Meade Instruments Corporation - Meade LX200 Instruction Manuals

and the angle the light is coming from) may reveal what would appear to be scratches, dark or bright spots, or just generally uneven coatings, giving the appearance of poor surface quality. These effects are only seen when a high intensity light is transmitted through lenses or reflected off the mirrors, and can be seen on any high quality optical system, including the giant research telescopes in use today. It should be pointed out, however, that optical quality cannot be judged by this grossly misleading "test," but through careful star testing. The Flashlight Test causes even the very best optics to look "terrible."

As the high intensity light passes through the Schmidt corrector plate, most (about 98%+) of it is transmitted through while the rest of the light scatters through the glass. As the light hits the mirrored surfaces, most (about 94%) of it is reflected back while the rest of it scatters across the coatings. The total amount of scattered light will be significant, and its effects allow you to see microscopic details that are normally invisible to the unaided eye. These anomalous details are real, but their combined effects will in no way impose limits on the optical performance, even under the most demanding observing or imaging criteria.

[ toc ] 4. Caution: All LX200 Owners

Serious damage to the drive gears may result from shock in handling, while transporting or commercially shipping the LX200, should the R.A. Lock (7, Fig. 3), and/or the Dec. Lock (2, Fig. 4) be left engaged. Always release the locks when storing in the optional case, or when crating for commercial shipment to allow the telescope to give, if the shipping container is sharply jarred or dropped.

Also, the optical and mechanical axes of all LX200 telescopes have been carefully aligned at the factory to ensure accurate object pointing. Do not loosen or remove the fork arms or optical tube assembly from the drive base; the resulting misalignment of the axes will result in inaccurate slewing of the telescope in the GO TO mode.

[ toc ] 5. Caution: 10" and 12" LX200 Owners

Do not attempt to turn the focuser knob of the optical tube until you have read this note!

Next to the base of the focuser you will see a red-colored slotted head bolt. This bolt is used only for safety in shipment. Remove this bolt before attempting to turn the focuser knob. In its place, insert the rubber plug provided as a dust protector (this rubber plug is included with your hardware package).

Your focuser is now operational.

Warning! The 10" and 12" LX200 should never be commercially shipped without this red-colored bolt in place. This is essential during commercial transport where rough handling may occur. For your personal transport and storage, you will never have to use this bolt again.

a. TO COMMERCIALLY RE-SHIP THE 10" OR 12" LX200, BE SURE TO FOLLOW THIS PROCEDURE:

1.Turn the focuser knob clockwise until it stops. This will bring the primary mirror all the way back in the tube.

2.Remove the rubber plug and insert the red-headed bolt. Thread it in to a firm snug feel. Do not

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Meade instruction manual Toc 4. Caution All LX200 Owners