Welcome to the LX200 Alignment Pages.

The following information is intended as a guide through the two different methods of LX200 equitorial polar alignment.

The drift method.

It is assumed as part of the telescope assembly that the scope has a star diagonal and a reticule eyepiece fitted for the positional reference.

Level the LX200 platform and Polar align as normal.
Align the reticule eyepiece crosshairs and star diagonal to be parallel to N/S, (Up/down), and E/W, (Left/Right).

Start with tests at the Meridian. (Stage 1).
Select a test star near the Meridian, approximately 20 degrees DEC from the Celestial Equator. Let the scope track.
If the test star moves 'Up' then adjust the wedge Azimuth to the 'Right'
If the test star moves 'Down' then adjust the wedge Azimuth to the 'Left'
Re-centre the test star and repeat until little error is observed.

For Eastern horizon alignment. (Stage 2).
Select a test star 20 degrees above the Eastern horizon but near to the Celestial Equator. Let the scope track
If the test star moves 'Up' then adjust the wedge Elevation 'Down'
If the test star moves 'Down' then adjust the wedge Elevation 'Up'

Re-centre the test star and repeat until little error is observed.

Go back to the Meridian to retest.

For Western horizon alignment. (Stage 2A).
Select a test star 20 degrees above the Western horizon but near to the Celestial Equator. Let the scope track
If the test star moves 'Up', then adjust the wedge Elevation 'Up'
If the test star moves 'Down', then adjust the wedge Elevation 'Down'
Re-centre the test star and repeat until little error is observed.

Go back to the Meridian to retest.

The Iterative Method. To aid this method of alignment, a list of Meade Alignment Stars has been included to help speed up the process.

It is assumed that a reticule eyepiece has been fitted for the position reference.

Level the telescope platform and Polar align the LX200 as normal, noting the alignment star.
Centre the alignment star and 'Sync' by depressing the 'Enter' key for approx 2 seconds.
GoTo Polaris again, (Star 19), and mechanically re-adjust the wedge to take out half the error to centre.
Press 'Star' and GoTo the alignment star, entering the star number from the list below. Adjust the error to the centre of field with the hand controller. Press the 'Enter' key again for 2 seconds to 'Re-Sync'
GoTo Polaris again, adjusting wedge to half the error to centre.
Depress 'Star' and GoTo alignment star, adjusting the error to centre again.
Repeat until little error is observed.

The Meade Alignment Star Library.

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