Meade Instruments Corporation

 

 

 

 

FC

35-4702-00 CC

 

 

 

 

 

Tested to comply

 

 

B

 

with FCC Standards

 

C

A

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

B

Fig. 51: Mode screws on rear of Electronic Controller. (1) Mode Screw A; (2) Mode Screw B.

Definition: Sidereal. As the Earth rotates beneath the night sky, the stars appear to move from East toWest. The speed at which the stars move is called the side- real rate. You can setup your telescope to move at the sidereal rate so that it automatically tracks the stars and other objects in the night sky. The tracking function automatically keeps an object more or less cen- tered in the telescope’s eyepiece.

See pages 17 and 18 for more information.

5MODE Key: Press and hold MODE to place the Electronic Controller into the Mode function, i.e., to select operation for the Northern or Southern Hemisphere. See TRACKING RATES, page 60.

6OUT Key: Use this key to decrease the tracking rate. See TRACKING RATES, page 60.

7IN Key: Use this key to increase the tracking rate. See TRACKING RATES, page 60.

Modes of Operation

When both the A and B screws are in place, the Northern hemisphere polar mode is selected when power is applied (i.e., the motor drive is activated for operation in the Earth’s Northern Hemisphere). This is the factory default mode.

Remove mode screw B (2, Fig. 51) to make the Southern Hemisphere polar mode the automatic default of the Electronic Controller when power is applied (i.e., the motor drive is activated for operation in the Earth’s Southern Hemisphere ).

Remove mode screw A to disable the tracking function. Select either the Northern hemisphere polar mode or the Southern Hemisphere polar mode, as described above, to make the tracking function available. See CHANGING THE POLAR MODE, page 61, for more information.

Note: Removing either A or B screw affects only the telescope’s default mode; you may still make mode changes when desired using the MODE key.

Slew Speeds

The Electronic Controller has four slew speeds that are directly proportional to the sidereal rate. Press SPEED to change the slew speed (use the Arrow keys to slew the telescope in the desired direction). Note each slew speed corresponds to one of the four LED's of the Electronic Controller.

Light 1 (top LED): The fastest speed. Use to move the telescope quickly from one point in the sky to another.

Light 2: Best for centering an object in the viewfinder.

Light 3: Best for centering an object in the field of a low-to-moderate power eyepiece, such as the standard SP 26mm.

Light 4: The slowest speed. Use to center an object in the field of view of high-power eyepieces, such as the optional 6.7mm or 12.4mm.

The four available speeds are:

Light 1 =1200 x sidereal (300 arc-min/sec or 5°/sec)

Light 2 = 32 x sidereal (8 arc-min/sec)

Light 3 = 8 x sidereal (2 arc-min/sec)

Light 4 = 2 x sidereal (0.5 arc-min/sec )

The two slowest speeds (2x and 8x sidereal) can be used for manual tracking of astronomical objects while observing through the eyepiece.

To move the telescope using the Electronic Controller:

1.Insert a low-power eyepiece (e.g., SP 26mm) into the eyepiece holder (2, Fig. 1) and tighten the eyepiece thumbscrew (1, Fig. 1).

2.Tighten the R.A. and Dec. locks (17 and 33, Fig. 1), if necessary.

3.Verify that the On/Off switch (24D, Fig. 1) on the telescope’s Computer Control panel is off.

4.Plug in the Electronic Controller coil cord (4, Fig. 49) to the HBX port (24A, Fig. 1) on the Computer Control panel.

5.Flip the power switch to ON. The LED (24C, Fig. 1) on the Computer Control panel lights.. The Speed indicators lights will cycle off and on in sequence.

6.Press any key on the Electronic Controller and the telescope slews momentarily in the vertical and horizontal directions to test the motors.

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Page 59
Image 59
Meade LXD 75-Series Modes of Operation, Slew Speeds, To move the telescope using the Electronic Controller

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.