Meade LX80 Using AudioStar’s GoTo Capabilities, Moving Through AudioStar’s Menus, Slew Speeds

Page 22

Getting Started

and DEC locks.

•Once centered, an object can be focused by turning one of the knobs of the focusing mechanism (Page 8, Fig 1, 11). Notice that when observing astronomical objects, the field of view begins to slowly drift across the eyepiece field. This motion is caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis. Objects appear to move through the field more rapidly at higher powers. See TRACKING OBJECTS, Page 23, for detailed information on how you can counteract the drift in the field of view.

Using AudioStar’s GoTo Capabilities

Before you can use AudioStar’s GoTo capabilities, you must first:

•Learn how AudioStar’s keys move through the menus

•Initialize AudioStar

•Place the telescope in either the alt-azimuth or Polar home position. If you have not already done so (see Setting the Polar Home Position, Page 28 or Page 25 for the Alt-Azimuth Home position)

•Perform a quick alignment on the night sky using AudioStar’s alignment routine.

Moving Through AudioStar’s Menus

The AudioStar database is organized in levels for quick and easy navigation.

•Press ENTER to go deeper into AudioStar’s menu levels.

•Press MODE to move back toward the top menu level.

•Press the Scroll keys to move up and down through the options available for each level.

•Press the Arrow keys to enter characters, digits and to move the cursor across the display. The Arrow keys are also used to move the telescope in each direction.

•Press the Number keys to enter digits

•Press the Help (?) key (Page 33, Fig 39, 8) to access on-line help.

Activate the Arrow Keys

AudioStar’s arrow keys allow you to slew (move)

the telescope up, down, right, or left. The following procedure describes how to activate AudioStar’s Arrow keys:

1.After the batteries are installed and AudioStar’s cord is plugged into the HBX port of computer control panel (Page 10, Fig 3, D), a copyright message displays on the AudioStar LCD display (Page 33, Fig 39, 1).

2.If you are using the LX80 for the first time, it will prompt you to select the desired language. Select English by pressing the enter key. You can use the hand controller to move the telescope in each direction and change the slew speeds.

Slew Speeds

AudioStar has nine slew speeds that move the optical tube at rates that are directly proportional to the sidereal rate and have been calculated to accomplish specific functions. Press a Number key (Page 33, Fig 39, 6) to change the slew speed, which is shown for about two seconds on AudioStar’s display.

The nine available speeds are:

Number Key 1 =

 

 

Guide (0.25 arc-min/sec

 

 

 

 

or 0.004°/sec)

Number Key 2 =

2x

=

2x sidereal (0.5 arc-min/sec

 

 

 

 

or 0.008°/sec)

Number Key 3 =

8x

=

8x sidereal (2 arc-min/sec or

 

 

 

 

0.033°/sec)

Number Key 4 =

16x =

16x sidereal (4 arc-min/sec

 

 

 

 

or 0.067°/sec)

Number Key 5 =

64x =

64x sidereal (16 arc-min

 

 

 

 

sec or 0.27°/sec)

Number Key 6

=

128x =

30arc-min/sec or 0.5°/sec

Number Key 7

=

1.5° =

90arc-min/sec or 1.5°/sec

Number Key 8

=

3° =

180arc-min/sec or 3°/sec

Number Key 9

=

Max =

270arc-min/sec or 4.5°/sec

Speeds 1, 2 or 3: Best used for fine centering of an object in the field of view of a higher power eyepiece, such as a 12mm or a 9mm eyepiece.

Speeds 4, 5 or 6: Enables centering an object in the field of a low-to-moderate power eyepiece, such as the standard 26mm.

22

Page 21 Page 23
Image 22
Page 21 Page 23
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 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 KnobsSpread the tripod legs How to Assemble Your TelescopeGetting Started 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 While maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lock Balancing the TelescopeRA Right Ascension Balance Balancing the OTALoosen RA lock right and left sides Aligning the ViewfinderTilting the mount head 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 MoonInitializing AudioStar LX80 Multi-Mount SystemAligning the LX80 Finding True North Alt-Azimuth ModeSetting the Alt-Azimuth Home Position Alt-Azimuth home positionFinding Magnetic North Perform the Easy Align ProcedureEasy Two-Star Align 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 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 TreeUtilities Menu Event MenuGlossary 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 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 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 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.
Top Page Image Contents