Fig. 45: Position A.

Fig. 46: Position B.

Fig. 47: Cradle adjustment screws.

Important Note: The image will appear right-side-up, but reversed left-for- right, in the eyepiece of a refractor telescope. The image will appear upside-down, but correct left-for-right, in the eyepiece of a Schmidt- Newtonian telescope, if the eyepiece extends horizontally from the tube, as described in Step #3.

5.Loosen the R.A. Lock (Tip: Make sure you do not accidentally loosen the Dec. Lock. If you do, restart the procedure beginning at Step #2). Rotate the telescope 180° in the R.A. axis ONLY, until the optical tube is in position B. See Fig. 46. Note the position of your target in the eyepiece.

6.Using the Autostar Up and Down Arrow keys ONLY, move the optical tube in Dec. axis until your target is HALFWAY back to the center of the eyepiece.

7.Rotate the telescope 180° in the R.A. axis ONLY, to return the optical tube to posi- tion A. Verify that your target is in the same location in the eyepiece vertically as in the previous step (that is, it is not higher or lower or absent from the eyepiece). Ignore side-to-side misalignment (that is, if it has moved to the right or left).

8.Repeat steps 6 and 7, if necessary, alternating positions A and B, until the hori- zontal object is in the same vertical location in the eyepiece in both positions.

9.The Dec. optical axis is now calibrated to be at 90 degrees. For Procedure #2, DO NOT adjust the declination of the optical tube, either manually or with the handbox.

Procedure #2: To correct for elevation misalignment

After performing the attitude correction, select an object that is at a very great distance (at least a mile away) to approximate infinity. Ideally, the object should be unique, with several identifiable objects to the left and right of it.

1.Rotate the mount about the R.A. axis only and move the optical tube to position A.

2.WITHOUT moving the declination axis from its position determined in the previ- ous alignment, adjust the legs, latitude, and azimuth of the tripod to center the object in the eyepiece.

Procedure #2: Step 2

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

3.Rotate the telescope 180° in the R.A. axis ONLY, until optical tube is in position B.

4.Observe the position of the object in the eyepiece. Assuming that the declination was properly set in the previous procedure, the object should have moved only horizontally (that is, side-to-side) from its original position. It may be out of the eyepiece altogether.

5.Using the adjustment mechanism on the bottom of the cradle (Fig. 47), move the reference object approximately half the distance towards the center of the eye- piece.

To adjust the cradle screws, use the supplied hex key to loosen the two outside screws. Then adjust the position of the object by tightening or loosening the cen- ter screw. Perform this adjustment on both sets of screws. When finished, retight- en the outer screws.

Before moving the optical tube, note the location that the telescope is centered on relative to the reference object. Depending on the telescope type and acces- sories in use, you may need to move the optical tube opposite to the direction that appears in the eyepiece. The best way to be sure is to move the optical tube (using the cradle screws) a little, and verify that the correct direction was moved through the eyepiece.

6.WITHOUT moving the declination axis from its position determined in the previ- ous alignment, and WITHOUT adjusting the cradle position further, adjust the legs, latitude, and azimuth of the tripod to center the object in the eyepiece again.

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Meade LXD75 instruction manual Procedure #2 To correct for elevation misalignment, Position a
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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.
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