I have always experienced problems of alignment and using the ‘goto’ commands in the LX200. Finding objects far from the original set-up took too much time. Time, nevertheless, spent in learning about recognition and star hopping.

My levelling procedure always relied on either, the tripod platform bubble indicator, or a separate level used somewhere on the base. Neither of them agreed with each other, although the separate level gave the better results.

Having read in MAPUG a method of using the tube itself as the level reference, I decided to research further, and collate the information into a definitive document.

My current set-up is a LX200 on a cut down 12" field tripod and Superwedge, but my findings were true for my earlier LX6 on it’s standard tripod and wedge.

Note:- All adjustments are carried out by altering the height of the tripod legs only.

Scope shown in 0Hr RA position, looking due South.

No power applied to the scope.

• Carry out basic leveling of the tripod and North/South orientation before more accurate alignment.
• At this moment, it is not important for alignment on Polaris, as this alignment is only to confirm the telescope axis are orthogonal.
• Place the scope forks at the 0 Hr reference point on the Right Assention setting circle as though aligning on Polaris.
• Swing the scope tube to the north horizon and using a spirit level along the tube, adjust the level by using the Dec clamp. Note the reading on the Dec setting circle as accurately as possible.

• Repeat the same procedure for the scope pointing to the southern horizon.
• Move the hour reference point to 12 Hrs and repeat the process.
• The noted angle on the Dec setting circle should be the same for both settings.
• Adjust only the leg of the tripod along this axis. (Rear leg on the 12" field tripod or the front leg if the tripod is the standard model for the 10" LX200)
• Now move the scope to the 6 and 18-hour reference points on the RA setting circle and carry out the same alignment procedure. In this case the Dec setting should read 0 degrees, and the scope pointing to the East and West horizons respectively.
• Align the other two legs of the tripod to refine the balance of the readings.
• Repeat the procedure to trim any remaining error.
• The time taken to carry out this process should be no more than 20 minutes at the most to begin with, and well worth it for object alignment and photographic work.
• Then, if you want to, it’s a matter of prising out the tripod bubble level and glueing/re-seating for the correct indication, although I still go through the above procedure to take out any minor errors, and it works

Alignment position for RA 6 Hrs and 18 Hrs. (East and West Directions)

Note:-

Scope shown in 6 Hr RA position, looking East

Now, when it gets dark, carry out the Polaris alignment as detailed in the Meade handbook, and within many articles archived in MAPUG. (Meade Advanced Product User Group).

Then, if you want to, use the drift alignment procedure detailed within this website.

Return To Home Page