Leisure Time LX20 - Manual (Page 52)

d. Turn the set screw that you found with the pointing exercise
while looking in the eyepiece. You will notice that the star
image will move across the field. If while turning, the out-of-
focus star image flies out of the eyepiece field, then you are
turning the screw the wrong way. Turn the opposite direction
and bring the image to the center of the field.
e. If while turning, you feel the screw get very loose, tighten the
other two screws by even amounts. If while turning, the set
screw gets too tight, unthread the other two by even
amounts.
f. When you bring the image to center (3, Fig. 27), carefully
examine the evenness of the ring of light (concentricity). If
you find that the dark center is still off in the same direction,
continue to make the adjustment in the original turning
direction. If it is now off in the opposite direction, you have
turned too far and you need to turn in the opposite direction.
Always double check the image in the center of the field of
the eyepiece.
g. You may find after your initial adjustment that the dark center
is off in a new direction (e.g., instead of side-to-side, it is off
in an up-and-down direction). If this is the case follow steps
b through f as described above to find the new adjustment
screw.
h. Now try a higher power (e.g., 9mm or less) eyepiece and
repeat the above tests. Any lack of Collimation at this point
will require only very slight adjustments of the 3 set screws.
You now have a good Collimation.
i. As a final check on alignment, examine the star image in-
focus with the higher power eyepiece as suggested above,
under good seeing conditions (e.g., steady atmospheric
conditions). The star point should appear as a small central
dot (the so-called "Airy disc") with a diffraction ring
surrounding it. To give a final precision Collimation, make
extremely slight adjustments of the 3 set screws, if
necessary, to center the Airy disc in the diffraction ring. You
now have the best alignment of the optics possible.
3. Right Ascension Lock
After a period of time, it is possible that the R.A. lock (7, Fig. 1) of
the LX200 will not tighten sufficiently due to internal wear of the
clutch mechanism. In such an event, remove the R.A. lock lever
using one of the hex wrenches supplied with the telescope. Then,
with a pair of pliers, tighten the shaft protruding outward from the
drive base until you cannot easily rotate the fork arm in R.A. (Take
care in this operation not to damage the cosmetic finish of your
LX200). Replace the R.A. lock lever so that the handle points
straight out from the crossbar connecting the fork arm.
4. Behind the Power Panel
The LX200 power panel houses the back-up replaceable battery
(1, Fig. 28) for the clock and calendar and a replaceable
standard 1.0 amp slow-blow fuse (2, Fig. 28). The long-life lithium
battery (Panasonic CR2032 3 vDC or Duracell DL2032B) is
stored behind the front panel of the Drive Base. The battery does
have to be changed every few years, and is done by unthreading
the four phillips-head screws that secure the Front Panel to the
Drive Base. Then with a thin flat-head screw driver, lift the small
coin-size battery out of its holder. The new battery simply slides in
place.
The 1.0 amp slow-blow fuse will sacrifice itself to protect the
LX200 electronics in the event that the telescope is prevented from
completing a GO TO function (e.g., the tube runs into something
that keeps it from slewing).
5. Factory Servicing and Repairs
Meade LX200 models have been designed and manufactured for
years of trouble-free operation and repairs should rarely be
necessary. If a problem does occur, first write or call our
Customer Service Department. Do not return the telescope until
you have communicated with us in this way, since the great
majority of problems can be handled without the return of the
telescope to us. However, should the occasion arise that the
instrument requires factory servicing, a Meade Instruments
Customer Service Representative will issue a Return Goods
Authorization (RGA) number and give you full instructions on how
to use it. Product returned without the RGA number may greatly
delay any servicing or repairs. When telephoning or writing, please
explain the exact nature of the problem so that we may offer a
prompt remedial procedure. Be sure to include your full name,
address, phone and fax numbers where you can be reached.
Should you live outside of the United States, contact your
Authorized Meade Distributor.
You can reach the Meade Instruments Customer Service
Department either by mail, phone, or fax at: Meade Instruments
Corporation, 6001 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92620-4205,
telephone (949) 451-1450, or fax (949) 451-1460. Outside of the
U.S.A., dial your International Access Code, then 1, then the ten
digit number above in the 949 area code. Customer Service hours
are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
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