LX200-ACF 12″ f/10 with X-Wedge Meade

BUNDLE: 12″ LX200-ACF with Equatorial Wedge

Description

LX200-ACF OTA and Tripod

This 12″ LX200-ACF has 12” diameter f/10 ACF optics (focal length 3048mm) 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 12″ LX200-ACF comes fully equipped with a heavy duty height adjustable Meade Giant Field Tripod, 1.25″ diagonal prism, Series 4000 26mm Plössl eyepiece, 8×50 viewfinder with quick release bracket and Meade AutoStar® Suite Astronomer Edition Software for PC. Scope weight is 75 pounds with 50 pound tripod. Ships in 2 boxes.

Product carries full one year Meade factory limited warranty

X-Wedge

Meade X-Wedge #07028. For long exposure astrophotography and imaging with Meade LX200 and LX600 models. This extremely heavy duty wedge allows for secure and stable mounting with exceptional vibration damping of larger Meade SC and ACF telescopes.

This precision CNC machined wedge is constructed from ultra-rigid aircraft grade aluminum with smooth, accurate altitude and azimuth adjustments. Thirty percent more stable than competing equatorial wedges, the X-Wedge sets a new standard for equatorial stability while allowing for tracking from horizon to horizon without need of any meridian flip such as required by German Equatorial Mounts.

For use with the Meade field tripods as supplied with all compatible models including 10 through 14″ diameter LX200 and LX600 telescopes. Also compatible with LX90 models and discontinued models LX50, LX200 “Classic” and RCX400. Wedge can also be pier mounted (hardware not included).

Equatorial mounting is required for astrophotography and imaging exposures longer than about 5 minutes. The Meade X-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, the telescope may be mounted in the altitude-azimuth (alt-az) configuration normally used for visual observation.

Product carries full one year Meade limited factory warranty.

Specifications