Meade LXD55 Diagonal not shown, achromatic refractor models only Provides a more

Caution: Using products other than standard Meade accessories may cause dam- age to the telescope’s inter- nal electronics and may void the Meade warranty.

dWant to learn more about the eyepieces available for your

LXD55-Series tele- scope?

See OPTIONAL

ACCESSORIES, page

37.

eWant to learn more about aligning the viewfinder? See page 14.

hWant to learn more about attaching the viewfinder? See page 12.

1! Want to learn more about assembling your telescope?

See ASSEMBLING

YOUR TELESCOPE,

page 11.

1@ EC Handbox users,

see Appendix D, page 55, for more informa- tion.

LXD55-Series:Your Personal Window to the Universe

The Meade LXD55-Series models are versatile, high-resolution telescopes. Supplied with either an Electronic Controller or an Autostar handbox, the LXD55-Series models offer unmatched mechanical and electronic performance.

The LXD55-Series telescopes reveal nature in an ever-expanding level of detail. Observe the feather structure of an eagle from 50 yards or study the rings of the plan- et Saturn from a distance of 800 million miles. Focus beyond the Solar System and observe majestic nebulae, ancient star clusters, and remote galaxies. Meade LXD55- Series telescopes are instruments fully capable of growing with your interest and can meet the requirements of the most demanding advanced observer.

Refer to Figures 1a through 1e for the following features:

BEyepiece Thumbscrew: Tightens the eyepiece (see d) in place. Tighten to a firm feel only.

CEyepiece Holder: Holds eyepiece in place. Holders supplied for both 1.25" and 2" eyepieces.

Diagonal (not shown, achromatic refractor models only): Provides a more

comfortable right-angle viewing position. Slide the diagonal directly into the eye- piece holder (see c) and tighten the thumbscrew on the eyepiece holder to a firm feel only. See page 13 for a photo and more information.

DEyepiece: Place the supplied Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece into the eyepiece

holder or the diagonal and tighten in place with the eyepiece thumbscrew (see b). The eyepiece magnifies the image collected in the optical tube.

8 x 50mm (achromatic refractors models) or 6 x 30mm (Schmidt-Newtonian

models) Viewfinder: A low-power, wide-field sighting scope with crosshairs that enables easy centering of objects in the telescope eyepiece (see d).

Viewfinder Collimation Screws (6): Use these screws to adjust the alignment of the viewfinder.

Viewfinder Front Cell and Locking Ring: Adjust the front cell to focus the viewfinder. See step 3, page 14 for more details. The viewfinder is supplied with a small dust cover placed over the front cell.

Viewfinder Bracket: Holds the viewfinder in place.

Focus Knobs: Moves the telescope’s focuser drawtube in a finely-controlled motion to achieve precise image focus. The LXD55-Seriestelescopes can be focused on objects from a distance of about 75 ft. to infinity. Rotate the focus knobs to focus on objects.

Corrector/Dust Cover: Place the dust cover (not visible in photo) over the cor- rector when storing the telescope.

Note: The dust cover should be replaced after each observing session and the power turned off to the telescope. Allow time for any dew that might have collected during the observing session to evaporate prior to replacing the dust cover.

1) Optical Tube: The main optical component that gathers the light from distant objects and brings this light to a focus for examination through the eyepiece.

1! Cradle Assembly: Attaches to mount base. See 1# and 1$.

1@ Autostar: See pages 9 and 10 for a description of features.

1# Cradle Ring Lock Knobs (2) and Washers (2): Slide washers onto lock knobs before inserting. Tighten to a firm feel to secure the optical tube in place.

1$ Cradle Rings (2): Part of the cradle assembly (see 1!); hold the optical tube firm- ly in place.

6