Leisure Time LX20 - Manual (Page 7)

TELESCOPE ASSEMBLY
Use the following steps to assemble your telescope.
NOTE: If the section is not applicable to all LX200 models, it is
noted at the beginning of each section.
1. The Field Tripod
The field tripods (Figs. 2 and 3) for Meade 8", 10", and 12" LX200
telescopes are supplied as completely assembled units, except for
the spreader bar (4, Fig. 2) and the 6 lock knobs (2 knobs for each
of the 3 tripod legs) used to adjust the height of the tripod. These
knobs are packed separately for safety in shipment.
For visual (i.e., non-photographic) observations, the drive base
(17, Fig. 1) 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.
The telescope in this configuration moves along vertical and
horizontal axes, corresponding respectively to the Declination and
Right Ascension axes (explained later in this manual) in an
astronomical observing mode.
Alternately, the field tripod can be used in conjunction with the
appropriate optional equatorial wedge (APPENDIX A, page 25) for
long exposure astrophotography. The equatorial wedge permits
alignment of the telescope's Polar Axis with the Celestial Pole (or
North Star).
After removing the field tripod from its shipping carton, stand the
tripod vertically, with the tripod feet down and with the tripod still
fully collapsed (see Fig. 3). 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 leg) near the foot of
each tripod leg (Fig. 2). These lock-knobs are used to fix the
height of the inner, extendible tripod leg sections.
NOTE: "Firm feel" tightening is sufficient; over-tightening may
result in stripping of the knob threads or damage to the tripod
legs and results in no additional strength.
The spreader bar (4, Fig. 2) has been removed for shipment. To
replace, first remove the threaded rod (2, Fig.2) from the tripod
head (1, Fig. 2); a small piece of plastic holds the threaded rod in
place. Remove the small plastic bag that is stapled to the threaded
rod. This bag contains the "C" clip retainer (used below) and an
extra clip.
Slide the spreader bar onto the threaded rod (note the correct
orientation as shown in Fig. 2) 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. 3.
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. 2); 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:
• 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,
with a circular hub at its center (7, Fig. 2). Grasp the tripod
head (1, Fig. 2) 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
• 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.
• Do not overtighten the 6 lock-knobs used to fix
the inner tripod leg sections at various heights.
"Firm feel" tightening is sufficient.
• Be sure the spreader bar (4, Fig. 2) is not
upside-down on the threaded rod.
7