Meade LXD 75 instruction manual C D E, Balancing the Telescope

Thumbscrew

Eyepiece

Holder

Fig. 10a: Insert eyepiece into holder and tighten thumbscrews.

Eyepiece

Thumbscrews

1b) into the the diagonal. Tighten the diagonal's thumbscrews to a firm feel to secure the eyepiece.

Note: Two eyepiece holders are included with your telescope—for both 1.25" and 2" eyepieces. To change eyepiece holders, unscrew the attached holder from the focuser and thread on the other holder.

11.Adjust the height of the tripod: Adjust the height of the tripod by loosening the tripod lock knobs (Fig. 11). Extend the sliding inner section of each tripod leg to the desired length; then tighten each knob. Adjust the tripod to a height that is comfortable for viewing.

12.Install Batteries: Insert eight (user-supplied) D-size batteries into the battery holder, oriented as shown in the diagram on the battery slots of the holder. Plug the battery pack into the 12v DC connector (B, Fig. 1e) on the computer control panel. See Fig. 12.

Caution: Use care to install batteries as indicated by the battery com- partment. Follow battery manufacturer's precautions. Do not install bat- teries 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. Always remove the batteries if they are not to be used for a long period of time.

Diagonal

Holder

A B C D E

Fig. 10b: Insert eyepiece into diagonal and tighten thumbscrews.

Leg

Lock

Knob

Fig. 11: Adjust the tripod height using the leg lock knobs.

Fig. 12: Battery holder.

Reticle LED

Fig. 13: Reticle assembly.

Fig. 13b: Reticle LED assembly: (A) Reticle Container; (B) LED;

(C)Batteries; (D) Battery Holder; (E) Cap.

13.Remove Plastic Strip from Reticle LED: The polar alignment reticle LED (30, Fig. 1d) contains two watch batteries. The reticle's LED is shipped with a plastic strip between the two batteries to protect battery life. Unthread both the cap (E). Remove the plastic strip before using. Refer to the reticle assembly in Fig. 13b and note the orientation of the batteries. Place the batteries (C) into the battery holder (D) before inserting into the reticle container (A).

Note: Remember to turn off the LED when you are not using the reticle.

14.Plug in Autostar or EC Handbox: Plug the Autostar or EC handbox cable into the HBX port (A, Fig. 1e).

Balancing the Telescope

In order for the telescope to be stable on the tripod and also for it to move smoothly, it must be balanced. To balance the telescope, unlock the Right Ascension or R.A. lock (33, Fig. 1d). When this axis is unlocked, the telescope pivots on the R.A. axis. Later in the procedure, you will also unlock the Declination or Dec. lock (17, Fig. 1d). When unlocked, the telescope pivots on the Dec. axis. Most of the motion of the telescope takes place by moving about these two axes, separately or simultaneously. Try to become familiar with these locks and observe how the telescope moves on each axis. To obtain a fine balance of the telescope, follow the method below:

1.Firmly hold the optical tube secure so that it cannot accidentally swing freely. Loosen the R.A. lock (33, Fig. 1d). The optical tube now moves freely about the R.A. axis. Rotate the telescope so that the counterweight shaft (22, Fig. 1d) is parallel (horizontal) to the ground.

2.Unlock the counterweight lock knob and slide the counterweight (21, Fig. 1d) along the counterweight shaft until the telescope remains in one position without tending to drift down in either direction. Then re-tighten the counterweight lock knob, locking the counterweight in position.

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