8.“Center Landmark. Press “ENTER”” displays. Using only the Arrow keys (do not manually move the telescope), move the telescope to the desired landmark and center the object in the eyepiece. Press “ENTER”. The object is now stored in memory.

9.“Landmark: Add” displays. If you wish to add more landmarks, repeat steps 5 through 7.

To view a landmark in the database

1.Make sure the telescope is located and aligned exactly as when the desired landmark was entered into memory.

2.Display the “Landmark: Select” menu option. Press “ENTER”.

3.Use the Scroll keys to scroll through the list of objects you have previously entered. When the desired object displays, press “ENTER” to select the object. Use the Scroll keys to scroll through location information about the object, if desired. Press “GO TO” to slew the telescope to the landmark.

4.Press “BACK” to exit.

Observing Satellites

In this procedure, you will prepare your telescope to observe a satellite pass.

1.Navigate to the “Object: Satellite” menu option and press “ENTER”.

2.Use the Scroll keys to scroll through the list of satellites.

3.Select a satellite from list and press “ENTER”.

4.“Calculating...” and then “Tracking...” displays. If the satellite is going to make a pass, “Located” displays.

5.Use the Scroll keys to display data about the pass: aos — acquisition of signal and los — loss of signal. If you subtract the aos from the los, you can calculate how long the satellite will be visible. Location information also displays.

6.“Alarm” displays after the location information. Press “ENTER” and LS automatically sets the alarm to sound a minute before the satellite’s scheduled appearance. You may return to regular observations until the alarm goes off.

7.When the alarm goes off, return to the Satellite menu and press a Scroll key until the desired satellite is on the top line of the display.

8.Press “GO TO”, LS slews the telescope to where the satellite should appear. The motor drive stops and a countdown is displayed.

NOTE: If the scheduled appearance position of the satellite is obstructed (i.e., by a building, tree, or hill), press “ENTER” and LS starts to move the telescope along the expected satellite track. Whenthetrackclearstheobstruction,press“ENTER” again to pause the telescope, then continue with this procedure.

9.With about 20 seconds left on the countdown timer, start watching through the telescope Red Dot Finder (Pg. 12, Fig. 2, 16) for the satellite to enter the field of view.

10.When the satellite enters the viewfinder field of view,press“ENTER”.Thetelescopestartstotrack with the satellite.

11.Use the LS Arrow keys to center the object in the viewfinder, then look through the eyepiece to view the object.

Satellite orbits change and new satellites (including the Space Shuttle) are launched. You can use the AutoStar Updater program approximately once a month to get updated information and instructions on how to download this data to LS. If orbital parameters are more than one month old, the satellite pass may not happen at the time predicted by LS. Downloading requires you use a USB cable to connect the telescope to a PC to update the satellite elements.

NOTE: Satellite observing is an exciting challenge. Most satellites are in low orbit, traveling at approximately 17,500 mph. When visible, they move quickly across the sky and are only in the field of view for a few minutes, requiring LS to slew the telescope rapidly. Best viewing is near sunrise or sunset when the sky is dark. Viewing in the middle of the night can be problematic because the satellite may pass overhead, in the Earth’s shadow.

ADVANCED LS FEATURES

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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 Observing Satellites, To view a landmark in the database
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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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