Introduction

This chapter describes the original Meade LX200 (Figure 10.1), which was made from 1992 to 2001. The newer LX200 GPS is optically and mechanically similar but has an enhanced version of the Autostar computer described in Chapter 12.

The information here is based on my experiences with an 8-inch LX200 purchased in 2000. I assume that you also have the Meade manual available for reference. This is not a complete guide to all the LX200's features.

This chapter is more detailed than the next two, for several reasons. The original LX200 was on the market for nine years, so there was plenty of time for the amateur community to learn all about it. All LX200s use similar firmware, and the total number of LX200s in use is very large, so this detailed information is useful to a large number of people. Finally, the original LX200 is at the end of its product life cycle, so there will be no further changes.

Even after it is discontinued, the LX200 will remain in wide use for many years. It is to computerized telescopes what the Nikon F is to cameras: an army of loyal users complain about its quirks but continue to trust it for serious work.

Evaluation of the LX200

Two useful features are conspicuously missing from the LX200: the ability to download software updates, and the ability to do a two-star alignment in equatorial mode to keep pointing accuracy from depending on polar alignment.