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

Page 3
Image 3
Meade LXD 75-Series instruction manual Contents

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.