Specifications

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used only for saf
attempting to tur
provided as a du
hardware packag
The 16" LX200-AC
bolts in place. Thi
handling may oc
requires these bol
To re-ship the 16" LX20
1. Turn the focus knob cl
the way back in the tu
2. Remove the rubber pl
have misplaced the re
Fig. 46: The Super Giant Field Tripod:
3. When packaging the
(1) Tripod head;
(2) Threaded rod; (3) Tension knob;
1, 12) and Dec. lock
dir
ho
Th
wh
57,
pe
Aft
the
kn
Fig. 48: Tighten the tripod spreader
storing t
bar with the tension knob.
are ope
from the
Thread
These l
sections
N
s
a
Loosen
the spre
Fig. 49: Remove the pointed bolts
align wit
from the drive base.
tightenin
not use
B
c
e
f
Caution: Next to the focus assembly are two red slot-head bolts,
ety reasons in shipment. Remove these bolts before
n the focus knob. In its place, insert the rubber plugs
st protector (these rubber plugs are included with your
e).
F should never be commercially shipped without the red
s is essential during commercial transport, where rough
d
cur. Your transport and storage of the telescope never
ts.
0-ACF commercially, be sure to follow this procedure:
ockwise until it stops so that it moves the primary mirror all
be.
h g
ug and insert the red bolt. Thread it in to a firm feel (if you
d bolt, you may use any bolt that is 1/4-20x1" long).
16" LX200-ACF, be sure to release the R.A. lock (Pg. 7, Fig.
(Fig. 1, 17) to prevent shock to the gears in the motor
(4) Spreader bar; (5) Lock knobs;
(6) Extension strut; (7) Tension hub.
B
Fig. 47: The Super Giant Field Tripod
collapsed.
assemblies should the package suffer rough handling.
Commercial shipment of the 16" LX200-ACF telescope without the red safety bolt in
place as described above is done at the owner’s risk and your warranty may be voided
if shipping damage results.
16" TELESCOPE ASSEMBLY
Use the following procedure to assemble your telescope:
To Assemble the 16" Super Field Tripod
The 16” Super Field Tripod (Figs. 46 and 47) for the Meade 16" LX200-ACF telescope
is supplied as a completely assembled unit, except for the spreader bar (Fig. 46, 4)
and the six lock-knobs (Fig. 46, 5). There are two knobs for each of the three tripod
legs. They are used to adjust the level of the tripod. These knobs are packed
separately for safety in shipment.
For most observations, the drive base of the telescope’s fork mount is attached
ectly to the super giant field tripod, in the altazimuth (altitude-azimuth or vertical-
rizontal) format.
e telescope also can be mounted on a permanent pier in the equatorial format,
ich is set for the latitude of the observing location (see APPENDIX A , pages 53 through
for instructions on using the telescope in equatorial mode). The equatorial mode
rmits alignment of the telescope’s polar axis with the celestial pole.
er removing the field tripod from its shipping carton, stand the tripod vertically, with
tripod feet down and with the tripod still fully collapsed (Fig. 47). Remove the lower
ob (Fig. 47, 1), releasing the tension hub (Fig. 46, 7). This knob is used only when
he field tripod. Moving one leg at a time, gently pull the legs apart. As the legs
ned, the tension hub will move down the threaded rod (Fig. 46, 2) until it is free
threaded rod. Continue to move the legs apart to a fully open position.
in the two lock-knobs (Fig. 46, 5) for each tripod leg, near the foot of each leg.
ock-knobs are used to fix the position of the inner tripod leg sections. These
are used to level the telescope (described below).
ote: Tightening to a firm-feel is sufficient. Over-tightening may result in
tripping of the knob threads or damage to the tripod legs; it provides no
dditional strength.
the tension knob (Fig. 46, 3), holding the spreader bar (Fig. 46, 4), and slide
ader bar down the threaded rod until you can rotated it so that the three arms
h the three tripod legs. Tighten the tension knob ( Fig. 48) to a firm feel; firm
g of the tension knob is sufficient to result in rigid positioning of the legs. Do
force in tightening this knob.