MEADE LX200 10 Inch ACF OPT Telescopes Instruction Manual

Operating Instructions
Meade Standard Field Tripod
For use with the 8” – 12” LX90 and 8” – 10” LX200 Telescopes

LX200 10 Inch ACF OPT Telescopes

The Field Tripod is supplied as a completely assembled unit, except for the spreader bar (7, Fig. 1). For visual observations and short exposure Astro- imaging, the drive base of the telescope’s fork mount is attached directly to the field tripod. The telescope in this way is mounted in an “Altazimuth” (“Altitude-Azimuth,” or “vertical-horizontal”) format.

After removing the field tripod from its shipping carton, stand the tripod vertically, with the tripod feet down and with the tripod still fully collapsed (Fig. 2). Grasp two of the tripod legs and, with the full weight of the tripod on the third leg, gently pull the legs apart to a fully open position (Fig. 3). Each tripod leg should be spread evenly apart. The tripod leg lock knobs (3, Fig. 1) are packed separately. Insert the leg lock knob into the tripod leg and loosely tighten to prevent the inner leg from moving.
The spreader bar (7, Fig. 1) has been removed for shipment. First place the two included washers (2, Fig. 1) onto the threaded rod. Next slide the spreader bar (7, Fig. 1) onto the threaded rod and on top of the two washers. Position the spreader bar with the flat side facing upward (Fig. 4).

For this next step it is best to get the help of another person if possible. With the tripod legs spread out evenly and tripod head level, carefully place the telescope mount on top of the tripod head and hold it securely in place. While holding the mount with one hand, insert the threaded rod with spreader bar assembly thru the bottom of the tripod head and into the base of the telescope drive base. The spreader bar arms should be aligned with the tripod legs so that when tightened into the mount, will press against the tripod legs. Tighten the T-handle tension knob (6, Fig. 1); firm tightening of the tension knob is sufficient to result in rigid positioning of the tripod legs. It is not necessary to use extreme force in tightening this knob.

CAUTION: “Firm feel” tightening is sufficient; overtightening may strip the threads or damage the tripod and results in no additional strength.

To vary the tripod height, loosen the 3 leg lock knobs (3. Fig. 1) and slide the 3 inner tripod leg sections out to the desired height. Adjust the inner tripod legs so the telescope eyepiece is at the proper height and tripod head (8, Fig. 1) is approximately level. Be careful to not tip the tripod too much or it could become unbalanced and tip over. Retighten the 3 lock-lever to a firm feel (Fig. 6). When the mount is ready to be removed from the tripod, hold the telescope with one hand while unthreading the tension knob (6, Fig.

1. with the other.
   When fully unthreaded, place the spreader bar assembly aside and remove the mount safely.

To collapse the tripod (after removing the telescope) start by locating the tension hub (4, Fig. 1). At the base of the tripod is a 3-vane extension strut system, with a circular hub at its center (4, Fig. 1). Grasp the tripod head (8, Fig. 1) with one hand and, with the other hand, pull directly “up” on the central hub of the extension strut system. This operation will cause the tripod legs to move inward to a collapsed position. See Fig. 2.

CAUTION: If the tripod does not seem to extend or collapse easily, do not force the tripod legs in or out. By following the instructions above, the tripod will function properly, but if you are unclear on the proper procedure, forcing the tripod into an incorrect position may damage the extension strut system.

**MEADE CUSTOMER SERVICE

**

If you have a question concerning your Meade Tripod, contact the Meade Instruments Customer Service Department at Telephone: 800-626-3233 or Email: customerservice@meade.com. In the unlikely event that your Meade Tripod requires factory servicing or repairs, write or call the Meade Customer Service Department first, before returning the tripod 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 service issues can be resolved by telephone, avoiding the return of the tripod to the factory. If factory service is required, you will be assigned a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number prior to return.

1. Threaded Rod
2. Washers (2)
3. Lock Knobs
4. Tension Hub
5. Extension Strut
6. Tension Knob
7. Spreader Bar
8. Tripod Head

|
---|---
Fig. 3: Extend the tripod legs out.| Fig. 4: Assemble threaded rod with two washers first, then spreader as shown.
|
---|---
Fig. 5: Place telescope on top of tripod carefully and secure in place.| Fig. 6: Loosen lock lever, extend the inner leg, relock lever

MEADE LIMITED WARRANTY

The Meade Instruments Statement of Limited Warranty is published at: www.meade.com/supports/warranty/ A printed copy of the Meade Statement of Limited Warranty will be made available by Meade upon written request. See below for Meade’s contact information.

Warranty Claim
Meade Instruments
89 Hangar Way
Watsonville, CA 95076
+1800-626-3233
customerservice@meade.com
SUBJECT: Warranty Claimhttp://www.meade.com/supports/warranty/
© 2021 Meade Instruments
Part Number 14-0220-00 Rev2B
11/2021

Documents / Resources

| MEADE LX200 10 Inch ACF OPT Telescopes [pdf] Instruction Manual
LX200, LX90, 10 Inch ACF OPT Telescopes, ACF OPT Telescopes, LX200, Telescopes
---|---

References

• Meade Instruments Telescopes, Solar Telescopes, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes
• Warranty Information | Meade Instruments

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>