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Meade LX-90 User Manual

Meade LX-90
53 pages
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Instruction Manual
8" LX90 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
with Autostar Hand Controller
Meade Instruments Corporation

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Meade LX-90 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Focal Length2000 mm
Focal Ratiof/10
Optical DesignSchmidt-Cassegrain
GoTo CapabilityYes
Aperture8" (203.2 mm)
Mount TypeAltazimuth
Eyepiece(s)26 mm Super Plossl (1.25")
Motor DriveYes
Tracking RatesLunar
Power Supply12V DC

Summary

QUICK-START GUIDE

Assembly and Setup

Step-by-step guide to assembling the tripod, telescope, and connecting Autostar.

TELESCOPE FEATURES

Component Identification Diagram

Diagram labeling all major parts of the telescope and handbox.

Optical Tube and Mount Components

Detailed descriptions of parts 1-12, including optical tube, locks, and setting circles.

Control Panel and Handbox Components

Detailed descriptions of parts 13-18, including control panel and viewfinder.

AUTOSTAR FEATURES

Autostar Handbox Functionality

Explains the main features and capabilities of the Autostar hand controller.

Autostar Controls and Navigation

Details the Autostar LCD display, keys, and navigation methods.

Data Entry and Navigation

How to use arrow and number keys for data input and menu navigation.

GETTING STARTED

Parts Listing

Lists all components included with the LX90 telescope.

Tripod Attachment Procedure

Instructions for securely attaching the telescope to the field tripod.

Telescope Assembly and Battery Installation

Steps for installing batteries and connecting the Autostar handbox.

OBSERVING BASICS

Choosing an Eyepiece

Guidance on selecting eyepieces for optimal viewing and magnification.

Viewfinder Mounting and Alignment

Instructions for attaching and aligning the telescope's finder scope.

OBSERVING TECHNIQUES

Manual Telescope Movement

How to manually slew and focus the telescope for observation.

Terrestrial Observing Tips

Advice for viewing terrestrial objects, considering atmospheric conditions.

Using Autostar Arrow Keys for Slew

Utilizing the Autostar arrow keys to move the telescope.

Slew Speed Adjustment

Explanation of the nine available slew speeds for telescope movement.

Moon Observation Guide

Guidance and tips for observing the Moon's surface features.

ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATION PROCEDURES

Initializing Autostar

Step-by-step guide for the initial setup and configuration of Autostar.

Setting the Alt/Az Home Position

Instructions for positioning the telescope correctly for Alt/Az mode.

Autostar Menu Navigation

General guidance on navigating Autostar's menu structure.

Automatic Object Tracking

How to set up the telescope to automatically track celestial objects.

Star Tracking Example

A practical demonstration of using Autostar to track a star.

TELESCOPE ALIGNMENT METHODS

Easy (Two-Star) Align Procedure

Detailed steps for completing the Easy Align procedure.

Go To Saturn Example

Demonstrates selecting and slewing to a celestial object using Autostar.

Using the Guided Tour

How to use Autostar's feature to tour celestial objects.

BASIC AUTOSTAR OPERATION

Autostar Navigation Exercise

An exercise to practice menu navigation and data entry.

Entering Data into Autostar

Methods for inputting text and numbers into Autostar.

Navigating Autostar Menus

General guidelines for moving through Autostar's menu system.

MENU OPTIONS AND CATEGORIES

Object Menu

Accesses databases of celestial objects like planets, stars, and nebulae.

Event Menu

Provides information on astronomical events like sunrise, sunset, and moon phases.

Guided Tour Menu

Options for selecting and using pre-programmed celestial tours.

Glossary Menu

Alphabetical listing of astronomical terms and Autostar functions.

Utilities Menu

Accesses features like timer, alarm, and eyepiece calculations.

Setup Menu

Configures telescope settings, date, time, and alignment parameters.

ADVANCED AUTOSTAR FEATURES

Adding and Editing Observing Sites

Storing and modifying multiple geographic locations for observation.

Finding Objects Not in Database

Procedures for entering custom object coordinates into Autostar.

Observing Satellites

Steps to prepare the telescope for tracking and viewing satellite passes.

CREATING CUSTOM GUIDED TOURS

Writing a Tour

Instructions for creating and formatting custom guided tour files.

OBJECT IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT

Landmarks Database Management

Adding, selecting, and surveying stored terrestrial landmark locations.

Identifying Celestial Objects

Using Autostar to identify observed objects in the night sky.

TELESCOPE ALIGNMENT METHODS

Advanced Alt/Az Alignment

Performing two-star or one-star Alt/Az alignments manually.

Database Browse Feature

Searching the object database using custom search parameters.

PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE LX90

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

Optical System Care

Guidelines for cleaning and inspecting telescope optics.

Collimation Procedure

Detailed steps for aligning the telescope's optical system.

Telescope Movement Check

Verifying proper function of the telescope's motor drives.

Customer Service Information

Contact details and procedures for obtaining Meade customer support.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

LX90 Telescope Specifications

Key technical data and performance metrics for the LX90 telescope.

Autostar System Specifications

Technical data for the Autostar hand controller and its capabilities.

APPENDIX A: POLAR ALIGNMENT

Celestial Coordinate System

Explanation of Right Ascension and Declination for sky mapping.

Autostar Polar Alignment Methods

Describes Easy, One-Star, and Two-Star polar alignment procedures.

Using Setting Circles

Techniques for using setting circles to locate celestial objects.

Equatorial Wedge Use

Information on attaching and using the optional equatorial wedge.

APPENDIX B: HELPFUL CHARTS

Latitude Chart for Major Cities

A table of city latitudes to assist with polar alignment adjustments.

APPENDIX C: TRAINING THE DRIVE

BASIC ASTRONOMY GUIDE

Celestial Object Overview

Introduction to observing planets, nebulae, and star clusters.

Observing Planets

Details on viewing planets like Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

Deep-Sky Objects Explained

Information on nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and constellations.

Navigating the Night Sky

Using star patterns and charts to locate objects in the sky.

Star Locator Chart

A list of bright stars with coordinates for alignment purposes.

MEADE LIMITED WARRANTY

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