Meade LX70 Instruction Manual
Instruction Manual
LX70 Series
German Equatorial
Telescopes
1
2
WARNING!
Never use a Meade® LX70™ Telescope to look at the Sun!
Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible 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 at or near the Sun. Children should
always have adult supervision while observing.
® The name “Meade” and the Meade logo are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Offi ce
and in principal countries throughout the world.
Protected by U.S. Patent: US 6,392,799 and other Patents Pending
© 2014 Meade Instruments Corp.
2
Table of Contents
LX70 Key Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Unpacking and Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Balancing the Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Aligning the Viewfinder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Choosing an Eyepiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Using the Bubble Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Observe the Moon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Tracking Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Locating the Celestial Pole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Inspecting the Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Collimating the Newtonian Reflector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Appendix A: Celestial Coordinates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Appendix B: Setting Circles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Appendix C: Latitude Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Appendix D: Basic Astronomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Meade Customer Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Meade Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
3
4
LX70 Mount Key Features
24
18
17
20
11
13
9
10
14
21
12
23
5
22
6
Mount Close-up
19
24
16
7
5
15
8
6
4
DEC Axis
17
3
2
RA Axis
1
LX70 Telescope
1
Tripod Leg Lock Knob
2
Tripod Spreader Lock Knob
3
Tripod Spreader
4
Mount Locking Knob and Shaft
5
Azimuth Adjustment Knob
6
Latitude Adjustment Knob
7
North Tripod Leg
8
Latitude Scale
9
Counterweight Shaft
10
Counterweight Shaft Safety Nut
11
Counterweight
12
Counterweight Locking Knob
Figure 1: LX70 Key Features
RA & DEC Axes
13
Counterweight Shaft Locking Nut
14
DEC Setting Circle
15
RA Setting Circle (not shown)
16
RA Setting Circle Locking Knob
17
RA Clutch Locking Knob (see inset)
18
DEC Clutch Locking Knob
19
DEC Slow Motion Control Knob
20
RA Slow Motion Control Knob
21
Polar Scope Front Cap
22
Polar Scope Rear Cap
23
R.A. Motor Cover(R.A. motor not included)
24
OTA Dovetail Lock Knobs(see inset)
4
LX70 OTA Key Features
25
39
38
37
26
27
28
34
36
33
30
29
35
34
31
32
40
41
25
Front Dust Cover (not shown)
26
Dovetail Rail
Cradle Ring & Cradle Ring Lock Knobs
27
1/4-20 Accessory Mounting Screw with Lock
28
29
Focuser and Focuser Wheel
Focuser Lock Knob
30
Eyepiece
31
Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrews
32
Viewfinder
33
37
38
39
40
41
Figure 2: LX70 Refractor Optical Tube
34
33
34
31
45
35
36
29
27
34
Viewfinder Dust Caps
35
Viewfinder Adjustment Screws
36
Viewfinder Bracket with Lock Knob
Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)
Objective Lens Cell
Dewshield
Diagonal Mirror
Diagonal Mirror Thumbscrews
45
48
47
Front View Rear View
28
42
44
4243
44
42
47
48
25
46
25
Front Dust Cover (not shown)
26
Dovetail Rail
27
Cradle Ring & Cradle Ring Lock Knobs
28
1/4-20 Accessory Mounting Screw with Lock
29
Focuser & Focuser Wheel
30
Focuser Lock Knob
31
Eyepiece
32
Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrews
33
Viewfinder
34
Viewfinder Dust Caps
30
32
26
35
36
37
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
Figure 3: LX70 Reflector Optical Tube
37
Viewfinder Adjustment Screws
Viewfinder Bracket with Lock Knob
Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)
Primary Mirror (see inset)
Primary Mirror Collimation Adjustment Knobs
Primary Mirror Collimation Lock Knobs
Spider Vane (see inset)
Spider Vane Tension Knobs
Secondary Mirror (see inset)
Secondary Mirror Collimation Screws (see inset)
5
6
LX70 OTA Key Features
37
25
3334
36
35
31
41
29
41
32
40
26
25
Front Dust Cover (not shown)
26
Dovetail Rail
29
Focuser Knob (not shown)
31
Eyepiece
32
Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrews
33
Viewfinder
34
Viewfinder Dust Caps
Figure 4: LX70 Maksutov Optical Tube
35
Viewfinder Adjustment Screws
36
Viewfinder Bracket with Lock Knob
37
Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)
40
Diagonal Mirror
41
Diagonal Mirror Thumbscrews
49
Extension Tube
49
6
Getting Started
The Meade LX70 series models are versatile, high-resolution telescopes. They offer unmatched mechanical and optical performance
that 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 planet
Saturn from a distance of 800 million miles. Focus beyond the Solar System and observe majestic nebulae, ancient star clusters, and remote
galaxies.
shaft with the flat side facing up. Loosely thread
on the Tripod Spreader Lock Knob and washer
Figure 6: Tripod spreader
Meade LX70 series telescopes are instruments
fully capable of growing with your interest and
can meet the requirements of the most demanding advanced observer. Before using your telescope, read the entire instructions carefully. Your
telescope should be assembled during daylight
hours and setup in an area that allows you to
unpack all the included parts.
Unpacking and Assembly
1. Remove the components from the boxes:
Remove and identify the telescope’s equipment.
Refer to FIG. 1 - 4 for images of the parts and
the overall assembly of your telescope.
When removing the tripod from the box, hold the
assembly parallel (horizontal) to the ground or
the inner tripod leg extensions may slide out if
they are not locked in place. Tighten the tripod
leg lock knobs (Fig. 1. #1) to secure the legs in
place.
2. Adjust the tripod legs: Spread the tripod
legs as far apart as they will open. Now adjust
the individual tripod legs by loosening the tripod
leg lock knobs and extending the inner legs until the tripod head is approximately level to the
ground. Relock the leg lock knob until firm.
Figure 5: Installing the
mount locking knob and shaft
to prevent the tripod spreader from falling off the
shaft.
4. Attach mount to tripod: Place the LX70
mount onto the tripod head with the protrusion
on top of the tripod’s head positioned between
the fine azimuth adjustment knobs (Fig 1, #5 ).
If necessary, back off the azimuth adjustment
knobs wide enough for the protrusion to fit between them.
Next, tighten the Mount Locking Knob (Fig. 1,
#4) so the mount secures to the tripod head.
Tighten this knob to a firm feel. Then rotate the
Tripod Spreader (Fig. 1, #3) so the wings of the
spreader align with each tripod leg. Tighten the
Tripod Spreader Lock Knob(Fig. 1, #2) until firm.
When you wish to collapse the tripod, loosen
the Tripod Spreader Lock Knob and rotate the
wings so they are between the tripod legs. You
do not need to remove the Tripod Spreader unless desired.
3. Attach the spreader bar to the tripod:
Thread the small end of the Mount Locking
Knob and Shaft (Fig. 1, #4) along with the washer all the way into the bottom of the tripod head.
When complete, the shaft will be held captive
and allowed to be raised above the threads.
Next, remove the Tripod Spreader Lock Knob
(Fig. 1, #2) and washer. Place the center hole of
the Tripod Spreader (Fig. 1, #3) onto the chrome
Figure 8: Tightening the spreader
lock knob
Figure 7: Attaching mount
to tripod
7
8
5. Attach the counterweight shaft: Locate
Pointer
the counterweight shaft (Fig. 1, #9) and thread
down the Locking Nut (Fig. 1, #13) until it stops.
Next, thread the counterweight shaft into the
threaded hole on the front side of the mount,
Figure 10: Set the latitude
Figure 9: Attach the counter-
weight shaft
below the declination setting circle (Fig. 1, #14).
Tighten to a firm feel. Adjust the Locking Nut
upward toward the mount until it stops. Tighten
to a firm feel.
6. Install the latitude adjusting screws: Locate the two threaded latitude knobs (Fig. 1, #6)
in the box. Thread the longer latitude adjustment knob into the rear of the mount and the
shorter latitude adjustment knob into the front of
the mount as shown.
When the pointer points at your latitude, tighten
both screws until they make contact with the
mount. At your observing site, set up the telescope assembly so that the tripod leg below the
counterweight shaft, labeled “N”, (FIG. 1, #7)
approximately faces True North (or True South
in the Southern Hemisphere). For more informations see page 14 LOCATING THE CELES-
TIAL POLE.
8. Attach the slow motion control cables:
The LX70 comes equipped with flexible slow
motion control cables for both the RA & Dec
axes. Each cable is securely fastened on each
axis by a small Phillips head screw. Locate the
RA worm shaft mounting location and notice
that it has a flat portion on one side(see Fig 13).
Slide one of the cables onto the shaft so the
Phillips head locking screw is aligned with the
flat portion on the shaft. Using the included Phillips screw driver, secure the slow motion control
cable onto the shaft until firm. Repeat this process for the declination cable(see Fig 14).
7. Set the latitude: Setting the latitude is easier
if it is set before you attach the optical tube and
counterweights. Locate the latitude dial (Fig. 1,
#8); 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.
Determine the latitude of your observing location. See APPENDIX C: LATITUDE CHART
for a list of latitudes, or check the internet. Move
the latitude screws in order to move the mount
until the pointer points to your latitude. The
two latitude screws work in a “push - pull” operation—as you tighten one, loosen the other.
Pointer
Figure 11: Latitude pointer
Figure 12: North tripod leg
Figure 14: Attach the DEC
slow motion control cable
Figure 13: Attach the RA
slow motion control cable
9. Attach the counterweight(s): Look through
the hole in the counterweight (Fig. 1, #11) and
note the pin blocking the hole. Loosen the coun-
Figure 16: Install the counter-
Figure 15: Remove the
safety nut
weight
8
terweight lock knob so the pin is not obstructing the hole. Unscrew the safety cap (Fig. 1,
#10) from the shaft. Holding the counterweight
firmly in one hand, slip the counterweight to approximately the midpoint of the counterweight
shaft. Tighten the counterweight lock knob(Fig.
1, #12) to a firm feel. Replace the safety cap.
Note: If the counterweight ever slips, the safety
cap prevents the counterweight from sliding entirely off the shaft. Always leave the safety cap
in place when the counterweight is on the shaft.
10. Attach the optical tube: Before attaching
the optical tube, lock both the RA and DEC axes
(Fig. 1, #17 & 18) so the mount does not move
during installation. Verify the cradle ring lock
knobs (Fig. 2 or 3, #27) are tight and securely
fastened to the OTA. The cradle rings should be
roughly centered on the OTA during installation.
While firmly holding the optical tube with both
hands, slide the cradle assembly onto the cradle mounting slot at the top of the mount(see
Fig 17).
will need to balance the telescope before use.
See the section BALANCING THE TELE-
SCOPE.
11. Assemble the viewfinder: Locate the view-
finder bracket. Carefully remove the rubber Oring from the bracket and position the O-ring
into the groove located approximately half-way
down the viewfinder tube(see Fig 18 & 19). Unscrew the black alignment screws on the bracket and slide the viewfinder optical tube until the
O-ring seats into the bracket. One alignment
screw on the bracket is spring loaded to allow
easier alignment of the viewfinder. Pull out on
the spring loaded alignment screw to retract it,
allowing the viewfinder tube to fit properly into
the bracket. When the O-ring is properly seated
in the bracket, tighten the two alignment screws
to secure the viewfinder in place.
Figure 17: Tightening the dovetail lock knobs
Tighten both OTA dovetail lock knobs (Fig. 1,
#24) onto the dovetail rail (Fig. 2 - 4, #26) to a
firm feel. The cradle rings and OTA will now be
securely fastened to the mount.
After attaching all accessories to the OTA, you
Figure 19: Installing the viewfinder
o-ring
Figure 18: Viewfinder parts
Figure 20: Attaching the viewfinder bracket
12. Attach viewfinder bracket: Slide the view-
finder bracket into its receiver on the OTA (Fig.
2 - 4, #36). To secure the viewfinder to the telescope, tighten the viewfinder bracket lock knob
to a firm feel.
13. Insert the eyepiece:
Newtonian Reflector Models only (Fig 3):
Lift to remove the dust cap from the eyepiece
holder on the focuser assembly (Fig 3, #30). Set
the dust cap aside in a safe place and replace it
Figure 21: Insert the 26mm eyepiece
9
Loading...