BUNDLE: 8" LX200-ACF with Equatorial Wedge

Description

LX200-ACF OTA and Tripod

This 8" LX200-ACF has 8” diameter f/10 ACF optics (focal length 2000mm) and Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) for maximum image brightness and contrast. Features the advanced LX200 AutoStar II computer system with 145,000 object library, multiple guided tours, High Precision Pointing capability with sub arc-minute pointing accuracy, and Meade SmartDrive with Permanent Periodic Error Correction.

Precise and quick star alignment is done near effortlessly with Meade's level north technology alignment system incorporating a 16 channel GPS receiver. The Autostar II is flash-updatable via free downloads at Meade.com (optional cable required). The drive base of the telescope has multiple input and output ports including an RS-232 PC interface and jacks for a (user supplied) CCD Autoguider and illuminated reticle.

Mechanically loaded as well all LX200 models feature a primary mirror locking mechanism, which effectively prevents movement of the primary mirror during long exposure astrophotography or observing. Turn the lock knob located just above the telescopes main focus knob and the progressive-tension primary lock completely cancels any residual image shift due to mirror movement during visual, photographic, or imaging applications.

All LX200-ACF models feature the DC-servo driven super heavy duty double fork mount, the strongest and most rigid mount in its class. Fast slew speeds are from 1 to 8 degrees per second, and can be user selected at .1 degree per second increments, while fine slewing and photographic guiding speeds can be adjusted from .01x to 1x sidereal in one one-hundredth increments. The mount and all electronics are internally powered by 8 (user supplied) C-cell batteries which will typically operate the telescope for around 20 hours (optional Meade Universal AC adapter also available). The mount additionally has mechanical locks and slow motion manual controls in both axis if for some reason you found yourself without power.

The LX200-ACF comes fully equipped with a heavy duty height adjustable Meade Field Tripod, 1.25" diagonal prism, Series 4000 26mm Plössl eyepiece, 8x50 viewfinder with quick release bracket and Meade AutoStar® Suite Astronomer Edition Software for PC. Scope weight is 45 pounds with 19 pound tripod. Ships in 2 boxes.

Product carries full one year Meade factory limited warranty. 

8" Wedge

Meade 8" Equatorial Wedge #07002. Allows for polar alignment of Meade 8" model ACF and SC models, as required for long exposure astrophotography and imaging. For use with Meade Field Tripods as supplied with compatible models. Compatible with Meade LX90 models with addition of LX90 Wedge Adapter, item 07389.

Equatorial alignment is required for astrophotography and imaging exposures longer than about 5 minutes. The Meade 8" Wedge is mounted between a telescope and the tripod to accomplish the tilt of an equatorial type mount that matches the observer's latitude and permits precise polar alignment of your telescope. The wedge allows the astrophotographer to align the telescope's axis of rotation with the Earth's axis of rotation. This alignment eliminates stars in your long exposure photograph from appearing as a long arc, trail or streak due to an effect known as field rotation. For images under approximately 5 minutes a wedge is not necessary and the telescope can be set up in altitude-azimuth (alt-az) configuration as normally used for visual observation.

Features heavy duty cast aluminum construction with latitude and longitude fine adjustments and a compass to use the magnetic pole as a starting reference. For use with the Meade field tripods as supplied with all compatible models. Recommended for 8” telescopes. Compatible with Meade SC and ACF models including 2080, LX50 and LX200. Adapter required for use with all LX90 models, available separately as item 07389.

Product carries full one year Meade factory limited warranty.

Specifications