Meade Telescope LXD55 User Manual

Instruction Manual

LXD55-Series Telescopes

Meade Instruments Corporation

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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 ..................................................................39

Specifications ................................................................45

Appendix A: Celestial Coordinates ................................48

Setting Circles ....................................................48

Locating the Celestial Pole..................................49

One- And Two-Star Polar Alignment....................49

Appendix B: Enhancing Pointing Precision....................50

The Polar Alignment Viewfinder ..........................50

Axis Alignment Method 1 ....................................50

Axis Alignment Method 2 ....................................53

Appendix C: Latitude Chart ............................................54

Appendix D: EC Handbox ..............................................55

Appendix E: Mounting the Model SC-8 Optical Tube ....59

Appendix F: Basic Astronomy ........................................60

WARNING!

Never use

Meade

LXD55-Series

Telescope 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" and the Meade logo are trademarks

registered with the U.S. Patent Office and in principal coun-

tries throughout the world. "LXD55" and "Autostar" are

trademarks of Meade Instruments Corporation.

"Easy Align" U.S. patent 6,392,799 and other patents pend-

ing.

Intelligent Network Architecture to Facilitate Parallel Task

Management U.S. patent 6,304,376

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T E L E S C O P E F E A T U R E S

I H g e C B

Fig. 1a: The LXD55-Series Telescope Optical Assembly (Schmidt-Newtonian model with Autostar handbox shown;

Electronic Controller model users, see Appendix D, page 55).

B 1^ 1% g f e

Fig. 1b: Close up of Focuser and Viewfinder Assembly,

Scmidt-Newtonian shown. (See Fig. 1a for overview.) For

a close up of the refractor focuser assembly, see Fig. 10b,

page 13.

Fig. 1c: The LXD55-Series Tripod

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2$ 2^

Fig. 1d: The LXD55-Series Mount.

Ả

ạ

Ấ

ấ

Ạ

ả

Fig. 1e: The LXD55-Series Computer Control Panel (see 2$ above).

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L X D 5 5 -S e r ie s : Y o u r P e r s o n a l

W in d o w t o t h e U n iv e r s e

The Meade LXD55-Series models are versatile, high-resolution telescopes. Supplied

with either an Electronic Controller or an Autostar handbox, the LXD55-Series models

offer unmatched mechanical and electronic performance.

Caution: Using products

other than standard Meade

accessories may cause dam-

age to the telescope’s inter-

nal electronics and may void

the Meade warranty.

The LXD55-Series telescopes reveal nature in an ever-expanding level of detail.

Observe the feather structure of an eagle from 50 yards or study the rings of the plan-

et Saturn from a distance of 800 million miles. Focus beyond the Solar System and

observe majestic nebulae, ancient star clusters, and remote galaxies. Meade LXD55-

Series telescopes are instruments fully capable of growing with your interest and can

meet the requirements of the most demanding advanced observer.

Refer to Figures 1a through 1e for the following features:

B Eyepiece Thumbscrew: Tightens the eyepiece (see d) in place. Tighten to a

firm feel only.

C Eyepiece Holder: Holds eyepiece in place. Holders supplied for both 1.25" and

2" eyepieces.

Want to learn more

about the eyepieces

available for your

LXD55-Series tele-

scope?

Diagonal (not shown, achromatic refractor models only): Provides a more

comfortable right-angle viewing position. Slide the diagonal directly into the eye-

piece holder (see c) and tighten the thumbscrew on the eyepiece holder to a

firm feel only. See page 13 for a photo and more information.

See OPTIONAL

ACCESSORIES, page

37.

D Eyepiece: Place the supplied Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece into the eyepiece

holder or the diagonal and tighten in place with the eyepiece thumbscrew (see

b). The eyepiece magnifies the image collected in the optical tube.

¿ 8 x 50mm (achromatic refractors models) or 6 x 30mm (Schmidt-Newtonian

models) Viewfinder: A low-power, wide-field sighting scope with crosshairs that

enables easy centering of objects in the telescope eyepiece (see d).

Want to learn more

about aligning the

viewfinder? See page

14.

´ Viewfinder Collimation Screws (6): Use these screws to adjust the alignment of

the viewfinder.

² Viewfinder Front Cell and Locking Ring: Adjust the front cell to focus the

viewfinder. See step 3, page 14 for more details. The viewfinder is supplied with

a small dust cover placed over the front cell.

Want to learn more

about attaching the

viewfinder? See page

12.

¶ Viewfinder Bracket: Holds the viewfinder in place.

º Focus Knobs: Moves the telescope’s focuser drawtube in a finely-controlled

motion to achieve precise image focus. The LXD55-Series telescopes can be

focused on objects from a distance of about 75 ft. to infinity. Rotate the focus

knobs to focus on objects.

¾ Corrector/Dust Cover: Place the dust cover (not visible in photo) over the cor-

rector when storing the telescope.

Note: The dust cover should be replaced after each observing session

and the power turned off to the telescope. Allow time for any dew that

might have collected during the observing session to evaporate prior to

replacing the dust cover.

Want to learn more

about assembling your

telescope?

See ASSEMBLING

YOUR TELESCOPE,

page 11.

1) Optical Tube: The main optical component that gathers the light from distant

objects and brings this light to a focus for examination through the eyepiece.

1! Cradle Assembly: Attaches to mount base. See 1# and 1$.

1@ Autostar: See pages 9 and 10 for a description of features.

EC Handbox users,

see Appendix D, page

55, for more informa-

tion.

1# Cradle Ring Lock Knobs (2) and Washers (2): Slide washers onto lock knobs

before inserting. Tighten to a firm feel to secure the optical tube in place.

1$ Cradle Rings (2): Part of the cradle assembly (see 1!); hold the optical tube firm-

ly in place.

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1% Viewfinder Bracket Screws (2): Tighten to a firm feel to hold viewfinder secure-

ly in place (see E). See page 12 for more information.

1^ Focus Lock Knob: Designed to prevent the focuser drawtube from moving when

a heavy accessory, such as a camera, is attached to the focuser assembly. For

normal observing with an eyepiece and diagonal, it is not necessary to use the

lock knob.

Caution When loosening

the Dec. lock, be sure to

support the optical tube

(18, Fig. 1a). The weight of

the tube could cause the

tube to swing suddenly.

1& Dec. Lock: Controls the manual movement of the telescope. Turning the Dec.

lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely rotated by

hand about the Dec. axis. Turning the Dec. lock clockwise (to a firm feel only)

tightens the lock and prevents the telescope from being moved manually, but

engages the Dec. motor drive (see 3$) for Autostar operation.

1* PolarViewfinder Cap: Remove this cap when using the polar viewfinder (see 2().

1( Declination (Dec.) Setting Circle: See APPENDIX A, page 48, for more informa-

tion.

2) Counterweight Shaft Base: Thread, along with the shaft, to the mount. See

page 11 for more information.

2! Counterweight and Counterweight Lock Knob: Counterbalances the weight of

the optical tube, and adds stability to the mount. Tighten the lock knob on the side

of the counterweight to a firm feel to prevent the weight from sliding on the shaft.

2@ Counterweight Shaft: Slide the counterweight onto this shaft (see 2!).

2# Counterweight Safety Cap: Prevents the counterweight from accidentally slip-

ping off the end of the counterweight shaft.

2$ Computer Control Panel (see Fig. 1e):

A. Handbox (HBX) Port: Plug the Autostar or EC handbox coil cord (10,

Fig. 2) into this port.

B. 12v DC Power Connector: Plug the battery pack into this connector.

The telescope assembly also may be powered from either a 12v DC

auto cigarette lighter plug using the optional #607 Cigarette Lighter

Adaptor or from a standard 115v AC home outlet using the optional

#547 Power Adapter with Cable or #547F Power Adapter for 220v out-

lets. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 38.

C. LED: Illuminates when power is supplied to the Autostar or EC hand-

box and the telescope’s motor drive.

D. ON/OFF Switch: Turns the Computer Control Panel and Autostar ON

or OFF.

E. AUX Port: Provides connection for current and future Meade accessories.

See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 38.

F. Dec Port: Plug the coil cord from the Dec. motor assembly into this port

for Autostar to control the motor drive.

2% R.A. Motor Drive Assembly: Controlled by Autostar or EC handbox. Moves the

optical tube along the R.A. axis. The R.A. Lock (see 3#) must be tightened to a

firm feel in order for the R.A. motor to operate.

2^ Latitude Adjustment (2): Sets the latitude of your observing location. The two T-

handle screws work in a "push - pull" operation—as you tighten one, loosen the

other. The T-handle above the star marking on top of one of the tripod legs is the

North T-handle screw (South in the Southern Hemisphere). The leg marked with

a star must be pointed North (South in the Southern hemisphere) during the polar

alignment procedure.

2& Fine Azimuth Control Knobs: Fine tune the side-to-side movement of the tele-

scope when centering Polaris in the telescope eyepiece or when using the polar

alignment viewfinder (see 2().

Want to learn more

about setting the lati-

tude dials?

2* Latitude Dial: Set the latitude of the observing site on this dial using the latitude

See STEP 6, page 12.

T-handle screws. For more information see Step 6, page 12.

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2( Polar Alignment Viewfinder: Allows you to precisely polar align the telescope.

Useful when performing astrophotography. See page 50.

Want to learn more

about the polar align-

ment viewfinder?

3) Polar Alignment Viewfinder Reticle and LED Knob: Rotate the knob to switch

on or off the LED that illuminates the reticle within the polar alignment finder. Be

sure to turn off the LED when finished with the polar viewfinder. Powered by (fac-

tory-supplied) batteries contained within.

See the The Polar

Alignment Viewfinder,

page 50.

3! Right Ascension (R.A.) Setting Circle: See APPENDIX A, page 48, for more

information.

3@ R.A. Setting Circle Lock Knob: Rotate the knob to lock the R.A. Setting Circle

(see 3!) in place.

3# R.A. Lock: Controls the manual movement of the telescope. Turning the R.A.

lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely rotated by

hand about the R.A. axis. Turning the R.A. lock clockwise (to a firm feel only)

tightens the lock and prevents the telescope from being moved manually, but

engages the R.A. motor drive (see 2%) for Autostar or EC handbox operation.

3$ Dec. Motor Drive Assembly: Controlled by Autostar or the EC handbox. Moves

the optical tube along the Dec. axis. The Dec. Lock (see 1&) must be tightened to

a firm feel in order for the Dec. motor to operate.

3% Tripod Leg Adjustment Knobs (3): Tighten to a firm feel to secure tripod legs.

3^ Variable Height Tripod Legs (3): Supports the telescope mount. Note that one

legs has a star stamped on top of it. This leg must be pointed North (South in the

Southern hemisphere) during the alignment procedure. The mount attaches to

the top of the tripod.

3& Accessory tray: Set extra eyepieces and other accessory on this convenient

tray.

3* Tripod Leg Braces (3): Make the tripod more secure and stable. See Fig. 3.

Fig. 1f: The LXD55-Series Battery

Pack and holder.

3( Accessory Tray Thumbscrew: Attach on the top side of the tray and tighten to a

firm feel to secure the tray to the tripod and keep the tripod stable. See HOW TO

ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 11 for more information.

4) Tripod Leg Lock Knobs (one on each leg): Loosen these knobs to slide the

inner leg extension. Tighten the knobs to a firm feel to lock in the height of the tri-

pod.

Want to learn how to

install the batteries?

See step 12, page 13.

4! Battery Pack and holder (see Fig. 1f): Plug into the 12v DC power connector

(B, Fig. 1e) of the computer control panel. Insert 8 (user-supplied) D-cell batter-

ies to power motor drives and Autostar handbox.

Caution: Use care to

install batteries as indicat-

ed by the battery com-

partment. Follow battery

manufacturer's precau-

tions. Do not install batter-

ies 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.

LXD55 TIPS

J o in a n A s t r o n o m y C lu b , A t t e n d

S t a r P a r t y

One of the best ways to increase your knowledge of astronomy is to join an astronomy

club. Check your local newspaper, school, library, or telescope dealer/store to find out if

there’s a club in your area.

At club meetings, you will meet other astronomy and Meade enthusiasts with whom you

will be able to share your discoveries. Clubs are an excellent way to learn more about

observing the sky, to find out where the best observing sites are, and to compare notes

about telescopes, eyepieces, filters, tripods, and so forth.

Often, club members are excellent astrophotographers. Not only will you be able to see

examples of their art, but you may even be able to pick up some “tricks of the trade” to

try out on your LXD55-Series telescope. See page 36 for more information about pho-

tography with the LXD55-Series.

Many groups also hold regularly scheduled Star Parties at which you can check out and

observe with many different telescopes and other pieces of astronomical equipment.

Magazines such as Sky & Telescope and Astronomy print schedules for many popular

Star Parties around the United States and Canada.

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A U T O S T A R F E A T U R E S

Important Note: The

model SN-6EC, model

SN-8EC, and model AR-

5EC are equipped with an

Electronic Controller

handbox, rather than the

Autostar Handbox.

Several of the following

procedures, such as

Tracking Objects and

Initializing Autostar (to

name but a few), are rele-

vant only to models

ᕡ

equipped with the

Autostar handbox and do

not apply to the EC mod-

els. For more information

about the EC handbox,

see APPENDIX D: EC

HANDBOX, page 55.

Fig. 2: The Autostar Handbox.

Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button

Note: Autostar does not

require batteries; the tele-

scope’s batteries supply

power to Autostar.

Control of most LXD55-Series telescope models (excluding the EC models; see mar-

gin note) is through the operation of Autostar. Nearly all functions of the telescope are

accomplished with just a few pushes of Autostar’s buttons. Some of the major fea-

tures of Autostar are:

Automatic GO TO capability: Automatically move the telescope to any of the

more than 30,000 objects stored in the object library.

Take a guided tour of the best celestial objects to view on any given night of the

year.

Download the latest satellite data and software revisions directly from the Meade

website (www.meade.com) and share software with other Autostar enthusiasts.

Requires optional #505 AstroFinder™ Software and Cable Connector Kit. See

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 38.

Access a glossary of astronomical terms.

Fully automatic tracking of celestial objects.

Features

The Autostar Computer Controller provides control of virtually every telescope func-

tion within a compact handbox. Autostar has soft-touch keys designed to have a pos-

itive feel. The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is backlit with a red LED (Light Emitting

Diode) for easy viewing in the dark. The backlit display, key arrangement, and

sequential menu structure make Autostar extremely user friendly.

B 2-Line LCD Display: This screen displays Autostar's menus and other informa-

tion about the telescope.

Top line: Lists the primary menu.

Bottom line: Contains other menus that may be selected, menu options, tele-

scope status, or information about a function that is currently being performed.

C ENTER Key: Press to go to the next menu level or to choose an option in a

menu. The ENTER key is similar to the RETURN or ENTER key on a computer.

See MOVING THROUGH AUTOSTAR'S MENUS, page 19 and AUTOSTAR’S MENUS,

page 25.

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Note: If ENTER is pressed for two seconds or more and then released,

Autostar emits a beep and “ENTER to Sync” is displayed. "ENTER to

Sync" may be used only after your telescope has been aligned and is

pointing at an object. See page 30 for more details.

Tip:

If the "ENTER to Sync"

feature is accessed by

mistake, press MODE

to return to the previous

screen.

ᕣ MODE Key: Press to return to the previous menu level. The top menu level is

“Select Item." The MODE key is similar to the ESCAPE key on a computer.

Note: Pressing MODE repeatedly while in the “Select Item” level moves

Autostar to the topmost screen: “Select Item: Object.”

Note: If MODE is pressed and held for two seconds or more, information

about the telescope's status displays. When the status displays, press the

Scroll keys (7, Fig. 2) to display the following information and more:

Right Ascension and Declination (astronomical) coordinates

Want to learn more

about using the GO TO

function? See page

21.

IIAltitude (vertical) and Azimuth (horizontal) coordinates

I Local Time and Local Sidereal Time (LST)

I Timer and Alarm Status

Press MODE again to return to the previous menu.

Want to learn how to

perform a spiral

search? See page 21.

E GO TO Key: Press to slew (move) the telescope to the coordinates of the cur-

rently selected object. While the telescope is slewing, the operation may be

aborted at any time by pressing any key except GO TO. Pressing GO TO again

resumes the slew to the object. Also, press GO TO after a slew is completed to

activate a "spiral search."

Definitions:

"Slew" means to move the

telescope's optical tube to

a selected object.

F Arrow Keys: Press to slew the telescope in a specific direction (up, down, left,

and right), at any one of nine different speeds. See SLEW SPEEDS, page 16.

G Number Keys: Press to input digits 0 to 9. When data is not being entered, the

Number keys can be used to change the slew speed. To operate, just press a

number key (1 is the slowest speed, 9 is the highest speed). Press the Number

key "0" to turn on and off the red utility light on the top of the handbox.

H Scroll Keys: Press to access options within a selected menu. The menu is dis-

played on the first line of the screen. Options in that menu are displayed, one at

a time, on the second line. Press the Scroll keys to move through the options.

Press and hold a Scroll key to move quickly through the options.

I ? Key: Press to access the "Help" function. Help provides on-screen information

on how to accomplish whatever task is currently active.

Hold down the ? key and then follow the prompts on the display to access details

of Autostar functions in the Help feature. The Help system is essentially an on-

screen instruction manual.

If you have a question about an Autostar operation, e.g., INITIALIZATION,

ALIGNMENT, etc., hold down the ? key and follow the directions that scroll on the

second line. When satisfied with the Help provided, press MODE to return to the

original screen and continue with the chosen procedure.

J Coil Cord Port: Plug one end of the Autostar coil cord (see 1)) into this port

located at the bottom of the Autostar handbox and the other end into the HBX

port of the computer control panel (A, Fig. 1e).

1) Coil Cord: Plug one end of the Autostar coil cord into the HBX port (A, Fig. 1e)

of the computer control panel of the telescope and the other end into the Autostar

coil cord port (See J).

1! RS232 Port: Plug in RS232 connections for downloading and connecting to com-

puter. Useful for downloading the latest satellite data and software revisions

directly from the Meade website (www.meade.com) Requires optional #505

AstroFinder™ Software and Cable Connector Kit. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,

page 38.

1@ Utility Light: Use this built-in red light to illuminate star charts and accessories

without disturbing your eye's adaptation to darkness. Press "0" to turn the light

on and off.

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G E T T IN G S T A R T E D

As you unpack your telescope, carefully note the following parts. The assembly is

shipped in separate boxes.

Leg

Braces

Telescope Assembly

Equatorial mount with polar alignment finder

Heavy duty, adjustable aluminum tripod with leg braces, three tripod leg lock

knobs, and a captive mount locking knob

Complete optical tube assembly including primary mirror with dust cover and a

rack-and-pinion focuser and eyepiece holders for both 1.25" and 2" eyepiece

holders, tube cradle assembly with two rings and two lock knobs

Super Plössl (SP) 26mm eyepiece

Counterweight and counterweight shaft. The 8" and 10" models include extra

counterweights.

Fig. 3: Tripod assembly.

Slot

over

Protrusion

8 x 50mm (achromatic refractors models) or 6 x 30mm (Schmidt-Newtonian

models) viewfinder

Motor Assembly

Mounting

Factory-mounted dual electronic motor drive assembly

Autostar handbox, detachable coil cord, or Electronic Controller

Battery pack and holder

Thumbscrew

Accessories

Accessory shelf with mounting knob, hex keys, LXD55-Series T-Adapter (includ-

ed with Schmidt-Newtonian models only)

How to Assemble Your Telescope

The giftboxes contain the optical tube assembly and the tripod with the equatorial

mount. The accessories are located within compartments custom-cut into the styro-

foam block inserts.

Fig. 4: Place slots in tray over protru-

sions on leg braces.

1. Remove the components from the giftboxes: Remove and identify the tele-

scope’s equipment. Refer to Figures 1a through 1f for images of the parts and

the overall assembly of your telescope. When removing the tripod from the gift-

box, hold the assembly parallel (horizontal) to the ground or the inner tripod leg

extensions will slide out as they are not locked in place.

Fine

Azimuth

Control

Knobs

Protrusion

Star

2. Adjust the tripod legs. Spread the tripod legs as far as they will open, so that

the leg braces are taut. See Fig. 3.

3. Attach the accessory shelf to the tripod: Remove the mounting knob from the

center of the leg braces (39, Fig. 1c). Place the triangular accessory shelf on top

of the leg braces so that each corner of the triangle lies over a leg brace. Notice

that there is protrusion on each leg brace. There is a corresponding slot for each

protrusion on the accessory tray. See Fig. 4. Line up the slots with the protrusions

and slide the protrusions through the slots to hold the tray in place. Next, slide

the mounting thumbscrew through the hole in the center of the brace and tighten

to a firm feel.

Mount

Locking

Knob (not

visible)

Fig. 5: Attach the mount to the tripod.

Dec. Setting Circle

4. Attach mount to tripod base: Place the mount over the base of the tripod with

the computer control panel positioned above the tripod leg marked with a star and

with the protrusion on top of the tripod's base positioned between the fine

azimuth control knobs. See Fig. 5. Back off the azimuth control knobs wide

enough for protrusion to fit between them. Slide the hole in the center of the

underside of the mount onto the captive mount locking bolt in the center of the

base and tighten it by turning the knob below the base. Tighten to a firm feel.

Shaft

Base

Counterweight

Lock

Knob

Shaft

5. Attach the counterweight(s) to the counterweight shaft: Place the counter-

weight shaft base (20, Fig. 1d) over the threaded end of the shaft (22, Fig. 1d).

Thread the shaft and base assembly into the hole beneath the Dec. setting circle

as depicted in Fig. 6.

Safety

Cap

Look through the hole in the counterweight and note the pin blocking the hole. Tilt

the counterweight slightly and the pin moves out of position, clearing the hole. If

the pin does not move, unscrew the counterweight lock knob slightly until the pin

moves.

Fig. 6: Attach Counterweight assem-

bly.

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Unscrew the safety cap (23, Fig. 1d) from the shaft. Holding the counterweight

(21, Fig. 1d) firmly in one hand, slip the counterweight to approximately the mid-

point of the counterweight shaft (22, Fig. 1d). Tighten the counterweight lock

knob to a firm feel. Replace the safety cap.

Note: If the counterweight ever slips, the safety cap (23, Fig. 1d) prevents

the counterweight from sliding entirely off the shaft. Always leave the

safety cap in place when the counterweight is on the shaft.

Cradle Assembly

Slot

6. Set the latitude: Setting the latitude is easier if it is set before you attach the opti-

cal tube to the assembly. Locate the latitude dial (28, Fig. 1d); note that there is

a triangular pointer above the dial located on the mount. The pointer is not fixed;

it moves as the mount moves.

Secondary

Lock Knob

Cradle Lock Knob

Determine the latitude of your observing location. See APPENDIX C: LATITUDE

CHART, page 54, for a list of latitudes, or check an atlas. Move the latitude T-han-

dle screws in order to move the mount until the pointer points to your latitude. The

two T-handle screws work in a "push - pull" operation—as you tighten one, loosen

the other. When the pointer points at your latitude, tighten both screws until they

make contact with the mount.

Fig. 7: Attach cradle to base mount-

ing slot and tighten locking knobs.

Cradle Rings

Also note that below the latitude T-handle screw located directly under the com-

puter control panel is a star on top of the tripod leg. At your observing site, set up

the telescope assembly so that this leg approximately faces North (or South in

the Southern Hemisphere). Model SC-8 users, see APPENDIX E, page 59.

Lock

Knobs

7. Attach the cradle assembly to the mount: Remove the optical tube from the

cradle and slide the cradle assembly (11, Fig. 1a) onto the cradle mounting slot.

See Fig. 7. The rounded base of the cradle assembly fits into the rounded por-

tion of the mounting slot. Tighten both the cradle locking knob and the secondary

locking knob to a firm feel.

Fig. 8: Place optical tube in rings

and loosely tighten cradle ring lock

knobs.

8. Position optical tube: Unscrew the cradle ring lock knobs (13, Fig. 1a) and open

the cradle rings. While firmly holding the optical tube (10, Fig. 1a), position it onto

the cradle rings (14, Fig. 1a) with the mid-point of the optical tube’s length lying

roughly in the center of the cradle ring assembly. Point the tube so that the front

end (this end comes shipped with the dust cover (9, Fig. 1a) over it) is oriented

as depicted in Fig. 1a. Then close the cradle rings (14, Fig. 1a) over the optical

tube. Loosely tighten the cradle ring lock knobs just to hold the tube securely in

place until you balance it. See BALANCING THE TELESCOPE, page 13.

Note: Model SC-8 users:

After completing step 6,

refer to APPENDIX E, page

59, step 1, for information

on how to attach the SC

optical tube to the mount.

9. Attach viewfinder bracket: Schmidt-Newtonian models (Fig. 9a): Locate the

viewfinder bracket screws (15, Fig. 1b and Fig. 9a) and remove the nuts from the

screws. Slide the holes in the viewfinder bracket over the viewfinder bracket

screws. Replace the nuts and tighten to a firm feel only.

Viewfinder

Mounting

Screws and

Nuts

Attach viewfinder tube: Back off the viewfinder collimation screws (5, Fig. 1b)

and slide the viewfinder tube into the bracket. Orient the viewfinder eyepiece as

depicted in Fig. 1b. Tighten the collimation screws to a firm feel. See ALIGNING

THE VIEWFINDER, page 14.

Fig. 9a: Viewfinder assembly,

Schmidt-Newtonian models.

Attach viewfinder bracket: Achromatic refractor and Schmidt-Cassegrain

models (Fig. 9b): Slide the track on the bottom of the viewfinder bracket into the

slot in the viewfinder mounting assembly (which is already attached to the tube).

To secure the viewfinder to the mounting assembly, tighten the two thumbscrews

to a firm feel only.

Attach viewfinder tube: Back off the viewfinder collimation screws (5, Fig. 1b)

and slide the viewfinder tube into the bracket. Point the viewfinder eyepiece

toward the focuser assembly. See Fig. 10b. Tighten the collimation screws to a

firm feel. See ALIGNING THE VIEWFINDER, page 14.

10. Insert the eyepiece: Schmidt-Newtonian models (Fig. 10a): Lift to remove the

dust cap from the eyepiece holder on the focuser assembly. Set the dust cap

aside in a safe place and replace it when you have finished observing to protect

the eyepiece assembly. Back off the eyepiece thumbscrews (1, Fig. 1a) and

insert the supplied SP 26mm eyepiece (3, Fig. 1a) into the the eyepiece holder.

Tighten the holder thumbscrews to a firm feel to secure the eyepiece.

Fig. 9b: Viewfinder assembly, refrac-

tor models. Slide bracket into slot.

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Insert the eyepiece: Achromatic refractor and Schmidt-Cassegrain models

(Fig. 10b): Lift to remove the dust cap from the eyepiece holder on the focuser

assembly. Set the dust cap aside in a safe place and replace it when you have

finished observing to protect the eyepiece assembly. Back off the eyepiece

thumbscrews (1, Fig. 1b) and slide the diagonal into the holder and tighten the

thumbscrews to a firm feel only. Insert the supplied SP 26mm eyepiece (3, Fig.

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

secure the eyepiece.

Eyepiece

Holder

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.

Thumbscrew

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.

Fig. 10a: Insert eyepiece into holder

and tighten thumbscrews.

Viewfinder

Eyepiece

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.

Eyepiece

Thumbscrews

Holder

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

Fig. 10b: Insert eyepiece into diagonal

and tighten thumbscrews.

Ạ

ạ

Ả

ả

Ấ

ấ

Leg

Lock

Knob

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

Fig. 11: Adjust the tripod height

using the leg lock knobs.

13. Remove Plastic 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 thumbscrew (F)

and the threaded lid (E). Remove the plastic strip before using. Refer to the reti-

cle assembly in Fig. 13b and note the orientation of the batteries. Place the bat-

teries (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

Fig. 12: Battery holder.

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 tel-

escope 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:

Polar

Viewfinder

Reticle LED

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.

Fig. 13a: Remove plastic from reticle

batteries

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}13

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tending to drift down in either direction. Then re-tighten the counterweight lock

knob, locking the counterweight in position.

3. Achromatic refractor and Schmidt-Newtonian models: Again, hold the optical

tube so that it cannot accidentally swing freely. Lock the R.A. lock (33, Fig. 1d),

and unlock the Dec. lock (17, Fig. 1d). The telescope now is able to move freely

about the Dec. axis. Loosen the cradle ring lock knobs (13, Fig. 1a) so that the

main tube slides easily back and forth in the cradle rings. Move the main tube in

the cradle rings until the telescope remains in one position without tending to drift

down in either direction. Re-lock the Dec. lock (17, Fig. 1d).

The telescope is now properly balanced on both axes. Next, the viewfinder must be

aligned.

Aligning the Viewfinder

The wide field of view of the telescope's viewfinder (4, Fig. 1a) provides an easier way

to initially sight objects than the main telescope's eyepiece (3, Fig. 1a), which has a

much narrower field of view. If you have not already attached the viewfinder to the tel-

escope tube assembly, follow the procedure described in step 9, page 12.

Viewfinder

Eyepiece

Collimation Screws

In order for the viewfinder to be useful, it must be aligned to the main telescope, so

that both the viewfinder and telescope's optical tube (10, Fig. 1a) point at the same

position in the sky. This alignment makes it easier to find objects: First locate an

object in the wide-field viewfinder, then look into the eyepiece of the main telescope

for a detailed view.

Viewfinder

Bracket

To align the viewfinder, perform steps 1 through 4 during the daytime; perform step 5

at night. Both the 6 x 30mm and the 8 x 50mm viewfinders align in an identical man-

ner. Refer to Fig. 14.

Fig. 14: Viewfinder Alignment.

1. Remove the dust covers from the optical tube (9, Fig. 1a) and the viewfinder.

2. If you have not already done so, insert the low-power SP 26mm eyepiece (3, Fig.

Important Note: Objects

appear upside-down and

reversed left-for-right when

observed in the viewfinder.

With refracting telescope

models, objects viewed

through the main telescope

with the diagonal mirror in

place are seen right-side-up,

but reversed left-for-right.

1b) into the eyepiece holder of the main telescope. See step 10, page 12.

3. Look through the viewfinder eyepiece at an object at least one-half mile away

(Tip: Remove the viewfinder tube from the bracket to simplify this operation). If

the distant object is not in focus, turn the focus lock ring counterclockwise to

loosen the viewfinder front cell (6, Fig. 1b). Twist the front cell until focus is

achieved and retighten the focus lock ring.

4. Unlock the R.A. lock (33, Fig. 1d) and the Dec lock (17, Fig. 1d) so that the tel-

escope turns freely on both axes. Then point the main telescope at a tall, well-

defined and stationary land object (e.g., the top of a telephone pole) at least 200

yards distant and center the object in the telescope's eyepiece. Focus the image

by turning the focus knobs (8, Fig. 1b). Retighten the R.A. and Dec. locks.

This image inversion is of no

consequence when observ-

ing astronomical objects,

and in fact all astronomical

telescopes yield inverted

images.

5. Look through the viewfinder and loosen or tighten, as appropriate, one or more

of the viewfinder collimation thumbscrews (5, Fig. 1b) until the viewfinder’s

crosshairs are precisely centered on the object you previously centered in the

main telescope's eyepiece. You are now ready to make your first observations

with your telescope.

During terrestrial observing,

where a fully-correctly-orient-

ed image (right-side up and

correct left-for-right) is desir-

able, an optional Meade

#928 45° Erect-Image

Diagonal Prism is available.

See OPTIONAL ACCES-

SORIES, page 38.

NEVER point the telescope directly at or near the Sun at any time!

Observing the Sun, even for the smallest fraction of a second, will

result in instant and irreversible eye damage, as well as physical

damage to the telescope itself.

5. Check this alignment on a celestial object, such as a bright star or the Moon, and

make any necessary refinements, using the method outlined above in steps 3 and

Note that for Schmidt-

Newtonian models, no

With this alignment performed, objects first located in the wide-field viewfinder will

also appear in the telescope's eyepiece.

means of image inversion is

available; while these tele-

scopes may be used for ter-

restrial observing, the image

will not be correctly oriented

in either right-side-up or left-

for-right orientations.

Choosing an Eyepiece

A telescope’s eyepiece magnifies the image formed by the telescope’s main optics.

Each eyepiece has a focal length, expressed in millimeters, or “mm.” The smaller the

focal length, the higher the magnification. For example, an eyepiece with a focal length

of 9mm has a higher magnification than an eyepiece with a focal length of 26mm.

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Your telescope comes supplied with a Super Plössl (SP) 26mm eyepiece which gives

a wide, comfortable field of view with high image resolution.

Note: Seeing conditions

vary widely from night-to-

night and site-to-site.

Low power eyepieces offer a wide field of view, bright, high-contrast images, and eye

relief during long observing sessions. To find an object with a telescope, always start

with a lower power eyepiece such as the Super Plössl 26mm. When the object is

located and centered in the eyepiece, you may wish to switch to a higher power eye-

piece to enlarge the image as much as practical for prevailing seeing conditions. For

information about optional eyepieces for the LXD55-Series models, see OPTIONAL

ACCESSORIES, page 37.

Turbulence in the air, even

on an apparently clear

night, can distort images. If

an image appears fuzzy

and ill-defined, back off to a

lower power eyepiece for a

more well-resolved image

(see Fig. 15a and 15b

below).

The power, or magnification of a telescope is determined by the focal length of the tel-

escope and the focal length of the eyepiece being used. To calculate eyepiece power,

divide the telescope's focal length by the eyepiece's focal length. For example, a

26mm eyepiece is supplied with the LXD55-Series. The focal length of the 8" LXD55-

Series model is 812mm (see SPECIFICATIONS, page 45).

Note: For a list of magnifi-

cation ratings of the eye-

pieces available for the

LXD55-Series telescopes,

see OPTIONAL ACCES-

SORIES, page 37.

Telescope Focal Length ÷ Eyepiece Focal Length = Eyepiece Power

Telescope Focal Length = 812mm

Eyepiece Focal Length

812 ÷ 26

= 26mm

= 31

The eyepiece power, or magnification is therefore 31X (approximately).

Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually

After the telescope is assembled and balanced as described previously, you are ready

to begin manual observations. View easy-to-find terrestrial objects such as street

signs or traffic lights to become accustomed to the functions and operations of the tel-

escope. For the best results during observations, follow the suggestions below:

When you wish to locate an object to observe, first loosen the telescope’s R.A.

lock (33, Fig. 1d) and Dec. lock (17, Fig. 1d). The telescope can now turn freely

on its axes. Unlock each axis separately and practice moving your telescope.

Then practice with two unlocked axes at the same time. It is very important to

practice this step to understand how your telescope moves, as the movement

of an equatorial mount is not intuitive.

Use the aligned viewfinder to sight-in on the object you wish to observe. When the

object is centered in the viewfinder’s crosshairs, re-tighten the R.A. and Dec. locks.

A telescope’s eyepiece magnifies the image formed by the telescope’s main

optics. Each eyepiece has a focal length, expressed in millimeters, or “mm.” The

smaller the focal length, the higher the magnification. For example, an eyepiece

with a focal length of 9mm has a higher magnification than an eyepiece with a

focal length of 26mm.

Low-power magnification eyepieces offer a wide field of view, bright, high-contrast

images, and relief of eye strain during long observing sessions. To observe an object

with a telescope, always start with a low power eyepiece such as the SP 26mm

LXD55 TIPS

T o o M u c h P o w e r ?

Can you ever have too much power? If the type of power you’re referring to is

eyepiece magnification, yes, you can! The most common mistake of the begin-

ning observer is to “overpower” a telescope by using high magnifications which

the telescope’s aperture and atmospheric conditions cannot reasonably support.

Keep in mind that a smaller, but bright and well-resolved image is far superior to

one that is larger, but dim and poorly resolved (see Figs. 15a and 15b). Powers

above 400X should be employed only under the steadiest atmospheric condi-

tions.

Fig. 15a & 15b: Jupiter; examples of

the right amount of magnification and

too much magnification.

Autostar can calculate the best eyepiece for you to use. Try out the “Eyepiece

Calc” feature in the Utilities menu.

Most observers should have three or four additional eyepieces to achieve the full

range of reasonable magnifications possible with the LXD55-Series telescopes.

See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 37.

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supplied with your telescope. When the object is centered and focused in the eye-

piece, switch to a higher power eyepiece to enlarge the image as much as practi-

cal for prevailing viewing conditions. For information about other eyepieces avail-

able for your telescope, see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 37.

Once centered, an object can be focused by turning one of the knobs of the

focusing mechanism (8, Fig. 1b). Notice that when observing astronomical

objects, the field of view begins to slowly drift across the eyepiece field. This

motion is caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis. Objects appear to move

through the field more rapidly at higher powers. See TRACKING OBJECTS, page

17, for detailed information on how you can counteract the drift in the field of view.

Activate the Arrow Keys (Autostar Models Only)

Autostar's Arrow keys allow you to slew (move) the telescope up, down, right, or left.

The following procedure describes how to activate Autostar's Arrow keys:

Note: Autostar only

prompts you to enter

Country (or State) and

City as described in steps

3, 4, and 5, the first time it

is activated. These

prompts do not appear

again, unless you reset

Autostar (see RESET,

page 31).

1. After the batteries are installed and Autostar's cord is plugged into the HBX port

of computer control panel (A, Fig 1e), a copyright message lights on the Autostar

LCD display (1, Fig. 2).

2. A message warning not to look at the Sun scrolls across the display. Press the

key prompted by Autostar to acknowledge that the Sun warning has been read

and understood.

3. Press ENTER (2, Fig. 2) repeatedly until "Country/State" appears on the display.

(Ignore the prompts requesting Date and Time. See INITIALIZING AUTOSTAR,

page 19, for more information).

However, if you need to

re-enter this information

(e.g., you change your

geographic location), you

can change the location

information by using the

Site option of the Setup

menu. See ADDING

4. Use the Scroll keys (7, Fig. 2) to cycle through the database of countries, states,

and provinces. Press ENTER when the correct location displays.

5. Autostar then prompts you to enter the nearest city (listed alphabetically) to the

observing site. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the database of cities. Press

ENTER when the correct city appears on the display.

6. Autostar then prompts you to enter the model number of your telescope. Use the

Scroll keys to cycle through the list of telescope models. Press ENTER when the

correct model appears on the display.

OBSERVING SITES, page

32, for detailed informa-

tion.

7. The display then reads "Align: Easy." You now can use Autostar's Arrow keys to

move the telescope to observe.

Note: If you go past the "Align: Easy" (or any other menu display you wish

to select), press MODE to return to the previous display(s).

8. Press the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 2) to move the telescope up, down, right, or left.

You can move the telescope at different speeds.

Slew Speeds (Autostar Models Only)

Autostar has nine slew speeds that move the optical tube at rates that are directly pro-

portional to the sidereal rate and have been calculated to accomplish specific func-

tions. Press a Number key (6, Fig. 2) to change the slew speed, which is shown for

about two seconds on Autostar’s display.

The nine available speeds are:

Number Key 1 =

Number Key 2 =

Number Key 3 =

1x =

2x =

8x =

1 x sidereal (0.25 arc-min/sec or 0.004°/sec)

2 x sidereal (0.5 arc-min/sec or 0.008°/sec)

8 x sidereal (2 arc-min/sec or 0.033°/sec)

16 x sidereal (4 arc-min/sec or 0.067°/sec)

64 x sidereal (16 arc-min/sec or 0.27°/sec)

30 arc-min/sec or 0.5°/sec

Number Key 4 = 16x =

Number Key 5 = 64x =

Number Key 6 = 128x =

Number Key 7 = 1.5° =

90 arc-min/sec or 1.5°/sec

Number Key 8 =

3° = 180 arc-min/sec or 3°/sec

Number Key 9 = Max = 270 arc-min/sec or 4.5°/sec

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Speeds 1, 2, or 3: Best used for fine centering of an object in the field of view of a

higher power eyepiece, such as a 12mm or a 9mm eyepiece.

Speeds 4, 5, or 6: Enables centering an object in the field of a low-to-moderate power

eyepiece, such as the standard Super Plössl 26mm.

Speeds 7 or 8: Best used for rough centering of an object in the viewfinder.

Note: If you wish to per-

form a more precise

polar alignment for the

purposes of astrophotog-

raphy, see "Appendix B,"

page 50.

Speed 9: Moves the telescope quickly from one point in the sky to another.

Observe the Moon

Point your telescope at the Moon (note that the Moon is not visible every night). Use

your EC handbox or Autostar to practice using the Arrow keys and the slew speeds to

view different features. The Moon contains many interesting features, including

craters, mountain ranges, and fault lines. The best time to view the Moon is during its

crescent or half phase. Sunlight strikes the Moon at an angle during these periods and

adds a depth to the view. No shadows are seen during a full Moon, making the over-

ly bright surface to appear flat and rather uninteresting. Consider the use of a neutral

density Moon filter when observing the Moon. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page

38. Not only does it cut down the Moon's bright glare, but it also enhances contrast,

providing a more dramatic image.

Point optical

tube to North

North

Point

counterweight

shaft straight

down over

mount.

Tracking Objects

Level

Mount

As the Earth rotates beneath the night sky, the stars appear to move from East to

West. The speed at which the stars move is called the sidereal 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 centered in the telescope’s eyepiece.

To automatically track objects, you first need to learn how to set the polar home position

of your telescope and then how to select "Targets: Astronomical" from the Autostar

Setup menu. EC handbox users, see APPENDIX D, page 55, for more information.

Point leg marked with

a star to North

Setting the Polar Home Position

1. Level the mount, if necessary, by adjusting the length of the three tripod legs.

2. Unlock the R.A. Lock (33, Fig. 1d). Rotate the Optical Tube Assembly until the

Fig. 16a: The polar home position,

side view.

counterweight shaft is pointing straight down over the mount. See Figs. 16a and

16b.

3. If you have not already done so, lift the telescope assembly and turn it so that the

tripod leg marked with a star faces approximately North (South in the Southern

Hemisphere). Release the Dec. lock (17, Fig. 1d) of the tripod, so that the opti-

cal tube (10, Fig. 1a) may be rotated. Rotate the optical tube until it points North

(or South in the Southern Hemisphere). Then re-tighten the lock. Locate Polaris,

the North Star, if necessary, to use as an accurate reference for due North (or

Octantis in the Southern Hemisphere). See LOCATING THE CELESTIAL POLE,

page 49.

4. If you have not already done so, determine the latitude of your observing location.

See APPENDIX C: LATITUDE CHART, page 54, for a list of latitudes of major cities

around the world. Use the latitude T-handle screws (26, Fig. 1d) to tilt the tele-

scope mount so that the pointer indicates the correct latitude of your viewing loca-

tion on the latitude dial (28, Fig. 1d). See step 6, page 12 for more information.

5. If steps 1 through 4 above were performed with reasonable accuracy, your tele-

scope is now sufficiently well-aligned to Polaris, the North Star, for you to begin

making observations.

Once the mount has been placed in the polar home position as described above, the

latitude angle need not be adjusted again, unless you move to a different geographi-

cal location (i.e., a different latitude).

Important Note: For almost all astronomical observing requirements,

approximate settings of the telescope’s latitude and other settings are

acceptable. Do not allow undue attention to precise settings of polar home

position of the telescope to interfere with your basic enjoyment of the

instrument.

Fig. 16b: The polar home position,

front view.

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Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature

In this example, Autostar's Arrow keys are used to find a star, and then Autostar's

tracking capability automatically keeps the star centered in your telescope's eyepiece.

EC handbox users, see APPENDIX D, page 55, for information about tracking with the

EC handbox.

Tip:

You can change the tele-

scope's slew rate while

centering an object in the

eyepiece. See SLEW

SPEEDS, page 16 for

more information.

1. If you have activated the Arrow keys and completed setting the telescope in the

polar home position, Autostar's display now reads "Align: Easy." Go to Step 2.

If you have not used Autostar yet or have just plugged it into the HBX port, per-

form the procedures described in ACTIVATETHE ARROW KEYS, page 16 and SET-

TING THE POLAR HOME POSITION, page 17. Then go to Step 2 of this procedure.

If you have been using Autostar to perform other functions and the display does

not read "Align: Easy," follow these steps:

a. Press MODE (3, Fig. 2) repeatedly until "Select Item: Object" displays.

b. Press the Scroll Up key (7, Fig. 2) once. "Select Item: Setup" displays.

c. Press ENTER (2, Fig. 2). "Setup: Align" displays. Go to Step 3.

Important Note: While

performing the automatic

tracking procedure, you

may use the Arrow keys

to move the telescope or

you may also loosen the

telescope locks (17 and

33, Fig. 1d) and move

the optical tube manually

to locate another object

in the sky. The tracking

function will continue to

be operational and the

telescope will track the

new object.

2. Press MODE (3, Fig. 2). "Setup: Align" displays.

3. Press the Scroll Down key repeatedly until "Setup: Targets" displays. Press

ENTER (2, Fig. 2).

4. "Targets: Terrestrial" displays. Press one of the Scroll keys once (7, Fig. 2).

"Targets: Astronomical" now displays.

5. Use the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 2) to locate a bright star in the night sky. Use the

viewfinder to help line up on the star. You may choose any unobstructed, bright

star for the purposes of this example. Use Autostar's Arrow keys to center the star

in the eyepiece. Once the star is centered, press ENTER to select

"Astronomical." The telescope's tracking motors then engage. It may take the

tracking motors several seconds to begin tracking. When they do, it may be nec-

essary to once again center the star in the eyepiece. The tracking motors will

then keep any star you choose in the center of the eyepiece.

6. Press and hold the ENTER key for a few seconds and then release to stop track-

ing. You may also stop tracking by choosing "Terrestrial" in the Targets menu.

Using Autostar's GOTO Capabilities (Autostar Models Only)

Before you can use Autostar's GO TO capabilities, you must first:

•

Learn how Autostar's keys move through the menus

Initialize Autostar

Place the telescope in the polar home position, if you have not already done so

(see SETTING THE POLAR HOME POSITION, page 17)

•

Select "Align: Easy" from Autostar's menus

LXD55 TIPS

W h ic h O n e ’s t h e A lig n m e n t S t a r ?

If Autostar has chosen an alignment star with which you are unfamiliar, how can

you be sure if the star in your eyepiece is really the alignment star?

The rule of thumb is that an alignment star is usually the brightest star in that

area of the sky. If you perform a GO TO to an alignment star and you're not sure

if you have located the alignment star or it isn't in the eyepiece, look through your

viewfinder. When you view an alignment star in the viewfinder, it stands out dra-

matically from the rest of the stars in that portion of the sky. The viewfinder will

help you locate a star more quickly than the eyepiece, because it has a much

wider field of view than the eyepiece. Using Autostar, set the slew speed to 6 or

higher and use the Arrow keys to center the alignment star in the viewfinder. If

your viewfinder has been aligned with the telescope, the alignment star should

now be in the eyepiece. Set the slew speed to 4 or less and center the star in

the eyepiece. Also see the "Spiral Search" tip on page 21.

If you have an obstruction, such as a tree or a building blocking your view of the

alignment star, or if you have any doubts at all about the star that has been cho-

sen, no problem. Just press the Scroll Down key and Autostar will find another

star to align upon.

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Moving Through Autostar’s Menus (Autostar Models Only)

Autostar's menus are organized for quick and easy navigation.

Tip:

Press ENTER (2, Fig. 2) to go deeper into Autostar menu levels.

Press MODE (3, Fig. 2) to move back toward the top menu level.

Press the Scroll keys (7, Fig. 2) to move up and down through the options avail-

able for each menu level.

Press the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 2) to enter characters.

Press the Number keys (6, Fig. 2) to enter digits.

When multiple choices are

available within a menu

option, the current option is

usually displayed first and

highlighted by a right point-

ing arrow (>).

Initializing Autostar (Autostar Models Only)

This exercise describes how to initialize Autostar.

Note: Normally, you will enter the Time and Date at the beginning of each

observing session, but you will only perform the full Initialization proce-

dure (i.e., entering the Location information and selecting the model num-

ber as well as entering the Time and Date) the first time you use Autostar

or after performing a Reset.

Definition:

Initialization is a proce-

dure that ensures that

Autostar operates correctly.

When you first use

Autostar, it doesn't yet

know where the observa-

tion location site is or the

time or date of the obser-

vation session.

1. Make sure that the telescope is assembled correctly, and that the batteries are

installed as described previously.

2. Make sure the On/Off switch (D, Fig. 1e) is in the Off position. Plug Autostar's

cord into the HBX port (A, Fig. 1e), as previously described. Push the On/Off

switch to the On position.

3. A copyright message lights on Autostar’s LCD display and a message warning

not to look at the Sun scrolls across the display. Press the key prompted by

Autostar to acknowledge the message has been read and understood.

You will enter information,

such as the current time

and date, and observation

location.

Autostar uses this informa-

tion to precisely calculate

the location of celestial

objects (such as stars and

planets) and to automati-

cally move your telescope

correctly for various opera-

tions.

4. The Getting Started menu displays a scrolling message with two choices:

a. Press and hold down the ? key (8, Fig. 2) for about 2 seconds for informa-

tion on Autostar functions and controls. When finished, press MODE (3, Fig.

2) to exit Help, or,

b. Press ENTER (2, Fig. 2) to bypass the Help tutorial and continue with

Initialization.

5. Autostar prompts you to enter the current date:

a. Press the Numbers keys (6, Fig. 2) to enter numbers 0 through 9. After the

desired number is displayed, use the Right Arrow key (5, Fig. 2) to move the

cursor from one number to the next in the day display (or use the Left Arrow

key to move in the other direction across the display, if necessary).

b. Use the Right Arrow key (5, Fig. 2) to move the cursor to the month. Use the

Scroll keys (7, Fig. 2) to cycle through the list of months. When the current

month is displayed, use the Right Arrow (5, Fig. 2) to move the cursor to the

year.

c. Use Number keys (6, Fig. 2) to enter all four digits of the current year. Use

the Right Arrow key (5, Fig. 2) to move the cursor from one number to the

next.

d. Press ENTER (2, Fig. 2) when the entire date has been entered.

6. Autostar then prompts you to enter the current time. Use the Number keys to

enter digits. The Right and Left Arrow keys move the cursor across the screen

as described in the previous step. Enter the current time (use a "0" for the first

digit if less than 10). Use the Up Arrow key (7, Fig. 2) to scroll through "AM,"

"PM,'" or "blank." The "blank" option (screen displays neither AM nor PM) selects

the 24-hour (i.e., military time) clock. Then press ENTER to start the clock.

7. Autostar then prompts you to enter the status of Daylight Savings Time. Press

one of the Scroll keys to toggle between the YES/NO settings. Select the desired

setting by pressing ENTER.

Note: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by a different name in

various areas of the world.

8. If you have previously entered the Country/State and City of your observing site

(as described in ACTIVATE THE ARROW KEYS, page 16), go to step 9. If you have

not entered this information, perform the following steps:

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a. Autostar prompts you to enter the Country or State (listed alphabetically) of

the observing site. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the database of

countries, states, and provinces. Press ENTER when the correct location

displays.

b. Autostar then prompts you to enter the nearest city (listed alphabetically) to

the observing site. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the database of

cities. Press ENTER when the correct city appears on screen.

9. Autostar then prompts you to enter the model number of your telescope. Use the

Scroll keys to cycle through the list of telescope models. Press ENTER when the

correct model appears on the display.

Note: Autostar only prompts you to enter Country/State and City and

model number the first time it is activated. These prompts do not appear

again, unless you reset Autostar (see RESET, page 31). However, if you

need to enter this information (e.g., you change your geographic location),

you can do so by using the Site option of the Setup menu. See ADDING

OBSERVING SITES, page 32, for detailed information.

10. System Initialization is complete and the display reads "Align: Easy." After per-

forming the Initialization procedure, you MUST train your drive.

Training the Drive (Autostar Models Only)

Next, train the drive using Autostar. Perform this procedure the first time you use

Autostar with your telescope, after a Reset, or if you are experiencing any pointing

accuracy problems. Training the drive gives your telescope a higher degree of point-

ing accuracy.

Note: Use a terrestrial object, such as a telephone pole or lamp post, to

train the drive. It is best to perform this procedure during the daytime.

Complete this exercise once every 3 to 6 months to maintain the highest

level of telescope pointing accuracy.

1. If you have just performed INITIALIZING AUTOSTAR, go to step 2.

If you have not yet initialized Autostar, go to page 19 and follow the procedure

described in INITIALIZING AUTOSTAR.Then go to step 2 of this procedure.

2. Keep pressing MODE until "Select Item: Object" displays.

3. Press the Scroll Up key once. "Select: Item: Setup" displays.

4. Press ENTER to access the Setup menu. "Setup: Align" displays.

5. Keep pressing the Scroll Up key until "Setup: Telescope" displays.

6. Press ENTER to access the Telescope menu. "Telescope: Focal Length" dis-

plays.

7. Keep pressing the Scroll Down key until "Telescope: Train Drive" displays.

8. Press ENTER to choose the Train Drive option. "Train Drive: Az/RA Train" dis-

plays.

9. Press ENTER to begin Az/R.A. (Right Ascension) training.

10. "Drive Setup: For this...." begins to scroll across the display. This is a reminder to

point your telescope at a terrestrial object. Loosen the R.A. and Dec. locks (17

and 33, Fig. 1d) and point the telescope at an object. Then re-tighten the locks.

Press ENTER when the telescope is pointing at the desired terrestrial object.

11. "Center reference object" displays. Center your target object using the Arrow

keys. When centered, press ENTER.

12. The telescope slews and "Press > until it is centered" displays. Press the Right

Arrow key until the target is centered again. Then press ENTER.

Note: If you pass the object when pressing the Arrow key, you cannot slew

the telescope back in the other direction. Press MODE until "Train Drive:

Az/RA Train" displays and begin the procedure over again.

13. The telescope slews and "Press < until it is centered" displays. Press the Left

Arrow key until the target is centered again. Then press ENTER.

14. "Train Drive: Az/RA Train" displays again. Press the Scroll Down key and "Train

Drive: Alt/Dec Train" displays. Press ENTER to begin Alt/Dec. (Declination) training.

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15. "Drive Setup: For this...." begins to scroll across the display. This is another

reminder to point your telescope at a terrestrial object. Loosen the R.A. and Dec.

locks (17 and 33, Fig. 1d) and point the telescope at an object. Then re-tighten

the locks. Press ENTER when the telescope is pointing at the desired terrestrial

object.

16. "Center reference object" displays. Center your target object using the Arrow

keys. When centered, press ENTER.

17. The telescope slews and "Press until it is centered" displays. Press the Up

Arrow key until the target is centered again. Then press ENTER.

18. The telescope slews and "Press V until it is centered" displays. Press the Down

Arrow key until the target is centered again. Then press ENTER. "Train Drive:

Alt/Dec Train" displays again. You have now completed this procedure. Continue

onto the next procedure, EASY ALIGNMENT.

Note: Two other alignment

methods, One-Star and

Two-Star Polar alignment,

are available as options in

the "Setup: Align" menu.

See page 49 for more

information.

Easy Alignment (Autostar Models Only)

After completing the "Train the Drive" procedure, align your telescope using Autostar.

The fastest and easiest way to start observing with Autostar's Go To capabilities is to

align your telescope using the Easy Alignment.

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

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

Tip:

The GO TO key also

allows you to perform a

"spiral search." A spiral

search is useful when the

telescope slews to an

object, but that object is

not visible in the eyepiece

after the telescope finishes

its search. (This some-

times occurs during an

alignment procedure.)

3. "German North" displays and a scrolling message prompts you to set your tele-

scope in the polar home position. See SETTINGTHE POLAR HOME POSITION, page

17, for a description of this procedure. Press ENTER after you finish the proce-

dure.

4. Autostar then chooses two stars from its database to align upon. When the tele-

scope slews to the star for alignment, it may not appear in the field of view in the

eyepiece. Use the Arrow keys to move the telescope until the star is visible and

centered in the eyepiece. The alignment star should be easily recognized and be

the brightest star in the area of the sky where the telescope is pointing. See WHICH

ONE'STHE ALIGNMENT STAR, page 18, for more information. When the star is cen-

tered, press ENTER. Repeat the procedure for the second alignment star.

Press GO TO when the

telescope stops slewing.

The telescope begins to

move in a spiral pattern at

a very slow speed (you

may change the slew

speed if you wish—see

SLEW SPEEDS, page 16)

around the search area.

Look through the eyepiece

and when the object does

become visible, press

MODE to stop the spiral

search. Then use the

Arrow keys to center the

object.

Note: Autostar locates alignment stars based on the date, time, and loca-

tion entered. The alignment stars may change from night to night. All that

is required is for the observer to center the selected star in the eyepiece

when prompted.

Go To Saturn (Autostar Models Only)

After performing the Train the Drive and the Easy Alignment procedures, the motor

drive begins operating and the telescope is aligned for a night of viewing. Objects in

the eyepiece should maintain (i.e., track) their position even though the Earth is rotat-

ing beneath the stars.

Important Note: Once aligned, only use the Autostar menus or Arrow

keys to move the telescope. Do not loosen the telescope locks, or move

the base manually, or alignment will be lost.

This exercise demonstrates how to select an object for viewing from Autostar’s data-

base, i.e., Saturn. Note that Saturn is not visible all year long and it may be necessary

for you to choose another object from Autostar's database. However, the procedure

will be identical to the one used for observing Saturn.

1. After the telescope is aligned, “Select Item: Object” displays. Press ENTER. If

“Select Item: Object” is not currently displayed, press MODE repeatedly until it

displays, then press ENTER.

2. “Object: Solar System” displays. Press ENTER.

3. “Solar System: Mercury” displays. Use the Scroll Down key until “Solar System:

Saturn” displays.

4. Press ENTER. “Calculating” displays. Then “Saturn” and a set of coordinates dis-

plays. Saturn’s (and other planets’) coordinates change throughout the year.

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5. Press GO TO. “Saturn: Slewing...” displays and the telescope slews until it finds

Saturn. You may need to use the Arrow keys to center Saturn precisely in the

eyepiece. Autostar then automatically slews (moves) the telescope so that it

tracks Saturn (or whatever other object you may have chosen). Saturn remains

centered in the eyepiece.

Using the Guided Tour (Autostar Models Only)

This example demonstrates using “Tonight’s Best” Guided Tour.

1. After observing Saturn, keep pressing MODE until “Select Item: Object” displays

again.

Fig. 17: The planet Saturn

is over 800 million miles

from the Earth.

2. Press the Scroll Down key twice. “Select Item: Guided Tour” displays.

3. Press ENTER. “Guided Tour: Tonight’s Best” displays. Press ENTER.

Note: If you wish to try out other Guided Tours, press the Scroll Down key

to scroll through other tour choices. When the tour you wish to select dis-

plays, press ENTER.

4. “Tonight’s Best: Searching...” displays. After calculating, “Tonight’s Best: Jupiter”

displays.

Note: Different objects may be displayed on a tour list on any given night.

Press ENTER to display information about the object. Press GO TO to move the

telescope to the object.

5. Press MODE to return to the Tour list. Press the Scroll keys to scroll through the

list. Press ENTER when you find the next object you wish to observe.

6. Press and hold down MODE for two seconds to leave the Guided Tour menu.

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B A S IC A U T O S T A R O P E R A T IO N

OBJECT MENU

SETUP MENU

Easy alignment

permits all telescope

operations with only

a quick setup.

Select Item:

Object

Important Note: The

model SN-6EC, model

SN-8EC, and model AR-

5EC are equipped with an

Electronic Controller

Want to see Mars? The Orion nebula?

The Andromeda galaxy? Select from

over 30,000 database objects and press

GO TO to move the telescope

automatically to an object.

Select Item:

Setup

Select Item:

Event

E A D

handbox, rather than the

Autostar Handbox. The

EVENT MENU

UTILITIES MENU

Display the time of

past, present, and future

astronomical events,

such as Moon phases

or meteor showers.

Calculate eyepiece

magnifications;

set timer alerts;

create your own

landmark survey.

following sections (BASIC

AUTOSTAR OPERATION,

AUTOSTAR MENUS, AND

USEFUL AUTOSTAR

The Universe of

Autostar

PROCEDURES), are rele-

vant only to models

Select Item:

Utilities

Select Item:

Guided Tour

equipped with the

GUIDED TOUR

Autostar escorts you

on a tour of tonight's

GLOSSARY

What is an elliptical galaxy?

How far away is the Sun?

Expand your knowledge of

astronomy by displaying terms

and definitions, and other information.

Autostar handbox and do

not apply to the EC mod-

els. For more information

about the EC handbox,

see APPENDIX D: EC

HANDBOX, page 55.

best celestial objects

at your viewing location.

Select Item:

Glossary

Fig. 18: The Autostar Universe.The six primary categories listed in the Select Item menu of

Autostar.

It is important to understand that menu selections are set in a loop (Fig. 19). This means

that pressing the Scroll Down key (7, Fig. 2) cycles down through all the available

options within a given category, then returns to the first option. The Scroll Up key (7,

Fig. 2) cycles up through the options in the opposite order. Note that this capability is a

quick way to get to an option that is near the bottom of the list. The following example

demonstrates this capability.

Object

Event

Guided Tours

Glossary

Utilities

Setup

Example:

To navigate to the “Select Item: Setup” menu option when the “Select Item: Object”

menu is displayed:

1. Press the Scroll Down key five times or the Scroll Up key once.

Fig. 19: Menus set in a

loop.

The screen in Fig. 20 displays two lines of information. The top line shows the current

menu level. The second line displays an option which may be selected within that

menu level. Some options are choices that select the next menu level down. The

Scroll keys move up and down within the list of available options, showing one option

at a time.

Setup

Align

Date

Time

Daylight Saving

Telescope

Targets

etc.

When the desired option is displayed on the second line, press the ENTER key to

choose that option and move down one menu level.

Press the MODE key to leave a level; e.g., the wrong menu option is chosen.

Important Note: No matter how many levels into Autostar are traveled,

each press of the MODE key moves up a level, until the top level, "Select

Item," is reached. Once in the Select Item level, press MODE to return to

the topmost level, "Select Item: Object."

Fig. 20: Menu options dis-

play on the second line.

Use the Scroll keys to

move up or down through

the list of options. Press

ENTER to select the

desired option.

Autostar Navigation Exercise

To demonstrate how the Autostar menu structure works, the following exercise calcu-

lates Sunset time so an evening observing session can be planned.

Note: Before proceeding with this exercise, Autostar must be properly ini-

tialized and aligned (see pages 19 and 21).

To Calculate Sunset time:

1. Press the MODE key several times, until “Select Item: Object” is displayed.

2. Press the Scroll Down key once to display the “Event” option in the “Select Item”

menu.

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3. Press the ENTER key to choose the "Event" option and move down a level.

"Event: Sunrise" is displayed.

4. Press the Scroll Down key once to display the "Sunset" option in the Event menu.

5. Press the ENTER key to choose the "Sunset" option and move down another

level.

6. Autostar calculates the Sunset time based on the current date, time, and location.

Autostar then displays the results of the calculation.

7. Press MODE once to start moving back up through the Autostar levels. The first

level up is the Event menu.

8. Press MODE again to move up another level. This is the top level, "Select Item."

9. Press MODE again to return to the starting point of "Select Item: Object."

Entering Data into Autostar

Use the Number keys to enter digits.

Tip:

When multiple choices are

available within a menu

option, the current option is

usually displayed first and

highlighted by a right point-

ing arrow (>).

Use the Arrow keys to scroll through numbers 0 through 9 and the alphabet. The

Down Arrow key begins with the letter "A;" the Up Arrow key begins with digit "9."

To move the cursor across the display:

Use the Right or Left Arrow key (5, Fig. 2) to move the cursor from one number

to the next in the display.

Press ENTER when the desired information has been entered.

Navigating Autostar

Autostar's menus are organized for quick and easy navigation:

Press ENTER (2, Fig. 2) to go deeper into Autostar's menu levels.

Press MODE (3, Fig. 2) to move back toward the top menu level.

Press the Scroll keys (7, Fig. 2) to move up and down through the options or lists.

Press the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 2) to move the cursor across the display.

Press the Help (?) key (8, Fig. 2) to access on-line help.

LXD55 TIPS

Look into the Future

The Autostar Date option in the Setup menu is much more than just an entry

of today's date; with it you can look far into the future or learn about past

events. Autostar can calculate the date and times of future events and, except

for eclipses, past events as well (based on the current calendar system). E.g.,

a Sunrise on March 6, 2043 A.D. or the Vernal Equinox in 1776 A.D. To use this

feature, enter the desired date in the Setup: Date menu and select an option in

the Event menu.

Autostar can calculate dates and times for Sunrises, Sunsets, Moonrises,

Moonsets, Moonphases, Solar and Lunar Eclipses (for the next 100 years),

meteor showers, equinoxes and solstices, and the minimums of Algol.

One very practical use of the Date and Time menus is to use the Sunset option

to determine when you can begin your astronomical observing on any given

evening.

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Select Item:

Object

Select Item:

Event

Select Item:

Guided Tour

Select Item:

Glossary

Select Item:

Utilities

Select Item:

Setup

Sunrise

Sunset

Moonrise

Moonset

Moon Phases

Align

Easy

One Star

Two Star

Date

Solar System

Mercury

Etc.

Tour Objects

A...

Timer

Set

Start & Stop

Alarm

Set

Accretion Disk

Etc.

Tonight's Best

Star Groups

Stars of the Night

Moon

B...

C...

D...

E...

F...

G...

H...

I...

Asteroids

Comets

Constellations

Andromeda

Etc.

Deep Sky

Named Object

Galaxies

Nebulae

Planetary Neb.

Etc.

Next Full Moon

Time

On & Off

Eyepiece Calc.

Field of View

Magnification

Suggest

Display Options

Sun Warning

Getting Started

Brightness Adj.

Contrast Adj.

Battery Alarm

Landmark Survey

Sleep Scope

Park Scope

Next New Moon

Next 1st Qtr

Next 3rd Qtr

Meteor Showers

Quadrantids

Lyrids

Daylight Saving

Telescope

Model

Focal Length

Az/RA Ratio

Alt/Dec Ratio

Az/RA Percent

Alt/Dec Percent

Train Drive

Tracking Rate

Reverse L/R

Reverse Up/Dn

Calibrate Motor

High Precision

Targets

J...

Eta Aquarids

Delta Aquarids

Perseids

Orionids

Taurids

Leonids

Geminids

Ursids

K...

L...

M...

N...

O...

P...

Q...

R...

S...

T...

U...

V...

W...

X...

Y...

Z...

Star

Named

SAO Catalog

Double

Variable

Etc.

Cord Wrap

Solar Eclipses

Lunar Eclipses

Min. of Algol

Autumn Equinox

Vernal Equinox

Winter Solstice

Summer Solstice

Astronomical

Terrestrial

Site

Satellite

Select

Add

Delete

Edit

Select

Add

Delete

Edit

User Objects

Select

Owner Info

Clone

Add

Delete

Download

Statistics

Reset

Edit

Landmarks

Select

Add

Delete

Identify

Browse

Start Search

Edit Parameters

Fig. 2

1 The

Com

plete

Auto

star M

enu S

tructu

re.

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M E N U S

Object Menu

Almost all observing with Autostar is performed using the Object menu category.

(Note: Exceptions include Guided Tour and Landmark Survey. See GO TO SATURN,

)

page 21, for an example of observing using the Object menu. Also see USING THE

GUIDED TOUR, page 22.

Autostar contains many libraries of viewable objects, such as stars, planets, comets,

nebulae and so forth. When one of these objects is selected from a library, Autostar

moves your telescope (if properly aligned) and points it at the selected object.

The Object Menu options include:

Solar System is a library of the eight planets (Earth is not included) in order out from

the Sun, followed by the Moon, asteroids, and comets.

Constellation is a library of all 88 Northern and Southern Hemisphere constellations.

When this menu option is chosen and a constellation name appears on the first line

of the screen, press GO TO once to change the second line to the name of the bright-

est star in the constellation. Press GO TO a second time to slew the telescope to that

star. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the list of stars in the constellation, from

brightest to dimmest.

Deep Sky is a library of objects outside our Solar System such as nebulae, star clus-

ters, galaxies, and quasars.

Star is a library of stars listed in different categories such as named, double, variable,

or nearby.

Satellite is a library of Earth-orbiting objects such as the International Space Station,

the Hubble Space Telescope, Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, and geo-

synchronous orbit satellites.

Want to learn more about

observing satellites?

See page 34.

User Objects allows the user to define and store in memory deep-sky objects of spe-

cific interest that are not currently in the Autostar libraries. See Using Autostar to

Find Objects Not in the Libraries, page 33 for more information.

Landmarks stores the location of terrestrial points of interest in the permanent

Autostar database.

Want to learn more about

Landmarks?

Important Note: To use the Landmark function, the telescope must be

located and aligned exactly as when the landmark was added to the data-

base.

See page 34.

Select: To select a Landmark already in the database (see ADD below), choose

the "Select" option and scroll through the list. Press ENTER to select a

Landmark, then press GO TO and the telescope slews to the object.

Add: To add a Landmark, choose the "Add" option. Enter a name for the

Landmark. Locate and center the Landmark in the eyepiece, then press ENTER.

Identify is an exciting feature for an observer who wants to scan the night sky and

start exploring. After the telescope has been properly aligned, use the Autostar Arrow

keys to move about in the sky. Then follow this procedure:

Important Note: Only use the Arrow keys to move the telescope during

the Identify procedure. Do not loosen the telescope locks or move the

base or alignment is lost.

1. When a desired object is visible in the eyepiece, keep pressing MODE until the

“Select Item: Object” menu is displayed. Press ENTER to select this menu.

2. Scroll through the Object menu options until the “Object: Identify” screen

appears.

3. Press ENTER. Autostar searches the libraries for the identity of the object being

observed.

4. If the telescope is not directly on an Autostar library object, the nearest library

object is located and displayed on the screen. Press GO TO and the telescope

slews to that object.

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Browse allows you to search the library for objects with certain parameters, much like

a search engine. "Edit Parameters" lets you set various parameters for the search,

such as: Object Type, Minimum Elevation, Largest, etc. Once you have set the param-

eters of the search, select "Start Search" and press ENTER. Autostar will display the

results of the search.

Event Menu

The Event menu provides access to dates and times of astronomical events. The

Event database includes:

Sunrise and Sunset calculates the time that the Sun rises or sets on the current date.

Find rise and set times for other dates by entering a new date into the “Setup: Date”

menu.

Want to learn more about

using the Date menu?

See the LXD55 TIPS box,

page 24.

Moonrise and Moonset calculates the time that the Moon rises or sets on the current

date. Find rise and set times for other dates by entering a new date into the “Setup:

Date” menu.

Moon Phases displays the date and time of the next Full, New, 1st Quarter, and 3rd

Quarter Moon.

Meteor Showers provides information on upcoming meteor showers, such as the

Perseids, the Leonids, etc. Also lists the dates of the showers and when they reach

maximum.

Note: Meteors are fast moving objects that cover large areas of the sky and

are usually best observed with the naked eye.

WARNING!

Never use

a Meade

Solar Eclipse lists upcoming Solar Eclipses, including the date and type (total, annu-

lar, or partial) of eclipse, and the location and time of the first and last contacts of the

Moon's shadow. Use the Scroll Up and Down keys to display the available data.

Remember, never use a telescope to look at the Sun! See WARNING! to the left.

LXD55-Series

Telescope to look at

the Sun! Looking at

or near the Sun will

cause instant and

irreversible damage

to your eye. Eye

Lunar Eclipse lists upcoming Lunar Eclipses, including the date and type (total, par-

tial, penumbral) of eclipse. Use the Scroll Up and Down keys to display the available

data.

Min. (Minimum) of Algol is the minimum brightness of the dramatic eclipsing binary

star system, Algol. It is relatively close at a distance of 100 light years. Every 2.8 days

during a 10-hour period, Algol undergoes a major change in apparent magnitude as

one of the two stars passes behind the other. The combined magnitude of the two

stars thus dips from +2.1 to a minimum of +3.4 halfway through the eclipse as the sec-

ond star is hidden. Autostar calculates minimum magnitude time at mid-eclipse.

damage is often

painless, so there is

no warning to the

observer that dam-

age has occurred

until it is too late. Do

not point the tele-

scope or its viewfind-

er 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.

Autumn and Vernal Equinox calculates the time and date of the fall or spring equi-

nox of the current year.

Winter and Summer Solstice calculates the time and date of the winter or summer

solstice of the current year.

Glossary Menu

The Glossary menu provides an alphabetical listing of definitions and descriptions for

common astronomical terms and Autostar functions. Access directly through the

Glossary menu or through hypertext words embedded in Autostar. A hypertext word

is any word in [brackets], usually found when using the Autostar Help function or

when reading a scrolling message such as a description of a planet or star. Press

ENTER whenever a hypertext word is on screen and Autostar goes to the glossary

entry for that word.

To access directly from the Glossary menu, use the Scroll keys to scroll through the

alphabet. Press ENTER on the desired letter. Scroll to the desired entry and then

press ENTER to read the description.

Utilities Menu

The Utilities menu provides access to several extra features within Autostar, including

a countdown timer and an alarm. The Utilities functions include:

Timer selects a countdown timer. This feature is useful for functions such as

astrophotography and tracking satellites. To use the Timer, press ENTER, then

choose “Set” or “Start/Stop."

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Set: Enter the time to be counted down, in hours, minutes, and seconds, then press

ENTER.

Start/Stop: Activates the timer set previously. Use the Scroll keys to toggle

between ON and OFF. When ON is displayed, press ENTER to activate the timer.

When the timer runs out, four beeps sound and the timer is deactivated.

Alarm selects a time for an alarm signal as a reminder. To use the Alarm, press

ENTER, then choose "Set" or "Start/Stop."

Set: Enter the time of day for the alarm to sound, in hours, minutes, and seconds,

then press ENTER.

Start/Stop: Activates the alarm set previously. Use the Scroll keys to toggle

between on and off. When ON is displayed, press ENTER to activate the alarm.

When the alarm time arrives, Autostar beeps. Press ENTER to deactivate the

alarm.

Eyepiece Calc calculates information about an eyepiece for the specific telescope to

which Autostar is connected.

Field of View: Scroll through a list of available eyepieces. When an eyepiece is

selected, the field of view is calculated.

Magnification: Scroll through a list of available eyepieces. When an eyepiece is

selected, the magnification is calculated.

Suggest: Autostar calculates and suggests the best eyepiece for viewing, based

on the telescope and the object being viewed.

Display Options enables or disables Autostar’s two initial displays. If both displays

are disabled, Autostar begins with the Date display.

Sun Warning: Turns the “Sun Warning” message on or off.

Getting Started: Turns the “Getting Started” message on or off.

Tip:

Brightness Adj: Adjusts the brightness of the display using the Scroll keys. When com-

plete, press ENTER.

If you notice that the text is

"smearing" on the Autostar

display, use the contrast

adjustment menu.

Contrast Adj: Adjusts the contrast of the display using the Scroll keys. When complete, press

ENTER. The Contrast Adjustment feature is usually only required in very cold weather.

Landmark Survey automatically slews the telescope to all user-defined landmarks

with a short pause at each location. Press ENTER to start the survey. While a slew is

in progress, press any key to skip that object and go to the next landmark on the list.

To observe a landmark for a longer period, press MODE when paused on the object

to stop the survey. Press ENTER to restart the survey at the first object on the list.

Want to learn more about

Landmarks?

See page 34.

Sleep Scope is a power saving option that shuts down Autostar and the telescope

without forgetting its alignment. With "Sleep Scope" selected, press ENTER to acti-

vate the Sleep function. Autostar goes dark, but the internal clock keeps running.

Press any key, except ENTER, to re-activate Autostar and the telescope.

Park Scope is designed for a telescope that is not moved between observing ses-

sions. Align the telescope one time, then use this function to park the telescope. Next

time it is powered up, enter the correct date and time – no alignment is required.

Pressing ENTER causes the telescope to move to its pre-determined Park position.

Once parked, the screen prompts to turn off power.

Important Note: When the "Park Scope" option is chosen and the display

prompts you to turn off the telescope's power, Autostar is unable to be

returned to operation without turning the power off and then back on.

Cord Wrap moves the telescope in such a way as to prevent the cords and cables

attached to your telescope assembly from getting wound around the assembly and tan-

gled as the telescope slews to objects. This menu is set to "On" and cannot be

changed by the user.

Setup Menu

Want to learn more about

using the Date menu?

See the LXD55 TIPS box,

page 24.

The Setup menu’s primary functions are for setting up telescope alignment. However,

there are numerous other features available within the Setup menu, including:

Date changes the date used by Autostar. This function is useful to check events in the

past or future. For example, set the Date menu for a day three months in the future.

Then check the "Select Item: Event" menu for the Sunset time on that date. See

EVENT MENU, page 27.

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Time changes the time entered into Autostar. Setting the correct time is critical for

Autostar to properly calculate locations and events. Time may be set to 24-hour mode

(military time) by selecting the "blank" option (i.e., no option is displayed) which fol-

lows the "AM" and "PM" options.

Daylight Saving is used to enable or disable Daylight Savings time.

Note: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by different names in vari-

ous areas of the world. Check local time to verify.

Telescope accesses several options, including:

Model: Allows you to select the telescope model connected to Autostar.

Focal Length: Displays the focal length of the selected telescope.

Az/R.A. Ratio and Alt/Dec. Ratio: The Az (Azimuth) or the R.A. (Right

Ascension) ratio and Alt (Altitude) or Dec. (Declination) ratio refers to the gears of

the telescope's motors. Do not alter these numbers.

Az/R.A. Percent: This option allows you to change the AZ (azimuth) or R.A. (right

ascension) backlash, i.e., the way the Arrow keys move the telescope along the

azimuth or R.A. axes. If you enter a value near 100, the telescope tube responds

more quickly (it responds immediately at 100%) as you hold down an Arrow key

and also slews (moves) the tube more quickly. If you enter a value near 0, it takes

longer for the tube to respond as you hold down an Arrow key and also slews the

tube more slowly. Experiment with this option. Try changing the percent value

until you get a "feel" for the Arrow keys that is comfortable for you.

Alt/Dec. Percent: The option operates identical to the Az/R.A. Percent option

(see above), but allows you to change the altitude or declination backlash, i.e.,

the way the telescope responds to the Arrow keys when moving along the altitude

or declination axes.

Train Drive: Trains the Altitude/Declination and Azimuth/R.A. motors to locate

objects with more precision.

If you are experiencing any problems with pointing accuracy, follow the procedure

described in TRAININGTHE DRIVE, page 20, to insure accurate pointing and track-

ing.

Tracking Rate: Changes the speed at which the telescope tracks targets in the

sky.

a. Sidereal: The default tracking setting for Autostar; sidereal rate is the stan-

dard rate at which stars move from East to West across the sky due to the

rotation of the Earth.

LXD55 TIPS

O b s e r v in g C o n s id e r a t io n s

•

Try to pick an observing site away from street and house lights and car head-

lights. While this is not always possible, the darker the site, the better.

Give your eyes about ten minutes to adjust to the darkness before observing.

Give your eyes a rest from observing every ten or fifteen minutes to relieve

eyestrain.

•

Try not to use a standard flashlight. Experienced observers use red LED flash-

lights, the red utility light on the Autostar handbox, or tape red cellophane over

their flashlights to use for setup and map reading so they don’t have to con-

tinually readjust their eyes to the darkness. Be careful not to shine bright lights

if there are other observers in the area. Do not shine a flashlight into the tele-

scope while someone is observing!

•

Dress warmly. It gets chilly when you’re sitting for prolonged periods.

Practice setting up your equipment during the day or in a lighted area to

become familiar with it before going to a dark site.

•

Use your 26mm eyepiece to view terrestrial objects and wider areas of space,

such as open star clusters. Use an optional 9mm eyepiece when you wish to

view something up close, such as craters on the Moon or the rings of Saturn.

Know your observing site. If you’re going to try out an unfamiliar site, check it

out in the daylight for possible obstructions and pitfalls.

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b. Lunar: Choose this option to properly track the Moon over long observing

sessions.

c. Custom: Allows entry of user-defined tracking rates.

Tip:

Reverse L/R: Reverses the functions of the Left and Right Arrow keys (i.e., the

Right key moves the telescope to the left).

The Reverse L/R and U/D

functions are useful if you

are observing in the

Southern hemisphere.

Reverse U/D: Reverses the functions of the Up and Down Arrow keys (i.e., the

Up key moves the telescope down).

Calibrate Motor: If the telescope motors appear to have a problem, use this

option to retest the motors before performing a Reset. This option is also used if

an Autostar unit is moved between telescopes, to match Autostar to the new tel-

escope. To calibrate the motors, select this option and press ENTER.

Tip:

High Precision: If High Precision is turned on, when looking for a faint celestial

object (i.e., a nebula or galaxy), Autostar first slews to a nearby bright star and

displays "ENTER to Sync." Center the star in the eyepiece, then press ENTER.

At that point the telescope has a high precision alignment to that part of the sky

and it then slews to the object that was originally requested.

If the "ENTER to Sync"

feature is accessed by

mistake (holding the

ENTER key for more than

2 seconds), press MODE

to return to the previous

screen.

Targets switches between Astronomical targets and Terrestrial targets. If

"Astronomical" is selected, the telescope tracking motor is activated and any object

you observe will remain centered in the eyepiece. If "Terrestrial" is selected, the track-

ing motor is turned off. To learn how to track an object automatically, see page 18.

Site provides access to several options including:

Select: Displays the currently selected observing site. Use the Scroll keys to

cycle through all available sites (see ADD below). Press ENTER when the site

you wish to select displays. Use this option when you move to a different geo-

graphic location.

Add: Allows you to add new observing sites to the database (up to six sites may

be stored). Scroll through the list of Countries/States. Press ENTER when the site

you wish to add displays. Then choose the desired city in the same manner.

Want to learn more about

adding and editing

sites? See page 32.

Delete: Deletes a stored site from the database.

Time Zone

Atlantic

Eastern

Central

Mountain

Pacific

Shift

Edit: Edits a selected site, including: the name, latitude, longitude, and time

zone. Time Zone refers to the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) time zone shift.

Users West of Greenwich, England use “-” hours, East of Greenwich use “+”

hours. For the United States, look up the time zone shift in Table 1.

-4 Hours

-5 Hours

-6 Hours

-7 Hours

-8 Hours

-9 Hours

-10 Hours

Note: Autostar compensates for daylight savings time, if selected. See

SETUP MENU: DAYLIGHT SAVING, page 29.

Alaska

Hawaii

Owner Info accesses the owner information menu, including:

Table 1: Time Zone Shift.

Name: Users may enter both their first and last names using the Up and Down

Arrow keys to cycle through the alphabet. Use the Right and Left Arrow keys to

move through the text. Press ENTER when the entry is complete.

Note: The Download and

Clone functions require

the optional #505

Astrofinder Software and

Cable Connector Kit. See

the instruction sheet

included with the kit for

more information on how

to download.

Address: Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to enter your street address, city,

state, and zip code. Press ENTER when the entry is complete.

Download transfers information from a personal computer or another Autostar.

During the operation, the warning “Downloading Do Not Turn Off” appears.

Clone uploads information from one Autostar handbox to another. Three options are

available:

Catalogs: Sends only user-defined object information, such as new satellite

orbits or comet data to another Autostar handbox.

Software: Sends only the basic Autostar software. This is useful if one user has

downloaded a new version of Autostar software from the Meade website

(www.meade.com) and wants to pass this software along to friends.

All: Everything–user-defined information and Autostar software–is sent to anoth-

er Autostar.

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Statistics provides basic statistical data about Autostar, including:

Characters Free: Shows how much room is available in user-defined object

memory.

Version: Shows the current version of the Autostar software.

Reset completely resets Autostar. Most values entered into the menus revert to fac-

tory defaults. Autostar requires initialization after a Reset before proceeding with

observations. See INITIALIZING AUTOSTAR, page 19.

LXD55 TIPS

Surf the Web

One of the most exciting resources for astronomy is the internet. The internet is full

of websites with new images, discoveries, and the latest astronomical information.

For example, when comet Hale-Bopp made its approach to our Sun in 1998,

astronomers around the world posted new photos daily.

You can find websites for almost any topic relating to astronomy on the internet. Try

the following key word searches: NASA, Hubble, HST, astronomy, Messier, satellite,

nebula, black hole, variable stars, etc.

Check out Meade’s website for the latest product and technical information. You can

download the latest software revisions, links to other astronomical sites, coordinates

of celestial objects and the latest satellite tracking information for your Autostar

handset. See page 34 for more information. You’ll find our website at:

http://www.meade.com/

Here are some other sites you might find interesting:

• Sky & Telescope:

http://www.Skyand Telescope.com

• Astronomy:

http://www.astronomy.com

• The Starfield:

http://users.nac.net/gburke/

• Astronomy Picture of the Day:

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.goc/apod

• Heavens Above (satellite observing information):

http://www.heavens-above.com

• Photographic Atlas of the Moon:

http://www.lpi.ursa.edu/research/lunar_orbiter

• Hubble Space Telescope Public Pictures

http://oposite.stsci.edu/pubinfo/pictures.html

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U S E F U L A U T O S T A R P R O C E D U R E S

Before trying out the examples in this section, familiarize yourself with the basic oper-

ations of Autostar described earlier in this manual. The following examples assume

that you have a basic knowledge of Autostar and understand how to scroll to a desired

menu or menu option, and how to enter numbers and text. It also assumes that you

have initialized and aligned your telescope.

Adding Observing Sites

If you plan to observe using Autostar at different geographic locations, you can store

up to six observation sites in Autostar's memory to help simplify your telescope setup.

Perform these procedures using the Site options (Add, Select, Delete, Edit) of the

Setup menu.

To Add a Site to the user-defined site list:

In this example, you will choose a city and add it to the database list. You will then

select the site to enable it.

1. Navigate to the "Setup: Site" menu. Press ENTER,

2. Scroll through the options until "Site: Add" displays. Press ENTER.

3. Scroll through the list of countries/states. Press ENTER when the country/state

you wish to add displays.

4. Scroll through the list of cities. Press ENTER when the city you wish to add dis-

plays. The Site is now added to the database. You may add 5 sites using this

method (the sixth site is the site you added during the manual initialization

process).

5. To choose a site, navigate to "Setup: Select." Press ENTER. Scroll through the

list of sites. When the desired site displays, press ENTER.

To Edit a Site

In this procedure, you will enter a location that is not available in the Autostar data-

base by editing data of a nearby site. You will edit the location's name, latitude. lon-

gitude and the time zone shift. You will then select the site to enable it.

You will need to know the latitude and longitude of your location to perform this pro-

cedure.

1. Using the Add option, choose a site on the list that is closest to your observing

site and press ENTER so that the site is added to your observing sites list.

Choosing a site already on the list (as opposed to using the "Custom" feature)

makes it easier to edit, as the "Time Zone" value may not need to be changed.

2. Scroll to "Site: Edit" and press ENTER. "Edit: Name" displays. Press ENTER.

3. The name of the site you have just entered to your list displays; if it does not,

scroll to the site.

4. Using the Arrow keys, change the name of the site so that it now reads the name

of your observing location. Press ENTER. "Edit: Name" displays again.

5. Press the Scroll Down key and "Edit: Latitude" displays. Press ENTER.

6. Using the Number Keys, enter the latitude of your observing site and then press

ENTER. "Edit: Latitude" displays again.

7. Press the Scroll Down key and "Edit: Longitude" displays. Press ENTER.

8. Using the Number Keys, enter the longitude of your observing site and then press

ENTER. "Edit: Longitude" displays again.

Time Zone

Atlantic

Eastern

Central

Mountain

Pacific

Shift

-4 Hours

-5 Hours

-6 Hours

-7 Hours

-8 Hours

-9 Hours

-10 Hours

9. Press the Scroll Down key and "Edit: Time Zone" displays. Press ENTER. (If the

site you chose from the list in step 1 has the same Time Zone as the site you are

editing, just press ENTER again to go on to the next step.) "Time Zone" refers to

the Greenwich Time Zone shift. Users West of Greenwich, use "-" hours (one

hour per time zone) and users East of Greenwich use "+" hours. For the United

States, look up the shift in TABLE 1, at the left.

Alaska

Hawaii

Table 1: Time Zone Shift.

10. After entering the shift, press ENTER. "Edit Time Zone" displays.

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11. Press MODE. "Site: Edit" displays.

12. Using the Arrow keys, scroll to "Site: Select." The site you have just edited dis-

plays. Press ENTER to select the site or press MODE to exit.

Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the Libraries

In this procedure, you will enter coordinates of celestial objects that do not appear in

any of the Autostar libraries. You will enter the object's name and R.A. and Dec. coor-

dinates (required information). You may also enter the object's magnitude and size

(optional information).

Although Autostar contains an extensive database of celestial objects (stars, nebulae,

planets, etc.) that you can observe, you may eventually want to view objects that are

not part of a library. Autostar provides a feature that allows you to enter an object's

R.A and Dec. coordinates in the "User: Objects" option of the Object menu and allows

automatic slewing of the telescope to the user-entered coordinates.

In order to use this menu option, you first need to look up the R.A. and Dec. coordi-

nates of the object or objects you wish to observe. Check out your local library, com-

puter store, or bookstore for astronomy books, CD Roms, or magazines (such as Sky

& Telescope or Astronomy), to find coordinates of celestial objects. The objects/coor-

dinates you enter become part of your own permanent database, called "User

Objects."

To enter coordinates of an object into the "User: Objects" option of the Object

menu:

1. Make sure Autostar has been initialized and the telescope has been aligned.

Tip:

2. After the telescope is aligned, "Select Item: Object" displays. (If necessary, use

the Scroll keys to scroll through the menus, as previously described, to find this

option.) Press ENTER.

Entering R.A. and Dec.

Coordinates of an object

without using the menus:

If you do not wish to navigate

through the menus, a more

direct way to enter coordi-

nates is to press and hold

MODE for two seconds or

more. R.A. and Dec. coordi-

nates display. Press GO TO.

"Object Position" and a set of

coordinates displays. Enter

the R.A. and Dec. coordinates

of any celestial object using

Number keys, overwriting the

coordinates currently dis-

played. As soon as the coor-

dinates are entered, Autostar

slews the telescope to the

coordinates. Note that the tel-

escope must be initialized

(see page 19), placed in the

Home position (see page 17),

and aligned (see page 21) for

this procedure to operate

properly.

3. "Object: Solar System" displays. Keep pressing the Scroll Up key until "Object:

User Object" displays and press ENTER.

4. "User Object: Select" displays. Press the Scroll Down key once. "User Object:

Add" displays. Press ENTER.

5. "Name" displays on the top line and a blinking cursor on the second line. Use the

Arrow keys, as previously described, to enter the name of the object you wish to

add to the database. When you are finished, press ENTER.

6. "Right Asc.: 00.00.0" displays. Use the Number keys to enter the digits for the

Right Ascension coordinate of your object. When you are finished, press ENTER.

7. "Declination: +00°.00' " displays. Use the Number keys to enter the digits for the

Declination coordinate of your object. If necessary, use the Scroll Keys to change

"+" to "-." When you are finished, press ENTER.

8. Autostar then prompts you to enter the size of the object. This step is optional.

Use the Number keys to enter the size (in arc-minutes), if so desired, and press

ENTER to go to the next display. If you do not wish to enter this information, sim-

ply press ENTER.

9. Autostar then prompts you to enter the magnitude of the object. This step is also

optional. Use the Number keys to enter this information, if so desired, and press

ENTER to go to the next display. "User Object: Add" displays again.

However, if you wish to store

the coordinates of an object

in memory, use the method

described at the right.

To GO TO a user-entered object

In this procedure, you will choose an object from the User Object list and GO TO the

object.

1. With "User Object: Add" displayed, press the Scroll Up key once. "User Object:

Select" displays. Press ENTER.

2. Use the Scroll keys (if necessary) to scroll to the desired object. Press ENTER.

3. The name of the object and the Right Ascension and Declination coordinates dis-

play.

4. Press GO TO and the telescope slews to the object.

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Observing Satellites

In this procedure, you will prepare your telescope to observe a satellite pass.

1. Navigate to the "Object: Satellite" menu option and press ENTER.

2. Use the Scroll keys to scroll through the list of satellites.

3. Select a satellite from the list and press ENTER.

4. "Calculating...." and then "Tracking..." displays. If the satellite is going to make a

pass, "Located" displays.

5. Use the Scroll keys to display data about the pass: aos – acquisition of signal and

los – loss of signal. If you subtract the aos from the los, you can calculate how

long the satellite will be visible. Location information also displays.

6. "Alarm" displays after the location information. Press ENTER and Autostar auto-

matically sets the alarm to sound a minute before the satellite's scheduled

appearance. You may return to regular observations until the alarm goes off.

7. When the alarm goes off, return to the Satellite menu and press a Scroll key until

the desired satellite is on the top line of the display.

8. Press GO TO. Autostar slews the telescope to where the satellite should appear.

The motor drive stops and a countdown is displayed.

Note: If the scheduled appearance position of the satellite is obstructed

(i.e., by a building, tree, or hill), press ENTER and Autostar starts to move

the telescope along the expected satellite track. When the track clears the

obstruction, press ENTER again to pause the telescope, then continue

with this procedure.

9. With about 20 seconds left on the countdown timer, start watching through the tel-

escope viewfinder for the satellite to enter the field of view.

10. When the satellite enters the viewfinder field of view, press ENTER. The tele-

scope starts to track with the satellite.

11. Use the Autostar Arrow keys to center the object in the viewfinder, then look

through the eyepiece to view the object.

Satellite orbits change and new satellites (including the Space Shuttle) are launched.

Visit the Meade website (www.meade.com) approximately once a month to get

updated information and instructions on how to download this data to Autostar. If

orbital parameters are more than one month old, the satellite pass may not happen at

the time predicted by Autostar. Downloading requires the optional #505 AstroFinder™

Software and Cable Connector Kit. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 38.

Note: Satellite observing is an exciting challenge. Most satellites are in

low orbit, travelling at approximately 17,500 mph. When visible, they move

quickly across the sky and are only in the field of view for a few minutes,

requiring Autostar to slew the telescope rapidly. Best viewing is near

Sunrise or Sunset when the sky is still dark. Viewing in the middle of the

night can be problematic because the satellite may pass overhead, but not

be visible as it is in the Earth's shadow.

Landmarks

Tip:

To use the Landmark func-

tion, the telescope must be

located and aligned exactly

as when the landmark(s)

was added to the database.

This menu option allows you to define and store terrestrial objects in the Landmark

database. First, a landmark needs to be stored in memory using the "Landmark: Add"

option. To view a landmark, use the "Landmark: Select" option. Landmarks may also

be viewed using the "Landmark Survey" option in the Utilities menu.

To Add a landmark to the database:

In this procedure, you will store the location of terrestrial landmarks in Autostar's

memory.

1. Note for future reference where the telescope is located. Select an easily recog-

nizable reference object and center the object in the telescope eyepiece. Each time

you wish to view landmarks you have added to the database, setup the telescope

in this location and center the reference object in the eyepiece. If you do not use a

consistent point of reference, the telescope will not be able to locate the objects you

have added to the database.

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Another setup method is to select an object from the Landmark database. See TO

SELECT A LANDMARK FROMTHE DATABASE below. Then manually move the tele-

scope's optical tube and center this object in the telescope eyepiece.

2. Display the "Setup: Targets" menu option. Choose "Terrestrial" and press

ENTER. "Setup: Targets" displays again. Choosing this option turns off tracking

for astronomical objects which is not useful for the viewing of terrestrial objects

such as those in the Landmark database. Be sure to change this option back to

"Astronomical" when you wish to view celestial objects again.

3. Press MODE once. "Select Item: Setup" displays.

4. Press the Scroll Down key once and "Select Item: Object" displays. Press

ENTER. "Object: Solar System" displays.

5. Press the Scroll Up key twice and "Object: Landmarks" displays. Press ENTER.

"Landmark: Select" displays.

6. Press the Scroll Down key once. "Landmark: Add" displays. Press ENTER.

7. "Landmark Name" displays. Using Arrow keys, enter a name for the landmark

you wish to add to the database. When finished, press ENTER.

8. "Center Landmark. Press Enter" displays. Using only the Arrow keys (do not

manually move the telescope), move the telescope to the desired landmark and

center the object in the eyepiece. Press ENTER. The object is now stored in

memory.

9. "Landmark: Add" displays. If you wish to add more landmarks, repeat steps 5

through 7.

To Select a landmark from the database

1. Make sure the telescope is located and aligned exactly as when the desired land-

mark was entered into memory.

2. Display the "Landmark: Select" menu option. Press ENTER.

3. Use the Scroll keys to scroll through the list of objects you have previously

entered. When the desired object displays, press ENTER to select the object.

Use the Scroll keys to scroll through location information about the object, if

desired. Press GO TO to slew the telescope to the landmark.

4. Press MODE to exit.

To perform a Landmark Survey

This procedure allows you to perform a tour of the objects entered in the "Object:

Landmark" menu option—note that the Landmark Survey will function only if you have

previously entered objects in the Landmark menu.

1. Navigate to the "Utilities: Landmark Survey" menu and press ENTER.

2. "Landmark Survey: Slewing..." displays. The telescope moves to the first object

on the Survey list and displays the name of the object.

3. Press MODE to pause the Survey. Press ENTER to restart the survey at the first

object of the survey.

To Check on the Available Memory

Autostar has a limited amount of memory. Once you begin to store Landmarks, user

objects and other bits of information in Autostar, you will begin to use up memory. This

procedure allows you to check on how much memory is still available.

1. Navigate to the "Setup: Statistics" menu option and press ENTER.

2. "Statistics: 37.2K Char. Free" displays. This is the amount of memory that is still

available to the user.

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P H O T O G R A P H Y

Photography through an LXD55 Schmidt-Newtonian telescope requires an LXD55-Series T

Adapter supplied) attached to the telescope (Fig. 22). Through-the-telescope photog-

(

raphy is possible with any 35mm camera body with a removable lens. In this way, the tel-

escope effectively becomes the lens of the camera.

Unthread the focuser extension tube (Fig. 23) from the focuser drawtube to remove

from the focuser assembly. The T-Adapter (2, Fig. 22) threads onto the focuser, fol-

lowed by the camera body (1, Fig. 22).

To orient an object in the viewfinder of the 35mm camera body, use a small jeweler’s

screwdriver to slightly loosen three adjustment screws around the outer knurled ring

of the T-Adapter. Rotate the camera body to achieve proper orientation of the object;

then re-tighten the adjustment screws.

Photography through a long lens such as the LXD55-Series requires special technique

for good results, and the photographer should probably expect to waste a roll or two

of film in acquiring this technique. Long-lens photography has its own rewards, how-

ever, rewards that short-focus lenses cannot duplicate.

Fig. 22: LXD55-Series T-Adapter

attached to focuser assembly and

camera.

(1) Camera Body, (2) T-Adapter,

(3) Focus Knob.

A few tips on photography with the LXD55-Series telescopes:

1. Use a cable-operated shutter release. Touching the camera body to initiate shut-

ter operation almost certainly introduces undesirable vibrations.

Focuser

Extension

Tube

2. Focus the image with extreme care. While observing the subject through the cam-

era’s reflex viewfinder, turn the telescope’s focus knob (3, Fig. 22) to achieve the

sharpest possible focus. Note that some 35mm cameras may have an optional

focusing screen (available from the manufacturer) for use with a long telephoto

lens. This screen provides a brighter and clearer image to focus, and is highly rec-

ommended.

3. Correct shutter speeds vary widely, depending on lighting conditions and film

used. Trial-and-error is the best way to determine proper shutter speed in any

given application.

Note: The camera used with your telescope may have an exposure meter

that is still active when the standard lens is removed and the body is con-

nected to the telescope with the T–Adapter. If used for terrestrial photog-

raphy, the camera meter should be acceptable. If used for astrophotogra-

phy, the meter probably will not provide good results since camera meters

are not made to compensate for a dark sky.

Fig. 23: Focuser Extension Drawtube

with eyepiece holder and eyepiece

attached.

4. Terrestrial photography through the LXD55-Series is sensitive to heat waves rising

from the Earth’s surface. Long distance photography is best accomplished in the

early morning hours before the earth has had time to build up heat.

5. Photography of the Moon and planets through the LXD55-Series can be especial-

ly gratifying, but points 1 through 4 should be particularly noted in this case.

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O P T IO N A L A C C E S S O R IE S

A wide assortment of professional Meade accessories is available for the LXD55-Series

telescope models. The premium quality of these accessories is well-suited to the qual-

ity of the instrument itself. Consult the Meade General Catalog for complete details

on these and other accessories.

6” f/5

8” f/4

10” f/4

Eyepiece/Apparent Field

Power/Actual Field

Super Plössl Eyepieces (4-elements; 1.25” O.D.)

6.4mm/52°

9.7mm/52°

12.4mm/52°

15mm/52°

20mm/52°

26mm/52°

32mm/52°

40mm/44°

119/0.44°

79/0.66°

61/0.85°

51/1.02°

38/1.36°

29/1.77°

24/2.18°

19/2.31°

127/0.41°

84/0.62°

65/0.79°

54/1.96°

41/1.28°

31/1.67°

25/2.05°

20/2.17°

159/0.33°

105/0.50°

82/0.63°

68/0.77°

51/1.02°

39/1.33°

32/1.64°

25/1.73°

Super Wide Angle Eyepieces (6-elements; 1.25” O.D., except as noted)

Fig. 24: Series 4000 Eyepieces.

13.8mm/67°

55/1.21°

42/1.58°

31/2.15°

24/2.81°

19/3.52°

59/1.14°

45/1.49°

33/2.02°

25/2.64°

20/3.30°

74/0.91°

56/1.19°

41/1.62°

32/2.11°

25/2.64°

18mm/67°

24.5mm/67°

32mm/67° (2" O.D.)

40mm/67° (2" O.D.)

Ultra Wide Angle Eyepieces (8-elements; 1.25” O.D., except as noted)

4.7mm/84°

6.7mm/84°

8.8mm/84° (1.25

162/0.52°

114/0.74°

87/0.97°

54/1.54°

173/0.49°

121/0.69°

92/0.91°

58/1.45°

216/0.39°

152/0.55°

115/0.73°

73/1.16°

- 2

O.D.)

14mm/84° (1.25

- 2

Fig. 25: #140 2x Barlow Lens.

5” f/9.3

6” f/8

8” f/10

Eyepiece/Apparent Field

Power/Actual Field

Super Plössl Eyepieces (4-elements; 1.25” O.D.)

6.4mm/52°

9.7mm/52°

12.4mm/52°

15mm/52°

20mm/52°

26mm/52°

32mm/52°

40mm/44°

184/0.28°

122/0.43°

95/0.55°

79/0.66°

59/0.88°

45/1.15°

37/1.41°

30/1.49°

188/0.28°

124/0.42°

97/0.54°

80/0.65°

60/0.87°

46/1.13°

38/1.39°

30/1.47°

313/0.17°

206/0.25°

161/0.32°

133/0.39°

100/0.52°

77/0.68°

63/0.83°

50/0.88°

Fig. 26: #905 Variable Polarizer.

Super Wide Angle Eyepieces (6-elements; 1.25” O.D., except as noted)

13.8mm/67°

18mm/67°

24.5mm/67°

86/0.78°

66/1.02°

48/1.39°

37/1.82°

30/2.27°

87/0.77°

67/1.01°

49/1.37°

38/1.79°

30/2.23°

145/0.46°

111/0.60°

82/0.82°

63/1.07°

50/1.34°

32mm/67° (2" O.D.)

40mm/67° (2" O.D.)

Ultra Wide Angle Eyepieces (8-elements; 1.25” O.D., except as noted)

4.7mm/84°

6.7mm/84°

8.8mm/84° (1.25

251/0.33°

176/0.48°

O.D.) 134/0.63°

255/0.33°

179/0.47°

136/0.62°

86/0.98°

426/0.20°

299/0.28°

227/0.37°

143/0.59°

Fig. 27: Series 4000 8 - 24mm Zoom

Eyepiece.

- 2

14mm/84° (1.25

- 2

O.D.)

84/1.00°

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Series 4000 8 - 24mm Zoom Eyepiece: The internal zoom optics of this eyepiece

move on smooth, precisely machined surfaces which maintain optical collimation at

all zoom settings. A scale graduated in 1mm units indicates the zoom focal length in

operation. An excellent addition to any eyepiece set.

#140 2x Barlow Lens: A 3-element design, doubles each eyepiece power while

maintaining uncompromised image resolution, color correction, and contrast. Insert

the #140 into the telescope’s eyepiece holder first, followed by the diagonal (as appli-

cable) and eyepiece. The #126 2x Barlow Lens, a compact 2-element alternative to

the #140, may also be employed with any LXD55-Series telescope.

#905 Variable Polarizer (1.25"): The #905 system includes 2 Polarizer filters mount-

ed in a specially-machined cell, for glare-reduction in observing the Moon. Rotate the

thumbscrew at the side of the unit to achieve light transmission between 5% and

25% of its original value. The #905 inserts into the diagonal of the telescope, followed

by an eyepiece.

Fig. 28: Series 4000 Photo-Visual

Series 4000 Photo-Visual Color Filters: Color filters significantly enhance visual

and photographic image contrast of the Moon and planets. Each filter threads into

the barrel of any Meade 1.25" eyepiece, and into the barrels of virtually all other eye-

piece brands as well. Meade filters are available in 12 colors for lunar and planetary

applications, and in Neutral Density as a lunar glare-reduction filter.

Series 4000 Nebular Filters: A modern boon to the city-dwelling deep-space

observer, the interference nebular filter effectively cancels out the effects of most

urban light pollution, while leaving the light of deep-space nebular emissions virtual-

ly unattenuated. Meade Series 4000 Nebular Filters utilize the very latest in coating

technology, and are available with threaded cells for eyepieces or for attachment to

the rear cells of Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain models.

#928 45° Erect-Image Diagonal Prism: Primarily used for terrestrial viewing, this

prism presents a correctly-oriented image at a comfortable 45° viewing angle.

Fig. 29: Series 4000 Nebular Filters.

#505 AstroFinder™ Software and Cable Connector Kit: With Meade AstroFinder

loaded into your PC, Autostar-equipped telescopes, such as the LXD55-Series, may be

remotely controlled from the PC display. The #505 Connector Cable Set, permitting

connection of the LXD55-Series, Autostar, and PC, is included with each AstroFinder

package. A Cable Connector Kit is also available without the software.

#547 Power Adapter with Cable: Includes a 25 ft. cord and permits powering from a

standard home (115v AC) outlet. The #547F Power Adapter is available for 220v AC

outlets.

#607 Cigarette Lighter Adapter: Power a LXD55-Series telescope by means of an

automobile cigarette lighter plug. The LXD55 telescope may be powered for a full

night’s observing without risk of car-battery drain.

#62T-Adapter: The T-Adapter is the basic means of prime-focus photography through

all Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain models. Thread the T-Adapter on to the rear cell of

your telescope, followed by a T-Mount for your 35mm camera, and the camera body

is rigidly coupled to the telescope.

Fig. 30: #505 Cable Connector Kit.

#777 Off-Axis Guider: The Off-Axis Guider provides a means during long-exposure

astrophotography for the photographer to monitor the tracking of the telescope to

assure that the telescope remains precisely positioned on the object being pho-

tographed. Like the T-Adapter, the Off-Axis Guider couples the camera body to the tel-

escope but it also causes a small amount of the guidestar’s incoming light to be divert-

ed at a right angle, where the star’s position can be examined for tracking errors with

an illuminated reticle eyepiece; position corrections can then be effected using

Autostar.

Piggyback Brackets: Piggyback photography is one of the most popular and easiest

ways to get started in astrophotography. Attach your 35mm camera, with its own

35mm-to-250mm lens, atop your LX200GPS in equatorial mode, and guiding the cam-

era through the main telescope, wide-field photos of the Milky Way of remarkable

detail and clarity can be taken.

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Dew Shield: In moist climates, water particles suspended in the atmosphere may

condense on the front surface of the telescope's correcting plate. This dew formation

may be inhibited to a significant extent by the addition of a dew shield, essentially an

extension tube attaching to the front-cell of the telescope. #608 for Meade Schmidt-

Cassegrain SC-8 model.

#905 Variable Polarizer (1.25"): #1A Skylight Filter: The #905 system includes 2

Polarizer filters mounted in a specially-machined cell, for glare-reduction in observ-

ing the Moon. Rotate the thumbscrew at the side of the unit to achieve light trans-

mission between 5% and 25% of its original value. The #905 inserts into the diago-

nal of the telescope, followed by an eyepiece. The #1A Skylight Filter threads onto

the rear cell of the Meade Schmidt-Cassegrains SC-8 model and effectively seals the

interior of the telescope from dust. All other rear cell accessories may then be thread-

ed to the #1A filter. The filter increases visual and photographic contrast, decreases

glare, and helps to penetrate haze.

#1205 Electric focuser: For use with LXD55 Schmidt-Cassegrain SC-8 model.

Meade electric focusers are uniquely designed to yield smooth, precise microfocus-

ing of the image, without disabling the manual focus knob, which may be used for

rapid coarse focusing. Includes push-button hand controller with self-contained (user

provided) battery.

#1209 Microfocuser: For use with LXD55 Schmidt-Cassegrain SC-8 model.

Supplied with a handbox, the microfocuser threads directly to the rear cell of model

SC-8. Permits precise focusing of the image during visual or photographic applica-

tion, during CCD applications maintains precise image centration on even the small-

est CCD chips. Operates at four speeds, from extremely slow to fast; accepts both

2" and 1.25" eyepiece barrels. Requires 8 x AAA (user-supplied batteries).

™

Optional #497 Autostar Computer Controller for LXD55 EC Users: One of the

most important advances in telescope control in the past 25 years, the Meade

Autostar Computer Controller turns your LXD55 EC model into an automatic celestial

object locating system. Just plug Autostar into the telescope’s HBX port in place of the

standard-equipment Electronic Controller, do a quick telescope alignment, and you

are ready to observe any object in the Autostar’s 30,000-object database.

Any of Autostar’s database objects can be called up and entered on the hand con-

troller display in seconds. The observer then simply presses the GO TO pushbutton

and watches as the telescope automatically slews to the object and places it in the

field of view. Autostar moves the telescope to automatically track (follow) the object

across the sky. Autostar brings into easy access objects that were previously unreach-

able for all but the most dedicated of amateur astronomers.

To find out more about these and other accessories available for your telescope,

check out the Meade General Catalog or contact your local Meade dealer.

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M A IN T E N A N C E

General Maintenance

LXD55-Series telescopes are precision optical instruments designed to yield a lifetime

of rewarding applications. Given the care and respect due any precision instrument,

your LXD55 will rarely, if ever, require factory servicing. Maintenance guidelines

include:

a. Avoid cleaning the telescope’s optics: A little dust on the front surface of the tele-

scope’s correcting lens causes virtually no degradation of image quality and

should not be considered reason to clean the lens.

b. When absolutely necessary, dust on the front lens should be removed with gen-

tle strokes of a camel hair brush or blown off with an ear syringe (available at any

pharmacy). DO NOT use a commercial photographic lens cleaner.

c. Organic materials (e.g., fingerprints) on the front lens may be removed with a

solution of 3 parts distilled water to 1 part isopropyl alcohol. You may also add 1

drop of biodegradable dishwashing soap per pint of solution. Use soft, white

facial tissues and make short, gentle strokes. Change tissues often.

Caution: Do not use scented or lotioned tissues or damage could result

to the optics.

d. Do not, for any reason, remove the correcting plate from its machined hous-

ing for cleaning or other purposes. You will almost certainly not be able to

replace the corrector in its proper rotational orientation and serious degra-

dation of optical performance will result. Meade Instruments assumes no

liability for damage incurred to the telescope in this way.

e. If the LXD55 is used outdoors on a humid night, water condensation on the tele-

scope surfaces will probably result. While such condensation does not normally

cause any damage to the telescope, it is recommended that the entire telescope

be wiped down with a dry cloth before the telescope is packed away. Do not,

however, wipe any of the optical surfaces. Rather, simply allow the telescope to

sit for some time in the warm indoor air, so that the wet optical surfaces can dry

unattended.

f. If your LXD55 is not to be used for an extended period, perhaps for one month or

more, it is advisable to remove the batteries from the telescope. Batteries left in

the telescope for prolonged periods may leak, causing damage to the telescope’s

electronic circuitry.

g. Do not leave your LXD55 inside a sealed car on a warm summer day; excessive

ambient temperatures can damage the telescope’s internal lubrication and elec-

tronic circuitry.

Alignment (Collimation) of the Schmidt-Newtonian Optical

System

All Meade Schmidt-Newtonian telescopes are precisely collimated at the factory

before packing and shipment, and it is probable that you will not need to make any

optical adjustments before making observations. However, if the telescope sustained

rough handling in shipment, you may need to re-collimate the optical system. Such

re-collimation is not a difficult procedure in any case.

Note: It is not necessary

for the user to collimate the

refractor models.

SC-8 Schmidt-Cassegrain

users see the following

section, ALIGNMENT OF

THE SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN

OPTICAL SYSTEM, page 42.

The collimation procedure for the Meade Schmidt-Newtonians is slightly different from

that of other Newtonian reflecting telescopes, because of the "fast" f/4 to f/5 focal ratio

of the primary mirror. In typical Newtonian reflectors with more conventional focal

ratios (i.e. longer focal ratios), when the observer looks down the focuser tube (with-

out an eyepiece in the focuser), the images of the diagonal mirror, primary mirror,

focuser tube, and the observer's eye appear centered relative to each other. However,

with the short focal ratio primary mirror of the Schmidt-Newtonian, correct collimation

requires that the diagonal mirror be offset in 2 directions: (1) away from the focuser

and (2) towards the primary mirror, in equal amounts. This offset is approximately 1/8"

in each direction. Note that these offsets have been performed at the factory prior to

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Focuser drawtube

Diagonal mirror

Reflection of primary

mirror

Tip:

A useful tool for making

collimation easier is to make

a hole in the plastic cap that

comes with the eyepiece to

protect it during shipping.

Use a drill to make a 1/8"

hole in the center of the cap

and place it over the eye-

piece holder for use during

the collimation procedure.

Reflection of secondary

mirror (darkened due to

back lighting)

Primary mirror clips

Reflection of observer's eye

b c d e

f g

Fig. 31a: The view you will see while collimating a Schmidt-Newtonian telescope.

shipment of your telescope. It is only necessary for you to confirm that the telescope

has not been badly jarred out of collimation, and to perform the final fine-tuning of Step

4, below.

Fig. 31a shows a correctly collimated Schmidt-Newtonian telescope, as it appears

when viewed through the focuser with the eyepiece removed.

To check and, if necessary, set the optical collimation, follow these steps.

1. Observe through the focuser and orient your body so that the telescope's primary

mirror is to your right, and the correcting plate end of the telescope tube is to your left.

The diagonal mirror will appear centered as shown (2, Fig. 31a). If the diagonal

appears off center, then adjust the 4 collimation screws on the plastic diagonal mirror

housing.

Fig. 31b: The four collimation screws

on the diagonal mirror housing.

2. If the reflection of the primary mirror (3, Fig. 31a) is not centered on the surface of

the diagonal mirror, adjust the 4 collimation screws on the plastic diagonal mirror

housing to center the reflection.

As described above, the 4 collimation screws (Fig. 31b) on the plastic diagonal mirror

housing are used for two different adjustments during the collimation procedure.

knurled knob

thumb screw

Important Note: Do not force the 4 screws past their normal travel, and

do not rotate any screw or screws more than 2 full turns in a counter-

clockwise direction (i.e., not more than 2 full turns in their "loosening"

direction), or else the diagonal mirror may become loosened from its

support. Note that the diagonal mirror collimation adjustments are very

sensitive: generally turning a collimation screw 1/2-turn will have a dra-

matic effect on collimation.

3. If the reflection of the diagonal mirror is not centered within the reflection of the pri-

mary mirror, adjust the 3 collimation screws located on the rear of the primary mirror

cell.

Fig. 31c: The six collimation screws

on the rear of the primary mirror cell.

Note: There are 6 screws (Fig. 31c) on the primary mirror cell. The 3

knurled knobs are the collimation screws, and the 3 smaller thumb screws

are locking screws. The locking screws must be loosened slightly in order

to adjust the collimation screws.

Proceed by "trial and error" until you develop a feel for which collimation screw to turn

in order to change the image in any given way.

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Fig. 32: Correct (1) and incorrect (2) collimation as viewed during a star test.

4. Perform an actual star test to confirm the accuracy of steps 1 through 3. Using the

SP 26mm eyepiece, point the telescope at a moderately bright (second or third mag-

nitude) star, and center the image in the main telescope's field of view.

Note: A small paper ring is

attached to the primary mir-

ror. This ring was attached

at the factory for purposes

of laser collimation. The ring

will not diminish your tele-

scope's imaging capabilities

and does not need to be

removed.

5. Bring the star's image slowly in and out of focus until you see several disks sur-

rounding the star's center. If steps 1 through 3 were done correctly, you will see con-

centric (centered with respect to each other) circles (1, Fig. 32).

An improperly collimated instrument will reveal oblong or elongated circles (2, Fig.

32). Adjust the 3 collimating screws on the primary mirror housing until the circles

are concentric on either side of the focus.

In summary, the 4 adjustment screws on the plastic diagonal mirror housing change

the tilt of the secondary mirror so that it is correctly centered in the focuser draw-

tube, and so that the primary mirror appears centered when looking into the focuser.

The 3 collimating knobs on the primary mirror change the tilt of the primary mirror

so that it reflects the light directly up the center of the drawtube.

Alignment (Collimation) of the Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical

System

The optical collimation (alignment) of any astronomical telescope used for serious

purposes is important, but in the case of the Schmidt-Cassegrain design of the model

SC-8, such collimation is absolutely essential for good performance. Take special care

to read and understand this section well so that your model SC-8 will give you the best

optical performance.

As part of final optical testing, every Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain is precisely colli-

mated at the Meade factory before shipment. However, vibrations in shipping can

cause the optical system to become misaligned. Re-aligning the optics is, however, a

straightforward process.

To check the collimation of your SC-8, center a bright star that is overhead, or use a

“hot spot” of reflected Sunlight from a chrome car bumper, with the supplied 26mm

eyepiece. Allow the telescope to adjust to the temperature of your observation site

before proceeding; temperature differences between the optics and the outside air

can cause distortion in the images.

With the star or hot spot centered, de-focus the image. You will notice that the out of

focus star image looks like a ring of light surrounding a dark central spot; the dark cen-

tral spot is in fact the shadow of the secondary mirror. Turn the focus knob until the

ring of light fills about 10% of the eyepiece field-diameter. If the dark central spot is

offset in (i.e., not concentric with) the ring of light, your telescope’s optical system is

misaligned and requires collimation.

Follow these steps for collimation of the optical system:

a. The only adjustments possible, or necessary, on the SC-8 models are from the

three screws (Fig. 33b) located at the edge of the outer surface of the secondary

mirror housing.

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Fig. 33a: Defocused star images. Misaligned (1, 2), Aligned

Fig. 33b: Collimation screws.

Caution: Do not force the three collimation

screws past their normal travel and do not loosen them more than two full

turns in a counterclockwise direction or the secondary mirror may come

loose from its support.You will find that the adjustments are very sensitive,

usually requiring only one-half turn or less to produce the desired result.

b. While looking at the defocused star image, notice which direction the darker shad-

ow is offset in the ring of light or notice which part of the ring is the thinnest (1,

Fig. 33a). Place your index finger in front of the telescope so that it touches one

of the collimation set screws. You will see the shadow of your finger in the ring of

light. Move your finger around the edge of the black plastic secondary mirror sup-

port until you see the shadow of the finger crossing the thinnest part of the ring of

light. At this point, look at the front of the telescope where your finger is aiming. It

will either be pointing directly at a set screw, or it will be between two set screws

aiming at the set screw on the far side of the black plastic secondary mirror sup-

port. This is the set screw that you will adjust.

c. Using the Autostar's Arrow keys at the slowest slew speed, move the defocused

image to the edge of the eyepiece field of view (2, Fig. 33a), in the same direc-

tion as the darker shadow is offset in the ring of light.

d. Turn the set screw that you found with the pointing exercise while looking in the

eyepiece. You will notice that the star image will move across the field. If while

turning the defocused star image flies out of the eyepiece field, then you are turn-

ing the screw the wrong way. Turn the opposite direction and bring the image

back to the center of the field.

e. If the screw you are turning becomes very loose, tighten the other two screws by

even amounts. If the screw you are turning gets too tight, unthread the other two

by even amounts.

f. When you bring the image to center (3, Fig. 33a), carefully examine the evenness

of the ring of light (concentricity). If you find that the dark center is still off in the

same direction, continue to make the adjustment in the original turning direction.

If it is now off in the opposite direction, you have turned too far and you need to

turn in the opposite direction. Always double check the image in the center of the

field of the eyepiece.

g. You may find after your initial adjustment that the dark center is off in a new direc-

tion (e.g., instead of being off side-to-side it is now off in an up-and-down direc-

tion). In this case repeat steps b through f to find the new adjustment screw.

h. Now try a higher power eyepiece (e.g., 9mm or less) and repeat the above tests.

Any lack of collimation at this point will require only very slight adjustments of the

three set screws. You now have good collimation of the optics.

As a final check of alignment, examine the star image in focus with the higher

power eyepiece as suggested (j), under good viewing conditions. The star point

should appear as a small central dot (commonly referred to as an “Airy disc”) with

a diffraction ring surrounding it. To give a final precision collimation, make

extremely slight adjustments of the three set screws, if necessary, to center the

Airy disc in the diffraction ring. You now have the best alignment of the optics pos-

sible with this telescope.

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Inspecting the Optics

A Note About the “Flashlight Test: If a flashlight or other high-intensity light source

is pointed down the main telescope tube, the view (depending upon the observer’s

line of sight and the angle of the light) may reveal what appears to be scratches, dark

or bright spots, or just generally uneven coatings, giving the appearance of poor qual-

ity optics. These items are only seen when a high intensity light is transmitted through

lenses or reflected off the mirrors, and can be seen on any high quality optical sys-

tem, including giant research telescopes.

The optical quality of a telescope cannot be judged by the “flashlight test;" the true

test of optical quality can only be conducted through careful star testing.

Meade Customer Service

If you have a question concerning your LXD55-Series telescope, contact the Meade

Instruments Customer Service Department at:

Telephone: (949) 451-1450

Fax: (949) 451-1460

Customer Service hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through

Friday. In the unlikely event that your LXD55-Series telescope requires factory servic-

ing or repairs, write or call the Meade Customer Service Department first, before

returning the telescope to the factory, giving full particulars as to the nature of the

problem, as well as your name, address, and daytime telephone number. The great

majority of servicing issues can be resolved by telephone, avoiding return of the tele-

scope to the factory. If factory service is required, you will be assigned a Return

Goods Authorization (RGA) number prior to return.

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S P E C IF IC A T IO N S

6" f/5 Model SN-6, SN-6EC Specifications

Optical design..............................................Schmidt-Newtonian

Clear aperture..............................................6" (152mm)

Focal length ................................................762mm

Focal ratio (photographic speed) ................f/5

Resolving power ..........................................0.74 arc secs

Coatings ......................................................Meade EMC Super Multi-Coatings

Ultra-High Transmission Coating optional

Mounting......................................................Die-cast aluminum

Input Voltage ..............................................12v DC

Alignment ....................................................German-type equatorial mount

Slew Speeds................................................SN-8: 1x sidereal to 4.5°/sec

in 9 increments

SN-8EC: 2x sidereal to 4.5°/sec

in 4 increments

Tripod ..........................................................Variable-height field tripod

Accessories ................................................6 x 30mm finder

T-Adapter

Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece

1.25" and 2" eyepiece holders

Battery pack for 8 D-cell batteries

(user-supplied)

SN-6: Autostar Controller

SN-6EC: Electronic Controller

Polar Finder Reticle Batteries......................Maxell LR41 or equivalent

Net telescope weight ..................................13 lbs.

Net tripod weight..........................................35 lbs.

8" f/4 Model SN-8, SN-8EC Specifications

Optical design..............................................Schmidt-Newtonian

Clear aperture..............................................8" (203mm)

Focal length ................................................812mm

Focal ratio (photographic speed) ................f/4

Resolving power ..........................................0.56 arc secs

Coatings ......................................................Meade EMC Super Multi-Coatings

Ultra-High Transmission Coating optional

Mounting......................................................Die-cast aluminum

Input Voltage ..............................................12v DC

Alignment ....................................................German-type equatorial mount

Slew Speeds................................................SN-8: 1x sidereal to 4.5°/sec

in 9 increments

SN-8EC: 2x sidereal to 4.5°/sec

in 4 increments

Tripod ..........................................................Variable-height field tripod

Accessories ................................................6 x 30mm finder

T-Adapter

Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece

1.25" and 2" eyepiece holders

Battery pack for 8 D-cell batteries

(user-supplied)

SN-8: Autostar Controller

SN-8EC: Electronic Controller

Polar Finder Reticle Batteries......................Maxell LR41 or equivalent

Net telescope weight ..................................24 lbs.

Net tripod weight..........................................45 lbs.

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10" f/4 Model SN-10 Specifications

Optical design..............................................Schmidt-Newtonian

Clear aperture..............................................10" (254mm)

Focal length ................................................1016mm

Focal ratio (photographic speed) ................f/4

Resolving power ..........................................0.45 arc secs

Coatings ......................................................Meade EMC Super Multi-Coatings

Ultra-High Transmission Coating optional

Mounting......................................................Die-cast aluminum

Input Voltage ..............................................12v DC

Alignment ....................................................German-type equatorial mount

Slew Speeds................................................1x sidereal to 4.5°/sec in 9 increments

Tripod ..........................................................Variable-height field tripod

Accessories ................................................6 x 30mm finder

T-Adapter

Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece

1.25" and 2" eyepiece holders

Battery pack for 8 D-cell batteries

(user-supplied)

Autostar Controller

Polar Finder Reticle Batteries......................Maxell LR41 or equivalent

Net telescope weight ..................................30 lbs.

Net tripod weight..........................................55 lbs.

5" f/9.3 Model AR-5, AR-5EC Specifications

Optical design..............................................Achromatic Refractor

Clear aperture..............................................5" (127mm)

Focal length ................................................1180mm

Focal ratio (photographic speed) ................f/9.3

Resolving power ..........................................0.90 arc secs

Coatings ......................................................Meade EMC Super Multi-Coatings

Mounting......................................................Die-cast aluminum

Input Voltage ..............................................12v DC

Alignment ....................................................German-type equatorial mount

Slew Speeds................................................SN-8: 1x sidereal to 4.5°/sec

in 9 increments

SN-8EC: 2x sidereal to 4.5°/sec

in 4 increments

Tripod ..........................................................Variable-height field tripod

Accessories ................................................8 x 50mm finder

1.25" diagonal

Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece

1.25" and 2" eyepiece holders

Battery pack for 8 D-cell batteries

(user-supplied)

AR-5: Autostar Controller

AR-5EC: Electronic Controller

Polar Finder Reticle Batteries......................Maxell LR41 or equivalent

Net telescope weight ..................................15 lbs.

Net tripod weight..........................................35 lbs.

6" f/8 Model AR-6 Specifications

Optical design..............................................Achromatic Refractor

Clear aperture..............................................6" (152mm)

Focal length ................................................1200mm

Focal ratio (photographic speed) ................f/8