Meade LX600 12" ACF without tripod
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Advanced Coma Free - UHTC Optical Coatings - LightSwitch type Alignment
To order this item outside mainland Britain or Highlands & Islands, please contact us.
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- 12" Advanced Coma Free (ACF) optics
- Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC)
- Heavy-duty fork type mount
- 26mm Series 4000 Super Plossl
- Meade Autostar II Goto Handset
- Complete StarLock autoguide system
- LightSwitch technology for auto-alignment
- Optional 5A 12VDC Power Supply Unit
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Meade LX600 12" ACF without tripod
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Outline
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Meade Instruments is proud to announce the latest addition to our line of industry leading developments,
the LX600, ready to take your visual and optical astronomy to the next level. The fast f/8 Advanced Coma
Free optical system produces a wider, flatter field with no coma for pinpoint stars out to the edge of
larger imaging sensors and extreme wide angle eyepieces. Includes StarLock for full time guiding at one
arc second precision and LightSwitch style auto-alignment, Crayford style zero shift focuser with reduction,
AutoStar II GOTO system with over 145,000 object library, and much more.
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Advanced Optics
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The Meade Advanced Coma Free (ACF) optical design offers the coma-free pinpoint star images and flatter
image fields greatly desired by discerning amateur astronomers, astrophotographers and professional
observatories alike. This patented system also reduces the astigmatism and eliminates diffraction spikes
found in classical RCs.
This 12" LX600 has 12" diameter f/8 ACF optics (focal length 2438mm) and Ultra-High Transmission Coatings
(UHTC) for maximum image brightness and contrast. The redesigned mirror mounting system achieves zero
image shift eliminating the need for a mirror lock and includes an internal Crayford style focuser with
two speed, 7:1 reduction control that allows for quick and easy adjustments.
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High Precision Tracking
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The no-compromise LX600 dual fork mount features 5.75" main gear and pointing accuracy of one arcminute
or better in High Precision Mode. This rock solid platform is sure to exceed the need for the most
demanding applications.
Includes StarLock- the revolutionary new technology that makes target acquisition on your imaging sensor
and accurate guiding during exposures completely automatic. With Meade's exclusive LightSwitch technology
at its core, StarLock uses an 80mm f/5 optic and two camera sensor system to provide computer assisted
alignment. Once aligned the StarLock automatically guide corrects the mount in real time, achieving a
tracking accuracy of up to 1 arcsecond in good seeing and with the capability of guiding on stars as
faint as 11th magnitude.
The LX600 features DC-servo motors on each axis with a maximum slew speed of 8 degrees per second,
allowing slewing 180 degrees to the opposite side of the sky in under 30 seconds. Fine slewing and
photographic guiding speeds can be adjusted from .01x to 1x sidereal, in .01x sidereal increments.
Preset slew speeds include 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x; 1 and 2 degrees per second, adjustable in .1
degrees/sec. The mount and all electronics are internally powered from 8 (user-supplied) C-cell
batteries. An external 12V DC battery or power pack may also be used. Meade 607 Power Cord and
Meade Universal Power Supply sold separately. The mount includes both mechanical locks and
slow motion manual controls in both axis.
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The Meade LX600 series.
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Features and Accessories
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The 12" LX600 Advanced Coma-Free comes fully equipped with AutoStar II keypad with 145,000 object
library, Meade 1.25" diagonal, 26mm Super Plossl eyepiece and 8x50 viewfinder with quick release
bracket. Power panel includes the following ports: 12V input, 12V output, illuminated reticle,
handbox, RS-232 x1, StarLock, Aux, and Focuser. Meade Microfocuser compatible, Microfocuser
item 07080 sold separately.
Note: Shown mounted on optional X-Wedge, sold separately. X-Wedge not included.
Product carries full one year Meade factory limited warranty.
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Telescope Specification |
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LX600 10" ACF without tripod |
LX600 12" ACF without tripod |
LX600 14" ACF without tripod |
LX600 16" ACF without tripod |
Clear Aperture |
10 inches (254mm) |
12 inches (305mm) |
14 inches (356mm) |
16 inches (406mm) |
Optical Design |
Advanced Coma Free (ACF) |
Advanced Coma Free (ACF) |
Advanced Coma Free (ACF) |
Advanced Coma Free (ACF) |
Focal Length |
2032mm |
2438mm |
2845mm |
3251mm |
Focal Ratio |
f/8 |
f/8 |
f/8 |
f/8 |
Telescope Mounting |
Heavy-duty fork type; double-tine |
Heavy-duty fork type; double-tine |
Heavy-duty fork type; double-tine |
Heavy-duty fork type; double-tine |
Optical Coatings |
Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) |
Resolving Power (Dawes Limit) |
0.456 arcseconds |
0.380 arcseconds |
0.326 arcseconds |
0.285 arcseconds |
Secondary Obstraction |
20.95% |
16.86% |
13.28% |
TBC |
AutoStar Controller |
Autostar II |
Autostar II |
Autostar II |
Autostar II |
Object Database |
145,000 objects |
145,000 objects |
145,000 objects |
145,000 objects |
Viewfinder |
8x50mm with cross hair reticle |
8x50mm with cross hair reticle |
Eyepiece |
26mm Series 4000 Super Plossl |
26mm Series 4000 Super Plossl |
Diagonal |
1.25" diagonal prism |
Series 5000 2" enhanced diagonal |
Optional Focal Reducer / Field Flattener |
2" diam., 3 element, fully multi-coated, f/5 (designed specifically for f/8 ACF) |
Optimal back focus distance at f/8 |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC |
Optimal back focus distance at f/5 |
3.5 inches |
3.5 inches |
3.5 inches |
TBC |
Focus System |
Internal Crayford style zero image-shift primary mirror focus with dual speed 7:1 control |
Slow Motion Controls |
Mechanical & Electronic |
Mechanical & Electronic |
Mechanical & Electronic |
Mechanical & Electronic |
Slew Speeds |
RA and Dec: 0.01x to 1.0x sidereal, variable in 0.01x incremens; 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x sidereal; 1°/sec.,
variable in 0.1° increments
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Tracking Rates |
Sidereal, lunar, or custom-selected from 2000 incremental rates |
Control Panel |
12v DC in, 12v DC out, Power, Focuser, Reticle, Handbox port, 1 computer connection port (RS232), 1 StarLock port, 1 Aux guide port
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Focuser Mechanism |
Internal Crayford-style, zero image-shift, dual speed 7:1 focuser |
Tripod |
not included |
not included |
not included |
not included |
Batteries (user supplied) |
8 x C cells |
8 x C cells |
8 x C cells |
n/a |
Battery Life (Typical) |
20 hours |
20 hours |
20 hours |
n/a |
Power |
12V DC, 5 Amp power supply (optional) |
GPS Receiver |
included |
included |
included |
included |
True Level & North Sensors (NT) |
included |
included |
included |
included |
Time Chip |
included |
included |
included |
included |
Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser |
optional |
optional |
optional |
optional |
Smart Mount |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Smart Drive |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Oversized Primary Mirror |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
AutoStar Suite Planetarium Software |
included |
included |
included |
included |
Wedge (optional) |
X-Wedge (optional) |
X-Wedge (optional) |
X-Wedge (optional) |
X-Wedge (optional) |
StarLock |
Wide Field Camera |
25mm x 26mm f/1.04 optic with 1/2 inch format CMOS sensor gives field of 14.72 x 11.78 degrees |
Narrow Field Camera |
80mm x 400mm f/5 optic with 1/2 inch format CMOS sensor gives field of 57.2 x 45.8 arcminutes (2.68 arcseconds/pixel) |
High Precision Pointing |
+/- 1 arcminute |
High Precision Guiding |
Down to 1 arcsecond - depending on sky conditions |
High Precision Alignment |
Semi-automatic drift align procedure for ultra-precise polar alignment |
Starlock Weight |
6 lbs. (2.72 kg) |
6 lbs. (2.72 kg) |
6 lbs. (2.72 kg) |
6 lbs. (2.72 kg) |
Materials |
Primary Mirror |
Low expansion borrosilicate glass |
Secondary Mirrors |
Individually figured with primary mirror for maximum correction. Low expansion borosilicate glass |
Correction Plate/Lens |
Aspheric high-spectral transmission Borofloat glass from Schott AG Germany |
Optical Tube |
Aluminium |
Aluminium |
Aluminium |
Aluminium |
Weights and Dimensions |
Shipping Weight |
56 kg |
70 kg |
78 kg |
228 kg |
Shipping Dimensions |
113cm x 73cm x 57cm |
134cm x 60cm x 82cm |
134cm x 60cm x 82cm |
tbc |
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Notice
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We are constantly checking the accuracy of the technical data. We are prepared
to provide more detailed information on request. Technical data is subject to
change without notice.
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Promotional Offer
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Cash Back on Opticstar
Imaging Products
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updated: 1st August 2017
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Customers who purchase any Meade telescopes or Meade optical tubes
or Meade mounts
listed on this page qualify for a 10% cash back on any Opticstar astronomy
cameras purchased at the same time or at a later date.
This offer is valid for 1 year commencing on the date that the Meade
product is purchased from the Opticstar website or the Opticstar showroom.
Any additional purchases at a later date of Meade products that qualify for
this offer will renew the cash back period to 1 full year.
Opticstar astronomy cameras that qualify for this offer include the following:
Once an Opticstar CCD or CMOS camera has been purchased within a year of
the qualifying Meade purchase, the cash back can be claimed by contacting
Opticstar by email or over the phone quoting the receipt number(s). Please
allow up to 14 days to process the payment.
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Sample Images
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Opticstar DS-145M ICE
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posted: 13th March 2009
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The M20 nebula shot by John Haunton with the Opticstar DS-145M ICE.
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Feedback
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We want to hear your comments.
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contact |
Sample Images
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Opticstar DS-335C ICE
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updated: 20th August 2010
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The M8 nebula shot by John Haunton with the Opticstar DS-335C ICE.
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Astrophotography
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Opticstar Imaging
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posted: 26th February 2013
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High quality refractor telescopes, bundled with CCD cameras for deepd sky imaging,
planetary video imaging and auto-guiding.
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more |
A&M 80mm f/6 Review
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"Best Of Breed"
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updated: 25th March 2009
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The A&M 80mm f/6 A&M/TMB has been
reviewed in Cloudy Nights
and it has been hailed as the "best of breed". The review concludes by saying "offers
stunning performance while standing out from the crowd, look no further".
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Willmann Bell
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Books for Astronomy
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updated: 20th September 2019
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Acclaimed books from Willmann Bell...
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more |
Opticstar News
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New DS-616C XL+ Model
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posted: 24th August 2017
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Star product, improved.
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The new Opticstar DS-616C XL+ deep-sky CCD is the successor to the
popular DS-616C XL that earned the annual star product award back in 2013. It maintains all the
features of the original model as well as other improvements.
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DS-616C XL is Astronomy Magazine's Star Product
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posted: 12th September 2013
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Star product.
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The Opticstar DS-616C XL deep-sky CCD camera has earned the annual star product award from
Astronomy, the world's best-selling astronomy magazine. Read about it in the September 2013 issue.
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