Meade LXD 500A User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Meade* LXD 500A and LXD 500B Equatorial Mounts
1
Meade Instruments Corporation

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Captions for Fig. 1
1- Saddle Plate
2. Declination (Dec) Slow Motion
Control
3. Right Ascension (R.A.) Setting
Circle
4. Dust Cover for Optional #812 Polar
Alignment Finder
5. Latitude Scale
6. Fine Latitude Adjustment Knob
7. Tripod Legs
8. Tripod Head
9. Fine Azimuth Adjustment Knob
10. Counterweight Lock Screws
11 Declinatien Axis
12. Counterweight Safety Stop
13. Counterweight Rod
14. 7.5 lb (3.4 kg) Counterweights
15 Latitude Angle (Elevation Angle)
of the Polar Aligned Telescope
16. Counterweight Cone
17 Dec Setting Circle
18. Polar Axis
19 Dec Lock Lever
Fig. 1; LXD 500B Equatorial Mount
TECHNICAL NOTE
It you have purchased the LXD 500 Equatorial Mount as part ot a complete Meade telescope, you should discard this
manual. Complete instructions for assembly and operation of the LXD 500 mount are contained within the carton of the
telescope's optical tube assembly.
This manual is written for the Meade Model LXD 500A and LXD 500B Equatorial Mounts. With the exception of the
composition of the worm gears and the number of counterweights, the two models are identical in design, set up and
operation.
LXD 500A mount: constructed with aluminum worm gears: one 7.5 lb (3.4 kg) counterweight.
LXD 500B mount: constructed with bronze worm gears; two 7.5 lb (3.4) counterweights. Bronze, stronger with less
tlexture, is the material of choice for equatorial mounts that are required to handle heavier loads,
IMPORTANT
Maximum Load: Both the LXD 500A and LXD 500B are capable of supporting a maximum load ot 30 lb (13.6 kg)
includi ng the optical tube assembly, accessories and counterweights . The maximum “payload" weight of the optical tube
a.ssembly, inciuding accessories, is therefore 15 !b (6.8 kg). Application of tube assemblies heavier than this 15 lb
(6.8 kg) guideline may result in damage to the mount, voiding of the factory warranty, or both.
Attaching Your Tube Assembly to the LXD 500 Mount: The flat saddle plate tinat sits atop the LXD 500 mount permits
tlu' attachment of a wide variety of refractor, reflector, and caladioptic tube assemblies. The means by which these tube
•assemblies are attached to the saddle plate are left to the discretion of the user. In all cases, however, be certain that
your tube assembly is securely attached to the saddle plate ot the mount, and that the maximum payload guideline
<J r'l 1ic Cl

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MODEL LXD 500
EQUATORIAL MOUNT;
INTRODUCTION
The Meade Model LXD 500 Equatorial Mount provides
observers with an extremely stable, yet lightweight platlorm lor
an astronomical telescope. The LXD 500 Equatorial Mount, with
its dual-axis worm gear controls, provides smooth, easy to use,
tracking capabilities. Also, its variable-height, aluminum tripod
collapses tor easy transport.
For optimal enjoyment of the Meade Model LXD 500 Equatorial
Mount, please take a few minutes to read these instructions
thoroughly and become familiar with all of the mount's functions.
PARTS LISTING AND ASSEMBLY
When opening Ihe packing box for the first lime, note carefully
the following parts included with the Model LXD 500 Equatorial
Mount:
■ LXD 500 Equatorial Mount, including:
- Tripod
— Equatorial head
— Lock knob with twist bar (Fig. 3)
— 2 washers (1 large and 1 small washer for lock knob
with twist bar)
— Counterweight rod with gray counterweight cone
-- 2 pcs. 7.5 lb (3.4 kg) counterweights (LXD 5008)
1 pc. 7.5 (b (3.4 kg) counterweight (LXD 500A)
-- 2 slow motion control knobs
— Accessory tray
1, Preparing the LXD 500 Tripod
The LXD 500 Tripod (Fig. 2) is shipped virtually completely
assembled from the (actory. Once set up, all that is required of
an observer is to alfach the accessory tray and adjust the tripod
to the desired observing height.
a. Setting Up the Tripod:
Remove the tripod from the shipping box and stand the
tripod vertically with the tripod feet down. Grasp two of
the tripod legs and with the full weight of the tripod on the
third leg, gently pull the legs apart to Ihe fully open
position (Fig, 2).
b. Attaching the Accessory Tray:
Remove the round accessory tray (4), Fig. 2, from the
shipping box.
Unthread the black, star-shaped lock knob from the bottom
of the tray.
Place the threaded rod on the uriderside of the accessory
tray through the central hub of Ihe extension strut.
Rethread the lock knob onto the accessory tray.
c. Varying the Tripod Height:
Loosen the black, star-shaped height adjustment knob (5),
Fig. 2, at the base of each tripod leg.
Slide the three inner tripod leg sections out to the desired
height
Firmly lighten (but do not overtighten) the three height
adjustment knobs (5), Fig. 2,
d. Collapsing the Tripod:
Remove the accessory tray (4), Fig. 2. Grasp Ihe tripod
head (2), Fig, 2, with one hand. With Ihe other hand, pull
directly up on the central hub of the extension strut,
where the accessory tray (4), Fig. 2, was attached. This
action will cause the tripod legs to move inward to a
collapsed position.
Important Notes on the LXD 500 Tripod:
• Remove the accessory tray before attempting to collapse
the tripod.
• If the tripod does not extend or collapse easily, do not
force the tripod legs in or out. By following Ihe above
instructions, the tripod wilt function property. Forcing the
tripod into an incorrect position may damage Ihe extension
strut system.
’ Do not overtighten the three star-shaped height adjustment
knobs on the tripod legs. "Firm leel" tightening is sufficient.
2, Assembly of the Equatorial Mount
To assemble the mount, follow these instructions:
a. Attaching the Equatorial Head to the Tripod;
On the Equatorial Head (5), Fig. 3, loosen the two Fine
Azimuth Adjustment Knobs (1), Fig. 3, to create a space
between the two knobs (as seen from the underside of the
Equatorial Head). The Azimuth Tangent Arm (2), Fig. 3, fits
between these two threaded knobs.
Unthread and remove the lock knob with twist bar. Fig. 4,
and two washers from the base of the Equatorial Head
(5), Fig. 3. Place the Equatorial Head on the Tnpod Head
(4), Fig. 3, aligning it so that the Azimuth Tangent Arm
(2), Fig. 3, slips between the two Fine Azimuth
Adjustment Knobs (1), Fig. 3.
With the Equatorial Head (5), Fig. 3, sitting Hal on the
Tripod Head (4), Fig. 3, place the small washer, then Ihe
large washer over the threads of the lock knob with twLst
bar. Fin. 4 and from thp tmdprQidp nf tuc

/_ 'I'Hi
Sj iftsteitog Counterweight Rod. (1) Decl.lnation l-to.usifiij; {*«! ■ :)
Counterweight Cone; (3) Counterweight Rod; (4) R.A. Slow-Motion
Control Shaft; (5) R.A, Lock Lever; (6) Dec Slow-Motion Control
Shaft (on opposite side); (7) Saddle Plate.
Fig. 3: Attaching the Equatorial Head to Tripod. ( 1 ) Fine Azimuth
Adjustment Knobs: (2) Azimuth Tangent Arm: (3) North Facing Tripod
Lag; (4) Tripod Head; (5) Equatorial Head.
Motion Control Shaft (4). Fig 5, by aligning the knob so
that its knurled thumb screw will slice directly over the flat
area on the R.A. Slow-Motion Control Shaft, Tighten the
knurled thumb screw to a firm feel. Do not overtighten.
Attach the second knob to the Dec Slow-Motion Control
Shaft (6). Fig 5, by aligning the knob so hial its knurled
thumb screw will slide directly over the flat area on the Dec
Slow-Motion Control Shaft. Tighten the knurled thumb
screw to a firm feel Do not overtighten.
the Tripod Head and into the base of the Equatorial Head.
Tighten firmly but do not overtighten.
Simultaneously tighten
both of the Fine Azimuth
Adjustment Knobs (1).
Fig. 3. Each knob will
press against the
Azimuth Tangent Arm.
Do not overtighten.
BALANCING THE TELESCOPE
Fig. 4: Lack Knob with Twist Bar.
With your telescope tube assembly mounted on the LXD 500
mount, It is necessary to balance the telescope around both
axes. With an improperly balanced telescope, objects may
become difficult to find or. once found, may be easily lost. To
balance the telescope:
1. Loosen the R.A, lock lever (3), Fig. 6, by rotating the lever
counterclockwise until it slops. The Optical Tube Assembly
now rotates freely about the Polar Axis (18). Fig. 1. Rotate
the telescope so that the counteryveight rod is parallel to
the ground (horizontal).
2. Loosen the counterweight lock screw(s) (10), Fig. 1, and
slide the counterweightfs) along the rod until the telescope
remains in one position without tending to drift in either
direction, Re-tighlen the counterweight lock screw(s) and
the R.A, lock lever (3), Fig. 6
3. Loosen the Dec lock lever (2), Fig. 6, by rotating the lever
counterclockwise until it stops. The Optical Tube Assembly
now rotates freely about the Declination Axis (11), Fig, 1
Rotate the telescope so that the tube is parallel to the
ground (horizontal)
4. Loosen the fixtures* holding the Optical Tube Assembly in
Attaching the Counterweights:
On the counterweight rod (3), Fig. 5, confirm that the gray
counterweight cone (2), Fig, 5 is threaded onto the rod as
far as possible. Then, thread the counterweight rod. with
the counterweight cone in place, into the bottom of the
rieclination housing (1), Fig. 5, When the counterweight
tod is threaded in as far as pos.sible, additionally secure the
lod by turning Ihe gray counterweight cone (2). Fig. 5,
r Icckwise until tight.
At the end of the counterweight rod (3), Fig. 5, unscrew the
I ounterweight safety Slop (12), Fig. 1, Slide one
I ci.nterweight onto the rod and lock in place by tightening
I's black counterweight lock screw (10), Fig. 1. For the
LXD 5008 mount, slide the second counterweight into
piace and tighten its lock screw. When the
counterweight(s) is secure, replace the countera/eight
safety stop Be certain that Ihe counterweight safety
stop is always securely in place.
Slow Molion Control Knobs:
fhere are two identical slow molion control knobs. See (4)
C A

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the saddle plate (7), Fig. 5 until the telescope is in balance
about the Declination Axis. Rebalancing may be necessary
with the addition of any optional accessories, Re-tighten
the fixtures holding the optical tube and the Dec lock lever
(2), Fig. 6.
'These fixtures may be cradle rings, steel straps, or
whatever other secure means the user has fabricated to
attach the tube assembly to the saddle plate of the mount.
I Fig. 6; Teiescope Controls, (i) Dec belting oiroe; (2) Dec Lock
Lever: (3) R.A, Lock Lever, (4) H.A. Slow-Motion Control; (5) R.A.
Setting Circle; (6) Dec Slow-Motion Control.
MODEL LXD 500 CONTROLS
An important array of controls facilitales operation of the Model
LXD 500 Equatorial Mount, It is best to become familiar with all
of these controls before attempting observations through your
telescope.
Dec Lock Lever (2), Fig. 6; Locking and unlocking the
Declination movement of the mount is accomplished by moving
the Dec lock lever clockwise until it stops for the fully locked
position, or by moving the Dec lock lever counterclockwise to
the fully unlocked position.
Dec Slow-Motion Control (6), Fig. 6: With the Dec lock lever in
the fully locked position, the Dec Slow-Motion Control may be
used for fine motions of the telescope in Declination.
R.A. Lock Lever (3), Fig. 6: Locking and unlocking the Right
•Ascension movement is accomplished by rotating the R.A. lock
lever clockwise until if stops for the fully locked position and
counterclockwise for the fully unlocked position.
R.A. Slow-Motion Control (4), Fig. 6: With the R.A. lock lever
fully locked, the R.A. Slow-Motion Control permits manual slow-
rnotion of the telescope in Right Ascension.
South Celestial Pole if observing from the Earth's southern
hemisphere), celestial objects may be followed (tracked) by
moving the telescope about only one axis, the polar axis.
In addition, by polar aligning the teiescope, the telescope's Dec
and R.A. setting circles (1) and (5), Fig. 6, may be used to locate
faint celestial objects directly from their catalogued coordinates.
Polar Alignment Procedures
Polar alignment consists of the following two operations:
1. Pick up the entire telescope-and-tripod and orient the
Iripod .so that the lea directly beneath the counterweiqhtfs)
(the leg marked "N'h points due north .
For observers in the southern hemisphere (e.g., Australia),
pick up the entire telescope-and-tripod and orient the tripod
■ S O that the lea riirecllv beneath the counterweiahtfs) (the
leg marked “N") points due so _uth.
2. Determine the latitude of your observing location by
checking a road map or atlas. Then, adjust the latitude of
the LXD 500 Equatorial Mount to indicate the latitude of
your observing location. Turn the fine latitude adjustment
knob (3), Fig. 7, clockwise or counterclockwise until the
latitude pointer (1), Fig. 7, indicates the correct latitude on
the latitude scale (6), Fig. 7.
Fig. 7: Latilude Conirals, (1) Lalilude Pointer; (2) Latitude Lock
Lever (opposite side); (3) Fine Latitude Adjustment Knob; (4) Lock
Nut; (5) Latilude Lock Knob; (6) Latitude Scale.
It may be necessary to loosen the lock nut (4), Fig. 7, to
allow enough movement of the mount to achieve the
desired latitude. When the desired latitude has been
achieved, lighten the lock nut until the nut is flush against
the mount.
POLAR ALIGNMENT
Celesiiai objects are essentially fixed on the Celestial Sphere,
iiowevei they appear to move across the sky in an arc as the
Eartri rotates on its axis, with a complete rotation of the Earth
occurrirKj once in every 24 hour period. This apparent motion is
not obvious to the unaided eye. but, when viewed through a
ie!e.scope, this motion is rapid indeed. Objects centered in the
telescope move entirely out of the field of view in 15 to 60
.seconds depending upon the magnification employed.
Lluring the 24 hour period of the Earth's rotation, stars make one
complete revolution about the Celestial Pole, making concentric
ttircies wiln the Celestial Pole at the center. By lining up the
Step (1), above, is equivalent to pointing the telescope's polar
axis due north (or due south for observers in the southern
hemisphere). Step (2) is equivalent lo making me telescope's
latitude angle equal to the latitude angle of your observing
location.
With (1) and (2) accomplished, the telescope is sufficiently well
polar aligned for most visual observing applications.
For the majority of telescope applications, this procedure is
entirely satisfactory. For those interested in astrophotography
or in utilizing the telescope's setting circles to locate faint
objects, a more precise polar alignment is necessary, requiring
the optional #812 Polar Alignment Finder (see OPTIONAL

Note: The Fine Azimuth Adjustment Knobs (9), Fig. 1, are
generally only utilized during the precise polar alignment
procedure described in the instructions accompanying the #812
Polar Alignment Finder,
Locating North by using Polaris, the North Star, is adequate for
the purposes discussed above. Polaris can be found in relation
to the Big Dipper by projecting a line from the so-called 'pointer
Stars" of the Big Dipper (see Fig. 8). For southern hemisphere
alignment, locate south by using the faint star Sigma Octans
(the South Star).
0.i...
i Little Dipper\
i ^ ®
Polaris
I
I Big Dipper
.o
O' ■
Cassiopeia
|”r^ 8; Locating Polaris,
Using a Polar Aligned Telescope
Once the telescope is polar aligned (as described on page 5),
the R.A. Slow-Motion Control is the only conirol needed to keep
a celestial object in the field of view of the telescope.
1. To center a celestial object within a polar aligned
telescope, unlock the Dec and R.A. lock levers (2) and (3).
Fig. 6. Do not move the tripod or adjust the latitude angle
when centering an object in the telescope, as this will
destroy the polar alignment.
2. Once a celestial object has been centered in the
telescope, lock the Dec and R.A. lock levers (2) and (3),
Fig. 6. Then, slowly turn the R.A. Slow-Motion Control
(4), Fig. 6, while observing through the telescope, to
keep the celestial object within the telescope's field of
view.
Precise Polar Alignment Procedures
For astrophotography or other advanced applications, the
optional #812 Polar Alignment Finder can be used to
dramatically increase the accuracy of the polar alignment
process. As a result, the accuracy of the setting circles
increases, making faint objects easier to find. See OPTIONAL
ACCESSORIES, below.
Setting Circles
Setting circles permit the location of lain! celestial objects not
easily found by direct visual observation. Locate the Dec setting
circle (1), Fig. 6, and the R.A. Setting Circle (5), Fig. 6, on the
LXD 500 Equatorial Mount, To use the setting circles, follow this
procedure:
1, Using a star atlas or star chart, look up the celestial
coordinates (Right Ascension and Declination) ot an easy-
to-tind object, such as a bright star,
2, With (he telescope polar aligned, center the cnosen ongbl
object in the telescope's field of view.
3, Manually turn Ihe R.A. selling circle (5), Fig 6, to read the
R.A of Ihe bright object. This setting circle is sligntly stilt to
ti 1,.,^ ar.r'irl.anlal m^M/tirT>nnl r,f tha r'irrla itiiiar'. tr.,a
circle by placing a hand on either side of the mount. Grasp
the setting circle with the thumb and forefinger of each
hand and rotate the circle until the R.A, coordinate of the
object is correctly indicated by the R.A. pointer on the
mount.
4. M anually rotate the Dec Setting Circle (1), Fig. 6. until the
Declination coordinate of the object is correctly indicated
by the Dec pointer on the mount,
5- The setting circles are now calibrated. To locate a faint
Object using the setting circles, determine the desired
object’s celestial coordinates from a star chart or
astronomy computer program. Unlock the Dec lock lever
(2), Fig. 6, and the R.A. lock lever (3), Fig. 6, and move the
telescope in R.A. and Dec until the setting circles read the
R.A. and Dec of Ihe desired objecl. Then, lock the Dec and
R.A. lock levers. If this procedure is performed carefully,
the faint object will be in the (ield of view ol a low-power
eyepiece.
Note: Once the Dec circle is accurately calibrated, il need never
be louched again, even on subsequent observing sessions.
The R.A. circle, however, must be re-calibraled to the R.A. of a
known object each time the circles are used to find an object,
which might be several times in one observing session.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
An assortment ol professional Meade accessories is available
for the Model LXD 500 Equatorial Mount,
#812 Polar Alignment Viewfinder
The LXD 500 Equatorial Mount has provision in its polar axis tor
Ihe addition of the #812 Polar Alignment Viewfinder. This
borescope device facilitates quick, precise polar atignment of
Ihe telescope. An internal reticle contains an etched clock-like
scale. A separate Polar Reference Circle shows the correct
position of the North Star on Ihe Finder's reticle scale at any
time and day of Ihe year.
#1701 Single-Axis Drive System
The addition of the #1701 Single-Axis Drive System allows a
polar aligned telescope to track on a desired object
automatically, keeping the object in the field of view without
manual adjustments in R.A, Add the #1705 Declination Motor
to the #1701 for full dual-axis drive capabilities.
#1702 Dual-Axis Drive System
Attaching the #1702 Dual-Axis Drive System to the LXD 500
Equatorial Mount provides quartz-controlled sidereal-rate
tracking in R.A,, plus full dual-axis drive capabilily at any of four
photo-guide or microslew speeds: 2x. 8x, 16x, or 32x.
#1705 Declination Motor
The #1701 Single-Axis Drive System becomes a complete, fully
functioning dual-axis drive system with Ihe addition of the #1705
Declination Motor.
#1708 Computer Drive System
The #1708 Computer Drive System includes live high-torque,
dual-axis drive speeds including the fast slewing speed of 4° per
second: and locates and centers in the field over 64.300 objects,
automatically. Quartz-locked sidereal-rate tracking; GO TO
capabilily and digital readouts on both telescope axe.s are just
some of Ihe many otner features available when the #1708

Meade Customer Service
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SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL LXD 500 EQUATORIAL MOUNT
If you have a question concerning your Meade Model LXD 500
Equatorial Mount, call Meade Instruments/Customer Service
Dept, at 714-756-2291, or fax at 714-756-1450. Customer
Service hours are 8:30AM - 4;00PM, Pacific Time, Monday
through Friday. In the unlikely event that your Model LXD 500
Equatorial Mount requires factory servicing or repairs, write or
call the Meade Customer Service Dept, first, 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.
Materials:
Equatorial Mounting
Gears
LXD 500 Tripod
Equatorial Mounting
Tripod
Tripod Legs
Tripod Height
Counterweights
Worm Gear Diameters
Setting Circle Diameters
Manual Slow-Motion Controls
Latitude Range
Total Net Weight (approx,,)
Total Shipping Weight (approx,)
aluminum castings:
bronze, R.A. & Dec (LXD 500B)
aluminum, R.A, & Dec (LXD 500A)
aluminum
LXD 500: German-type
Standard
Inner leg: 1.5" (3.8 cm) O.D.
Outer leg: double struts:
each 1.2" (3.8 cm) O.D.
28.5" - 48..5” variable
(72 cm - 123 cm)
2 X 7.5 tb. (3,4 kg.) (LXD 500B)
1 X 7.5 lb (3,4 kg) (LXD 500A)
2.91' (7.39 cm)
R.A. 8 Dec: 3.4" (8.6 cm)
R.A. and Dec
15" - 70“
34,5 lb (15.7 kg)
37 lb (16,8 kg)
MEADE LIMITED WARRANTY
Every Meade telescope, spotting scope, and telescope accessory is warranted by Meade Instruments Corporation (“Meade”)
to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE YEAR from the date of original purchase in the U.S.A.
and Canada. Meade will repair or replace a product, or part thereof, found by Meade to be defective, provided the defective
part is returned to Meade, freight-prepaid, with proof of purchase. This warranty applies to the original purchaser only and is
non-transferable. Meade products purchased outside North America are not included in this warranty, but are covered under
separate warranties issued by Meade international distributors.
RGA Number Required; Prior to the return of any product or part, a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number must be
obtained from Meade by writing, or by calling [phone]. Each returned part or product must include a written statement
detailing the nature of the claimed defect, as well as the owner’s name, address, and phone number.
This warranty is not valid in cases where the product has been abused or mishandled, where unauthorized repairs have been
attempted or performed, or where depreciation of the product is due to normal wear-and-tear, Meade specifically disclaims
special, indirect, or consequential damages or lost profit which may result from a breach of this warranty. Any implied
warranties which can not be disclaimed are hereby limited to a term of one year from the date of original retail purchase.
This warranty gives you specific rights. You may have other rights which vary from stale to state,
Meade reserves the right to change product specifications or to discontinue products without notice
This warranty supersedes all previous Meade product warranties.