Getting Started; Parts Listing; How To Assemble Your Telescope - Meade Advanced Coma-Free f/8 LX600 with StarLock Instruction Manual

GETTING STARTED

Parts Listing

Getting the telescope ready for fi rst light requires only a few
minutes. When fi rst opening the packing box, note carefully the
following parts:
■ LX600 ACF telescope with fork mount system
■ AutoStar II handbox and interface coil cord;
handbox holder
■ 8 x 50mm viewfi nder assembly
■ Eyepiece holder and 1.25" diagonal prism
■ Series 4000 26mm Super Plössl eyepiece
■ OTA Counterweight(s)
■ DEC Jumper cables (2)
■ Anti-vibration pads (3)
■ 507 Connecting Cable
■ Variable height Giant Field Tripod and mounting
base, threaded rod with T-handle tension knob,
spacer cone and c-clip, and spreader bar
■ Set of hex keys
■ StarLock unit with cable
■ Instructional Manual and Software DVD.

How to Assemble Your Telescope

Assembly of the LX600 ACF telescope requires eight C-cell (user-
supplied) batteries or the optional Universal AC Power Adapter
(product# 07584) connected to a standard 115v home outlet or
to an optional #607 Cigarette Lighter Adapter (see OPTIONAL
ACCESSORIES, page 44). Plug an adapter into the 12vDC In port
of the computer control panel (Fig. 1, 13B).
Note that the LX600 features split fork arms allowing you the
option of breaking the telescope down into to two, easier to
maneuver units. See Appendix D, Page 55 for details.
1. Position the telescope: Start by turning the
DEC lock (Pg. 10, Fig. 1, 17) counterclockwise
to unlock the the optical tube (Fig. 1, 19). Next,
move the optical tube through the fork arms to
the position depicted in Fig. 1 and turn the DEC
lock clockwise to a fi rm feel to relock the position
of the optical tube.
2. Install batteries: Remove the battery
compartment covers (Fig. 1, 8) and carefully
remove the battery holders, being mindful of
the connector wires. Insert four user-supplied
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.)
3. Plug in the AutoStar II handbox: Be certain
that the power switch on the computer control
panel (Fig. 1, 13A) is in the OFF position. Plug
the coil cord of the AutoStar II handbox into the
HBX port (Fig. 1, 13F).
Note: The AutoStar II handbox does not
require batteries. The telescope supplies
its power.
4. Remove the dust cap from the rear cell of the
telescope. Thread the eyepiece holder into the
rear cell thread. Slide the diagonal prism into the
eyepiece holder and lock in place by turning the
thumbscrew to a fi rm feel.
5. Insert eyepiece: Remove the Series 4000
26mm Super Plössl eyepiece (Fig. 1, 1) from its
container and place it in the diagonal prism (Fig.
1, 3). Tighten the eyepiece holder thumbscrew
(Fig. 1, 2) to a fi rm feel only.
6. Remove the travel screw. The LX600 is
shipped with a travel screw in place to protect
the primary mirror during shipping. Use the
provided hex key to remove the screw. Replace
the screw with the provided plastic cap. DO NOT
ADJUST THE FOCUS KNOB BEFORE REMOVING
THE TRAVEL SCREW OR DAMAGE TO YOUR
TELESCOPE WILL OCCUR.
7. Remove dust cover: Remove the dust cover
(Fig. 1, 18) from the optical tube assembly (Fig.
1, 19) by gently prying it off.
8. Attach the handbox holder: Remove the
handbox holder from the plastic bag. If
necessary, loosen the lock knob (Fig. 3a, A) and
place the clamp (Fig. 3a, B) about one of the fork
arm handles (Fig. 1, 15). Tighten the lock knob
to a fi rm feel. Slide the AutoStar II handbox into
the holder (Fig. 3a, C). You may also snap the
Figure 3a: Handbox holder: (A) Lock knob; (B) Clamp; (C) Holder.
Fig. 3b: Handbox holder attached to fork arm handle.
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