Hobbies And Interests
Tips for Setup
Always choose a good location to set up your LX200GPS. Ideally, this will be away from city lights, in a clear open area. Be sure that any trees nearby are far enough away that they do not interfere with the GPS system. The GPS can locate you more quickly with a clear view of the satellites it needs to reach. Although the telescope is self-leveling, be sure to level the tripod the best you can beforehand, for a quicker setup.
Tips for General Use
The telescope is highly automated, so be sure to always stand clear when it is moving, during initial alignment, and also when finding and tracking an object. You may also want to keep track of the control handset and any other equipment cables during this time, to prevent them from tangling and interfering. If this is your first night out, start out with easy-to-find objects and stars, and familiarize yourself with the menus on the handset.
Tips for Take-down and Storage
When you have finished for the night, there will be some dampness on the equipment. Wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth, avoiding the optics. Do not wipe down damp optics; let them dry in the open back inside. Once dry, store the telescope away from extreme heat to in avoid internal damage. If you used batteries, remove them before storing.
Other Tips
Regular updates are available for the LX200GPS Autostar guidance system. The operating manual can also be found on Meade's website. These updates are important for finding and tracking new objects like comets. If you are a beginner with telescopes, or just having some trouble operating the LX200GPS, your local astronomy club is often an excellent source of help.