Meade Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser Operating Instructions

For use with LX85, LX200/600/850, & AutoStar II Telescopes
Introduc�on
The Meade Zero Image-Shi� Microfocuser allows precise,
vibra�on-free image focus during visual, CCD, and astrophotograph-
ic applica�ons. It also allows you to achieve focus without causing a
viewed object to move out of posi�on in the field of view.
The microfocuser maintains precise image centering on even the
smallest CCD chips. The microfocuser operates at four speeds: Fine
to fast.
To A�ach the Microfocuser to the Telescope
1. Remove the dust cap from the rear cell port of your telescope.
Thread the microfocuser adapter (B, Fig. 1) onto the rear cell port
thread (A, Fig. 1). Slide the microfocuser (C, Fig. 1) over the microfo-
cuser adapter and �ghten the three set screws (K, Fig. 1) using the
provided hex key.
2a. 1.25" Diagonal Prism Users: Slide the 1.25" adapter (D, Fig. 1)
into the microfocuser. Line up the thumbscrew (H, Fig. 1) into the
groove in the microfocuser (Fig. 2a and 2b). Tighten the microfocus-
er thumbscrews (I, Fig.1) to a firm feel only. Slide the 1.25" diagonal
prism into the adapter (D, Fig. 1). Tighten the accessory adapter
thumbscrew to a firm feel only.
2b. SC Op�onal Accessory Users: If using any of the Meade
Schmidt-Cassegrain op�onal accessories, slide the supplied SC
accessory adapter (L, Fig. 1) into the microfocuser. Line up the the
groove on the side of the adapter with either of the microfocuser
thumbscrews (Fig. 3a and 3b) and �ghten the thumbscrew to a firm
feel only. A�ach the op�onal accessory on the accessory adapter.
2c. 2.0" Diagonal Mirror Users: Slide the 2.0" diagonal mirror
directly into the microfocuser. The adapters are not required.
Tighten the thumbscrews (I, Fig. 1) to a firm feel only.
Fig. 1: Microfocuser and eyepiece assembly. (
from the telescope assembly for the sake of clarity); (
(C ) Microfocuser; ( D) 1.25" accessory adapter. (
this position instead if Schmidt-Cassegrain accessories are being used. Do not use either
adapter if using a 2" diagonal diagonal mirror; (
(F ) Eyepiece; ( G ) 1.25 "Diagonal Prism. 2" diagonal mirror may also be used in this
position (12" models); ( H) Adapter thumbscrew; ( I) Microfocuser thumbscrews;
(J ) Microfocuser bearings; ( K ) Set screws.
Opera�ng Instruc�ons
Meade Zero Image-Shi� Microfocuser
®
OR
A ) Rear cell of telescope (shown separate
B ) Microfocuser adapter;
L ) SC accessory adapter may be used in
E ) Diagonal Prism holder thumbscrew;
3. Plug in the Microfocuser: Plug the coiled cord a�ached to the
microfocuser into the Focus port located on the Computer Control
Panel.
Maintenance:
The microfocuser is carefully adjusted at the factory. If it becomes
necessary to adjust the microfocuser ball bearings (see Fig. 5), it
must be performed by factory trained technicians. If the microfo-
cuser is improperly adjusted, performance will degrade and
damage will result. Damage due to improper adjustments not
authorized by the factory will not be covered under warranty.
Note: If you wish to mount a camera directly to the microfocuser,
you need to a�ach an op�onal T-Adapter to the microfocuser. For
more informa�on about Meade op�onal accessories, see the
Meade website at www.meade.com or contact your local Meade
dealer.
To Focus Using the Microfocuser
1. Perform this part of the procedure during the day�me, without
the eyepiece assembly (eyepiece, diagonal, etc.) a�ached to the
microfocuser. Press the AutoStar II Focus bu�on and then the Up
and Down Arrow keys. Observe the microfocuser drawtube as it
travels in and out. When the drawtube reaches the furthest exten-
sion of its travel, listen for a change in the pitch of the motor. No�ce
that the drawtube's maximum extension is about a half-inch out
from the microfocuser. Set the drawtube so that itextends about a
quarter-inch (about halfway).
2. When you begin your viewing session, a�ach the eyepiece
assembly.
Fig. 2a: Microfocuser groove.
Fig. 2b: Microfocuser 1.25" adapter
thumbscrew in groove.
Fig. 3a: SC adapter groove.
Fig. 3b: Line up SC adapter groove
with microfocuser thumbscrew.
groove.
Groove
Line up