Meade ACF-SC 254/2032 Starlock LX600 Telescope without Tripod

The LX600 series stands as a testament to cutting-edge technology, catering to the needs of mobile astronomers. Its journey begins with effortless transportation - the compact fork mount securely cradles the short SC OTAs and conveniently splits for transportation (split-fork). Setting up the telescope at the onset of an observing session is a breeze, thanks to the built-in GPS and Level North Technology, enabling near-automatic alignment. Soon after, the AutoStar II control, boasting a database of 145,000 objects, becomes readily accessible.

The integrated Starlock camera system ensures precise positioning of desired celestial objects, automatic error correction (PEC), and seamless auto-guiding, eliminating the need for an external auto-guider!

The LX600 series features corrected ACF-SC optics with a fast aperture ratio for shorter exposure times. An internal Crayford focuser with reduction gearing ensures precise focusing without any risk of mirror-flop.

Advanced Coma-free Optics (ACF): Meade's ACF optical design eradicates typical mirror optics aberrations, resulting in stars appearing point-like across the image field, devoid of elongated comet-like distortions. ACF systems excel in astrophotographic endeavors.

Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC): A specialized multi-layer coating on the front correction plate enhances light transmission by up to 15%, yielding brighter star clusters, finer nebulae details, and enhanced planetary surface features!

Starlock serves as a comprehensive camera and control system, performing three pivotal functions:

• Periodic error correction (PEC)
• Precise GoTo positioning
• Auto-guiding for astrophotography with sub-arcsecond accuracy

The two Starlock cameras with distinct optics synergize seamlessly. The wide-field camera facilitates rough positioning, while the near-field camera achieves precise object positioning with up to one arcminute accuracy.

Alignment is also facilitated through these two cameras, ensuring alignment stars are precisely centered in the field of view for optimal GoTo accuracy.

StarLock operates through permanent and automatic auto-guiding for maximum tracking accuracy. Upon returning to tracking mode after slewing, the near-field camera automatically searches for a suitable guide star down to a minimum brightness of 11 magnitude and tracks it until the telescope is moved again.

The Drift Alignment Assistant facilitates optimal polar alignment when utilizing Starlock on an equatorial mount. The telescope slews to a compatible star, and a 30-second exposure using the wide-field camera calculates the exact deviation of the telescope from the true celestial pole. The mount then adjusts accordingly, achieving perfect alignment of the azimuth axis!

Included Accessories:

• Battery Compartment: Yes
• 1.25'' Eyepieces: 26mm
• Deviating Optics: 1.25", 90° Star Diagonal
• Finder Scope: 8x50

Specifications:

Optics:

Type: Reflector

Build Type: ACF-Cassegrain

Aperture (mm): 254

Focal Length (mm): 2032

Aperture Ratio (f/): 8

Resolving Capacity: 0.45

Limit Value (mag): 13.8

Light Gathering Capacity: 1320

Tube Material: Aluminum

Tube Construction: Full tube

Coating: UHTC

Focuser:

Type of Build: Crayford

Connection (to eyepiece): 2"

Connecting Thread (Telescope Side): SC

Motorized: Optional

Gear Reduction: 1:7 fine focusing

Mount:

Type of Build: LX600

GoTo Control: Yes

Mounting Type: Azimuthal

Motors: Yes

Internal Clock: Yes

Cable Guide: External

Power Supply: 12V

Power Consumption (mA): 5000

Battery Compartment: Yes

General:

Series: LX600

Area of Application:

Astrophotography: Yes

Moon & Planets: Yes

Nature Observation: No

Nebulae & Galaxies: Yes

Sun: Not recommended (Only with appropriate Sun filter)

Recommended For:

Beginners: No

Advanced: Yes

Observatories: Yes

Miscellaneous:

Battery Type: Baby (C, LR14)