Meade LX80 instruction manual Equatorial Mode, Setting the Polar Home Position

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The LX80 Multi-Mount System

Note: Different objects may be displayed on a tour list on any given night.

Press ENTER to display information about the object. Press GoTo to move the telescope to the object.

5.Press MODE to return to the Tour list. Press the Scroll keys to scroll through the list. Press ENTER when you find the next object you wish to observe.

6.Press and hold down MODE for two seconds to leave the Guided Tour menu.

Equatorial Mode

Once the LX80 is fully assembled and AudioStar

Fig 33: Equatorial Mode

initialized (See Page 24 for Initializing AudioStar), you will need to set the telescope into the polar 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 Polar Home Position

1.Notice that there is an “N” mark printed on the front of the base near the Azimuth lock (Page 11, Fig 5, 36). Lift the whole telescope assembly so that this arrow points to “True” north (or South in the Southern Hemisphere). Locate Polaris, the North Star, if necessary, to use as an accurate reference for due North (or Sigma Octantis in the Southern Hemisphere). See Locating THE CELESTIAL POLE, Page 62.

2.Level the mount, if necessary, by adjusting the length of the three tripod legs. Use the bubble level built-in to the base to assist you (Page 10, Fig 4, 32). The fine leg levelers

Fig 34: Align “EQ” with “AZ/EQ” mark. Set OTA at “0” mark

at the top of each tripod leg will allow you to make small adjustments to the tripod level (Page 11, Fig 6, 47).

2.Loosen the DEC Lock (Page 8, Fig 1, 30) so that the OTA rotates freely. Rotate the OTA to so that “0” degree mark on the DEC axis lines up with the reference arrow that is cast into the mount (Fig. 34). Retighten the DEC lock.

3.Release the RA lock (Page 8, Fig 1, 29) and rotate the telescope so that the “EQ” mark and the “AZ/ EQ” mark are aligned (Fig. 34). Retighten the RA lock.

4.If you have not already done so, determine the

Fig 35: Tilt the mount head using hex head tool

latitude of your observing location. See APPENDIX

E:LATITUDE CHART, Page 65, for a list of latitudes of major cities around the world.

5.Set the latitude: Setting the latitude is easier if it is set before you attach the optical tube to the assembly. Locate the latitude dial (Page 9, Fig 2, 28); note that there is a triangular pointer above the dial located on the mount. The latitude pointer

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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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