Important Note:

The Electronic Controllers available for Meade's ETX and DS telescope series are not compatible and will not operate with the LXD75 EC series models. Do not plug in other telescope series' EC handboxes into the LXD75 computer control panel, nor plug the LXD75 EC series handboxes into any other telescope series computer control panel.

Light No.

Light Status

Light 1

On

 

Light 2

Blinking

 

Light 3

Off

 

Light 4

 

Fig 50: Indicator Light Key. The procedures in this manu- al identify the status of the four indicator lights as depict- ed above: on, blinking, or off.

APPENDIX D: EC HANDBOX

1

 

 

 

 

Fast

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

Medium

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moderate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slow

35

4

Fig. 49: Electronic Controller. (1) Arrow Keys; (2) Indicator

Lights; (3) SPEED Key; (4) Coil Cord; (5) MODE Key; (6) OUT

Key; (7) IN Key.

Some LXD75 models (designated with an “EC,” for example, AR-5EC) come equipped with an Electronic Controller (EC) handbox, rather than the Autostar Handbox. The Electronic Controller provides you with the means to control the telescope motors from a compact handbox. The Electronic Controller (Fig. 49) has soft-touch keys designed to have a positive feel, even through gloves.

The primary functions of the Electronic Controller are to move (slew) the telescope to an object, to set operation for the Northern or Southern Hemispheres, and to indicate the slew speed.

Users of the EC models should follow the procedures described in GETTING STARTED, BALANCING THE TELESCOPE, ALIGNING THE VIEWFINDER, CHOOSING AN EYEPIECE, and OBSERVING BY MOVING THE TELESCOPE MANUALLY, pages 11 - 16. Other sec- tions relevant to EC users include: OBSERVE THE MOON and SETTING POLAR HOME POSITION, page 17, and PHOTOGRAPHY, OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, GENERAL

MAINTENANCE, SPECIFICATIONS, and CELESTIAL COORDINATES, pages 36 - 39 and 46 - 51. LATITUDE CHARTS, page 57, and BASIC ASTRONOMY, pages 63 - 64, may also be useful. Note that SLEW SPEEDS, page 16, refers to Autostar functions only. Slew speed functions of the Electronic Controller are covered in this appendix.

The following numbers refer to Fig. 49 above.

1Arrow Keys: Press one of the four Arrow keys to slew the telescope (i.e., up, down, left, and right) at any one of four slew speeds (see SPEED KEY below).

Important Note: If you reverse directions while using the Arrow keys to slew to objects, there may be a slight pause as the telescope motors com- pensate for the reversal of the internal gears.

2Indicator Lights: The four red LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights indicate the cur- rent slew speed of the telescope.

Note: For purposes of this manual, the lights are identified as 1 through 4, with 1 being the top light and 4 being the bottom light.

3SPEED Key: Press SPEED to change the speed at which the telescope slews to an object. Each press of the SPEED key changes the slew speed to the next slower setting. If the controller is already on the slowest slew speed (light 4), pressing SPEED cycles back to the highest speed (light 1). Slew speeds are sig- nified by the indicator lights (2, Fig. 49).

4Coil Cord: Plug into the HBX connector of the Computer Control Panel.

58

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Image 58
Meade LXD75 instruction manual Appendix D EC Handbox
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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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