Quick-Start Guide; How To Attach The Tripod To The Telescope - Meade LX200-ACF Instruction Manual

QUICK-START GUIDE

It is recommended that you attach the supplied tripod to
the for observing. Perform the telescope and
LX200-ACF
AutoStar II 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. The setup is
the same for the standard and giant field tripods.
NOTE: The LX200-ACF 8", 10", 12" and 14" models are
equipped with Series 4000 26mm Super Plössl eyepiece
and a 1.25" Diagonal. The LX200 ACF 16" model is
equipped with Series 5000 26mm 5-element Super Plössl
eyepiece, 2" Diagonal and the Zero Image-Shift
Microfocuser.
The Field Tripod is supplied as a completely assembled
unit, except for the spreader bar (Fig. A, 4). For visual
observations and short exposure astro-imaging, the drive
base of the telescope's fork mount is attached directly to
the field tripod. The telescope in this way is mounted in an
"Altazimuth" ("Altitude-Azimuth", or "vertical-horizontal")
format.
CAUTION: "Firm feel" tightening is sufficient; over-
tightening may strip the threads or damage the tripod
and results in no additional strength.
Fig. B: Extend the tripod legs out.
How to Attach the Tripod to the Te l e s c o p e
Assembly. 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. 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 (Fig.
B).
The spreader bar (Fig. A, 4) has been removed for
shipment. Unscrew the attachment nuts and spring from
the spreader bar's threaded rod (Fig. A, 2). Leave the
washer on the bar. See Fig. C.
Slide the spring into the hole on top of the tripod head (Fig.
A, 1).
Slide the spreader bar onto the threaded rod on top of the
washer that is already on the threaded rod. Position the
spreader bar with the flat side facing upward (Fig. D).
Slide the threaded rod back through the tripod head from
underneath and through the spring. Rethread the first
attachment nut over the threaded rod as far down as it will
go. Then thread the second nut until it is on top of the first
nut. Push the rod up higher from underneath to make it
easier to attach the nuts. See Fig. E, 1 and E, 2.
- 4 -
1
3
(1) Tripod Head
(2) Threaded Rod
(3) Tension Knob
(4) Spreader Bar
(5) Leg Lock Knobs
(6) Extension Strut
(7) Tension Hub
(8) Attachment Nuts
and Spring (not
visible)
5
Fig. A: Field Tripod with legs extended.
Fig. C: Remove 2 nuts and spring from threaded rod. Leave
the washer on the rod.
flat side
Fig. D: Slide spreader over threaded rod. Note
the washer on the rod.
Fig. E, 1: Insert spring into
hole on top of tripod head.
8
2 2
4 4
7
6
Fig. E, 2: Thread the first nut
as far down as it will go. Then
thread the second nut down
onto the first nut.