Meade LX80 instruction manual Go To Saturn

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The LX80 Multi-Mount System

Successful” displays. If AudioStar does not display this message, perform this procedure again.

Note: AudioStar locates alignment stars based on the date, time and location entered. Using this information and the Polar Home Position as its starting point, the alignment stars should easily be placed within the viewfinder. The alignment stars may change from night to night. All that is required is for the observer to center the selected stars in the eyepiece when prompted.

NOTE: The GoTo key also allows you to perform a “spiral search”. A spiral search is useful when the telescope slews to an object, but that object is not visible in the eyepiece after the telescope finishes its search (This sometimes occurs during an alignment procedure). Press GoTo when the slew is finished and the telescope starts slewing in a spiral pattern at a very slow speed around the search area. Look through the eyepiece and when the object does become visible, press MODE to stop the spiral search. Then use the arrow keys to center the object.

Go To Saturn

After performing the Easy Alignment procedure, the motor drive begins operating and the telescope is aligned for a night of viewing. Objects in the eyepiece should maintain their position even though the Earth is rotating beneath the stars.

Important Note: Once aligned, only use the GoTo or arrow keys to move the telescope. Do not move the telescope manually, or unlock the vertical or horizontal locks, or alignment will be lost.

Once the telescope is aligned, you may choose and “Go To” any object listed in AudioStar’s Object menu. This exercise demonstrates how to select one such celestial object, the planet Saturn, for viewing from the Object menu.

Note: Saturn is not visible the entire year and you may need to choose another object from AudioStar’s database; however, the procedure, as described below, remains the same.

1After the telescope is aligned, “Press 0 for Tour or Mode for Menu” displays. Press MODE.

2.“Select Item: Object” displays. Press ENTER.

3.“Object: Solar System” displays. Press ENTER.

4.“Solar System: Mercury” displays. Keep pressing the Scroll Down key until “Solar System:

Saturn” displays.

5.Press ENTER. “Calculating” displays. Then “Saturn” and a set of coordinates displays. Note that Saturn’s (and other planets’) coordinates change throughout the year.

6.Press GoTo. “Saturn: Slewing...” displays and the telescope slews until it finds Saturn. You may need to use the Arrow keys to center Saturn precisely in the eyepiece. AudioStar then automatically moves the telescope so that it “tracks” Saturn (or whatever other object you may have chosen); i.e., Saturn remains centered in the eyepiece.

For further direction how to use your aligned telescope please go to the AudioStar Operation section (Page 37) for details.

Using the Guided Tour

This example demonstrates using “Tonight’s Best” Guided Tour.

1.After observing Saturn, keep pressing mode until “Select Item: Object” displays again.

2.Press the Scroll Down key twice. “Select Item: Guided Tour” displays.

3.Press ENTER. “Guided Tour: Tonight’s Best” displays. Press ENTER.

Note: If you wish to try out other Guided Tours, press the Scroll Down key to scroll through other tour choices. When the tour you wish to select displays, press ENTER.

4.“Tonight’s Best: Searching...” displays. After

calculating, “Tonight’s Best: Jupiter” displays.

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.

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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 DrivesAudioStar Counterweight Shaft Control PanelIndustry 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 KnobLX80 Series Your Personal Window to the Universe Vixen-style Dovetail Receiver Place OTA dovetail hereTelescope 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 knobThread-on counterweight shaft Attach mount to tripod base. Place the mountTighten three 3 knobs at underside Tighten DEC lock Plug AudioStar into HBX connector Secure diagonal into holderInsert eyepiece into diagonal While maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lock Balancing the TelescopeRA Right Ascension Balance Balancing the OTAAligning the Viewfinder Loosen RA lock right and left sidesTilting 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 MoonLX80 Multi-Mount System Initializing AudioStarAligning the LX80 Finding True North Alt-Azimuth ModeSetting the Alt-Azimuth Home Position Alt-Azimuth home positionPerform the Easy Align Procedure Finding Magnetic NorthEasy 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 Mode Dual OTA Alt-AzSecondary mount plate LX80 Tips AudioStar Handbox Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonScroll Keys AudioStar Handbox Slew Speeds Observation Using AudioStar’s Arrow Keys Playing the AudioTerrestrial Observing AudioStar Operation AudioStar Navigation ExerciseTo 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 Adding Observing Sites To Add a Site to the user-defined site listTo Edit a Site Using AudioStar to Find Objects Not in the Database To GoTo a user-entered objectObserving 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 OpticsTroubleshooting Unable to see an image through the eyepieceObject 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.
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