WARNING!

Never use a Meade® LXD75™-SeriesTelescope to look at the Sun! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irre- versible damage to your eye. Eye damage is often painless, so there is no warning to the observer that damage has occurred until it is too late. Do not point the telescope or its viewfinder at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope or its viewfinder as it is moving. Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

CAUTION: Use care to install batteries in the orientation indicated by the illustration in the battery slots of the battery holder. Follow battery manufacturer's precautions. Do not install batteries 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.

®The name "Meade," "Autostar" and the Meade logo are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent Office and in principal countries throughout the world. "LXD75," "Autostar Suite," and “LPI” are trademarks of Meade Instruments Corporation.

Patents:

US 6,304,376

US 6,392,799

US 6,563,636

D422,610 Patent Pending

© 2004 Meade Instruments Corporation.

CONTENTS

 

Telescope Features

4

Autostar Features

9

Getting Started

11

Unpacking and Assembly

11

How to Assemble Your Telescope

11

Balancing the Telescope

13

Aligning the Viewfinder

14

Choosing an Eyepiece

14

Observing By Moving the Telescope Manually

15

Activate the Arrow Keys

16

Slew Speeds

16

Observe the Moon

17

Tracking Objects

17

Setting the Polar Home Position

17

Observe a Star Using Automatic Tracking

18

Using Autostar's GO TO Capabilities

18

Moving Through Autostar’s Menus

19

Initializing Autostar

19

Training the Drive

20

Easy Alignment

21

Go To Saturn

21

Using the Guided Tour

22

Basic Autostar Operation

23

Autostar Navigation Exercise

23

Entering Data into Autostar

24

Navigating Autostar

24

Autostar's Menus

25

Object Menu

26

Event Menu

27

Glossary Menu

27

Utilities Menu

27

Setup Menu

28

Useful Autostar Features

32

Adding Observing Sites

32

Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the Libraries....

33

Observing Satellites

34

Landmarks

34

To Check on Available Memory

35

Photography

36

Optional Accessories

37

Maintenance and Collimation

40

Specifications

46

Appendix A: Celestial Coordinates

50

Locating the Celestial Pole

51

One- And Two-Star Polar Alignment

51

Appendix B: Enhancing Pointing Precision

52

The Polar Alignment Viewfinder

52

Three-Star Alignment Method #1

52

Axis Alignment Method #2

53

Axis Alignment Method #3

55

Smart Drive Training (PEC) Method #4

56

Appendix C: Latitude Chart

57

Appendix D: EC Handbox

58

Appendix E: Mounting the Model SC-8 Optical Tube ....

62

Appendix F: Basic Astronomy

63

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Meade LXD75 instruction manual Contents

LXD75 specifications

The Meade LXD75 series represents a remarkable range of telescopes designed for both amateur astronomers and advanced users seeking high-quality performance at an affordable price. Known for its robust construction and innovative technology, the LXD75 aims to provide a user-friendly experience while catering to the demands of stargazers looking for sophistication in their equipment.

One of the main features of the LXD75 is its advanced German equatorial mount, which provides exceptional stability and tracking accuracy. This mount is equipped with dual-axis servo motors facilitating smooth movements, making it easy to locate and follow celestial objects. The LXD75 also includes a built-in autostar system featuring a database of over 30,000 celestial objects, allowing users to effortlessly navigate the night sky with a push of a button.

The LXD75 series includes several models, each with different optical configurations to suit the preferences of various users. The telescopes come with either an achromatic refractor or Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design, providing clear and bright images. The Schmidt-Cassegrain models offer a compact design with a fast focal ratio, making them excellent for both astrophotography and visual observation.

In terms of build, the Meade LXD75 features high-quality optics with multi-coated lenses, reducing glare and enhancing light transmission. This results in sharper and brighter images, making it easier to observe delicate details on planets, the moon, and deep-sky objects. The telescope tubes are crafted from durable materials, ensuring longevity and resilience against the elements.

Another characteristic worth noting is the ease of setup and operation. The LXD75 mount comes equipped with adjustable legs and can be easily assembled, requiring minimal tools. The intuitive control system also features a user-friendly interface, allowing both novices and experienced astronomers to operate the telescope with confidence.

For astrophotography enthusiasts, the LXD75 provides excellent support, with a wide range of accessories available to enhance imaging capabilities. The mount can accommodate various cameras, providing flexibility for capturing stunning astronomical photographs.

In summary, the Meade LXD75 series delivers a robust combination of features, technologies, and characteristics designed to meet the needs of both amateur and advanced astronomers. With its reliable mount, quality optics, and ease of use, the LXD75 ensures that stargazers can enjoy the wonders of the universe with clarity and precision.