Meade LX90GPS Getting Started, How to Attach the Tripod to the Telescope Assembly

GETTING STARTED

Getting the telescope ready for first observations requires only a few minutes. When first opening the packing box, note carefully the following parts:

•LX90 Telescope with fork mount system and attached SmartFinder

•AutoStar handbox and interface coil cord

•Eyepiece holder and 1.25” diagonal prism

•8 x 50 Viewfinder

•Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece

•Variable height tripod and mounting base

•Set of hex wrenches and a plastic bag containing a “C” clip and a washer

How to Attach the Tripod to the Telescope Assembly

The telescope’s fork mount attaches directly to the field tripod. The telescope in this way is mounted in an “Altazimuth” (“Altitude-Azimuth,” or “vertical-horizontal”) format. The telescope in this configuration moves along vertical and horizontal axes, corresponding respectively to the Declination (vertical) and Right Ascension (horizontal) axes in an astronomical observing mode.

The field tripod also can be used in conjunction with the optional equatorial wedge (see EQUATORIAL WEDGE, page 52) for long exposure astrophotography. The equatorial wedge per- mits alignment of the telescope’s Polar Axis with the Celestial Pole (or North Star).

1.After removing the field tripod from its shipping carton, stand the tripod vertically, with the tripod feet down and with the tripod still fully collapsed (see Fig. 3). Grasp two of the tri- pod legs and, with the full weight of the tripod on the third leg, gently pull the legs apart to a fully open position.

2.Thread in the 6 lock-knobs (2 on each tripod leg) near the foot of each tripod leg (Fig. 3). These lock-knobs are used to fix the height of the inner, extendible tripod leg sections.

NOTE: Tightening to a firm-feel is sufficient; over-tightening may result in stripping of the knob threads or damage to the tripod legs and results in no additional strength.

3.The spreader bar (4, Fig. 3) has been removed for shipment. To install, first remove the threaded rod (2, Fig.3) from the tripod head (1, Fig. 3); a small piece of plastic holds the threaded rod in place. Remove the small plastic bag that is stapled to the threaded rod. This bag contains the “C” clip retainer and an extra clip.

4.Slide the washer followed by the spreader bar onto the threaded rod (note the correct ori- entation as shown in Fig. 4) and position the threaded rod back through the tripod head. Place the clip retainer ( a “C” clip) into the slot in the threaded rod. This clip holds the thread- ed rod in place. See Fig. 3.

5.Position the spreader bar so that the 3 arms of the spreader bar line up with the 3 tripod legs.

1	4
2
3	6

5

Fig. 3: Field Tripod. (1) Tripod Head;

(2)Threaded Rod; (3) Tension Knob;

(4)Spreader Bar; (5) Lock Knobs;

Fig. 4: Attaching the telescope to the tripod. Note the orientation of the spreader bar.

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