5. If, while turning, you feel the screw get very loose, tighten the
other two screws by equal amounts. If while turning, the set-
screw gets too tight, unthread the other two by equal amounts.
6. When you bring the image to center (3, Fig. 16), carefully
examine the concentricity of the ring of light. 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; turn in the
opposite direction. Always double check the image in the
center of the field of the eyepiece.
7. 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 2
through 6 above to find the new adjustment.
8. 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 three set-screws.
You now have good collimation.
9. As a final check on alignment, examine the star image in-focus
with the higher-power eyepiece as suggested above, under
good seeing conditions (steady atmospheric conditions). The
star point should appear as a small central dot (the Airy disc)
with a diffraction ring surrounding it. For a final precision
collimation, make extremely slight adjustments of the three
set-screws, if necessary, to center the Airy disc in the
diffraction ring. You now have the best alignment of the optics
possible.
Right Ascension (R.A.) Lock
After a period of time, it is possible that the R.A. lock (6, 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 cross-bar connecting the fork
arm.
Behind the Power Panel
The LX200 power panel houses the backup replaceable battery
(1, Fig. 17) for the clock and calendar and a replaceable standard
3.0-amp slow-blow fuse (2, Fig. 17). The long-life lithium battery
(Panasonic CR2032 3vDC or Duracell DL2032B) is stored
behind the front panel of the drive base. The battery requires
replacement every few years. Replace the battery by
unthreading the four Phillips-head screws that secure the front
panel to the drive base. Then, with a thin flat-head screwdriver,
lift the small coin-size battery out of its holder. The new battery
slides into place.
The 3-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).
Factory Service and Repairs
Meade LX200 models have been designed and manufactured
to give years of trouble-free operation; 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 because the great majority of problems can be handled
without returning the telescope to us. However, should the
telescope require 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 number, and fax number.
If you live outside the United States, contact your Authorized
Meade Distributor from whom you purchased the telescope.
You can reach the Meade Instruments Customer Service
Department by mail, phone, or fax at:
Meade Instruments Corporation
6001 Oak Canyon
Irvine, CA 92618-5200
Telephone (949) 451-1450
Fax (949) 451-1460.
Outside the U.S., dial your International Access Code, then 1,
then the ten-digit number given above. Customer Service hours
are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Fig.16: De-focused Star Images.
(1)
(2)
(3)
Fig.17: Reverse Side of Power Panel. (1) Battery; (2) Fuse.
1
2
