Leisure Time LX20 - Manual (Page 64)

Operating Instructions
Meade Standard Field Tripod
For use with the 7" LX200 Maksutov-Cassegrain, 8" LX200 and 10"
LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain, and 4" and 5" ED APO Telescopes
The Standard Field Tripod is supplied as a completely assembled unit,
except for the spreader bar (4, Fig. 1) and the 2 lock knobs (6, Fig. 1)
for each of the 3 tripod legs, used to adjust tripod height. These
knobs are packed separately for safety in shipment.
For visual (i.e., non-photographic) observations, 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.
After removing the field tripod from its shipping carton, stand the
tripod vertically, with the tripod feet down and with the tripod fully
collapsed (Fig. 2). Remove the carton strap holding one leg and
extension strut together. 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.
Thread in the 6 lock knobs (2 on each tripod) near the foot of each
tripod leg. These lock knobs are used to fix the height of the inner,
extendible tripod leg sections.
CAUTION: "Firm feel" tightening is sufficient; over-
tightening may strip the threads of the lock knobs or
damage the tripod, and results in no additional strength.
up. Place 1 "C" clip retainer into the slot in the threaded rod. This clip
holds the threaded rod in place. (See Fig. 2.)
Position the spreader bar so that the 3 arms of the spreader bar are
lined up with the 3 tripod legs. Place the entire telescope onto the top
of the tripod head, and thread the threaded rod into the central
threaded hole in the bottom of the drive base of the telescope. Tighten
the tension knob (3, Fig. 1); firm tightening of the tension knob is
sufficient to result in rigid positioning of the tripod legs. It is not
necessary to use extreme force in tightening this knob.
To vary the tripod height loosen the 6 lock-knobs, slide the 3 inner
tripod leg sections out to the desired height, and firmly re-tighten (but
do not over-tighten) the 6 lock knobs.
To collapse the tripod after removing the telescope and equatorial
wedge, if applicable, rotate the spreader bar 60° from its assembled
position so that one spreader bar arm is located between each
adjacent pair of tripod legs. At the base of the tripod is a 3-vane
extension strut system (7, Fig. 1) with a circular hub at its center (8,
Fig. 1). Grasp the tripod head (1, Fip,. 1) with one hand and, with the
other hand, pull directly "up" on the central hub of the extension strut
system. This operation will cause the tripod legs to move inward to a
collapsed position.
The spreader bar (5, Fig. 1) has been removed for shipment. To
install, first remove the threaded rod (2, Fig. 1) from the bottom of the
tripod head (1, Fig. 1). A small piece of plastic holds the threaded rod
in place. Enclosed in the plastic bag attached to this instruction sheet
is a "C" clip retainer and an extra clip, and 1 flat washer. These items
will be used below.
Slide the flat washer (4, Fig. 1) onto the threaded rod so that it rests
against the tension knob (3, Fig. 1). Slide the spreader bar onto the
threaded rod (note the correct orientation as shown in Fig. 1) and from
underneath pass the threaded rod through the tripod head (1, Fig. 1).
Be sure that the spreader bar is not upside-down on the threaded
rod; the flat side of the spreader bar should face
CAUTION: If the tripod does not seem to extend or
collapse easily, do not force the tripod legs in or out. By
following the instructions above, the tripod will function
properly, but if you are unclear on the proper procedure, -
forcingIheWpod into an Incorrect position may damage
the extension strut system.
If you have any questions regarding the use of the Field Tripod,
please call Meade Customer Service at (949) 451-1450. Customer
Service hours are from 8:30am to 4:30pm Pacific Time, Monday
through Friday.
A D V A N C E D P R O D U C T S D I V I S I O N
Meade Instruments Corporation
World's Leading Manufacturer of Astronomical Telescopes for the Serious Amateur
6001 Oak Canyon, Irvine, California 92618 • (949)451-1450
FAX: (949) 451-1460 • www.meade.com
©2000
- "C" Clip
(1) Tripod Head
(2) Threaded Rod
(3) Tension Knob
(4) Spreader Bar
(5) Lock Knobs
(6) Extension Strut
(7) Tension Hub
Fig. 1: Field Tripod Fig. 2: Field Tripod (collapsed)
Version 0700 Part Number 14-0220-00