Meade Instruments LX200 - Manual (Page 13)

Meade Instruments Corporation - Meade LX200 Instruction Manuals
and an extra clip.
Slide the spreader bar onto the threaded rod (note the correct orientation as shown in Fig. 1) and position
the threaded rod back through the tripod head. Place the clip retainer ( a "C" clip) 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 (as shown in Fig. 3) 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.
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 overtighten) the 6 lock-knobs.
To collapse the tripod (after removing the telescope and equatorial wedge, if applicable) for storage follow
these steps:
1. Rotate the spreader bar 60° from its assembled position, so that one spreader bar arm is located
between each adjacent pair of tripod legs.
2. At the base of the tripod is a 3-vane extension strut system, with a circular hub at its center (7, Fig. 1).
Grasp the tripod head (1, Fig. 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.
PRECAUTIONARY NOTES
1. 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, forcing the tripod into an incorrect position may damage the extension strut system.
2. Do not overtighten the 6 lock-knobs used to fix the inner tripod leg sections at various heights. "Firm
feel" tightening is sufficient.
3. Be sure the spreader bar (4, Fig. 1) is not upside-down on the threaded rod.
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