Meade LX80 Alt-Azimuth Mode, Setting the Alt-Azimuth Home Position, Finding True North

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city and state.

Note: The location settings (country/state/province and city, or ZIP code) are only asked for the first time you turn on the control panel. If you wish to change this setting later on, use the Site menu. See SITE, Page 42 for more information.

a.If you chose the ZIP code option, the left most “0” is highlighted. Use the Number keys to enter the digits. As you enter a digit, the next digit to the right will be highlighted. Enter the next digit. Repeat this process until all 5 digits of your ZIP code are entered. Press ENTER.

b.If you chose the location option, the next screen asks for the country or state/province (listed alphabetically) of the observing site.

i.Use the Scroll keys to scroll through the list of countries, states, and provinces. Press ENTER when the correct location displays.

ii.The next screen asks for the city (listed alphabetically) closest to the observing site. Use the Scroll keys to scroll through the list of cities. Press ENTER when the correct city appears on screen.

7.The next screen requests the status of Daylight Savings Time. If Daylight Savings Time is active, press the “1” key. If Daylight Savings Time is not active, press the “2” key.

Note: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by a different name in various areas of the world.

8.AudioStar then asks for the Telescope Model. Using the scroll keys (Page 33, Fig 39, 7) on the AudioStar locate the model of your telescope and press enter. It is important to select the correct mount configuration in which you will be using the LX80.

Note: If the LX80 will be used in Alt-Az mode, select LX80 Alt-Az. If German Equatorial mode is being used, select LX80 Polar.

9.System initialization is now complete and AudioStar enters into the Easy Alignment routine. See “Easy (Two-Star) Alignment” for performing an alignment on the night sky. If you do not wish to begin an alignment on the night sky, press the MODE key to exit to the main AudioStar menu.

Alt-Azimuth Mode

Once the LX80 is fully assembled and AudioStar initialized, you will need to set the telescope into the home position, and perform an alignment on the night sky in order for the LX80 to successfully locate and track celestial objects. Performing the “Easy Alignment” routine is the ideal way to get started.

Setting the Alt-Azimuth Home Position

Fig 32: The Alt-Azimuth home position

1.It is best to start with the mount pointing North as this will simplify the setup. On the front of the mount, line up the North arrow so it points toward either True North or Magnetic North (Page 11, Fig 5, 36). If in the Southern Hemisphere, point the front of the mount True South or Magnetic South.

Note: To locate True North or Magnetic North, see “Finding True North” or “Finding Magnetic North” below.

2.Level the mount, if necessary, by adjusting the length of the three tripod legs or adjusting the fine leg levelers located at the top of each tripod leg.

3.Unlock the RA Lock (Page 8, fig 1, 29). Rotate the Optical Tube Assembly until the “AZ” arrow lines up with the “AZ/EQ” arrow on the base, as shown in Page 28, Fig 34.

Finding True North

Method #1: Finding True North using the North

Star (Polaris): To find True North, insert the bubble level/compass into the accessory adapter and point the telescope tube towards Magnetic North. See the “Locating Polaris” diagram below, which directs you to the North Star (Polaris). Looking towards Magnetic North locate the Big Dipper; follow the two stars in the bowl of the Big Dipper to the North Star. With the tube

The LX80 Multi-Mount System

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Contents LX80 Multi-Mount Telescope System With Astronomer Inside Page Battery Safety Instructions Contents Introduction IntroductionLX80 Telescope People at MeadeLX80 Multi-Mount Telescope FeaturesRobust Aluminum Construction Gears and DrivesControl Panel AudioStar Counterweight ShaftIndustry Standard Dovetail Adapter LX80 Key Features Rear View LX80 Key FeaturesLX80 Key Features C. D. E. F LX80 Tripod Latitude Adjustment Latitude Lock Knob Adjustments for German EQ ModeVixen-style Dovetail Receiver Place OTA dovetail here LX80 Series Your Personal Window to the UniverseTelescope Control Panel Azimuth Lock Knobs DEC Setting Circle DEC Reference PointGetting Started How to Assemble Your TelescopeSpread 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 RA Right Ascension Balance Balancing the TelescopeWhile maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lock Balancing the OTALoosen RA lock right and left sides Aligning the ViewfinderTilting the mount head Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually Choosing an EyepieceMoving Through AudioStar’s Menus Using AudioStar’s GoTo CapabilitiesActivate the Arrow Keys Slew SpeedsEntering Data into AudioStar Playing AudioNavigating AudioStar Observe the MoonInitializing AudioStar LX80 Multi-Mount SystemAligning the LX80 Setting the Alt-Azimuth Home Position Alt-Azimuth ModeFinding True North Alt-Azimuth home positionFinding Magnetic North Perform the Easy Align ProcedureEasy Two-Star Align Go To Saturn Using the Guided TourSetting the Polar Home Position Equatorial ModeEquatorial Mode Tilt the mount head using hex head toolLocating the Celestial Pole How to perform the Easy AlignEasy 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 TreeGlossary Menu Event 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 To Add a landmark to the database LandmarksTo Select a landmark from the database IdentifyTo perform a Landmark Survey To check on the available amount of memory in AudioStarDisplayed information Example Training the DriveBrowse Advanced alt/az AlignmentTwo-Star alt/az Alignment One-Star alt/az AlignmentFew tips on photography with the LX80 Photography with the LX80Photography with a Digital Camera Some tips for better digital photosPhotography with Meade’s AudioStar Suite Photography with the LX80Optional 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 ServiceAppendix a DriveObjects in Space Appendix BDeep-Sky Objects Cations Appendix C SpecificationsAppendix D AlignmentPolar Alignment Celestial CoordinatesAudioStar Polar Alignment Precise Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment One-Star Polar AlignmentAppendix D Equatorial Polar Alignment PEC Train Menu Option PEC Update Menu OptionPEC Erase Menu Option PEC On and Off Menu OptionsLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World Latitude ChartAppendix E EuropeAmerica Appendix G Recycling Information Recycling InformationPage Page Page Meade Limited Warranty 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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