Meade ACF-SC 254/2500 UHTC LX90 GoTo Telescope

The LX90 mount:

Embark on celestial adventures with ease, as the LX90 mount requires no prior knowledge of the night sky. Setting up is a breeze: simply confirm a pre-positioned reference star suggested by the mount, and you're ready to go. Operating on the same principles as large professional observatories, it comes loaded with positioning data for over 30,000 celestial objects in the supplied AutoStar handbox. These include 13,235 DSOs, the complete Messier, Caldwell, IC, and NGC catalogues, 16,888 stars sorted by name and SAO number, 8 planets, the Moon, 26 asteroids, 15 comets, and 50 artificial satellites. Additionally, users can program up to 200 custom targets. Slewing to these objects is swift, precise, silent, and dependable, thanks to the GoTo function, which offers nine different positioning speeds. The AutoStar handbox can be easily updated with the latest software via the Internet, ensuring accuracy and up-to-date information.

Equipped with motorized, 125mm diameter worm-drives on each axis, the LX90 mount ensures precise tracking of celestial objects, ideal for long-exposure astrophotography. Its computer-optimized double fork mount boasts exceptional stability regardless of the OTA's orientation and is remarkably lightweight. The tried-and-tested, vertically adjustable Meade tripod guarantees almost vibration-free setup, contributing significantly to the system's overall performance. The mount can be configured for either altazimuth or equatorial operation. Moreover, the AutoStar software suite allows external computer control, with an autoguider port available as an option. The setup can be powered by 12V batteries, a car battery, or a plug-in power supply.

Featuring Schmidt-Cassegrain optics, this telescope caters to all astronomical needs, whether observing planets, distant nebulae, or galaxies, and whether purely visually or photographically. The compact optics reduce leverage stress on the mount and facilitate easy transportation. Internal focusing, adjustable even with astrophotographic accessories attached, ensures precise focusing.

SC telescopes typically feature a spherical primary mirror, which can cause spherical aberration. However, the addition of a correction plate by optical designer Bernhard Schmidt eliminates this issue, resulting in sharp, aberration-free images. The OTA's closed-off design protects the main mirror from contamination and prevents disruptive air turbulence. The secondary mirror, mounted beneath the correction plate, reflects light back to the main mirror, which then exits through an opening in the back of the OTA, creating a folded light path known as the Cassegrain design. This design minimizes leverage stress from heavy accessories and maintains a consistent eyepiece height, ensuring comfortable and safe viewing even without a ladder.

Included in delivery:

• AutoStar handbox with software
• GoTo function with 30,223 objects
• Built-in battery compartment

Included accessories:

• 1.25'' Eyepieces: 26mm
• Finder Scope: 8x50
• Deviating Optics: 1.25", 90° star diagonal
• Carrying Handle: Yes

Specifications:

Optics:

Type: Reflector

Build Type: ACF-Cassegrain

Aperture (mm): 254

Focal Length (mm): 2500

Aperture Ratio (f/): 9.8

Resolving Capacity: 0.54

Limit Value (mag): 13.8

Light Gathering Capacity: 1320

Tube Material: Aluminum

Tube Construction: Full tube

Coating: UHTC

Focuser:

Type of Build: Internal

Gear Reduction: Without

Mount:

Type of Build: LX90

Mounting Type: Azimuthal

Motors: Stepper motors

GoTo Control: Yes

Power Supply: 12V

Battery Compartment: Yes

Battery Life (h): 60

GPS: Yes

Software: AudioStar

GoTo Language: English

Database: 30,000

PEC Correction: Polar mode only (RA)

Precision: 1.5

Interfaces: Autoguider & AUX

Alignment Method: Easy Align

Tripod:

Type: Tripod

Material: Steel

General:

Series: LX90

Total Weight (kg): 35

Weight of the Heaviest Component (kg): 23

Area of Application:

Astrophotography: Yes

Moon & Planets: Yes

Nature Observation: No

Nebulae & Galaxies: Yes

Sun: No (Only with appropriate Sun filter)

Recommended For:

Beginners: Yes

Advanced: Yes

Observatories: No

Miscellaneous:

Battery Type: Baby (C, LR14)