Meade LXD55 Series, Instruction Manual

LXD55-Series:Your Personal
Window to the Universe

The Meade 

LXD55-

Series models are versatile, high-resolution telescopes. Supplied

with either an Electronic Controller or an Autostar handbox, the 

LXD55-

Series models

offer unmatched mechanical and electronic performance.

The 

LXD55-

Series telescopes reveal nature in an ever-expanding level of detail.

Observe the feather structure of an eagle from 50 yards or study the rings of the plan-
et Saturn from a distance of 800 million miles. Focus beyond the Solar System and
observe majestic nebulae, ancient star clusters, and remote galaxies. Meade 

LXD55-

Series telescopes are instruments fully capable of growing with your interest and can
meet the requirements of the most demanding advanced observer.

Refer to Figures 1a through 1e for the following features:

B

Eyepiece Thumbscrew: Tightens the eyepiece (see 

d

) in place. Tighten to a

firm feel only.

C

Eyepiece Holder: Holds eyepiece in place. Holders supplied for both 1.25" and
2" eyepieces. 

Diagonal (not shown, achromatic refractor models only): Provides a more
comfortable right-angle viewing position. Slide the diagonal directly into the eye-
piece holder (see 

c

) and tighten the thumbscrew on the eyepiece holder to a

firm feel only. See page 13 for a photo and more information.

D

Eyepiece: Place the supplied Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece into the eyepiece
holder or the diagonal and tighten in place with the eyepiece thumbscrew (see

b

). The eyepiece magnifies the image collected in the optical tube.

8 x 50mm (achromatic refractors models) or 6 x 30mm (Schmidt-Newtonian
models) Viewfinder: A low-power, wide-field sighting scope with crosshairs that
enables easy centering of objects in the telescope eyepiece (see 

d

). 

Viewfinder Collimation Screws (6): Use these screws to adjust the alignment of
the viewfinder. 

Viewfinder Front Cell and Locking Ring: Adjust the front cell to focus the
viewfinder. See step 3, page 14 for more details. The viewfinder is supplied with
a small dust cover placed over the front cell.

Viewfinder Bracket: Holds the viewfinder in place.

Focus Knobs:  Moves the telescope’s focuser drawtube in a finely-controlled
motion  to achieve precise image focus. The 

LXD55-Series

telescopes can be

focused on objects from a distance of about 75 ft. to infinity. Rotate the focus
knobs to focus on objects. 

Corrector/Dust Cover: Place the dust cover (not visible in photo) over the cor-
rector when storing the telescope.

Note: The dust cover should be replaced after each observing session
and the power turned off to the telescope. Allow time for any dew that
might have collected during the observing session to evaporate prior to
replacing the dust cover.

1)

Optical Tube: The main optical component that gathers the light from distant
objects and brings this light to a focus for examination through the eyepiece. 

1!

Cradle Assembly: Attaches to mount base. See 

1#

and 

1$

.

1@

Autostar: See pages 9 and 10 for a description of features.

1#

Cradle Ring Lock Knobs (2) and Washers (2): Slide washers onto lock knobs
before inserting. Tighten to a firm feel to secure the optical tube in place.

1$

Cradle Rings (2): Part of the cradle assembly (see 

1!

); hold the optical tube firm-

ly in place.

Caution: Using products
other than standard Meade
accessories may cause dam-
age to the telescope’s inter-
nal electronics and may void
the Meade warranty.

6

d

Want to learn more

about the eyepieces
available for your

LXD55-Series

tele-

scope? 

See 

OPTIONAL

ACCESSORIES

, page

37.

e

Want to learn more

about aligning the
viewfinder? See page
14.

1!

Want to learn more

about assembling your
telescope? 

See 

ASSEMBLING

YOUR TELESCOPE

,

page 11.

h

Want to learn more

about attaching the
viewfinder? See page
12.

1@

EC Handbox users,
see Appendix D, page
55, for more informa-
tion.