The Equatorial Wedge permits use of the 8" LX200 telescope in an astronomical, or "equatorial," mode. The wedge fits onto the field tripod, described below, and accepts the base of the 7" or 8" LX200 fork mount.

The equatorial wedge for the 7" and 8" LX200 telescope is of modern design, with several important features incorporated to simplify and facilitate telescope operation. After using the wedge, you will find that the functional design features included are of very significant value in routine telescope operations. Features included are:

NOTE: The Meade equatorial wedge is designed solely for use in conjunction with the Meade field tripod. The wedge should never be used without the field tripod, e.g. by placing the wedge alone on a table top and then mounting the telescope on the wedge. The 7" or 8" LX200, placed onto the equatorial wedge alone without the field tripod attached to the wedge may become seriously imbalanced, to the point where the telescope may actually tip over.

To assemble the equatorial wedge, follow this procedure (note that all required wedge hardware and manual knobs are shipped within the wedge carton): 1. The wedge consists of two basic parts: the wedge body and the tilt-plate, as shown in Fig. 8. Attach the tilt-plate to the wedge body by threading in the four knobs provided. Two knobs, with washers, should be used on each side of the wedge body so that a total of 4 knobs attach the tilt plate to the wedge body. 2. Place the wedge onto the field tripod with the central threaded rod of the tripod fitting through the center hole in the floor of the wedge. Thread the 2-1/2" diameter manual knob onto the threaded rod of the tripod and firmly tighten the manual knob.