13
Notes Concerning the Tripod:
If the tripod does not seem to extend or collapse easily, do not force the
tripod legs in or out.By following the instructions above, the tripod will func-
tion properly, but if you are unclear on the proper procedure, forcing the tri-
pod into an incorrect position may damage the extension strut system.
Do not overtighten the 6 lock-knobs used to fix the inner tripod leg sections
at various heights.Tighten to a firm feel only.
Be sure the spreader bar (4, Fig. 3) is not upside-down on the threaded
rod.
How to Assemble Your Telescope
Assembly of the LX200GPS telescope requires eight C-cell (user-supplied) batteries or
the optional #547 Power Adapter with Cable connected to a standard 115v home outlet
or to an optional #607 Cigarette Lighter Adapter (see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page
43). Plug an adapter into the 12vDC In port of the computer control panel (13B, Fig. 1).
To install batteries:
1. Position the optical tube: Turn the Dec. lock (17, Fig. 1) counterclockwise to
unlock the the optical tube (19, Fig. 1) and move it through the fork arms. Move
the optical tube to the position depicted in Fig.1 and turn the Dec. lock clockwise
to a firm feel to relock the position of the optical tube.
2. Install batteries: Remove the battery compartment covers (8, Fig. 1) and care-
fully remove the battery holders, being mindful of the connector wires. Insert four
user-supplied C-cell batteries into each battery holder, oriented as shown on the
diagram on the battery slots inside the battery holder. Return the battery holders
to their respective compartments and replace the covers. (See Fig. 5.)
3. Plug in the Autostar II handbox: Be certain that the power switch on the com-
puter control panel (13A,Fig.1) is in the OFF position. Plug the coil cord of the
Autostar II handbox into the HBX port (13F,Fig. 1).
Note: The Autostar II handbox and the microfocuser do not require bat-
teries; the telescope supplies their power.
4. Attach microfocuser: Remove the dust cap from the rear cell port (5, Fig. 1) of
the telescope. Thread the microfocuser adapter (B,Fig. 6) onto the rear cell port
thread. Slide the microfocuser (C, Fig. 6) over the microfocuser adapter and
tighten the three hex screws (K, Fig. 6) using the provided hex key.
Caution:
Use care to install batteries
as indicated by the battery
compartment. Follow bat-
tery manufacturer's pre-
cautions.Do not install bat-
teries backwards or mix
new and used batteries.Do
not mix battery types. If
these precautions are not
followed, batteries may
explode, catch fire, or leak.
Improperly installed batter-
ies void your Meade war-
ranty.Always remove the
batteries if they are not to
be used for a long period
of time.
Fig. 5: Battery installation.
Fig. 6: Microfocuser and eyepiece assembly.(A) Rear cell of telescope (shown separate
from the telescope assembly for the sake of clarity, see 5,Fig. 1); (B) Microfocuser
adapter; (C) Microfocuser; (D) 1.25" accessory adapter.SC accessor y adapter (L) may be
used in this position instead if Schmidt-Cassegrain accessories are being used.Do not use
either adapter if using a 2" diagonal diagonal mirror; (E) Eyepiece holder thumbscrew;(F)
Eyepiece;(G) 1.25 "Diagonal Prism. 2" diagonal mirror may also be used in this position
(12" models); (H) Adapter Thumbscrew; (I) Microfocuser Thumbscrews; (J) Microfocuser
bearings; (K) Hex screws;(L) Microfocuser SC Accessory Adapter (see margin note).
OR
Note:
The microfocuser is
shipped with the microfo-
cuser adapter (B) threaded
to the SC accessory
adapter (L).Unthread the
adapters from each other
before attaching the micro-
focuser.
Tip:
Although you can set up
the telescope to face any
direction to perform
Automatic Alignment, you
will achieve optimal per-
formance when the com-
puter control panel faces
South.
Note:
14" LX200GPS model users,
see page 66 for informa-
tion on battery installation.