AutoStar #497 HANDBOX
Maintenance
48
the appearance of poor quality optics. These effects are only
seen when a high intensity light is transmitted through lenses
or refl ected off the mirrors, and can be seen on any high quality
optical system, including giant research telescopes.
The optical quality of a telescope cannot be judged by the
“fl ashlight test;" the true test of optical quality can only be
conducted through careful star testing.
Gauging the Movement of the
Telescope
A common complaint of many fi rst-time motorized telescope
owners is that they cannot see the telescope “move” when the
motor drive is engaged. If fact, when the batteries are installed,
the power is on and the RA lock (
Fig. 17
) engaged, the telescope
is moving. However, the movement is at the same speed as the
hour hand of a 24-hour clock; as such, the movement is diffi cult
to discern visually.
To check the movement of your telescope, look at an astronomical
object through the telescope’s eyepiece with the telescope aligned
and with the motor drive on. If the object remains stationary in the
fi eld of view, your telescope is operating properly. If not, check
to ensure that you have engaged the RA lock, the telescope is
aligned on the night sky and that the power switch on the control
panel is on.
Fig. 17.
RA lock
Meade Customer Service
If you have a question concerning your LX600 ACF, contact the
Meade Instruments Customer Service Department at:
Telephone: (800) 626-3233
Customer Service hours are 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Pacifi c
Time, Monday through Friday.
In the unlikely event that your
LX600 ACF requires factory servicing or repairs, write or call the
Meade Customer Service Department fi rst, before returning the
telescope to the factory, giving full particulars as to the nature
of the problem, as well as your name, address, and daytime
telephone number. The great majority of servicing issues can
be resolved by telephone, avoiding return of the telescope to
the factory. If factory service is required, you will be assigned a
Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number prior to return.
