The LPI (Lunar/Planetary Imager) supplied with this telescope is an electronic eyeball that combines the power of an electronic astronomical imager/autoguider with the simplicity of a web cam. When connected to a laptop or Windows-based PC via the supplied cables, it puts a real time full-color image of the object being observed onto your computer screen. The Lunar/Planetary Imager is designed for high-power imaging of the Moon, planets, and terrestrial targets. It is not suitable for long exposure imaging of faint deep space objects.
All you need to do to take a close-up picture of the Moon or a planet is insert the LPI in your telescope in place of the eyepiece (the LPI has a magnification and field of view approximately equal to that of a 6mm Plössl eyepiece). Center the object you want to image, focus the camera (using the Magic Eye software-assisted focusing supplied in the included Autostar Software Suite program), and shoot. The Lunar Planetary Imager has software-controlled automatic and manual control of exposure times from 0.001 to 15 seconds (up to 450x longer than conventional web cams). The multi-function imaging program in the supplied Autostar Software Suite software automatically takes multiple exposures and selects the best images. It can align multiple images and combine them into a single sharper and improved image. The LPI can also be used as an autoguider for long exposure deep space photography with a 35mm camera or a CCD camera that does not have a built-in guiding chip. (The LPI cannot take images and guide at the same time).
The Autostar Software Suite and Lunar Planetary Imager are standard equipment with all Autostar-equipped versions of the LXD-75, all LX90-LNT, and all LX200GPS-SMT scopes. They are also available separately for use with all previous LX90 and LX200GPS scopes equipped with the Autostar II hand control. The package is not available for non-GPS scopes. The Autostar Software Suite and Lunar Planetary Imager can also be used with any Meade telescope using a #497 Autostar hand controller (such as the ETX-90/105/125 Maksutovs and all LXD-55 scopes with Autostar).