Meade Instruments LX200 - Manual (Page 21)

Meade Instruments Corporation - Meade LX200 Instruction Manuals
Motion Speeds
4. Turn on the power switch on the Power Panel of the LX200. The Keypad
Display (1, Fig. 5) will show "MEADE" for several seconds as the
microprocessor does a self-diagnostic test. When the self-diagnostic test is
complete, the display will show "TELESCOPE" on the top line, "OBJECT
LIBRARY" on the lower line, and the red LED light next to the "SLEW"
button will light up.
5. At this point, the LX200 is ready to use. Select the speed at which you
want to move the telescope by pressing the appropriate Speed Selection
Key (4, Fig. 5). Note that you will be able to "see" the telescope move only
in the SLEW and FIND modes; CNTR (center) and GUIDE motions can only
be seen while looking through the telescope. The red LED next to that key
(3, Fig. 5) will light, indicating the speed selected. Then press one of the
four direction keys (2, Fig. 5) to move the telescope in that direction at the
selected speed.
The LX200 can also be moved manually with the R.A. and Dec. locks
released, or as described above only. The Declination Manual Slow-Motion
Knob (1, Fig.4) is non-functional when power is supplied to the telescope.
When the power is "On", only use the N, S, E, and W keys on the Keypad
Hand Controller. Serious damage can occur to the internal gears of the motor assembly if the
Declination Manual Slow-Motion Knob is turned even a slight amount by hand.
Before using the telescope during the daytime, be sure to read "Daytime Slewing."
[ toc ] 3. Using the LX200 In Altazimuth (ALTAZ)
The two quick start methods described above allow you to use the telescope, but do not make use of any
of the computer features available, including finding objects from the Object Library and automatic tracking
of stars. In order for these features to work, the telescope's power needs to be "On", and the computer
needs some basic information, which is entered through the Keypad. Once entered, the information is
permanently remembered by the telescope's computer and need never be entered again, even if the
telescope is turned "On" and "off" many times.
This section will explain what keys to push to get the minimum data required into the computer, without any
detailed explanation. Later, see Section G, LX200 Modes for detailed instructions. These steps will only
take a few minutes and will allow you to begin making use of all the LX200 features. Note also, much of
this information can be skipped if using the UNKNOWN site.
[ toc ] a. Entering Basic Information
In order for the LX200 to make the conversions between the stellar coordinate system (R.A. and
Declination) and the Altazimuth coordinate system (Altitude and Azimuth), it needs to know three pieces of
information. This information only needs to be entered one time–the LX200 remembers the data even
when the power is off.
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