Meade LX90GPS User Manual

Instruction Manual

8", 10", 12" LX90GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes

AutoStar®— GPS— SmartFinder

™

Primary Baffle Tube

Field Stops

Primary Mirror

Ray (1)

Ray (2)

(2)

(1)

(2)

(1)

Secondary Mirror

Correcting Plate

econdary

affle

(2)

(1)

ocal

lane

The Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical System

In the Schmidt-Casseg

rain design of the Meade LX90, light enters from the right, passes through a thin lens with 2-sided aspheric correction (“correcting plate”), proceeds to a spherical primary mirror, and then to a convex secondary mirror.The convex secondary mirror multiplies the effective focal length of the primary mirror and results in a focus at the focal plane, with light passing through a central perfor

ation in the primary mirror.

The Meade LX90 Schmidt-Cassegrain includes an oversize primary mirror of an 8.25" diameter, yielding a fully illuminated field-of-view significantly wider than is possible with a standard-size primary mirror. Note that light ray (2) in the figure would be lost entirely, except for the oversize primary. It is this phenomenon which results in Meade Schmidt-Cassegrains having off-axis field illuminations about 10% greater, aperture-for-aperture, than other Schmidt-Cassegrains utilizing standard-size primary mirrors. Field stops machined into the inside-diameter surface of the primary mirror baffle tube significantly increase lunar, planetary, and deep-space image contrast. These field stops effectively block off-axis stray light rays.

WARNING!

Never use a Meade®LX90™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. Do not look through the telescope or SmartFinder as it is moving. always have adult supervision while observing.

CAUTION: Use care to install batteries in the orientation indicated by 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.

If you are anxious to use your telescope for the first time, read the QUICK-START

GUIDE on pages 4 and 5.

® The name "Meade," “AutoStar” and the Meade logo are tr

ademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark

Office and in principal countries throughout the world.

“SmartFinder,” “Deep Sky Imager,” “LX90,” “LPI,” and

onight’s Best” are trademarks of Meade Instruments

“T

ation.

por

Cor

Patents:

US 6,304,376 US 6,392,799 US 6,563,636 D 422,610 Patent Pending.

uments Corporation.

Children should

CONTENTS

Quick-Start Guide .......................................................... 4

Telescope Features ...................................................... 6

To Attach the Handbox Holder.................................. 8

utoStar

Getting Started ..............................................................12

Parts Listing ..............................................................12

How to Attach the Tripod to the Telescope ..............12

Choosing an Eyepiece ..............................................14

Using SmartFinder ..................................................14

Aligning SmartFinder and the Viewfinder ................15

Observing ......................................................................16

Observing By Moving the Telescope Manually ........16

Terrestrial Observing ................................................16

Observing Using AutoStar's Arrow Keys ..................16

Slew Speeds ............................................................17

Observe the Moon ....................................................17

Astronomical Observing............................................18

To Track an Object Automatically ..............................18

Go To Saturn ............................................................20

Using the Guided Tour ..............................................20

Basic AutoStar Operation ..............................................22

AutoStar Navigation Exercise ..................................22

Entering Data into AutoStar ......................................23

Navigating AutoStar ..................................................23

Menus and Menu Options ..............................................24

Complete AutoStar Menu Structure..........................24

Objects Menu............................................................25

Event Menu ..............................................................26

Glossary Menu..........................................................26

Utilities Men Setup Men

Advanced AutoStar Features..........................................31

Adding Observing Sites ............................................31

Finding Objects Not in the Database........................32

Obser

How to Create Your Own Guided Tour ......................34

Landmar

Identify ......................................................................38

Alternate Alt/Az Alignments ......................................38

Bro

Photography with the LX90 ............................................41

Optional Accessories......................................................43

Maintenance

Specifications ................................................................48

Appendix A:

Appendix B: Helpful Charts ............................................55

Appendix C: Training the Drive ......................................56

Appendix D:

eatures ........................................................ 9

w to Assemble Your Telescope ............................13

Alt/Az Home Position ..........................................18

Moving Through AutoStar’s Menus......................18

Automatic Alignment............................................18

Observe a Star Using Automatic Tracking ..........19

............................................................

..............................................................

ving Satellites

ks ................................................................37

......................................................................

wse

..................................................................

Collimation

Inspecting the Optics ..........................................47

Gauging the Movement of the Telescope ............47

Meade Customer Service....................................47

Equator

Basic Astronom

..................................................33

..........................................................45

olar) Alignment ......................50

ial (P

........................................

26 28

QUICK-START GUIDE

It is recommended that you attach the supplied tripod to the LX90 for observing. Perform the telescope and AutoStar setup indoors in the light so that you become familiar with the parts and operation before moving the telescope outside into the dark for observing.

1. Remove the field tripod from the shipping carton. Stand the tripod vertically with the tripod feet down and with the tripod still fully collapsed. Grasp two of the tripod legs and, with the full weight of the tripod on the third leg, gently pull the legs apart to a fully open position.

4. Remove the spreader bar (see above figure) from the shipping carton. Slide the spreader bar onto the threaded rod and position the rod back through the tripod head. Place the "C" clip into the slot in the threaded rod – this clip holds the threaded rod in place. Position the spreader bar so that its three arms line up with the three tripod legs.

2. Thread in two lock-knobs on each leg (six total) near the foot of each tripod leg. Use the lockknobs to vary the height of the inner, extendible tripod leg sections. Tighten the locks to a firm feel only; do not overtighten.

Threaded

3. Remove the threaded rod (see above figure) from

Rod

ipod head.

the tr threaded rod in place. Remove the small plastic bag that is stapled to the threaded rod. This bag contains the "C" clip retainer and an extra clip.

A small piece of plastic holds the

“C” Clip

Take the LX90 from its packaging and place the

5. entire telescope onto the top of the tripod head, inserting the threaded rod into the central hole in

e base of the telescope

the bottom of the dr Tighten the tension knob (see abo firm feel only; firm tightening of the tension knob is sufficient to result in rigid positioning of the tripod legs.

ve figure) to a

Battery H

older

attery

ompartment

Remove the covers from both battery

(

c) 00 Meade [2.0]



A U T O S T A R

6. compartments located on top of the drive base and carefully lift the battery holders from their compartments, being mindful of the connector

. Insert four (user-supplied) C-cell batteries

wires into each battery holder (eight batteries total), oriented as shown on the diagram on the battery holder.

Return the battery holders to the battery compartment. See the diagram above. Replace the covers when you are done.

9. Flip the Power Switch on the computer control panel to the ON position. The copyright message lights on AutoStar’s LCD display.

10.

w Speeds:

Sle

Speed 9:

Speed 5:

Speed 1:

“Press 0 to align or Mode for Menu” displays. You

Fast

. . .

Medium

. . .

Slow

Arrow

Number

eys

can use the Arrow keys to slew (move) the telescope up, down, right, or left. To change the telescope’s slew speed, press a Number key. "9" is the fastest speed and "1" is the slowest speed. See page 17 for more details. Or you can

begin Automatic Alignment.

See page 18 for more

Press “0” to

information.

HBX Port

ON/OFF

AutoStar Coil Cable Port

7. Slide the computer control panel power switch to OFF, if necessary. Remove the AutoStar handbox and the AutoStar interface cable from the packing materials. Plug one end into the HBX port of the computer control panel and plug the other end into the Coil Cable port on the AutoStar handbox.

R.A.

8. Tighten, to a firm feel only, the Dec and R.A. locks

Lock

Dec

Loc

(X and X, Fig. 1). Remove the dust cover from the end of the telescope tube.

Thumb-

Thumbscre

11.

Remo

ve the dust cap from the rear cell of the

screw

telescope. Thread the eyepiece holder into the rear cell thread.

epiece holder and loc

the e

Slide the diagonal pr

k in place b

the thumbscrew to a firm feel.

epiece into the

Place the Super Plössl 26mm e diagonal pr

ism and tighten the attachment

thumbscrew to a firm feel only.

Sight along the side of the telescope’

s main tube to locate an object. Use the telescope’s focus knob (

8, Fig. 1) to bring the object into focus. Practice using the AutoStar’s Arrow keys to center an object in the telescope’

s field of vie

ism into

y turning

TELESCOPE FEATURES

Side View

Some models of the LX90 have the computer control panel on the left fork arm, others on the right fork arm. All models of the LX90 operate identically.

7 9

A. Handbox Port

B. LED C.

. Auxiliary Ports (2)

D E. 12v Power Connector

ON/OFF Switch

Computer Control Panel

(not shown)

1 Eyepiece

epiece Holder

2 3 Eyepiece Holder 4 Diagonal Prism 5 6 Dec. Lock 7 Fork Arms 8 Focus Knob

9 R.A. Lock 10 R.A. Setting Circle 11 12 13

16 17

19 Handbo

20 Viewfinder 21 Viewfinder Alignment Screws

Fig. 1: The LX90 Telescope and AutoStar Handbox.

Optical

Dec.

Setting Circle/Dec. Pointer GPS Receiver Computer Control Panel

utoStar handbox

Dust Co

y Compar

Batter

tFinder

Smar

tFinder Alignment Scre

Smar

x Holder

Thumbscre

ube

ver (not visible)

tment

2 D

Rear View

LX90: Your Personal Window to the Universe

The Meade LX90 is an extremely versatile, high-resolution telescopes with features similar to those available only with larger and more specialized imaging systems. With pushbutton controls, automatic tracking of celestial objects and software downloading capability, the LX90 telescope may be all the telescope ever required by many terrestrial and astronomical observers.

epiece:Place the Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece into the eyepiece holder or 90° diagonal

1 Ey

prism (

4, Fig. 1) and tighten in place with the thumbscrews.The eyepiece magnifies the image

collected in the optical tube.

epiece Holder Thumbscrew:Tightens the eyepiece in place. Tighten to a firm feel only.

2 Ey

CAUTION:

Using products other than standard Meade accessories may cause damage to the telescope’s internal electronics and may void the Meade warranty.

3 Eyepiece Holder: Holds the eyepiece in place.

4 Diagonal Prism: provides a more comfortable right angle viewing position. Slide the

diagonal prism directly into the eyepiece holder (

3, Fig. 1).

E 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.

F Dec Lock: Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. Turning the Dec lock

counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the vertical axis. Turning the Dec lock clockwise (to a firm feel only) prevents the telescope from being moved manually, but engages the vertical motor drive for AutoStar operation.

NOTE: The Dec lock knob is a knurled knob located on the fork arm to the right of the focus knob (8, Fig. 1).

CAUTION: When loosening the Dec lock, be sure to support the optical tube

5, Fig. 1). The weight of the tube could cause the tube to swing through the fork arms

( suddenly.

G Fork Arms: Hold the optical tube in place.

H Focus Knob:

precise image focus.The LX90 telescope can be focused on objects from a distance of about 25 ft. to infinity. Rotate the focus knob counterclockwise to focus on distant objects, and clockwise to focus on nearby objects.

Moves the telescope’s primary mirror in a finely-controlled motion

to achieve

I R.A. Lock: Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the telescope. Turning the R.A. lock

counterclockwise unlocks the telescope, enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the horizontal axis. Turning the R.A. lock clockwise prevents the telescope from being rotated manually, and engages the horizontal motor drive for AutoStar operation.

J Right Ascension (R.A.) Setting Circle: See APPENDIX A, page 50, for detailed

inf

mation.

es inf

(on left f

mation transmitted from Global Positioning System (GPS)

k ar

K Dec

lination (Dec)

ormation. Note the small, molded triangular pointer underneath the circle. Line up the

inf desired Declination setting with this pointer.

Setting Cir

1@ GPS Receiver: Receiv

satellites. See page 21 for more information.

m):

See

APPENDIX A, page 50, f

or detailed

M Computer Control Panel

Handbo

LED:The red po

the AutoStar handbox and to the telescope’s motor drive.

ON/OFF Switc

x (HBX) P

Plug the A

wer indicator light illuminates when power is supplied to

ns the Computer Control P

utoStar coil cord (

anel and A

10,

) into this por

utoStar ON or OFF

Fig.

. Auxiliary (AUX) Port (2)

and also current and future Meade accessories, such as the Meade Accessory Port

. See

Module

12v Power Connector:Provides connection so that the telescope assembly may

be powered from either a 12v DC auto cigarette light plug or from a standard 115v AC home outlet using optionally available 25' power cords.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 43.

vides connection for the SmartFinder LNT module,

Pro

N AutoStar: See page 9 for a description of AutoStar’s features.

O Dust Co

ver:Gently pry the dust cover from the front lens of the telescope.

TE:

power turned off to the telescope. Verify that any dew that might have collected during the observing session has evaporated prior to replacing the dust cover.

The dust co

ver should be replaced after each observing session and the

P Battery Compartments: Insert four (user-supplied) C-cell batteries in each compartment

(eight batteries total).

Q SmartFinder: Provides an easier way to sight on objects than the main telescope’s

eyepiece which has a narrow field of view. To assemble, see the SmartFinder addendum sheet that is included with the manual.

R SmartFinder Alignment Screws: Adjust these screws to align the SmartFinder. See

pages 14 and 15 for more information.

S Handbox Holder (refer to Figs. A and B below): Holds the AutoStar handbox in a

convenient position on the telescope fork arm handles.

T Viewfinder: A low-power, wide-field sighting scope with crosshairs that enable easy cen-

tering of objects in the telescope eyepiece.

2! Viewfinder Alignment Screws: Use these screws to adjust the alignment of the

viewfinder. See

To Attach the Handbox Holder:

1. Remove the handbox holder from the plastic bag.

2. If necessary, loosen the lock knob ( of the LX90 fork arm handles. Tighten the lock knob to a firm feel.

3 Slide the AutoStar handbox into the holder (

handbox into the holder: Slide one side of the handbox into the holder and then firmly press the other side of the handbox into the holder until it snaps in place.

Adjust the tilt of of the holder by loosening the lock knob (

4. holder clamp to the desired angle. Retighten the lock knob.

ALIGNING THE SMARTFINDER AND THE VIEWFINDER, page 15.

1, Fig. A) and place the clamp (2, Fig. A) on either one

3, Fig. A and Fig B). You may also snap the

Fig. A

) and then mo

ving the

Fig. A: Handbox holder: (1) Lock

(2) Clamp;

knob;

(3) Holder.

Fig. B: Handbox holder attached to fork arm handle. Adjust holder to a

venient tilt.

con

AUTOSTAR FEATURES

Fig. 2: The LX90 AutoStar Handbox.

Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button

Control of the LX90 is through the operation of the standard-equipment AutoStar. Nearly all functions of the telescope are accomplished with just a few pushes of AutoStar’s buttons. Some of the major features of AutoStar are:

• Automatically move the telescope to any of over 30,000 objects stored in the database or

manually enter the astronomical coordinates of any celestial object.

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

wnload the latest satellite data and softw

•

www.meade.com) and share software with other AutoStar enthusiasts.

(

Control y

•

• Access a glossary of astronomical terms.

• Calculate which eyepiece to use for optimum viewing of a celestial object.

Mount the telescope in the

•

fully automatic tr

Extensiv

•

the LX90 is mounted in the "Equator

our LX90 with y

king of celestial objects

e long-e

xposure astrophotog

are revisions directly from the Meade website

our PC using an RS-232 interf

“Alt/Az”

mode (Altitude - Azim

y and CCD imaging capability is a

aph

olar) mode using an optional mounting w

ial" (P

ace

uth, or v

ertical - horizontal) for

ailable when

edge.

NOTE:

AutoStar does not require batteries; the telescope’s batteries supply power to AutoStar.

NOTE:

Throughout this manual, you will notice the term "Alt/Az." Alt/Az is frequently used to refer to Altitude (vertical) and Azimuth (horizontal). Alt/Az is just one of many methods used by amateur astronomers to help locate stars in the night sky.

TIP: To manually enter the R.A. and Dec coordinates of an object:

Press and hold MODE for two seconds or more. The R.A. and Dec coordinates display. Press GO TO. "Object Position" and a set of coordinates displays. Then enter the R.A. and Dec coordinates of any celestial object using Number keys. As soon as the coordinates are entered, A the telescope to the coordinates the telescope m initialized for this procedure to operate properly.

utoStar sle

. Note that

ust be

utoStar Computer Controller provides control of virtually every telescope function within

The A a compact handbox. AutoStar has soft-touch keys designed to have a positive feel. The LCD (Liquid Cr

ystal Display) is backlit with a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) for easy viewing in the

dark. The backlit display, key arrangement, and sequential database make AutoStar extremely

iendly.

user fr

1 2-Line LCD Displa

•

Top line: Lists the primary category or menu item.

• Bottom line: Contains a men

vides an interface between AutoStar and the telescope.

Pro

u option or information about an object or subject,

depending on which function is being performed.

2 ENTER Key: Accesses, in a sequential manner, the next menu or data level in the AutoStar

database. See

OPTION DESCRIPTIONS,

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" is relevant only after the telescope has been aligned and is pointing at an object. If the "ENTER to Sync" feature is accessed by mistake, press MODE to return to the previous screen.

MOVING THROUGH AUTOSTAR'S MENUS, page 18 and MENU AND MENU

page 24.

See HIGH PRECISION, page 29, for more details about this feature.

3 MODE Key: Returns to the previous menu or data level in the AutoStar database until the

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

NOTE: Pressing MODE while in the “Select Item” level moves AutoStar to the topmost screen: “Select Item: Object.”

If MODE is pressed and held for two seconds or more, information about the telescope's status displays. When the status displays, press one of the Scroll keys

7, Fig. 2) to display the following information:

(

• Right Ascension and Declination (astronomical) coordinates

• Altitude (vertical) and Azimuth (horizontal) coordinates

• Local Time and Local Sidereal Time (LST)

• Timer and Alarm Status

• Accessory Port Module (APM) status (see the instructions supplied with the APM)

• Date

• Site coordinates

• Battery status

• SmartFinder Finder Set menu (see below)

Press MODE again to return to the previous menu.

Finder Set menu:Select the Finder Set men intensity and blink rate of the SmartFinder red dot.

To set the blink rate of SmartFinder’s red dot (circled numbers refer to Fig. 2):

1. Press and hold MODE c for two seconds. R.A and Dec. coordinates display.

2. Keep pressing the Scroll Down key h until “Finder Set: Set” displays.

3. Press ENTER b. “Finder Set: Intensity” displays.

Press the Scroll Do

5. Press ENTER

wn key

b. A time value, in seconds, displays. For example, “00.5” may

“Finder

display. “00.5” (one-half second) is the amount of time, in seconds, that the red dot will blink

”

“on.

6. Use the Number keys g and the Arrow keys f to change the time value. For example,

y wish to change the amount of time the red dot sta

ou ma

press the Right Arro

”

“1,

nate method is to use the Scroll k

alter

alue is entered, press ENTER

time v

w k

f, press

7. Press the Scroll Down key h. “Finder: Blink Off” displays. Press ENTER b. A time value,

(one-tenth second), ma

“00.1” of time the red dot sta

alues are already z

o v

first tw

y displa

ys off to 00.7 seconds:

, then press “7.” Or you may use the Scroll keys

ero)

through the time values.

u to access options that will allow you to set the

: Blink On” displays.

ys on to 10.2 seconds:

press the Right Arro

”

“0,

h to scroll through the time v

w k

f, press

alues

ou may wish to change the amount

, y

xample

or e

Press the Right Arro

w k

f twice

Press

”

“2.

Once the

(as the

h to scroll

The SmartFinder’s red dot will now blink on for 10.2 seconds and turn off for 0.7 seconds,

and then repeat the cycle until you change the values again. Press and hold MODE c to exit this function.

ly, you can set the Intensity value by scrolling through the intensity values with the Scroll

Similar keys h. The Intensity option lets you select a value of intensity for the red dot from 0 (Off) to 14 (Full Intensity).

4 GO

TO Key:Slews (moves) the telescope to the coordinates of the currently 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.

5 Arrow Keys: Slew the telescope in a specific direction (up, down, left, and right), at any

one of nine different speeds. Speed selection is explained in following functions are also available with the Arrow keys:

• Data entry - Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to scroll through the letters of the alphabet and numerical digits. The Down Arrow key starts with the letter "A" and the Up Arrow key starts with the digit "9." The Left and Right Arrow keys are used to move the blinking cursor left and right across the LCD display.

Moves the telescope - Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move the telescope

• vertically up and down. The Left Arrow key rotates the telescope horizontally counterclockwise, while the Right Arrow key rotates it clockwise.

SLEW SPEEDS, page 17. The

6 Number Keys: Input digits 0 - 9 and changes the slew speeds (see SLEW SPEEDS, page

17). The "0" key also turns on and off the red utility light on the top of the handbox.

7 Scroll Keys: Accesses options within a selected menu. The menu is displayed on the first

line of the screen. Options within the 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.

The Scroll keys also scroll through the letters of the alphabet and numerical digits.

NOTE: The Scroll Down key and the Down Arrow key move forward through the alphabet & digits (A to Z, 0 to 9). The Scroll Up key and the Up Arrow key move backward (Z to A, 9 to 0). Common symbols are also available in the list.

8 ? Key: Accesses the "Help" file. "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, hold down the ? key and follow the directions that scroll on the second line of the LCD screen. When a word appears in [brackets], press ENTER to access the AutoStar Glossary. A definition or more detailed information is displayed. Press MODE to return to the scrolling AutoStar Help display.

When satisfied with the Help provided, press MODE to return to the original screen and continue with the chosen procedure.

e.g., INITIALIZATION, ALIGNMENT, etc.,

I Coil Cord Port: Plug one end of the AutoStar coil cord into this port (11, Fig. 2) located at

the bottom of the AutoStar handbox.

J Coil Cord: Plug one end of the AutoStar coil cord into the HBX port (13A, Fig. 1) of the

computer control panel of the telescope and the other end into the coil cord port (see

j above).

K RS-232 Port: plug an RS-232 cable into AutoStar for downloading functions such as

"Download" or "Clone." See page 30 for more details.

L Utility Light: Use this built-in red light to illuminate star charts and accessories without

disturbing your eye's adaptation to darkness.

GETTING STARTED

Getting the telescope ready f opening the packing box, note carefully the following parts:

• LX90 Telescope with fork mount system and attached SmartFinder

• AutoStar handbox and interface coil cord

• Eyepiece holder and 1.25” diagonal prism

• 8 x 50 Viewfinder Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece

•

• Variable height tripod and mounting base

• Set of hex wrenches and a plastic bag containing a “C” clip and a washer

How to Attach the Tripod to the Telescope Assembly

The telescope’s fork mount attaches directly to the field tripod. The telescope in this way is mounted in an this configuration moves along vertical and horizontal axes, corresponding respectively to the Declination (vertical) and Right Ascension (horizontal) axes in an astronomical observing mode.

The field tripod also can be used in conjunction with the optional equatorial wedge (see

EQUATORIAL WEDGE, page 52) for long exposure astrophotography. The equatorial wedge per-

mits alignment of the telescope’s Polar Axis with the Celestial Pole (or North Star).

1. After removing the field tripod from its shipping carton, stand the tripod vertically, with the tripod feet down and with the tripod still fully collapsed ( pod legs and, with the full weight of the tripod on the third leg, gently pull the legs apart to a fully open position.

2. Thread in the 6 lock-knobs (2 on each tripod leg) near the foot of each tripod leg (Fig. 3). These lock-knobs are used to fix the height of the inner, extendible tripod leg sections.

NOTE: Tightening to a firm-feel is sufficient; over-tightening may result in stripping of the knob threads or damage to the tripod legs and results in no additional strength.

3. The spreader bar (4, Fig. 3) has been removed for shipment. To install, first remove the threaded rod ( threaded rod in place. Remove the small plastic bag that is stapled to the threaded rod. This bag contains the “C” clip retainer and an extra clip.

4. Slide the washer followed by the spreader bar onto the threaded rod (note the correct orientation as shown in Place the clip retainer ( a “C” clip) into the slot in the threaded rod.This clip holds the threaded rod in place. See

5. Position the spreader bar so that the 3 arms of the spreader bar line up with the 3 tripod legs.

“Altazimuth” (“Altitude-Azimuth,” or “vertical-horizontal”) format. The telescope in

2, Fig.3) from the tripod head (1, Fig. 3); a small piece of plastic holds the

or first observations requires only a few minutes. When first

see Fig. 3). Grasp two of the tri-

Fig. 4) and position the threaded rod back through the tripod head.

Fig. 3.

Fig. 3: Field Tripod. (1) Tripod Head; (2) Threaded Rod; (3) Tension Knob; (4) Spreader Bar; (5) Lock Knobs;

Fig. 4: Attaching the telescope to the tripod. Note the orientation of the spreader bar.

Place the entire telescope onto the top of the tripod head, and insert the threaded rod into

Rib

Battery Holder

Battery Compartment

6. the centr (

al hole in the bottom of the drive base of the telescope. Tighten the tension knob

Fig. 3);firm tightening of the tension knob is sufficient to result in rigid positioning of the

ipod legs.

7. To vary the tripod height, loosen the 6 lock-knobs, slide the 3 inner tripod leg sections out to the desired height, and firmly re-tighten (but do not overtighten) the 6 lock-knobs.

To collapse the tripod (after removing the telescope and equatorial wedge, if applicable) for storage follow these steps:

1. Rotate the spreader bar 60° from its assembled position, so that one spreader bar arm is located between each adjacent pair of tripod legs.

2. At the base of the tripod is a 3-vane extension strut system, with a circular hub at its center (

6, Fig. 3). Grasp the tripod head (1, Fig. 3) with one hand and, with the other hand, pull directly “up” on the central hub of the extension strut system. This operation will cause the tripod legs to move inward to a collapsed position.

Precautionary notes for the tripod

• If the tripod does not seem to extend or collapse easily, do not force the tripod legs in or out. By following the instructions above, the tripod will function properly, but if you are unclear on the proper procedure, forcing the tripod into an incorrect position may damage the extension strut system.

• Be sure the spreader bar (

4, Fig. 3) is not upside-down on the threaded rod.

How to Assemble Your Telescope

Assembly of the LX90 telescope requires eight C-cell (user-supplied) batteries or optional power cords (25') to a standard 115v home outlet or to a 12v DC automobile cigarette lighter plug. See the Instruction Sheets supplied with the optional power cords for installation information. To install batteries:

1. Unlock the Dec lock ( the optical tube to the position depicted in

2. Remove the battery compartment covers ( holder, being mindful of the connector wires. Insert four C-cell batteries into each battery holder, oriented as shown on the diagram on the battery slots inside the battery holder. Return the battery holders to their respective compartments and replace the covers.

Fig. 5 for the proper orientation of the holder. Do not force the holder into the battery

See compartment. If a holder does not slip easily into the compartment, you may have inserted the holder incorrectly. Replace the compartment covers when you are done.

CAUTION: Use care to install batteries as indicated by the battery compartment. 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 v

oid your Meade warranty. Always remove the batteries if they are not to be used

for a long period of time.

6, Fig. 1) to move the optical tube (5, Fig. 1) through the fork arms. Move

Fig. 1 (top image) and relock the Dec lock.

16, Fig. 1) and carefully remove the battery

Fig. 5: Four C-cell batter

ies mounted inside one of the batter Note position of rib in the

y compar

batter

y holders .

tment.

3. Be certain that the power switch on the computer control panel (13C, Fig. 1) is in the OFF position. Plug the SmartFinder coil cord into one of the AUX ports (

13D, Fig. 1) on the

computer control panel. Plug the coil cord of the AutoStar Controller into the HBX port

13A, Fig. 1).

(

TE:AutoStar does not require batteries; the telescope’s batteries supply power

to A

utoStar.

4. Remove the dust cap from the rear cell of the telescope. Thread the eyepiece holder into

epiece holder and lock in place by

the rear cell thread.

Slide the diagonal pr

ism into the e

turning the thumbscrew to a firm feel.

5. Remove the Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece ( diagonal prism (

Remo

ve the dust cover (

3, Fig. 1). Tighten the thumbscrew (2, Fig. 1) to a firm feel only.

Fig.

15,

) from the optical tube assemb

1, Fig. 1) from its container and place it in the

ly (5,Fig.

) b

y gently

prying it off.

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.

NOTE:

For a list of magnification ratings of the eyepieces available for the LX90 telescope,

OPTIONAL

see

ACCESSORIES

43.

, page

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.

our telescope comes supplied with a Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece, which gives a wide,

Y comfortable field of view with high image resolution.

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 eyepiece to enlarge the image as much as practical for prevailing seeing conditions. For information about optional eyepieces for the LX90, see

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 43.

NOTE: Seeing conditions vary widely from night-to-night and site-to-site. 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 wellresolved image (

Fig. 8a and 8b).

The power or magnification of a telescope is determined by the focal length of the telescope 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 LX90. The focal length of the 8” LX90 is 2000mm (see

SPECIFICATIONS, page

48).

Telescope Focal Length 2000mm

Eyepiece Focal Length 26mm

2000 ÷ 26 = 77≠

The eyepiece power, or magnification, is therefore 77X.

Using SmartFinder

As with most astronomical telescopes, an eyepiece presents a narrow field of view to the observer. As a result it is sometimes difficult to locate objects just using your eyepiece. The SmartFinder has a projected red dot that helps you to locate objects as you move your telescope. See page 10 for more information about the SmartFinder’s Finder Set menu.

To turn on SmartFinder’s red dot (continuous, without blinking):

1. Press and hold AutoStar’s MODE key for two seconds. R.A and Dec. coordinates display.

2. Keep pressing the Scroll Down key until “Finder Set: Set” displays.

3. Press ENTER. “Finder Set: Intensity” displays.

4. Press ENTER. “Finder: Blink On” displays.

5. Press Scroll Down key. A time value, in seconds, displays. For example, “00.5” may

is the amount of time, in seconds, that the red dot will blink “on.”

“00.5”

displa (For this example, you may select or enter any value except “00.0.”) Press ENTER.

6. Press Scroll Down key“Finder: Blink Off” displays.

ys to enter “00.0” or press the Scroll Down

Press ENTER.

Use the Number k key until “00.0” displays. “00.0” is the amount of time in seconds that the red dot will remain “off.” This value, along with the value you chose in the

“Finder: Blink On” menu, allows the red dot to remain on without blinking.

means there is no “off” time, so the dot will remain on continuously,

“00.0”

without blinking.

Use these men

8. the Blink On men

or .2 seconds and then b

us to set other b

“00.1” in the Blink Off menu, the red dot will blink on

u, and

link off f

you change the values again.

9. Press and hold MODE to exit this function.

k this alignment on a celestial object, such as the Moon or a bright star, and make

Chec any necessary refinements to the intensity and blink rate, using the method outlined above.

For example, If you select “00.2” in

ates

link r

or .1 second, and then repeat the cycle until

Aligning SmartFinder

In order f that both the SmartFinder and the main telescope are pointing at precisely the same location.

o align the SmartFinder:

1. Point the main telescope at some well-defined distant (perhaps a mile away) land object,

The SmartFinder is now aligned to the main telescope. Unless the alignment screws are disturbed or the LNT Module is moved out of place, the SmartFinder should remain aligned indefinitely.

or the SmartFinder to be useful, it must first be aligned with the main telescope, so

such as a telephone pole or sign. Center the object, as precisely as possible, in the SP 26mm eyepiece's field of view. Tighten the vertical and horizontal locks (

6 and 9, Fig. 1) so

that the tube cannot move and the object remains centered.

While looking through the SmartFinder (1,Fig. 6

n the top or side alignment screws (

), tur

and 3, Fig. 7), until the red dot of the SmartFinder points at precisely the same position as

w through the eyepiece of the main telescope.

the vie

Fig. 6a: SmartFinder Location.

Fig. 6b: Turn the top (2) or side

(3) SmartFinder.

Aligning the Viewfinder

Like the SmartFinder, the viewfinder helps you locate objects and must also be aligned to the main telescope. To align the viewfinder, perform steps 1 through 5 during the daytime; perform step 6 at night.

1. Slide the track on the bottom of the viewfinder into the slot in the viewfinder mounting assembly. See thumbscrews (

2. If you have not already done so, insert the Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece into the diagonal prism.

3. Unlock the R.A. ( both axes.

4. Point the telescope at some well-defined and stationary land object at least 200 yards distant, such as the top of a telephone pole or street sign. eyepiece. Re-tighten the R.A. and Dec locks.

5. Look through the viewfinder eyepiece ( or more of the vie cisely centered on the object you previously centered in the telescope eyepiece.

6. Check this alignment on a celestial object, such as the Moon or a bright star, and make any necessary refinements, using the method outlined in steps 3 and 4.

Mounting Slot

Fig. 7a. To secure the viewfinder to the mounting assembly, tighten the two

Fig. 7a) to a firm feel only.

9, Fig. 1) and Dec (7, Fig. 1) locks so that the telescope moves freely on

Center the object in the telescope

Fig. 7b) and loosen or tighten, as appropriate, one

wfinder alignment screws (

Fig.7b) until the vie

Alignment Screws

wfinder crosshairs are pre-

Fig.

Tr ac k

wfinder Assemb

Vie

7a:

Thumbscrews

ly.

Viewfinder Eyepiece

7b:

Fig.

wfinder Assemb

Vie

ly.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Objects appear upside-down and reversed left-for-right when observed in the eyepiece when inserted directly into the (straight-through) eyepiece holder – with the diagonal prism in place, images will be right-side-up, but reversed left-for-right.

This image inversion is of no consequence when observing astronomical objects and, in fact, all astronomical telescopes yield inverted images.

During terrestrial observing, where a fully-correctly-oriented image (right-side-up and correct left-forright) is desirable, an optional #928 45° Erecting Prism is available. See

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,

43.

page

OBSERVING

Observing By Moving the Telescope Manually

If you wish to observe a distant land object, such as a mountain top or a bird, you can observe by merely pointing the telescope and looking through the eyepiece.

1. Loosen the telescope’s R.A. lock (

2. Move your telescope to observe distant street signs, mountains, trees, and other

structures. Use SmartFinder and/or the viewfinder to to help site-in on an object.

3. Center the object with SmartFinder’s red dot and then in the telescope eyepiece.When the

object is

centered in your eyepiece, remember to re-tighten the R.A. and Dec locks.

4. Practice focusing objects with the focus knob (

5. Once you get a feel for how your telescope moves and focuses, try to view something more

challenging, like a bird or a distant moving train.

NOTE: Viewing conditions vary widely from night-to-night and site-to-site. Turbulence in the air, even on an apparently clear night, can distort images. Lowpower eyepieces, such as the Super Plössl 26mm supplied with your telescope, are better suited to resolving images in poor viewing conditions.

You can also observe stars and objects in the night sky using this method, but note that objects begin to slowly drift across the eyepiece field.This motion is caused by the rotation of the Earth. As you become familiar with the AutoStar handbox operation, you can counteract the drift using the automatic tracking feature in the AutoStar Setup menu (see

AUTOMATICALLY, page 18), or by using AutoStar's GO TO capabilities (see GO TO SATURN, page 20).

Terrestrial Observing

The LX90 ia an excellent high-resolution, terrestrial (land) telescopes. Viewing terrestrial objects requires looking along the Earth's surface through heat waves.These heat waves often cause degradation of image quality. Lower power eyepieces, like the Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece, magnify these heat waves less than higher power eyepieces. Therefore, lower power eyepieces provide a steadier, higher quality image. If the image is fuzzy or ill-defined, reduce to a lower power eyepiece, where the heat waves do not have such an effect on image quality. Observing in early morning hours, before the ground has built up internal heat, produces better viewing conditions than during late afternoon hours.

9, Fig. 1) and Dec lock (6, Fig. 1).

8, Fig. 1).

TO TRACK AN OBJECT

Observing Using AutoStar's Arrow Keys

You may observe land and astronomical objects using AutoStar's Arrow keys to move the telescope.

Fig. 8a & 8b: Jupiter:

Examples of the right amount of magnification and too much magnification.

Tighten the Dec and R.A.

er ha

ou e

Can y

epiece magnification, yes, you can! The

e beginning observer is to “overpower” a telescope by using high magnifications which the telescope 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. 8a and 8b). Powers

ve 400X should be employed only under the steadiest atmospheric

abo conditions.

utoStar can calculate the best e

A Calc” feature in the Utilities menu.

ers should ha

Most obser

ange of reasonable magnifications possible with the

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 43.

loc

ks (

6 and 9,

Fig.

LX90 TIPS

oo Much Power?

e too much power? If the type of power you’re referring to is

most common mistakeof the

epiece for you to use. Try out the “Eyepiece

e three or four additional eyepieces to achieve the full

LX90 telescopes

. See

Verify that AutoStar is properly connected to your telescope. See

TELESCOPE,

page 13.

HOW

TO ASSEMBLE YOUR

3. Flip the telescope power switch to the ON position.

The AutoStar screen is activated and a copyright message displays briefly, followed by a short beep. Then AutoStar takes a few moments to start up the system.

Mode for Menu” displays (if you select "0" automatic Alignment will begin).

The Arrow keys are now activated. Press the Arrow keys (5,Fig. 2

“Press 0 to align or

w (move) the

) to sle

telescope up, down, right, or left.

5. Press a Number key (8, Fig. 2) to change the telescope’s slew speed. See SLEW SPEEDS,

below, for more information.

6. Use SmartFinder (

17, Fig. 1) and/or the viewfinder (1, Fig. 20) to locate an object and prac-

tice using the AutoStar’s Arrow keys to center the object in the telescope’s field of view.

7. Use the telescope’s focus knob (8, Fig. 1) to bring the object into focus.

Slew Speeds

AutoStar has nine slew speeds that are directly proportional to the sidereal rate and have been calculated to accomplish specific functions. Pressing a Number key changes the slew speed, which is shown for about two seconds on AutoStar’s display.

The nine available speeds are:

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

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

Number Key 3 = 8x = 8 x sidereal (2 arc-min/sec or 0.033°/sec)

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

Number Key 5 = 64x = 64 x sidereal (16 arc-min/sec or 0.27°/sec)

Number Key 6 = 128x = 32 arc-min/sec or 0.5°/sec

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 = 390 arc-min/sec or 6.5°/sec)

NOTE:

Do not look through the telescope's eyepiece or

wfinder while it is

vie rapidly moving. Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

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

epiece

, such as the standard Super Plössl

26mm.

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

Speed 9: Mo

es the telescope quic

kly 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) and 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, causing the

ight surf

ly br

ace to appear flat and r

ather uninteresting.

density Moon filter when observing the Moon. Not only does it cut down the Moon's bright glare,

ut it also enhances contrast, providing a more dramatic image.

Consider the use of a neutral

Definition: Initialization

cedure that ensures that A correctly first use AutoStar, it doesn't yet know where the observation location site is or the time or date of the observation session.

During the alignment procedure, the system calculates these parameters automatically.

AutoStar uses this information to precisely calculate the location of celestial objects (such as stars and planets) and to move your telescope correctly for various operations.

Impor

Press any key on the

utoStar handbo

t the GPS fix.

abor

Press MODE repeatedly until "Select Item" displays and use the AutoStar menu options to choose a manual alignment or to find an AutoStar option, such as "Brightness."

is a pro-

utoStar operates

. When you

automatic

tant Note:

x to

Astronomical Observing

Used as an astronomical instr capabilities. It is in astronomical applications where the high level of optical performance is readily visible. The range of observable astronomical objects is, with minor qualification, limited

y the observer’s motivation.

only b

ument, your telescope has many optical and electromechanical

To Track an Object Automatically

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. If the telescope is not tracking an astronomical object, the object will drift out of the eyepiece field of view. The tracking function automatically keeps an object more or less centered in the telescope’s eyepiece.

To automatically track objects, you must initialize AutoStar, and then select "Targets: Astronomical" from the AutoStar Setup menu. You must also learn how the AutoStar keypad operates in order to move through the AutoStar menus.

Moving Through AutoStar’s Menus

The AutoStar database is organized in levels for quick and easy navigation.

• Press ENTER to go deeper into AutoStar's menu levels.

• Press MODE to move back toward the top menu level.

• Press the Scroll keys to move up and down through the options available for each level.

• Press the Arrow keys to enter characters and digits.

The Arrow keys are also used to move the telescope.

Automatic Alignment Feature (Auto Align™)

AutoStar offers four methods of altazimuth (alt/az) alignment; this section describes how to initialize and align your telescope using Automatic Alignment. (For a description of the other alt/az alignment methods, see pages 38 and 39. For information about equatorial (polar) alignment, see

To prepare your telescope for Automatic Alignment:

1. Tighten the R.A. and Dec. locks (9 and 6, Fig. 1).

2. Verify that AutoStar is properly connected to your telescope. See

3. Flip the telescope power switch to the ON position.

4. “Press 0 to align or Mode for Menu.” displays. Press “0” to begin Automatic Alignment. (If you

5. "Automatic Alignment" displays. The system now performs the following routines (press

APPENDIX A, page 50.)

HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR

TELESCOPE

When you slide the On/Off switch to “On” on your telescope’s computer control panel, a version screen briefly appears, followed by “Welcome to AutoStar.”

wish to choose a manual alignment method, keep pressing Mode to go through the menus to find other alignments.)

Note: A

page 13.

utoStar initializ

es the Smar

t Drive if "On" has been previously performed PEC training and you have "parked" the telescope. If you have parked it, AutoStar will remember its position on the worm gear. If you do not park the scope and turn it off, it will not remember its position. See

any AutoStar key to abort Automatic Alignment; see

PARK, page 28 and PEC TRAINING, page 54.

IMPORTANT NOTE, at the left) :

Caution: As the telescope performs the following operations, it will swing and rotate. Keep a safe distance from the telescope.

tion of the telescope the telescope or point to Nor minute or two.

, and also detects where tr

th—it is just detecting these positions

The telescope now finds the level and tilt posi-

el or tilt

ue Nor

th is

y not actually le

It ma

. This make take a

a. Detects “level” of the base of the telescope; finds tilt and tip. To detect level,

AutoStar must calculate "level" at three compass points. See

FINDING TRUE LEVEL in

on page 21.

+ 42 hidden pages

Meade LX90GPS User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual