Meade Instruments LX600 - Manual (Page 6)

It is recommended that you attach the LX600 ACF telescope to the
supplied tripod for observing. Perform the telescope and AutoStar
II setup indoors in the light so that you become familiar with the
parts and operation before moving the telescope outside into the
dark for observing.
The Field Tripod is supplied as a completely assembled unit,
except for the spreader bar (Fig. A, 4). For visual observations and
short exposure astro-imaging, the drive base of the telescope’s
fork mount is attached directly to the fi eld tripod. The telescope
in this way is mounted in an “Altazimuth” (“Altitude-Azimuth” or
“vertical-horizontal”) format.
CAUTION: “Firm feel” tightening is suffi cient; over-tightening
may strip the threads or damage the tripod and results in no
additional strength.
B How to Attach the Tripod to the Telescope Assembly. (See
Appendix F for attaching the tripod to X-Wedge. ) After removing
the Giant Field Tripod from its shipping carton, stand the tripod
QUICK START
vertically, with the tripod feet down and with the tripod still fully
collapsed. 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 (Fig. B).
The spreader bar (Fig. A, 4) has been removed for shipment.
Slide the spreader bar onto the threaded rod on top of the spacer
that is already on the threaded rod. Position the spreader bar with
the fl at side facing upward (Fig. C).
Slide the threaded rod back through the tripod head from
underneath. Push the retaining clip onto the threaded rod in the
depressed ring on the threaded rod (Fig. D).
Move the spreader bar so that the three arms of the spreader bar
are lined up with the three tripod legs. Place the entire telescope
onto the top of the tripod head, and thread the rod into the central
threaded hole in the bottom of the drive base of the telescope.
Note: that the LX600 features split fork arms; you can now
break down the telescope into easier to mount parts (see page
55 for details). Tighten the T-handle tension knob (Fig. A, 3);
fi rm tightening of the tension knob is suffi cient to result in rigid
positioning of the tripod legs. It is not necessary to use extreme
force in tightening this knob.
To vary the tripod height, loosen the six leg lock knobs and slide
the three inner tripod leg sections out to the desired height.
Retighten the lock knobs to a fi rm feel (Fig. E).
Figure C. Slide the spreader onto the threaded rod.
Figure D. Push the retaining clip onto the threaded rod.
Figure B. Extend the tripod legs out.
AutoStar #497 HANDBOX
Quick Start
6
Spacer c c e er
Figure A. Fully assembled tripod.
B Tripod Head
C Threaded Rod
D T-handle
Tension Knob
E Spreader
F Leg Lock Knobs
G Extension Strut
H Tension Hub
I Retaining clip
(not visible)
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I