Note: Three other align- ment methods, One-Star, Two-Star and Three-Star Polar alignment, are available as options in the "Setup: Align" menu. See page 51 and page 55 for more information.

Tip:

The GO TO key also allows you to perform a "spiral search." A spiral search is useful when the telescope slews to an object, but that object is not visible in the eyepiece after the telescope finishes its search. (This some- times occurs during an alignment procedure.)

Press GO TO when the telescope stops slewing. The telescope begins to move in a spiral pattern at a very slow speed (you may change the slew speed if you wish—see SLEW SPEEDS, page 16) around the search area. Look through the eyepiece and when the object does become visible, press MODE to stop the spiral search. Then use the Arrow keys to center the object.

15."Drive Setup: For this...." begins to scroll across the display. This is another reminder to point your telescope at a terrestrial object. Loosen the R.A. and Dec. locks (17 and 33, Fig. 1d) and point the telescope at an object. Then re-tighten the locks. Press ENTER when the telescope is pointing at the desired terrestrial object.

16."Center reference object" displays. Center your target object using the Arrow keys. When centered, press ENTER.

17. The telescope slews and "Press V until it is centered" displays. Press the Up Arrow key until the target is centered again. Then press ENTER.

18.The telescope slews and "Press V until it is centered" displays. Press the Down Arrow key until the target is centered again. Then press ENTER. "Train Drive: Alt/Dec Train" displays again. You have now completed this procedure. Continue onto the next procedure, EASY ALIGNMENT.

Easy Alignment (Autostar Models Only)

After completing the "Train the Drive" procedure, align your telescope using Autostar. The fastest and easiest way to start observing with Autostar's Go To capabilities is to align your telescope using the Easy Alignment.

1.Keep pressing MODE until "Select Item: Setup" is displayed. Press ENTER.

2."Setup: Align" displays. Press ENTER. "Align: Easy" displays. Press ENTER.

3."German North" displays and a scrolling message prompts you to set your tele- scope in the polar home position. See SETTING THE POLAR HOME POSITION, page 17, for a description of this procedure. Press ENTER after you finish the proce- dure.

4.Autostar then chooses two stars from its database to align upon. When the tele- scope slews to the star for alignment, it may not appear in the field of view in the eyepiece. Use the Arrow keys to move the telescope until the star is visible and centered in the eyepiece. The alignment star should be easily recognized and be the brightest star in the area of the sky where the telescope is pointing. See WHICH ONE'S THE ALIGNMENT STAR, page 18, for more information. When the star is cen- tered, press ENTER. Repeat the procedure for the second alignment star.

Note: Autostar locates alignment stars based on the date, time, and loca- tion entered. The alignment stars may change from night to night. All that is required is for the observer to center the selected star in the eyepiece when prompted.

Go To Saturn (Autostar Models Only)

After performing the Train the Drive and the Easy Alignment procedures, the motor drive begins operating and the telescope is aligned for a night of viewing. Objects in the eyepiece should maintain (i.e., track) their position even though the Earth is rotat- ing beneath the stars.

Important Note: Once aligned, only use the Autostar menus or Arrow keys to move the telescope. Do not loosen the telescope locks, or move the base manually, or alignment will be lost.

This exercise demonstrates how to select an object for viewing from Autostar’s data- base, i.e., Saturn. Note that Saturn is not visible all year long and it may be necessary for you to choose another object from Autostar's database. However, the procedure will be identical to the one used for observing Saturn.

1.After the telescope is aligned, “Select Item: Object” displays. Press ENTER. If

“Select Item: Object” is not currently displayed, press MODE repeatedly until it displays, then press ENTER.

2.“Object: Solar System” displays. Press ENTER.

3.“Solar System: Mercury” displays. Use the Scroll Down key until “Solar System: Saturn” displays.

4.Press ENTER. “Calculating” displays. Then “Saturn” and a set of coordinates dis-

plays. Saturn’s (and other planets’) coordinates change throughout the year.

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Meade LXD 75-Series instruction manual Easy Alignment Autostar Models Only, Go To Saturn Autostar Models Only
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LXD 75-Series specifications

The Meade LXD 75-Series telescopes represent a significant advancement in amateur astronomy technology, combining ease of use with professional-grade features. Designed for both novice and experienced astronomers, the LXD 75-Series offers sophisticated tracking capabilities and a range of optical tube assemblies, making it a versatile choice for stargazers.

One of the most notable features of the LXD 75-Series is its advanced German equatorial mount, which provides precise tracking of celestial objects. This mount is equipped with digital setting circles and a built-in autoguider port, allowing users to take long-exposure astrophotography without the hassle of manual adjustments. The telescope's mount is designed to be sturdy yet lightweight, enhancing portability for backyard observations or remote excursions.

The optical tube assemblies available in the LXD 75-Series include both refractor and reflector designs, allowing astronomers to choose according to their preferences. Refractors provide crisp, high-contrast images ideal for planetary observations, while reflectors excel in deep-sky viewing, revealing the nuances of nebulae and galaxy structures. The series typically offers apertures ranging from 6 to 10 inches, giving users the flexibility to select a model that best suits their observational needs.

Another feature that stands out in the LXD 75-Series is its user-friendly GoTo system. This system utilizes a database containing thousands of celestial objects and employs sophisticated software to navigate the night sky effortlessly. With a simple push of a button, users can locate and track objects, making the stargazing experience more engaging and less intimidating for beginners.

The LXD 75-Series also emphasizes durability and ease of assembly. The telescopes are designed for quick setup, with intuitive components that make it easy to get started in minutes. Additionally, the quality of craftsmanship ensures longevity, which is vital for a reliable observational tool.

In conclusion, the Meade LXD 75-Series stands out for its combination of advanced technologies and user-centric designs. With powerful tracking capabilities, versatile optical options, and an easy-to-use GoTo system, these telescopes cater to the diverse needs of astronomical enthusiasts. Whether for casual observation or serious astrophotography, the LXD 75-Series proves to be a stellar option for those looking to explore the wonders of the universe.
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