Meade LX80 instruction manual Azimuth Lock Knobs, DEC Setting Circle DEC Reference Point

Page 14

LX80 Key Features

2)

2!

2@

2#

2$

2%

2^

2&

2*

2(

3)

3!

3@

D.Handbox (HBX) Port

E.Aux 1

F.Aux 2

Counterweight Safety Cap: Prevents the counterweight from accidentally slipping off the end of the counterweight shaft.

Counterweight Shaft: Slide the counterweight onto this shaft (below). The shaft is composed of 3 segments which can be added or removed as needed.

Counterweight: Counterbalances the weight of the optical tube, and adds stability to the mount.

Azimuth Lock Knobs:

Alt-Az Mode: Keep in the “Lock” Position.

Equatorial Mode: Unlock while making adjustments. Once aligned on the celestial pole, move the knob to the “Lock” position to prevent unwanted movement.

Azimuth Adjustment Drive: Once the azimuth lock knob is loosened, make adjustments to the mounts azimuth position aligning it to the celestial pole. When properly adjusted, lock the azimuth adjustment lock knob to prevent unwanted Azimuth movement in the LX80.

Latitude Adjustment Drive: Used to set the LX80 to the correct Latitude for your observing site.

Latitude Lock: Before using the latitude adjustment, loosen the latitude lock. Once the latitude is adjusted, be sure to lock this to prevent unwanted movement of the LX80.

Latitude Pivot Point: Keep in the lock position to stabilize the mount.

Latitude Scale: Set the latitude of the observing site on this scale using the latitude adjustment drive.

RA Clutch: Rotate this lever to engage the RA drive.

DEC Clutch: Tighten to engage the DEC drive.

LX80 Multi-Function Hex Head Tool: adjust the latitude lock, latitude drive, azimuth drive and latitude pivot points. See page 12 for details.

Bubble Level: Level the mount with this tool.

3#

3$

3%

3^

3&

3*

3(

4)

4!

4@

4#

4$

4%

4^

4&

4*

4(

LX80 Carry Handles: Use these carry handles to help move the LX80 mount from one location to another.

DEC Setting Circle.

DEC Reference Point.

True North Indicator: Point this arrow towards true North.

AZ and EQ Home Position: Line the AZ or EQ marks to set the telescope in altazimuth (AZ) or equatorial (EQ) home positions

AZ Home position reference point.

EQ Home position reference point (Not Visible).

Battery Compartment Cover:

Battery Compartment Lock Knob.

Spreader Bar: Holds the tripod legs securely in place and also acts as a holder for extra eyepieces.

Tripod Mounting Base: Set the telescope mount into the tripod mounting base and secure into place using the the tripod lock knobs. See How to Assemble Your Telescope, Page 15 for more information.

Variable Height Tripod Legs (3): Supports the telescope mount. The mount attaches to the top of the tripod.

Spreader Bar Tension Knob: Tighten to secure the spreader bar against the tripod legs.

Tripod Leg Lock Knobs (two on each leg): Loosen these knobs to slide the inner leg extension. Tighten the knobs to a firm feel to lock in the height of the tripod.

Tripod Leveler: Twist to fine tune each tripod’s leg height up or down.

Tripod Lock Knobs:: Securely hold s the mount to the tripod

Counterweight Lock Knob: Secure the counterweight’s position on the shaft.

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Contents LX80 Multi-Mount Telescope System With Astronomer Inside Page Battery Safety Instructions Contents LX80 Telescope IntroductionIntroduction People at MeadeRobust Aluminum Construction Telescope FeaturesLX80 Multi-Mount Gears and DrivesIndustry Standard Dovetail Adapter AudioStar Counterweight ShaftControl Panel LX80 Key Features LX80 Key Features Rear ViewLX80 Key Features C. D. E. F LX80 Tripod Adjustments for German EQ Mode Latitude Adjustment Latitude Lock KnobTelescope Control Panel LX80 Series Your Personal Window to the UniverseVixen-style Dovetail Receiver Place OTA dovetail here DEC Setting Circle DEC Reference Point Azimuth Lock KnobsSpread the tripod legs How to Assemble Your TelescopeGetting Started Attach spreader bar and thread on tension knobTighten three 3 knobs at underside Thread-on counterweight shaftAttach mount to tripod base. Place the mount Tighten DEC lock Insert eyepiece into diagonal Plug AudioStar into HBX connectorSecure diagonal into holder While maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lock Balancing the TelescopeRA Right Ascension Balance Balancing the OTATilting the mount head Aligning the ViewfinderLoosen RA lock right and left sides Choosing an Eyepiece Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyActivate the Arrow Keys Using AudioStar’s GoTo CapabilitiesMoving Through AudioStar’s Menus Slew SpeedsNavigating AudioStar Playing AudioEntering Data into AudioStar Observe the MoonAligning the LX80 LX80 Multi-Mount SystemInitializing AudioStar Finding True North Alt-Azimuth ModeSetting the Alt-Azimuth Home Position Alt-Azimuth home positionEasy Two-Star Align Perform the Easy Align ProcedureFinding Magnetic North Using the Guided Tour Go To SaturnEquatorial Mode Equatorial ModeSetting the Polar Home Position Tilt the mount head using hex head toolEasy Align How to perform the Easy AlignLocating the Celestial Pole Equatorial home positionGo To Saturn Secondary mount plate Dual OTA ModeDual OTA Alt-Az LX80 Tips Scroll Keys AudioStar HandboxTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button AudioStar Handbox Slew Speeds Terrestrial Observing Observation Using AudioStar’s Arrow KeysPlaying the Audio To Calculate Sunset time AudioStar OperationAudioStar Navigation Exercise Object Menu AudioStar #497 Menu Tree AudioStar #497 Menu TreeUtilities Menu Event MenuGlossary Menu Winter and Summer Solstice calculates the timeSetup Menu Selected telescope AudioStar Operation To Edit a Site Adding Observing SitesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list Observing Satellites Using AudioStar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseTo GoTo a user-entered object Landmarks To Add a landmark to the databaseTo perform a Landmark Survey IdentifyTo Select a landmark from the database To check on the available amount of memory in AudioStarTraining the Drive Displayed information ExampleTwo-Star alt/az Alignment Advanced alt/az AlignmentBrowse One-Star alt/az AlignmentPhotography with a Digital Camera Photography with the LX80Few tips on photography with the LX80 Some tips for better digital photosPhotography with the LX80 Photography with Meade’s AudioStar SuiteOptional Accessories Optional Accessories Storage and Transport MaintenanceMaintenance Inspecting the OpticsObject appears in the viewfinder but not in the eyepiece TroubleshootingUnable to see an image through the eyepiece Customer Service Customer ServiceDrive Appendix aAppendix B Objects in SpaceDeep-Sky Objects Appendix C Specifications CationsPolar Alignment AlignmentAppendix D Celestial CoordinatesEasy Polar Alignment Precise Polar AlignmentAudioStar Polar Alignment One-Star Polar AlignmentAppendix D Equatorial Polar Alignment PEC Erase Menu Option PEC Update Menu OptionPEC Train Menu Option PEC On and Off Menu OptionsAppendix E Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World EuropeAmerica Appendix G Recycling Information Recycling InformationPage Page Page Limited Warranty Meade Limited Warranty

LX80 specifications

The Meade LX80 is a versatile and innovative telescope designed to cater to both novice astronomers and experienced stargazers. Its combination of performance, ease of use, and advanced features makes it a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking to explore the cosmos.

One of the standout characteristics of the LX80 is its extensive GoTo mount system, which allows users to automatically locate and track celestial objects with remarkable precision. This feature is powered by a database containing over 30,000 astronomical objects, providing a broad range of targets for exploration. The telescope's integrated GPS ensures swift alignment with the night sky, simplifying setup and enhancing the observing experience.

The LX80 employs advanced technology with its heavy-duty dual-axis equatorial mount, providing stability and sturdiness. This design is particularly beneficial for astrophotography, as it minimizes vibrations and allows for longer exposure times without blurring. Additionally, the mount is compatible with various optical tubes, enabling users to customize their setup according to their specific interests, whether it’s planetary observation or deep-sky photography.

Another impressive feature of the Meade LX80 is its SmartDrive technology, which continually corrects any tracking errors, ensuring smooth and accurate movement across the night sky. This is especially helpful for capturing high-quality images of celestial bodies. The telescope can also be controlled via a smartphone or tablet using the optional Meade app, which further adds to its user-friendly design.

The LX80's optical performance is equally commendable. Many models come with a high-quality optical tube, offering superb light-gathering capabilities. The telescope's aperture, typically ranging from 6 to 10 inches, makes it well-suited for observing faint deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae, as well as brighter targets such as planets.

In terms of portability, the LX80 is designed to be compact, making it easier to transport to dark-sky locations. The telescope can be quickly set up and dismantled, accommodating astronomers who wish to observe in various settings.

Overall, the Meade LX80 stands out as a dynamic and feature-rich telescope. With its powerful GoTo capabilities, advanced tracking technology, and customizable optics, it offers a well-rounded observational experience. Whether you're peering through the eyepiece for the first time or capturing stunning images of the universe, the LX80 is equipped to meet your astronomical needs.
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