Meade LXD 75 Instruction Manual page 8

2(
Want to learn more
about the polar align-
ment viewfinder?
See the The Polar
Alignment Viewfinder,
page 52.
Fig. 1f: The tripod leg lock knob.
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 indicat-
ed by the battery com-
partment. Follow battery
manufacturer's precau-
tions. Do not install batter-
ies backwards or mix new
and used batteries. Do
not mix battery types. If
these precautions are not
followed, batteries may
explode, catch fire, or
leak. Improperly installed
batteries void your Meade
warranty. Always remove
the batteries if they are
not to be used for a long
period of time.
8
sure to turn off the LED when finished with the polar viewfinder. Powered by (fac-
tory-supplied) batteries contained within.
3!
R.A. Setting Circle: See
3@
R.A. Setting Circle Lock Knob: Rotate the knob to lock the R.A. Setting Circle
3!
(see ) in place.
3#
R.A. Lock: Controls the manual movement of the telescope. Turning the R.A. lock
counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely rotated by hand
about the R.A. axis. Turning the R.A. lock clockwise (to a firm feel only) tightens
the lock and prevents the telescope from being moved manually, but engages the
R.A. motor drive (see
3$
Dec. Motor Drive Assembly: Controlled by Autostar or the EC handbox. Moves
the optical tube along the Dec. axis. The Dec. Lock (see
a firm feel in order for the Dec. motor to operate.
3%
T-Handle Lock and Shaft: Place the spreader bar (see
4)
thread the shaft into the tripod mounting base/mounting base (see
tighten to a firm feel to secure the tray to the tripod and keep the tripod stable.
See
HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE
3^
Spreader Bar: Holds the tripod legs securely in place and also acts as a holder
for extra eyepieces.
3&
Tripod Mounting Base: Set the telescope mount into the tripod mounting base
and secure into place using the T-handle lock and shaft. See
4!
YOUR TELESCOPE
3*
Variable Height Tripod Legs (3): Supports the telescope mount. The mount
attaches to the top of the tripod.
3(
Spreader Bar Tension Knob: Tighten to secure the spreader bar (see
against the tripod legs.
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.
4!
Battery Pack and holder (see Fig. 1f): Plug into the 12v DC power connector
(B, Fig. 1e) of the computer control panel. Insert 8 (user-supplied) D-cell
batteries to power motor drives and Autostar handbox.
Join an Astronomy Club, Attend a Star Party
One of the best ways to increase your knowledge of astronomy is to join an astronomy
club. Check your local newspaper, school, library, or telescope dealer/store to find out if
there's a club in your area.
At club meetings, you will meet other astronomy and Meade enthusiasts with whom you
will be able to share your discoveries. Clubs are an excellent way to learn more about
observing the sky, to find out where the best observing sites are, and to compare notes
about telescopes, eyepieces, filters, tripods, and so forth.
Often, club members are excellent astrophotographers. Not only will you be able to see
examples of their art, but you may even be able to pick up some "tricks of the trade" to
try out on your
raphy with the
Many groups also hold regularly scheduled Star Parties at which you can check out and
observe with many different telescopes and other pieces of astronomical equipment.
Magazines such as Sky & Telescope and Astronomy print schedules for many popular
Star Parties around the United States and Canada.
page 50
APPENDIX A,
2%
) for Autostar or EC handbox operation.
, page 11 for more information.
telescope. See page 36 for more information about photog-
LXD75-Series
.
LXD75-Series
for more information.
,
1&
) must be tightened to
3^
) over the shaft and
, page 11 for more information.
HOW TO ASSEMBLE
LXD75 TIPS
3&
) and
3^
)