Meade LX80 Attach mount to tripod base. Place the mount, Tighten three 3 knobs at underside

Page 16

Getting Started

4. Attach mount to tripod base. Place the mount

safety cap which needs to be removed to install the

onto the tripod head using the built-in handles on

counterweights.

the mount (see Fig. 15). Note the “arrow” and

 

“N” graphic printed on the front side of the mount.

 

 

 

Fig 15: Place mount base on tripod. Point the “N” on the front of the mount to True North.

Place this over the leg that is pointing toward “true” North (south if you are using the telescope in the Southern Hemisphere). There are “keyed” detents in the base, rotate the mount so that the mount seats firmly into the “keys“ on the tripod base.

Fig 16: Tighten three (3) knobs at underside

Firmly tighten the three (3) threaded lock knobs at the bottom of the tripod mounting base.

5.Attach the segmented counterweight shaft to the mount. (See Fig. 17). There are three (3) threaded shafts pre-assembled at the factory, one

(1)master and two (2) extensions. The master is attached first, and is the shaft with threaded receivers on both ends. The extensions have a threaded male and female on each end (see Fig. 18). At the end of the extension shaft is a knurled

Fig 17: Thread-on counterweight shaft

Attach the counterweight(s) to the counterweight shaft.

Look through the hole in the counterweight and note the pin blocking the hole. Tilt the counterweight slightly and the pin moves out of position, clearing the hole. If the pin does not move, unscrew the counterweight lock knob to allow the pin to move out of the center hole.

A single 11 pound counterweight is standard. Some OTAs, due to their weight, include additional counterweights; if so equipped, you may need to use all three (3) counterweight shaft extensions to achieve proper balance.

Fig 18: Thread on additional counterweight shaft(s), counterweight (2) as needed. Affix safety cap.

Unscrew the safety cap from the counterweight shaft. Holding the counterweight (see Fig. 18) so the lock knob points toward the ground, install the counterweight(s) to approximately the

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Contents LX80 Multi-Mount Telescope System With Astronomer Inside Page Battery Safety Instructions Contents Introduction IntroductionLX80 Telescope People at MeadeTelescope Features LX80 Multi-MountRobust Aluminum Construction Gears and DrivesControl Panel AudioStar Counterweight ShaftIndustry Standard Dovetail Adapter 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 KnobVixen-style Dovetail Receiver Place OTA dovetail here LX80 Series Your Personal Window to the UniverseTelescope Control Panel DEC Setting Circle DEC Reference Point Azimuth Lock KnobsHow to Assemble Your Telescope Getting StartedSpread the tripod legs Attach spreader bar and thread on tension knobAttach mount to tripod base. Place the mount Thread-on counterweight shaftTighten three 3 knobs at underside Tighten DEC lock Secure diagonal into holder Plug AudioStar into HBX connectorInsert eyepiece into diagonal Balancing the Telescope RA Right Ascension BalanceWhile maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lock Balancing the OTALoosen RA lock right and left sides Aligning the ViewfinderTilting the mount head Choosing an Eyepiece Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyUsing AudioStar’s GoTo Capabilities Moving Through AudioStar’s MenusActivate the Arrow Keys Slew SpeedsPlaying Audio Entering Data into AudioStarNavigating AudioStar Observe the MoonInitializing AudioStar LX80 Multi-Mount SystemAligning the LX80 Alt-Azimuth Mode Setting the Alt-Azimuth Home PositionFinding True North Alt-Azimuth home positionFinding Magnetic North Perform the Easy Align ProcedureEasy Two-Star Align Using the Guided Tour Go To SaturnEquatorial Mode Setting the Polar Home PositionEquatorial Mode Tilt the mount head using hex head toolHow to perform the Easy Align Locating the Celestial PoleEasy Align Equatorial home positionGo To Saturn Dual OTA Alt-Az Dual OTA ModeSecondary mount plate LX80 Tips Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button AudioStar HandboxScroll Keys AudioStar Handbox Slew Speeds Playing the Audio Observation Using AudioStar’s Arrow KeysTerrestrial Observing AudioStar Navigation Exercise AudioStar OperationTo Calculate Sunset time Object Menu AudioStar #497 Menu Tree AudioStar #497 Menu TreeEvent Menu Glossary MenuUtilities Menu Winter and Summer Solstice calculates the timeSetup Menu Selected telescope AudioStar Operation To Add a Site to the user-defined site list Adding Observing SitesTo Edit a Site To GoTo a user-entered object Using AudioStar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseObserving Satellites Landmarks To Add a landmark to the databaseIdentify To Select a landmark from the databaseTo perform a Landmark Survey To check on the available amount of memory in AudioStarTraining the Drive Displayed information ExampleAdvanced alt/az Alignment BrowseTwo-Star alt/az Alignment One-Star alt/az AlignmentPhotography with the LX80 Few tips on photography with the LX80Photography with a Digital Camera Some tips for better digital photosPhotography with the LX80 Photography with Meade’s AudioStar SuiteOptional Accessories Optional Accessories Maintenance MaintenanceStorage and Transport Inspecting the OpticsUnable to see an image through the eyepiece TroubleshootingObject appears in the viewfinder but not in the eyepiece Customer Service Customer ServiceDrive Appendix aAppendix B Objects in SpaceDeep-Sky Objects Appendix C Specifications CationsAlignment Appendix DPolar Alignment Celestial CoordinatesPrecise Polar Alignment AudioStar Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment One-Star Polar AlignmentAppendix D Equatorial Polar Alignment PEC Update Menu Option PEC Train Menu OptionPEC Erase Menu Option PEC On and Off Menu OptionsLatitude Chart Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldAppendix E 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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