Meade Polar back to Altz

[viking (Max)]

I reciently purchased a meade lx200 gps the previous owner used a wedge and the scope is polar aligned
I cant use the wedge due to my latitude being 20D
how do I return the alignment back to altz alingment
I have read the instructions but I must be missing something as I can not work it out appreaciate any help

[Joshua Bunn (Joshua)]

Hi Max,

If you go to the setup menu then select telescope then scroll to mount, press enter, then select alt az then press enter. I think this should do it, I havent had to do this.
Then you follow the alignment method for the scope in alt az mode, which you selected above.

Josh

[redbeard (Damien)]

Hi Max,

To turn off polar mode after the scope is removed from the wedge:

From the Hand controller, Goto Setup >> Telescope >> Mount and select Alt/AZ then press 'Enter'.

The next menu item lets you check that the right Model for your scope, 10" etc, is selected.

Next check that the correct 'Focal length' for your scope is selected.

Check that the 'Targets' menu item is set to 'Astronomical'

Check that the 'Tracking rate' menu item is set to 'Sidereal'

You can find this info in the Meade LX200GPS manual starting at page 24
If you don't have the manual, Meade have a download on their website.

Tip: The GPS unit won't get a signal in a tin shed so setup outdoors.

Good luck with setting up your scope, they are an excellent scope but they do take a while to get to know, and once tuned perfectly, you will never be bored!

Cheers,

Damien.

[Barrykgerdes]

Hi Max

Have you removed the wedge (no longer required) and placed the LX200 base and fork assempbly on the tripod (Leveled).

You then need to rotate the azimuth from one stop to the other ( about two full turns) then place the fork assembly at the mid point. Next set the OTA to a position horizontal to the ground with the finderscope at the top. Loosen the azimuth base enough to rotate the assembly so that the OTA points to the north. This is refered to as the home position and is where you will start the alignment from.

You can now turn the telescope on and from the setup menu select ALT/AZM mode and enter your time date and location. This will reduce the time it takes for the GPS to get a fix.

Follow the rest of the alignment procedure. If you are lucky the auto alignment may even work.

Barry

[viking (Max)]

Thanks for the replys I will be setting up over this easter weekend and will let you know how I go
one reply suggested I point the scope North would I not have to point the scope South living in the southern hemispher