Meade LXD 75 instruction manual Contents

Models: LXD 75

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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

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Meade LXD 75 instruction manual Contents

LXD 75 specifications

The Meade LXD 75 is an advanced telescope mount designed for both amateur and professional astronomers looking to explore the wonders of the night sky. Known for its precision and ease of use, the LXD 75 offers several features and technologies that make it a standout choice for astrophotography and visual observation alike.

At the heart of the Meade LXD 75 is its robust equatorial mount, which provides stable tracking of celestial objects. This mount is both lightweight and durable, allowing for easy transport to observing sites. The equatorial design is especially beneficial for astrophotography, as it compensates for the Earth's rotation, enabling longer exposure times without the trailing effects commonly associated with less sophisticated mounts.

One of the most notable features of the LXD 75 is its dual-axis tracking system. This system allows users to electronically control the telescope's movements along both the right ascension and declination axes. The built-in Data Sky control panel is user-friendly, offering intuitive access to a wealth of astronomical data, including over 30,000 celestial objects. This makes locating and tracking objects in the sky simpler and more efficient.

The LXD 75 also supports a variety of telescope configurations, accommodating optical tubes up to 10 inches in diameter. This versatility makes it suitable for a range of viewing preferences, from planetary observations to deep-sky astrophotography. The mount's heavy-duty construction ensures it can handle the weight of larger telescopes while maintaining stability.

In terms of technology, the Meade LXD 75 is equipped with AutoStar computer technology. This innovative feature enables automatic location and tracking of celestial bodies using a simple pointing and clicking interface. Users can also create custom observing lists, making it easier to plan and execute dedicated viewing sessions.

Additionally, the LXD 75 boasts robust connectivity options, including the ability to integrate with a wide range of imaging software and accessories, making it a great choice for those interested in advanced astrophotography techniques. The mount's compatibility with Meade's own range of cameras and filters further enhances its potential for capturing stunning images of the universe.

In conclusion, the Meade LXD 75 is a well-rounded telescope mount that combines advanced technology with user-friendly features. Its equatorial design, dual-axis tracking, and AutoStar system make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced astronomers. Whether for visual observation or astrophotography, the LXD 75 offers the performance and versatility to enhance any stargazing experience.