Meade 2080/LX6 Wiring diagram

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VeL 0689-1
Supplementary Instructions
Meade 8" Model 2080/LX6 and 10" Model 2120/LX6
Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes
with Quartz Electronic Drive System
Meade Instruments Corporation
1675 Toronto Way, Costa Mesa, Ca 92626· [phone]
© 1939

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I {
WARNING
NEVER ATTEMPT TO OBSERVE THE SUN THROUGH
YOUR MEADE TELESCOPE OBSERVING THE SUN,
EVEN FOR THE SHORTEST FRACTION OF A SECOND,
WILL CAUSE INSTANT AND IRREVERSIBLE EYE
DAMAGE. WHEN OBSERVING DURING THE DAYTIME,
00 NOT POINT THE TELESCOPE EVEN CLOSE TO
THE SUN.
WHEN USING YOUR TELESCOPE, PLEASE KEEP IN
MIND THAT IT IS A PRECISION INSTRUMENT. WHILE
NOT OVERLY FRAGILE, THE TELESCOPE CAN BE
DAMAGED BY IMPROPER USE OR CARELESSNESS,
SUCH,," AS, FORCING THE MANUAL LOCKS OR
DROPPING THE ELECTRONIC COMMAND CENTER.
SUCH ABUSE IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY.
FOR PROPER UTILIZATION OF YOUR MEADE LX6
SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN, A THOROUGH READING OF
THIS SUPPLEMENTARY MANUAL IS ESSENTIAL
PLEASE READ ALL CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THE
TELESCOPE.
.1
I
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Contents
A. Introduction
5
1. Optics
2. Electronics
3. This Manual
4. f/6.3 Optical System
5
5
5
5
B. LX6 Power Panel
6
1. Ammeter.
2. Power Indicator
3. OntOff Switch .
4. Northern/Southern Switch
5. Dec Motor Output . . . . .
6. Electric Focuser Output
7. Illuminated Reticle Output
8. Electronic Command Center Socket
9. Power Input Socket
10. C.A.T. Socket ..
11. Encoders Socket .
6
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
8
C. Electronic Command Center
8
r. Map Light
2. DRS Buttons
3. DRS Display
4. Drive Corrector Control Buttons
5. Electric Focuser Buttons
6. Map Light Button .•••..
7. 2X18X Slide Switch .•..•
8. Quartz/Manual Slide Switch
9. Variable Speed Knob . . .
10. Reticle Adjustment Knob
8
8
8
8
9
9
9
9
9
9
D. Operation 9
1. AC Operation
2. DC Operation
3. Battery Pack .
9
10
10

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E. 9 x 60 Polar Viewfinder
10
1. The Illuminated Reticle
2. Focusing the Viewfinder
3. Finding the Celestial Pole
10
10
11
F. Magnetic Compass •......
12
1.Setting the Magnetic Declination
2. Compass Installation
3. Finding True North
12
13
14
G. Azimuth Control
17
H. Deluxe Latitude Adjuster
17
I. Troubleshooting the LX6 Drive System
18
J. Specifications . . . . . . . • . . • • . .
19

5
A. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Meade LX6 model telescope These telescopes are the latest in a
long line of Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope models, and as such they represent the absolute pinnacle
in state-of-the-art telescope design tor the serious amateur. Important advances in all three major areas of
telescope design - optics, mechanics, and electronics - have been incorporated into these telescopes.
1.Optics
Perhaps the most significal)t advancement in commercial telescopes since the introduction of the
Schmidt-Cassegrain itself, the Meade fl6.3 optical system results in numerous advantages over the traditional
f/10 telescope system. Fields of view are 59% wider, images are 2 112 times brighter, and photographic times
are 60% faster than those obtained with f/10 telescopes. Because of their computer-optimized ultra high
contrast battling, all of this is possible without any compromise of resolution or performance on high power
lunar and planetary work.
2. Electronics
The heart' of every LX6 system is a dedicated microprocessor that continuously controls, with quartz
precision, all important electronic operations of the telescope, from the drive-rate frequency input to the main
RA pulse motor, to the Electronic Command Center's multi-functioned digital readouts.
The advanced-design Power Panel allows virtually every modern electronic accessory you might wish to add
to your LX6 to be plugged into the telescope - from a simple Dec motor to the Meade *CAT" Computer Aided
Telescope system.
3. This Manual
This supplementary manual explains in detail the operation and application of those features unique to Meade
8" and, 10~ I..:X6.Schmldt-Casseqralru.telescopes, Refer to the standard Model 2080/2120 Instruction
Manual for complete detailed information regarding set-up and operation of your telescope.
4. f/6.3 Optical System
The fl6.3 optical system of the LX6 can be used with aU accessories offered tor the fl10 systems, and the
Model 2080/2120 Instruction Manual covers the operation of the optical tube assembly. The only change
involves, the Serles VI drop-in filters. The fl6.3 tube assembly, in order to provide full 3Smm film coverage,
does not have the recess for these filters. The eyepiece thread-in filters must be used if filters are required.
\\'\\/\\'. fVlanuals1 ib.con1

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MICROPROCESSOR * ~ N S
CONTROLLED \fg ® [§=:J
LX QUARTZ PULSE DRIVE On Oft
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Current (rnA x 1000).
Encoders
(1) Ammeter
(2) Power Indicator
(3) On/Off Switch
(4) Northern/Southern Switch
(5) Dec Motor Output
(6) Electric Focus Output
(7) Illuminated Reticle Output
(8) Electronic Command Center Socket
(9) Power Input Socket
(10) CAT. Socket
(11) Encoders Socket
Fig .. 1: LX6 Power Panel
B. LX6 Power Panel
The Meade LX6 Quartz drive system has several built-in features for simplifying the operation of the
telescope. Output jacks are provided on the Power Panel for some of the more common accessories,
eliminating the need for separate Battery Packs.
1.Ammeter
To estimate the operating time of the telescope, divide the amp hour rating of the power source by the power
usage. For example, the ammeter reads from 0 to 2000 mA (0 to 2 amps), so if the needle is positioned over
the second mark, the telescope is using 400 rnA or.4 amp. When the batteries are fully charged, the Battery
Pack amp hour rating is .5 (the Meade 600 Power Cell has a 5 amp hour:rating). So, the operating time of the
telescope when using the Battery Pack when the ammeter is showing a power usage of 400 mA would be
abouL5L4 = 1.25 hours, Note: Actual operating time will depend on many factors such as the condition of the
batteries and outside temperature.
An important feature on the LX6 telescope is the ammeter. This meter shows the power usage of the
telescope. When the telescope is powered from an AC source or a car battery, the amount of current being
used is not important because the power available is essentially unlimited. But when the telescope is powered
from a small power cell (such as a 12 volt, 5 amp hour video camera battery) or from the supplied Battery
Pack, the telescope operating time will vary, depending on the power usaqe.

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2. Power Indicator
The red Power Indicator light is illuminated anytime the ON/OFF switch is in the ON position, and indicates
that power is being supplied to the telescope.
3. On/Off Switch
This switch turns on and off the power to the telescope.
4. Northern/Southern SWitch
The Northern/Southern (N-S) switch supplied on the Meade LX6 Schmidt-Cassegrains allows operation of the
telescope anywhere in the workt Moving the switch to the Southern (S) position reverses the telescope's
tracking direction. Note: Once set, unless the telescope is operated in a different hemisphere, this switch
need never be used again.
Note: The 'N-S switch must be set to the correct position before turning the ON/OFF switch to the ON
position. Moving the Northem/Southern switch after the telescope is turned on will result in incorrect
tracking. . .
5. Dec Motor Output
The "Declination Motor" socket is used for the optional #39 Declination motor assembly. The hand-held
Electronic Command Center is required for use of the Declination motor and will operate the Declination
Motor at the 2X guide correcting speed and the 8X image scanning speed.
6. Electric Focuser Output
The optional Meade #1200A Electric Focuser may also be plugged directly into the LX6 power panel by using
the Electric Focuser jack. The Electronic Command Center may now be used to control the Electric Focuser
to achieve very precise focusing of the telescope.
7. Illuminated Reticle Output
The optional Illuminated Retic{e can be plugged directly into the LX6 power panel reticle jack, eliminating the
need for a separate battery box. The Reticle Adjust Knob (located on the Electronic Command Center)
controls the brightness of the reticle.
8. Electronic Command Center Socket
The Electronic Command Center Socket resuHs in the "pluq-in" capability of the LX6. By simply plugging the
Electronic Command Center into the socket. the full range of LX6 features are made available. See below for
description of the Electronic Command Centerfeatures.
9. Power Input Socket
Each LX6 includes power cords for three different methods of powering the telescope: Directly from auto
cigarette fighter plugs; directly from 115 v.AC home outlets; and from a Battery Pack (using 10 user supplied
AA-sized batteries). Each of these power cords plugs into the Power Input socket to supply power to the
telescope.
1 O. CAT Socket
When the optional Model 9008 CAT Computer Aided Telescope system is plugged into this socket, the CAT
receives all encoder information and power directly from the Power Panel. eliminating unnecessary wires.

11. Encoders Socket
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When encoders are added to the telescope, either for the CAT or Digital Readout System (DRS). they are
plugged into this socket
C. Electronic Command Center (ECC)
The hand-held Electronic Command Center plugs directly into the LX6 power panel "Command Center"
socket (#8, Fig. 1) and is the heart of the LX6 concept. Virtually all telescope functions are put at your
fingertips, making separate' Battery Packs and hand boxes obsolete. At the same time, if a simple, quick
observing session is planned which will not require the sophisticated features of the LX6 , the telescope may
be operated without the Electronic Command Center, reducing power consumption. This may be useful if you
wish to power the telescope from the Battery Pack.
1. Map Ught
The Electronic Command Center (ECC)
includes a red L.E.D. located at the top of the
handbox. Depressing the "Map" button \d'6,
Fig. 2) illuminates this light for reading star
maps or charts during an observing session.
2. DRS Buttons
These buttons control the Digital Readout
System functions. See section I for. detailed
information on the use of the DRS. Note: It the
DRS is not installed, these buttons are
non-functional.
3. DRS Display
This area contains the bar L.E.D.'s (Ught
Emitting Diodes) and numeric L.E.D:s which
make up the DRS. See section I for detailed
information. Note: If the DRS is not installed.
this display is blank.
4. Drive Corrector Control Buttons
These buttons are used to electronically move
the telescope. The -E" and W buttons move
the telescope in Right Ascension using the
main drive motor, The "NW and "S" buttons
move the telescope in Declination using the
optional #39 Dec Motor. If this motor is not
attached, these two buttons are non-functional.
The speed at which the telescope moves when
usinq these buttons is determined by the
position of the 2Xl8X slide switch (see #7,
below).
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(1) Map Light
(2) DRS Buttons
(3) DRS Display
(4) Drive Corrector8uttons
(5) Focus Buttons
(6) Map Light Button
8
(7) 2Xl8X Slide Switch
(8) Quartz/Manual Slide
Switch
(9) Variable Speed Knob
(10) Reticle Adjust Knob
Fig. 2: Electronic Command Center (ECC)

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5. Electric Focuser Buttons
. Add the optional Meade #1200A Electric Focuser, and ultraprecise microfocusing is at your fingertips. Simply
depress the ECC's focus pushbuttons (#5, Fig. 2) to obtain the sharpest lunar and planetary focus possible.
Coarse focusing is accomplished with the telescope's manual focus knob.
6. Map Light Button
When pushed, this button illuminates the LE.D. located at the top of the ECC. (See #1 Map Light on page 8.)
7. 2X18X Slide Switch
As described previously, when anyone of the four Drive Corrector buttons is pressed, the telescope moves in
the labeled direction. The speed at which the telescope moves is determined by the 2X18X slide switch.
When in the 2X position, the telescope moves twice the tracking rate in the Right Ascension direction; perfect
for critical corrections during long exposure photography or image centering at very high observing powers.
Moving to the 8X position results in telescope movement at eight times the tracking speed in the Right
Ascension direction. Add the optional #39 Declination Motor, which plugs into the. LX6 power panel, and you .
can scan at either speed in any direction, making the manual controls almost superfluous.
8. Quartz/Manual Slide Switch
When the slide switch is on the "Ouartz" position, the Ouartz crystal in the LX6 Drive is controlling the
telescope's tracking speed. The "E" and "W" buttons override the Quartz crystal to speed up or slow down the
tracking speed as long as the button is pressed. When the button is released, the Quartz crystal resumes
control. Note: In the "Quartz" mode, the variable speed knob (#9. Fig. 2) is non-functional. This mode of
operation Is best suited for observing or photographing deep-space objects, which move at the sidereal rate,
Movingthe·slide'-switchto-:the-~Manuar..·position transfers the tracking speed control from the Quartz crystal to
the variable speed knob (#9, below).
9. Variable Speed Knob
This knob varies the drive frequency from approximately 57 Hz to 61 Hz, which covers the Lunar, Solar, and
Planetary rates. The Lunar and Solar rate positions are marked for reference. As in the "Ouartz" mode, the
"E" and "W" buttons override the variable knob to speed up and slow down the drive rate.
10. Reticle Adjustment Knob
This knob controls the brightness of the optional MA 12mm Illuminated Reticle eyepiece, which plugs into the
main Power Panel.
Meade LX6 telescopes are supplied with an AC Adapter, which converts 115 v.AC from a waf outlet into the
12 v.DC required by the telescope. The AC Adapter should only be plugged into an iru:ioQ( home AG outlet.
D.Operation
The 8" and 10" LX6 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes incorporate the superb Meade LX Drive System and the
latest in state-of-the-art electronics to achieve a first in commercially produced telescopes: quartz accuracy
coupled with true sidereal rate tracking. The quartz crystal used in the Meade LX6 Quartz Drive provides
accurate tracking to within plus or minus .005% of the sidereal frequency, independent of temperature
changes or local power line variations.
1. AC Operation

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The AC Adapter has a 25 foot cord, which should reach most observinc locations 'from an indoor plug. If the
cord is too short to reach the telescope's location, optional extension cords are available from your Meade
dealer in 25 foot lengths. Do not plug the AC Adapter into the enc of a standard extension cord to extend the
observing range of the telescope.
To use the AC Adapter, plug it into a standard indoor AC outlet. Piug the end of the cord into the power input
socket (#9, Fig. 1). Check that the Northern/Southern (N-S) switch (#4, Fig. 1) is set for the hemisphere of the
observing location and then turn the "On/Off" switch (#3, Fig.1) 10 -On". {Remember: The N-S switch must be
correctly set QffiQr:a the telescope is turned on.} The power indicator light (#2, Fig. 1) should now be lit and the
telescope tracking. If the Power Light is not working, see "Troubteshootino the LX6 Drive System", page 18.
2. DC Operation
The 8" and 10" LX6 telescopes operate on DC current and may tr.; powered directly from a 12 volt battery or
power cell. The LX6 drive system normally draws about .5 arrc in star-dare operation with the Electronic
Command Center (ECG) in use. Maximum current usage is .8 amo when all optional accessories are being
used. if the. telescope is being powered from a fully charged car battery in good condition, the current drain is
negligible and the telescope may be used all night without fear of <:: "dead battery".
The LX6 Schmidt-Cassegrains are supplied with a DC power cable for use with a car battery, To use the DC
power cable, connect the cable to the power socket (#9, Fig.i) on the power panel of the LX6, and the
cigarette plug to your cigarette lighter. Be sure that the N-S switch is correctly set and that the On/Off switch
is "On". If the power indicator is not lit, see "Troubleshooting the LX5 Drive System", page 18.
3. Battery Pack
Also supplied with the telescope is a small Battery Pack with cord. This Battery Pack holds 10 size AA
batteries and is intended for short observing sessions. Rechargeable batteries are recommended. Note:
When the telescope is being powered by the Battery Pack without the EGC, the power usage is about .35
amp or 30% less than normally. required.by the telescope when used with the ECC (.5 amp).
E. 9 X 60 Polar Viewfinder
In addition to being an excellent 9 X 60 viewfinder, the Meads Illuminated Reticle Polar Viewfinder is
designed to be used as an optical guide for finding the celestial pole.
2. Focusing the Viewfinder
1. The Illuminated Reticle
To assure safe arrival, the Polar Viewfinder is shipped with the bulblb<rttery holder. not mounted on the
viewfinder. To attach, thread the bulblbattery holder into the ho}:; located just under the eyepiece of the
viewfinder.
To turn on the reticle, rotate the knurled switch on the bulblbattery holder [:) the "on" position. The brightness
is adjustable by rotating the knurled switch. To prolong battery life, rernernoer to turn off the reticle when not
in use.
To replace the batteries in the Polar Viewfinder. remove the bulb battery holder from the Polar Viewfinder.
Separate the two halves of the bulblbattery holder by unthreadiop the r•••.o pieces, exposing the batteries.
After replacing the batteries, thread the two halves of the butb/banery ho~.jer together, and replace the unit
onto the Polar Viewfinder.
The Meade Polar Viewfinder has been pre-focused at the factory. However, not everyone has perfect vision
and slight adjustment is sometimes necessary to obtain maximum certormance.