Reticle LED Knob

Eyepiece

Fig. 43: The polar alignment viewfinder.

Fig. 44: The view inside the polar alignment viewfinder reticle.

APPENDIX B: ENHANCING POINTING PRECISION

The Polar Alignment Viewfinder

Typically Autostar's pointing capabilities are sufficient for most telescope observers, and the use of the polar alignment viewfinder is unnecessary for them. However, for those observers who need to meet the more demanding requirements of astropho- tography, the polar alignment viewfinder allows the telescope mount to be more pre- cisely aligned with true North. The polar alignment viewfinder contains a reticle, lit by an LED (Figs. 43 and 44).

To align your telescope to North using the polar alignment viewfinder:

1.Set your telescope in the home position (see page 17). Then loosen the Dec. lock (17, Fig. 1d) and rotate the optical tube 90°. Re-tighten the Dec. Lock.

2.Loosen the R.A. Lock (33, Fig. 1d).

3.Remove the polar viewfinder cap (18, Fig. 1d).

4.If you have not already done so, remove the plastic separating the watch batter- ies inside the polar alignment reticle. See step 12, page 13.

5.Turn the polar alignment reticle LED knob to turn on the LED and look through the reticle.

6.Northern Hemisphere: Move the telescope mount until Polaris is superimposed on the graduated area of the reticle (between 40' and 60'). The center crosshair denotes the North celestial pole. Southern Hemisphere: The four-sided figure in the reticle represents a grouping of four stars in Octantis (Sigma, Tau, Chi, and Upsilon) for use in the Southern Hemisphere. Move the telescope mount on its R.A. axis until the four stars depicted in the reticle are superimposed on the four star group that matches the reticle pattern.

7.Use the latitude T-handle screws (26, Fig. 1d) and the fine azimuth control knobs (27, Fig. 1d) to fine tune the mount adjustment until the reticle pattern is more precisely superimposed over the appropriate position as described in step 6.

Note: Not all pointing positions are possible with the polar alignment reticle, as the tripod is a limiting factor as to how far the optical tube and mount can be moved.

8.Tighten the R.A. Lock (33, Fig. 1d). Return the optical tube to the home position. Note: Remember to turn off the polar alignment reticle LED.

Enhancement Methods

Autostar provides four methods of enhancing your telescope’s pointing precision:

#1: Three-Star Alignment, #2: Axis Alignment #3: Axis Alignment with Autostar and

#4: Smart Drive Training (Periodic Error Correction).

Method #1 is recommended for all users, but especially for the beginner and Methods #2, #3 and #4 are recommended for the Advanced observer.

Method #1: Three-Star Alignment Using Autostar

Perform this procedure at night. This method is similar to Two-Star Alignment (see page 51), but in this method, Autostar chooses three stars to align upon: Two stars on one side of the sky and a third star on the opposite side of the sky.

In order to get the most out of this procedure, make sure you perform the Train the Drive procedure (see page 20). The combination of Training your Drive and perform- ing Three-Star Alignment will optimize your pointing accuracy.

To perform the Three-Star Alignment:

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

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

Down key until “Align: Three-Star” displays. Press ENTER.

3."German North" displays and a scrolling message prompts you to set your telescope 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 procedure.

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Meade Telescope, LXD 75 Polar Alignment Viewfinder, Enhancement Methods, Method #1 Three-Star Alignment Using Autostar

Telescope, 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.