2( Want to learn more
about the polar align- ment viewfinder?
See the The Polar
Alignment Viewfinder,
page 50.
4!
Fig. 1f: The
4! Want to learn how to
install the batteries?
See step 12, page 13.
Caution: Use care to install batteries as indicat- ed by the battery com- partment. Follow battery manufacturer's precau- tions. Do not install batter- ies 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 batteries void your Meade warranty. Always remove the batteries if they are not to be used for a long period of time.
2( Polar Alignment Viewfinder: Allows you to precisely polar align the telescope. Useful when performing astrophotography. See page 50.
3) Polar Alignment Viewfinder Reticle and LED Knob: Rotate the knob to switch on or off the LED that illuminates the reticle within the polar alignment finder. Be sure to turn off the LED when finished with the polar viewfinder. Powered by (fac-
3! Right Ascension (R.A.) Setting Circle: See APPENDIX A, page 48, for more
information.
3@ R.A. Setting Circle Lock Knob: Rotate the knob to lock the R.A. Setting Circle (see 3!) in place.
3# R.A. Lock: Controls the manual movement of the telescope. Turning the R.A. lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the R.A. axis. Turning the R.A. lock clockwise (to a firm feel only) tightens the lock and prevents the telescope from being moved manually, but engages the R.A. motor drive (see 2%) for Autostar or EC handbox operation.
3$ Dec. Motor Drive Assembly: Controlled by Autostar or the EC handbox. Moves the optical tube along the Dec. axis. The Dec. Lock (see 1&) must be tightened to a firm feel in order for the Dec. motor to operate.
3% Tripod Leg Adjustment Knobs (3): Tighten to a firm feel to secure tripod legs.
3^ Variable Height Tripod Legs (3): Supports the telescope mount. Note that one legs has a star stamped on top of it. This leg must be pointed North (South in the Southern hemisphere) during the alignment procedure. The mount attaches to the top of the tripod.
3& Accessory tray: Set extra eyepieces and other accessory on this convenient tray.
3* Tripod Leg Braces (3): Make the tripod more secure and stable. See Fig. 3.
3( Accessory Tray Thumbscrew: Attach on the top side of the tray and tighten to a firm feel to secure the tray to the tripod and keep the tripod stable. See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 11 for more information.
4) Tripod Leg Lock Knobs (one on each leg): Loosen these knobs to slide the inner leg extension. Tighten the knobs to a firm feel to lock in the height of the tri- pod.
4! Battery Pack and holder (see Fig. 1f): Plug into the 12v DC power connector (B, Fig. 1e) of the computer control panel. Insert 8
LXD55 TIPS
Join an Astronomy Club, Attend a Star Party
One of the best ways to increase your knowledge of astronomy is to join an astronomy club. Check your local newspaper, school, library, or telescope dealer/store to find out if there’s a club in your area.
At club meetings, you will meet other astronomy and Meade enthusiasts with whom you will be able to share your discoveries. Clubs are an excellent way to learn more about observing the sky, to find out where the best observing sites are, and to compare notes about telescopes, eyepieces, filters, tripods, and so forth.
Often, club members are excellent astrophotographers. Not only will you be able to see examples of their art, but you may even be able to pick up some “tricks of the trade” to try out on your
Many groups also hold regularly scheduled Star Parties at which you can check out and observe with many different telescopes and other pieces of astronomical equipment. Magazines such as Sky & Telescope and Astronomy print schedules for many popular Star Parties around the United States and Canada.
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