Meade LX80 AudioStar Handbox, Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button, Scroll Keys

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AudioStar Handbox

2-Line LCD Display

“? Key

ENTER Key

Coil Cord Port

MODE Key

Coil Cord

“GoTo” Key

RS-232 Port

Arrow Keys

Utility Light

Number Keys

Speaker Opening

Scroll Keys

 

AudioStar Handbox

Figure 39: The AudioStar #497 Handbox

Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button

Control of the LX80 is through the operation of the standard-equipment AudioStar. Nearly all functions of the telescope are accomplished with just a few pushes of AudioStar’s buttons. Some of the major features of AudioStar are:

•Automatically move the telescope to any of over 30,000 objects stored in the database or manually enter the astronomical coordinates of any celestial object.

•Take a guided tour of the best celestial objects to view on any given night of the year.

•Learn the secrets and details of the objects you observe while you are viewing them with audio through the built-in speaker. Astronomer Inside will tell you about the planets, stars, constellations, clusters, nebulae, galaxies and more in a fun and interesting way.

•Download the latest satellite data and software

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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 DrivesAudioStar Counterweight Shaft Control PanelIndustry 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 ModeLX80 Series Your Personal Window to the Universe Vixen-style Dovetail Receiver Place OTA dovetail hereTelescope 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 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 RA Right Ascension Balance Balancing the TelescopeWhile maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lock Balancing the OTAAligning the Viewfinder Loosen RA lock right and left sidesTilting 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 MoonLX80 Multi-Mount System Initializing AudioStarAligning the LX80 Setting the Alt-Azimuth Home Position Alt-Azimuth ModeFinding True North Alt-Azimuth home positionPerform the Easy Align Procedure Finding Magnetic NorthEasy 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 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 TreeGlossary Menu Event MenuUtilities 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 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 OpticsTroubleshooting Unable to see an image through the eyepieceObject 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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