Meade Instruments LX200 - Manual (Page 10)

Meade Instruments Corporation - Meade LX200 Instruction Manuals
and the angle the light is coming from) may reveal what would appear to be scratches, dark or bright spots,
or just generally uneven coatings, giving the appearance of poor surface quality. These effects are only
seen when a high intensity light is transmitted through lenses or reflected off the mirrors, and can be seen
on any high quality optical system, including the giant research telescopes in use today. It should be
pointed out, however, that optical quality cannot be judged by this grossly misleading "test," but through
careful star testing. The Flashlight Test causes even the very best optics to look "terrible."
As the high intensity light passes through the Schmidt corrector plate, most (about 98%+) of it is
transmitted through while the rest of the light scatters through the glass. As the light hits the mirrored
surfaces, most (about 94%) of it is reflected back while the rest of it scatters across the coatings. The total
amount of scattered light will be significant, and its effects allow you to see microscopic details that are
normally invisible to the unaided eye. These anomalous details are real, but their combined effects will in
no way impose limits on the optical performance, even under the most demanding observing or imaging
criteria.
[ toc ] 4. Caution: All LX200 Owners
Serious damage to the drive gears may result from shock in handling, while transporting or commercially
shipping the LX200, should the R.A. Lock (7, Fig. 3), and/or the Dec. Lock (2, Fig. 4) be left engaged.
Always release the locks when storing in the optional case, or when crating for commercial shipment to
allow the telescope to give, if the shipping container is sharply jarred or dropped.
Also, the optical and mechanical axes of all LX200 telescopes have been carefully aligned at the factory to
ensure accurate object pointing. Do not loosen or remove the fork arms or optical tube assembly from the
drive base; the resulting misalignment of the axes will result in inaccurate slewing of the telescope in the
GO TO mode.
[ toc ] 5. Caution: 10" and 12" LX200 Owners
Do not attempt to turn the focuser knob of the optical tube until you have read this note!
Next to the base of the focuser you will see a red-colored slotted head bolt. This bolt is used only for safety
in shipment. Remove this bolt before attempting to turn the focuser knob. In its place, insert the rubber plug
provided as a dust protector (this rubber plug is included with your hardware package).
Your focuser is now operational.
Warning! The 10" and 12" LX200 should never be commercially shipped without this red-colored
bolt in place. This is essential during commercial transport where rough handling may occur. For
your personal transport and storage, you will never have to use this bolt again.
a. TO COMMERCIALLY RE-SHIP THE 10" OR 12" LX200, BE SURE TO FOLLOW THIS PROCEDURE:
1. Turn the focuser knob clockwise until it stops. This will bring the primary mirror all the way back in the
tube.
2. Remove the rubber plug and insert the red-headed bolt. Thread it in to a firm snug feel. Do not
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