Viewfinder Bracket Screws: Tighten to a firm feel to hold viewfinder securely in place (see E and h). See page 12 for more information. 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. Declination (Dec.): 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. Polar Viewfinder Cap: Remove this cap when using the polar viewfinder (see 2(). Dec. Setting Circle: See APPENDIX A, page 50, for more information. Counterweight Shaft Base: Thread, along with the shaft, to the mount. See page 11 for more information. 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. Counterweight Shaft: Slide the counterweight onto this shaft (see 2!). Counterweight Safety Cap: Prevents the counterweight from accidentally slipping off the end of the counterweight shaft. 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 Adapter or from a standard 115v AC home outlet using the optional #547 Power Adapter with Cable or #547F Power Adapter for 220v outlets. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 38. C. LED: Illuminates when power is supplied to the Autostar or EC handbox and the telescopes 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. Right Ascension (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. Latitude Adjustment T-Handles (2): Sets the latitude of your observing location. The two T-handle screws work in a "push - pull" operationas you tighten one, loosen the other. Fine Azimuth Control Knobs: Fine tune the side-to-side movement of the telescope when centering Polaris in the telescope eyepiece or when using the polar alignment viewfinder (see 2(). Latitude Dial: Set the latitude of the observing site on this dial using the latitude T-handle screws. For more information see Step 6, page 12. Polar Alignment Viewfinder: Allows you to precisely polar align the telescope. Useful when performing astrophotography. See page 52. 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

1&

1* 1( 2) 2! 2@ 2# 2$

2% 2^ 2& 2*

Want to learn more about setting the latitude dials? See STEP 6, page 12.

2* 2( 3)

sure to turn off the LED when finished with the polar viewfinder. Powered by (factory-supplied) batteries contained within.
Want to learn more about the polar alignment viewfinder? See the The Polar Alignment Viewfinder, page 52.

3! 3@ 3#

R.A. Setting Circle: See APPENDIX A, page 50, for more information. R.A. Setting Circle Lock Knob: Rotate the knob to lock the R.A. Setting Circle (see 3!) in place. 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. 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. T-Handle Lock and Shaft: Place the spreader bar (see 3^) over the shaft and thread the shaft into the tripod mounting base/mounting base (see 3&) 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. Spreader Bar: Holds the tripod legs securely in place and also acts as a holder for extra eyepieces. Tripod Mounting Base: Set the telescope mount into the tripod mounting base and secure into place using the T-handle lock and shaft. See HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE, page 11 for more information. Variable Height Tripod Legs (3): Supports the telescope mount. The mount attaches to the top of the tripod. Spreader Bar Tension Knob: Tighten to secure the spreader bar (see against the tripod legs.
Fig. 1f: The tripod leg lock knob.

3^ 3&

3* 3( 4) 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 tripod. 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 batteries to power motor drives and Autostar handbox.
Fig. 1g: The LXD75-Series Battery Pack and holder.

4! Want to learn how to

install the batteries? See step 12, page 13.
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 void your Meade warranty. Always remove the batteries if they are not to be used for a long period of time.

GETTING STARTED

As you unpack your telescope, carefully note the following parts. The assembly is shipped in separate boxes.

Bushing Second slot

Fig. 5a: Slide bushing over shaft.

Second slot

Telescope Assembly I Equatorial mount with polar alignment finder I Heavy duty, adjustable aluminum tripod with leg braces, three tripod leg lock knobs, and a captive mount locking knob I 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 I Super Plssl (SP) 26mm eyepiece I Counterweight and counterweight shaft. The 8" and 10" models include extra counterweights. I 8 x 50mm (all models, except N-6EC Newtonian) or 6 x 30mm (N-6EC Newtonian only) viewfinder. I Factory-mounted dual electronic motor drive assembly I Autostar handbox, detachable coil cord, or Electronic Controller I Battery pack and holder Accessories I Hex keys, T-Adapter (included with Schmidt-Newtonian models only)

E-clip

Fig. 5b: Snap e-clip all the way onto shaft above mount (shown partially attached).
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 styrofoam block inserts. 1. Remove the components from the giftboxes: Remove and identify the telescopes 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 giftbox, hold the assembly parallel (horizontal) to the ground or the inner tripod leg extensions will slide out as they are not locked in place. 2. Adjust the tripod legs. Spread the tripod legs as far as they will open. See Fig. 3. 3. Attach the spreader bar to the tripod with shaft: Thread the tension knob onto the shaft (see Fig. 4). Place the spreader bar over the T-handle shaft. Slide the bushing, the wide open side facing downward, onto the shaft as far as it will go (Fig. 5a). Then slide the shaft up through the tripod mounting base (37, Fig. 1c). Above the mount, snap the e-clip into the second, narrower precut slot (see Fig. 5a) of the shaft (Fig. 5b). 4. Attach mount to tripod base: Place the mount over the tripod mounting base (37, Fig. 1c) and onto the shaft, with the protrusion on top of the tripod's base positioned between the fine azimuth control knobs (27, Fig. 1d). See Fig. 5c. If necessary, back off the azimuth control knobs wide enough for protrusion to fit between them. Tighten the T-handle to a firm feel. This attachment keeps the tripod and the telescope mount securely in place. Then line up the spreader bar braces so that they are each touching one of the tripods legs. Tighten the tension knob (39, Fig. 1c) to a firm feel. When you wish to collapse the tripod, loosen the tension knob and move the braces off the legs. You do not need to remove the T-handle/shaft. 5. Attach the counterweight(s) to the counterweight shaft: Place the counterweight 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. 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. 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 midpoint of the counterweight shaft (22, Fig. 1d). Tighten the counterweight lock

Cradle Rings

Lock Knobs
Fig. 8: Place optical tube in rings and loosely tighten cradle ring lock knobs. Note: Model SC-8 users: After completing step 6, refer to APPENDIX E, page 62, step 1, for information on how to attach the SC optical tube to the mount.
Viewfinder Mounting Screws and Nuts
Fig. 9a: Viewfinder assembly, Newtonian reflector models.
Fig. 9b: Viewfinder assembly, refractor and Schmidt-Newtonian and Schmidt-Cassegrain models models.

Thumbscrew

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. Note: Two eyepiece holders are included with your telescopefor both 1.25" and 2" eyepieces. To change eyepiece holders, unscrew the attached holder from the focuser and thread on the other holder.

Eyepiece Holder

Fig. 10a: Insert eyepiece into holder and tighten thumbscrews.

Eyepiece Thumbscrews

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. 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. 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

Diagonal

Holder
Fig. 10b: Insert eyepiece into diagonal and tighten thumbscrews.
Fig. 13b: Reticle LED assembly: (A) Reticle Container; (B) LED; (C) Batteries; (D) Battery Holder; (E) Threaded Lid; (F) Cap.

Leg Lock Knob

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.

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). 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 OBSERVING SITES, page 32, for detailed information.
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). 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. 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). Use the Scroll keys (7, Fig. 2) to cycle through the database of countries, states, and provinces. Press ENTER when the correct location displays. 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. 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. 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).
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 proportional to the sidereal rate and have been calculated to accomplish specific functions. Press a Number key (6, Fig. 2) to change the slew speed, which is shown for about two seconds on Autostars display. The nine available speeds are: Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Key Key Key Key Key Key Key Key Key 9 = = 2x = = 8x = = 16x = = 64x = = 128x = = 1.5 = = 3 = = Max = Guide (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 90 arc-min/sec or 1.5/sec 180 arc-min/sec or 3/sec 270 arc-min/sec or 4.5/sec

Want to learn more about using the Date menu? See the LXD75 TIPS box, page 24.
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. 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.
WARNING! Never use a Meade
Note: Meteors are fast moving objects that cover large areas of the sky and are usually best observed with the naked eye. Solar Eclipse lists upcoming Solar Eclipses, including the date and type (total, annular, 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. Lunar Eclipse lists upcoming Lunar Eclipses, including the date and type (total, partial, 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 second star is hidden. Autostar calculates minimum magnitude time at mid-eclipse. Autumn and Vernal Equinox calculates the time and date of the fall or spring equinox of the current year. Winter and Summer Solstice calculates the time and date of the winter or summer solstice of the current year.
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 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.

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."
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 Autostars 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: If you notice that the text is "smearing" on the Autostar display, use the contrast adjustment menu.
Brightness Adj: Adjusts the brightness of the display using the Scroll keys. When complete, press ENTER. 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. Beep: Turns the beep on or off. 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. 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 activate 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 sessions. 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 tangled as the telescope slews to objects. This menu is set to "On" and cannot be changed by the user.

Make sure Autostar has been initialized and the telescope has been aligned. 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. "Object: Solar System" displays. Keep pressing the Scroll Up key until "Object: User Object" displays and press ENTER. "User Object: Select" displays. Press the Scroll Down key once. "User Object: Add" displays. Press ENTER. "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. "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. "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. 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, simply press ENTER. 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.

3. 4. 5.

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. 2. 3. 4. With "User Object: Add" displayed, press the Scroll Up key once. "User Object: Select" displays. Press ENTER. Use the Scroll keys (if necessary) to scroll to the desired object. Press ENTER. The name of the object and the Right Ascension and Declination coordinates display. Press GO TO and the telescope slews to the object.

Observing Satellites

In this procedure, you will prepare your telescope to observe a satellite pass. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Navigate to the "Object: Satellite" menu option and press ENTER. Use the Scroll keys to scroll through the list of satellites. Select a satellite from the list and press ENTER. "Calculating." and then "Tracking." displays. If the satellite is going to make a pass, "Located" displays. 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. "Alarm" displays after the location information. Press ENTER and Autostar automatically sets the alarm to sound a minute before the satellite's scheduled appearance. You may return to regular observations until the alarm goes off. 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. 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 telescope viewfinder for the satellite to enter the field of view.

6 f/8 Power/Actual Field 188/0.28 124/0.42 97/0.54 80/0.65 60/0.87 46/1.13 38/1.39 30/1.47 87/0.77 67/1.01 49/1.37 38/1.79 30/2.23 255/0.33 179/0.47 136/0.62 86/0.98
8 f/10 Power/Actual Field 313/0.17 206/0.25 161/0.32 133/0.39 100/0.52 77/0.68 63/0.83 50/0.88 145/0.46 111/0.60 82/0.82 63/1.07 50/1.34 426/0.20 299/0.28 227/0.37 143/0.59
Fig. 26: #905 Variable Polarizer.
Fig. 27: Series - 24mm Zoom Eyepiece.
Series - 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 telescopes eyepiece holder first, followed by the diagonal (as applicable) and eyepiece. The #126 2x Barlow Lens, a compact 2-element alternative to the #140, may also be employed with any LXD75-Series telescope. #905 Variable Polarizer (1.25"): The #905 system includes 2 Polarizer filters mounted 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. 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 eyepiece 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 virtually 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. #Erect-Image Diagonal Prism: Primarily used for terrestrial viewing, this prism presents a correctly-oriented image at a comfortable 45 viewing angle. #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 LXD75-Series telescope by means of an automobile cigarette lighter plug. The LXD75 telescope may be powered for a full nights observing without risk of car-battery drain. #62 T-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. 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 LXD75 in equatorial mode, and guiding the camera through the main telescope, wide-field photos of the Milky Way of remarkable detail and clarity can be taken. 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 SchmidtCassegrain 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 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. The #1A Skylight Filter threads onto the rear cell of the Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain SC-8 model and effectively seals the interior of the telescope from dust. All other rear cell accessories may then be threaded to the #1A filter. The filter increases visual and photographic contrast, decreases glare, and helps to penetrate haze.

Procedure #1: To correct for attitude misalignment Important Note: Throughout the following procedures, the directional references up/down/left/right are used. No matter which type of telescope model you are using, these directions are to be interpreted relative to real-world targets. For example, left/right moves the image along the horizon, and up/down moves the image vertically. Perform this procedure during the daytime. You will need to have a clear line of sight to a wide, distinct landmark with a clear, horizontal feature. 1. Plug in Autostar and turn on the power as described previously in this manual. You will use Autostar's Arrow keys in the course of this procedure. Loosen the R.A. Lock (33, Fig. 1d) and the Dec. Lock (17, Fig. 1d). Point the tube so that the tripod leg below the Fine Azimuth Control Knobs (27, Fig. 1c) approximately faces North (or South in the Southern Hemisphere). Retighten the Dec. Lock. Move the counterweight shaft and mount so that it is parallel to the horizon. This is position A. See Fig. 45. Retighten the R.A. Lock. If using a Schmidt Newtonian model, rotate the optical tube (you will need to loosen the cradle ring lock knobs (13, Fig. 1a) to do so) to make sure the focuser extends horizontally from the optical tube while in position A and do not rotate the tube for the remainder of the alignment procedure. If using a refractor model, use the diagonal assembly to rotate the eyepiece during testing. However, be careful that the diagonal is placed flush against the focuser and tightened in place using the thumbscrews. It is important that the diagonal does not slip during the procedure. 4. Adjust the tripod legs, polar axis altitude and/or polar axis azimuth so that the wide, horizontal object you have chosen as a target is positioned across the middle of the eyepiece.
Fig. 44: A. Elevation Alignment; B. Attitude Alignment.

Procedure #1: Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7
Important Note: The image will appear right-side-up, but reversed left-forright, in the eyepiece of a refractor telescope. The image will appear upside-down, but correct left-for-right, in the eyepiece of a SchmidtNewtonian telescope, if the eyepiece extends horizontally from the tube, as described in Step #3. 5. Loosen the R.A. Lock (Tip: Make sure you do not accidentally loosen the Dec. Lock. If you do, restart the procedure beginning at Step #2). Rotate the telescope 180 in the R.A. axis ONLY, until the optical tube is in position B. See Fig. 46. Note the position of your target in the eyepiece. Using the Autostar Up and Down Arrow keys ONLY, move the optical tube in Dec. axis until your target is HALFWAY back to the center of the eyepiece. Rotate the telescope 180 in the R.A. axis ONLY, to return the optical tube to position A. Verify that your target is in the same location in the eyepiece vertically as in the previous step (that is, it is not higher or lower or absent from the eyepiece). Ignore side-to-side misalignment (that is, if it has moved to the right or left). Repeat steps 6 and 7, if necessary, alternating positions A and B, until the horizontal object is in the same vertical location in the eyepiece in both positions. The Dec. optical axis is now calibrated to be at 90 degrees. For Procedure #2, DO NOT adjust the declination of the optical tube, either manually or with the handbox.

Fig. 45: Position A.

Procedure #2: To correct for elevation misalignment After performing the attitude correction, select an object that is at a very great distance (at least a mile away) to approximate infinity. Ideally, the object should be unique, with several identifiable objects to the left and right of it. 1. 2. Rotate the mount about the R.A. axis only and move the optical tube to position A. WITHOUT moving the declination axis from its position determined in the previous alignment, adjust the legs, latitude, and azimuth of the tripod to center the object in the eyepiece.

Fig. 46: Position B.

Procedure #2: Step 2

Step 4

Rotate the telescope 180 in the R.A. axis ONLY, until optical tube is in position B. Observe the position of the object in the eyepiece. Assuming that the declination was properly set in the previous procedure, the object should have moved only horizontally (that is, side-to-side) from its original position. It may be out of the eyepiece altogether. Using the adjustment mechanism on the bottom of the cradle (Fig. 47), move the reference object approximately half the distance towards the center of the eyepiece. To adjust the cradle screws, use the supplied hex key to loosen the two outside screws. Then adjust the position of the object by tightening or loosening the center screw. Perform this adjustment on both sets of screws. When finished, retighten the outer screws. Before moving the optical tube, note the location that the telescope is centered on relative to the reference object. Depending on the telescope type and accessories in use, you may need to move the optical tube opposite to the direction that appears in the eyepiece. The best way to be sure is to move the optical tube (using the cradle screws) a little, and verify that the correct direction was moved through the eyepiece.
Fig. 47: Cradle adjustment screws.
WITHOUT moving the declination axis from its position determined in the previous alignment, and WITHOUT adjusting the cradle position further, adjust the legs, latitude, and azimuth of the tripod to center the object in the eyepiece again.

Rotate the telescope 180 in the R.A. axis ONLY, to return the optical tube to position A. Repeat steps 5 through 8, if necessary, alternating between position A and position B, and bringing the reference object halfway of the remaining distance to center. Stop the procedure once the distance between the object in position A and position B is less than one third the width of the eyepiece. As a final check, select another object and place it into the center of the eyepiece. Rotate the mount about the R.A. axis. Watch the motion of that object. It is acceptable if it moves slightly, but should remain in the eyepiece the entire time. When moving to position A or B, it is usually sufficient to merely level the Dec. axis by eye. Whether in position A or B, the counterweight shaft should appear to be horizontal when looked at from several feet away. If you are finding it difficult to lower the altitude of the tripod head without the counterweight banging into the forward tripod leg, increase the length of the two rear tripod legs to introduce a tilt into the whole mount. Before starting the alignment procedure, it is helpful to have the tripod azimuth adjustment knobs even, to allow an equal range of travel in either direction. Make sure the focuser lock is tightened once focus is achieved. Otherwise, gravity may cause the focuser to move during rotation of the telescope and introduce error into the procedure.

Motor at back of mount

Fig. 48: Method #2 Setup. (A) Optical Tube; (B) Dec. Motor; (C) Cradle Ring Lock Knobs; (D) Eyepiece.
Method 3: Axis Alignment Using Autostar
Perform this procedure during the daytime. You will need to have an unobstructed view of an easily sighted landmark, such as a light post. Use a low-power eyepiece, such as the supplied 26mm. This procedure assumes that you have some familiarity with Autostar's menu structure (you will need to locate the "Setup: Telescope" menu). If necessary, refer to AUTOSTAR'S MENUS, page 25. Note: For best result, perform this procedure after you have trained the drive. See page 20. 1. Adjust the latitude T-handle screws (26, Fig. 1d) so that the latitude is set to 45 or higher. See Step #6, page 12, for information about setting the latitude controls. Refer to Fig. 48 while performing this step. The Dec. motor (B) must be positioned so that it is at the back of the mount. The optical tube (A) must be approximately horizontal (i.e., parallel with the horizon) and the counterweight shaft must be pointing straight down. If using a Schmidt-Newtonian model, loosen the cradle ring locks knobs (C) and move the optical tube until the eyepiece (D) points downward as shown in the Fig. 48. Re-tighten the cradle ring locks. If using a refractor model, use the diagonal assembly to rotate the eyepiece to a convenient viewing angle during testing. However, be careful that the diagonal is placed flush against the focuser and tightened in place using the thumbscrews. It is important that the diagonal does not slip during the procedure. 3. 4. 5. Make sure that both the R.A. and Dec. locks (17 and 33, Fig. 1d) are tightened to a firm feel. Turn on Autostar and go to "Setup: Telescope." Press ENTER. Press one of the Scroll keys until "LXD 55 Adjust" displays and then press ENTER. A message displays that tells you to center a landmark. If the landmark is not visible in your eyepiece, lift and move the entire telescope and tripod assemblytry not to move the tube too far from the horizontal position (no more than 5 up or down), as described in Step #2. You may also use the fine azimuth controls (27, Fig. 1d) for side to side movement and the Autostar Up/Down Arrows for small adjustments to the declination axis. Caution: Before pressing ENTER, step back from the telescope assembly, as the telescope will begin to rotate about two axes. When the landmark is centered (Step #5), press ENTER.

Fig. 51: Mode screws on rear of Electronic Controller. (1) Mode Screw A; (2) Mode Screw B.
Definition: Sidereal. 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 telescopes eyepiece. See pages 17 and 18 for more information.

7. 8. 9.

When the test is complete, light 1 remains on; lights 2, 3, and 4 turn off. Use the four Arrow keys (1, Fig. 49) to slew the telescope to the desired object. To change the slew speed, press SPEED. Fine-adjust the position of the object with the Electronic Controller Arrow keys so that it is centered in the viewfinder. The object is now ready to be viewed through the telescopes eyepiece.
Tracking Rates In polar mode the Electronic Controller normally tracks objects at the sidereal rate (see TRACKING OBJECTS, page 17). For most observing sessions (once the telescope has been polar aligned and the tracking motor activated), there is little need to change this speed. For objects, like the Moon or a comet, that move at slightly different rates, the Electronic Controller Arrow keys (1, Fig. 49) are sufficient to move the telescope slightly as the object very slowly moves off-center through the eyepiece field. To change the tracking rate, for extended observations of an object not moving at the sidereal rate, follow the procedure for the appropriate hemisphere: Use the following procedure to change tracking rates when using the Northern Hemisphere polar mode. Refer to Fig. 52a. 1. Press and hold MODE (5, Fig. 49) until the Mode function is active (i.e., lights 1 and 2 are on steady; lights 3 and 4 signify whatever tracking mode was last chosen). 2. Press SPEED (3, Fig. 49) until lights 1, 2, and 3 are on steady with light 4 blinking. The telescope is now in the Northern Hemisphere polar mode. 3. Press IN (7, Fig. 49) and light 4 comes on steady. The tracking rate is now 0.5% faster than sidereal. If the object you're tracking is moving faster than the sidereal rate, look through the eyepiece and press IN. Each time you press IN, the tracking rate increases by 0.5%. Note that when the Mode function is active, the tracking motor stops. To restart the tracking motor, press MODE again. Experiment with this function to get the right speed: Press IN to set the tracking rate. Then press MODE and look through the eyepiece. Continue pressing IN and MODE until the object remains centered with little or no drifting in the eyepiece. Note: The tracking rate can be increased by up to 65%.

Step 4. Step 5.

Step 2.

Step 3.

Fig. 52a: Indicator Light Key for changing tracking rates in the Northern Hemisphere Polar mode.