. Disabling the Media 1st option, will cause the object’s data to be displayed immediately upon object selection. If you wish to hear the descriptions, you must explicitly press the “MEDIA” key.

•Animated Media allows you to bypass the animated portion of the media. As shipped from the factory, most objects have two media clips. The first is an animated overview narrated by a male voice. This is followed by a second, more detailed description given by a female narrator. Disabling “Animated Media” will skip playing the audio/video media clip and go to the audio only presentation.

•Time Zone allows you to select an international time zone, or to manually configure a time zone to any fraction of an hour you need.

•Use GPS allows you to disable use of the GPS to determine the time and your telescope’s location. If your scope is mounted in an

AUTOSTAR III MENU OPTIONS

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INDEX

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Meade 6 LS-6 ACF, 8 LS-8 SC, 8 LS-8 ACF, 6 LS-6 SC instruction manual Setup Menu
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6" LS-6 SC, 8" LS-8 ACF, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 SC specifications

The Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 ACF, and 6" LS-6 SC telescopes represent cutting-edge advancements in amateur astronomy, catering to both novice stargazers and seasoned astronomers alike. Each model incorporates innovative technologies, making it easier than ever to explore the cosmos.

The Meade 8" LS-8 SC (Schmidt-Cassegrain) features a compact design with an 8-inch aperture that provides exceptional light-gathering capabilities. This telescope utilizes an advanced computer-controlled system known as the AutoStar II. This technology allows for hassle-free navigation across the night sky. The LS-8 SC comes equipped with a built-in observatory, ensuring a user-friendly experience, allowing beginners to locate and track celestial objects with ease. The telescope's premium optics guarantee sharp, high-contrast images, making it an ideal choice for planetary and deep-sky observation.

Next, the Meade 6" LS-6 ACF (Advanced Coma-Free) delivers superior optical performance with minimal distortion. This design eliminates spherical aberrations, providing exceptionally sharp images across the entire field of view. Featuring a 6-inch aperture, the LS-6 ACF is highly portable and perfect for both visual observations and astrophotography. It includes the AutoStar computer system for easy alignment and tracking, as well as a robust, sturdy mount that enhances stability during viewing sessions.

The 8" LS-8 ACF builds on the strengths of its predecessors with an even larger aperture, ensuring maximum light-gathering potential for serious observers. The improved ACF optics yield crisp images without the common off-axis distortions seen in traditional designs. This telescope is also equipped with hassle-free setup features, allowing users to spend more time observing and less time setting up. The OTA design and mount are tailored for easy transport, making it a favorite for astrophotographers seeking high-quality celestial imagery.

Finally, the Meade 6" LS-6 SC offers a balanced option for those seeking portability without sacrificing optical quality. Like its larger counterpart, the LS-6 SC is designed for ease of use and includes the AutoStar technology for automated tracking. Its compact design and lightweight build make it convenient for travel, while still providing an impressive 6-inch aperture for celestial viewing.

In summary, the Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 ACF, and 6" LS-6 SC telescopes exemplify the intersection of portability, usability, and advanced optics. Each telescope supports astronomers of all skill levels, making the wonders of the universe accessible to everyone. Whether you're observing planets, nebulae, or star clusters, Meade’s innovative technologies enhance the overall experience, ensuring that the night sky is within reach.
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