Meade LX80 Observation Using AudioStar’s Arrow Keys, Playing the Audio, Terrestrial Observing

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AudioStar Handbox

more details.

Utility Light: Use this built-in red light to illuminate star charts and accessories without disturbing your eye’s adaptation to darkness.

Speaker Opening: Built-in speaker plays Astronomer Inside audio content.

Observation Using AudioStar’s Arrow Keys

You may observe land and astronomical objects using AudioStar’s arrow keys to move the telescope.

1.Verify the telescope is fully assembled and that AudioStar is properly connected to your telescope. See Getting Started on Page 15.

2.Flip the telescope power switch to the ON position. The AudioStar screen is activated and a copyright message displays briefly, followed by a short beep. Then AudioStar takes a few moments to start up the system. “Press 0 to align or Mode for Menu” displays (if you select “0”, Alignment will begin).

3.The arrow keys are now activated. Press the arrow keys (Page 33, Fig. 39, 5) to slew (move) the telescope up, down, right, or left.

4.Press a number key (Page 33, Fig. 39, 6) to change the telescope’s slew speed. See Slew Speeds, on Page 35 for more information.

5.Use the viewfinder (Page 8, Fig. 1, 1) to locate an object and practice using the AudioStar’s arrow keys to center the object in the telescope’s field of view.

6.Use the telescope’s focus knob (Page 8, Fig. 1, 11) to bring the object into focus.

Playing the Audio

The LX80 telescope is equipped with Astronomer Inside technology. This revolutionary technology provides object descriptions of night sky objects while you are viewing them. Object descriptions for the Moon, planets, stars, clusters, nebulae and galaxies are presented by Astronomer Inside. Information such as temperature, size, distance and mythology are presented in a fun and entertaining way.

To activate Astronomer Inside technology a night sky object needs to be selected. To select an object, go

to the Object menu. See Page 38 for instructions on navigating the Objects menu.

Note: While the telescope is slewing to an object the volume control feature is disabled.

Once an object is selected on the AudioStar, an audio presentation for that object will begin to play. While the audio is playing, the volume can be adjusted by pressing the 7 (volume down) or 9 (volume up) keys. To skip the current audio file and play the next, press the ? key. If there are no other audio files for that object, the audio will stop playing.

Terrestrial Observing

The LX80 Series optical tubes are excellent high- resolution, terrestrial (land) telescopes. Viewing terrestrial objects requires looking along the Earth’s surface through heat waves. These heat waves often cause degradation of image quality. Lower power eyepieces, like the Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece, magnify these heat waves less than higher power eyepieces. Therefore, lower power eyepieces provide a steadier, higher quality image. If the image is fuzzy or ill-defined, reduce to a lower power eyepiece, where the heat waves do not have such an effect on image quality. Observing in early morning hours, before the ground has built up internal heat, produces better viewing conditions than during late afternoon hours.

If you wish to observe a distant land object, such as a mountain top or a bird, you want to use your telescope in its Terrestrial Observing mode. To start up the telescope in Terrestrial mode:

1.Turn on the telescope.

2.Move your telescope using the direction arrows on the handbox while looking through the red- dot finder to put your target in the eyepiece.

3.Focus on the target with the focus knob (Page 8, Fig. 1, 11).

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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 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 KnobsHow to Assemble Your Telescope Getting StartedSpread 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 Balancing the Telescope RA Right Ascension BalanceWhile maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lock Balancing the OTAAligning the Viewfinder Loosen RA lock right and left sidesTilting 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 MoonLX80 Multi-Mount System Initializing AudioStarAligning the LX80 Alt-Azimuth Mode Setting the Alt-Azimuth Home PositionFinding True North Alt-Azimuth home positionPerform the Easy Align Procedure Finding Magnetic NorthEasy 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 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 TreeEvent Menu Glossary 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 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 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 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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