The Meade LX600 ACF models are extremely versatile, high-
performance telescopes for imaging and visual use. With
pushbutton controls, precision GPS alignment, true-level and
North electronic sensors, StarLock automatic guiding and ultra-
precise pointing, automatic tracking of celestial objects, and a
library of 145,000+ objects in the AutoStar II database, the LX600
ACF models offer unmatched state-of-the-art performance.
Observe or image the rings of the planet Saturn from a distance
of 800 million miles or focus beyond the Solar System on ancient
star clusters, remote galaxies, and stars recently discovered to
have planets orbiting about them. Meade LX600 ACF telescopes
are capable of growing with your interest and can meet the
requirements of the most demanding advanced observer.
Caution: Using products other than standard Meade
accessories may cause damage to the telescope’s internal
electronics and may void the Meade warranty.
B
Eyepiece:
Place the Series 4000 26mm Plössl eyepiece into
the 90° diagonal prism (
Pg. 10, Fig. 1, 1
) and tighten in place with
the eyepiece thumbscrew (
Fig. 1, 2
). The eyepiece magnifi es the
image collected in the optical tube.
C
Eyepiece Thumbscrew:
Tightens the eyepiece (
Fig. 1, 2
) in
place. Tighten to a fi rm feel only.
D
1.25" Diagonal Prism:
Provides a more comfortable right
angle viewing position.
E
Diagonal Prism Thumbscrew:
Tightens the diagonal prism
in place. Tighten to a fi rm feel only.
F
Rear Cell Port:
The diagonal prism slides into this port.
G
Two-speed Focus Knob:
2-Speed Crayford-style focusing
system moves the telescope’s primary mirror in a fi nely-controlled
motion to achieve precise image focus. LX600 telescopes can be
focused on objects from a distance of about 100 ft to infi nity.
Rotate the focus knob clockwise to focus on distant object.
H
Fork Arms:
This heavy-duty mount holds the optical tube
securely in place.
I
Battery Compartments:
Insert four user-supplied C-cell
batteries into each compartment (one compartment on each fork
arm; eight batteries total).
J
Travel Screw:
Locks down the primary mirror during
transportation.
1)
Right Ascension (RA) Slow-Motion Control:
When not
using AutoStar electronic control, make fi ne adjustments in the
Right Ascension, i.e. the horizontal axis, by turning this control
with the RA lock in the unlocked position. Set the RA lock to a
“partially locked” position to create a comfortable drag for the
RA slow-motion control.
Caution: Do not operate the RA or DEC slow-motion controls
with the locks in the fully locked position, as such operation
may result in damage to the internal gear system and also
cause you to lose alignment.
1!
Right Ascension (RA) Setting Circle:
See Appendix E,
page 57
, for detailed information.
1@
Right Ascension (RA) Lock:
Controls the manual horizontal
rotation of the telescope. Turning the RA lock counterclockwise
unlocks the telescope, enabling it to be freely rotated by hand
about the horizontal axis. Turning the RA lock clockwise locks the
telescope, prevents the telescope from being rotated manually,
and engages the horizontal motor drive for AutoStar II operation.
1#
Computer Control Panel (see Pg. 10, Fig. 1 inset)
:
A. ON/OFF Switch:
Turns the computer control
panel and AutoStar II ON or OFF. The red power
indicator LED next to the switch illuminates when
power is supplied to the AutoStar II handbox,
the optional microfocuser and to the telescope’s
motor drives (the LED can be turned off in the
Panel Light menu; see
page 32
).
B. 12vDC Power Connector:
Provides a connection
so that the telescope assembly may be powered
from a standard 115/240v AC home outlet using
the optional Universal Power Adapter (product#
07584) or the optional 12v DC #607 Cigarette
Lighter Adapter (product# 07043).
See Optional
Accessories, page 44
.
C. Focus Port:
(An additional focus port is located
on the fork arm). Plug the optional microfocuser
into this port. Control the microfocuser through
the AutoStar II menus.
See Hot Button Menus,
page 36
.
D. Reticle Port:
Plug the optional reticle eyepiece
cable into this port. Control the reticle through
the AutoStar II menus.
See Hot Button Menus
page 36. Also see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,
page 44
.
Note: See the instruction sheets that are
included with the focuser and the reticle for
more details.
E. 12vDC Output:
(An additional 12vDC power
output is located on the fork arm) Use the 12vDC
output to power telescope accessories.
F. Handbox (HBX) Port:
Plug the AutoStar II coil
cord into this port.
G. RS232 Port:
Provides a connection with a PC
LX600 FEATURES
AutoStar #497 HANDBOX
LX600 F
eatures
12
