Meade LX80 instruction manual Object Menu

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AudioStar Operation

Object Menu

Almost all observing with LX80 is performed using the Object menu category. (NOTE: Exceptions include Guided Tour and Landmarks).

Many AudioStar menu categories contain databases. An AudioStar database is a list of objects, such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae and so forth. When one of these objects is selected from a database by pressing “ENTER” and then “GoTo”, LX80 moves your telescope (when properly aligned) and points it at the selected object.

The Object Menu options include:

Solar System is a database of the eight planets (Earth is not included) in ascending orbits from the Sun, followed by the Moon, asteroids, and comets.

Constellation is a database of all 88 Northern and Southern Hemisphere constellations. When this menu option is chosen and a constellation name appears on the first line of the screen, press GoTo once to change the second line to the name of the brightest star in the constellation.

Press GoTo a second time to slew the telescope to that star. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the list of stars in the constellation, from brightest to dimmest.

Deep Sky is a database of objects outside our Solar System such as nebulae, star clusters, galaxies and quasars grouped in various catalogs like Messier, Caldwell and NGC.

Star is a database of stars listed in different categories such as named, double, variable or nearby.

Important Note: When you are looking at descriptive object text, pressing and holding for two seconds “ENTER” will synchronize the telescope’s coordinates with the object. This is most useful when synching on bright stars to achieve better pointing in the vicinity of the star.

User Objects allows the user to define and store in memory deep-sky objects of specific interest that are not currently in the LX80 database. See Page 45 for more information (for complete instructions on how to use the authoring tools please refer to the reference manual included on the software DVD).

Satellite is a database of Earth-orbiting objects such as the International Space Station (ISS), the Hubble

Space Telescope (HST), Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites and geosynchronous orbit satellites. In order to find and track satellites, you must download recent orbital data into the telescope.

Landmarks stores the location of terrestrial points of interest that you create in the permanent AudioStar database.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To use the Landmark function, the telescope must be located and aligned exactly as when the landmark was added to the database.

•Select – To select a Landmark already in the database (see ADD below), choose the “Select” option and scroll through the list. Press “ENTER” to select a Landmark, then press “GoTo” and the telescope slews to the object.

•Add – To add a Landmark, choose the “Add” option. Enter a name for the Landmark. Locate and center the Landmark in the eyepiece, then press “ENTER”.

Identify is an exciting feature for an observer who wants to scan the night sky and start exploring. After the telescope has been properly aligned, use the AudioStar Arrow keys to move about in the sky. Then follow this procedure:

Important Note: Only use the arrow keys to move the telescope during the Identify procedure. Do not move the telescope manually or the alignment will be lost.

1.When a desired object is visible in the eyepiece, keep pressing MODE until the “Select Item: Object” menu is displayed. Press ENTER to select this menu.

2.Scroll through the Object menu options until the “Object: Identify” screen appears.

3.Press ENTER. AudioStar searches the database for the identity of the object being observed.

4.If the telescope is not directly on an AudioStar database object, the nearest database object is located and displayed on the screen. Press GoTo and the telescope slews to that object.

Browse allows you to search the database for objects with certain parameters, much like a search engine. “Edit Parameters” lets you set various parameters for the search, such as Object Type, Minimum Elevation,

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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 DrivesIndustry Standard Dovetail Adapter AudioStar Counterweight ShaftControl Panel 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 KnobTelescope Control Panel LX80 Series Your Personal Window to the UniverseVixen-style Dovetail Receiver Place OTA dovetail here 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 knobTighten three 3 knobs at underside Thread-on counterweight shaftAttach mount to tripod base. Place the mount Tighten DEC lock Insert eyepiece into diagonal Plug AudioStar into HBX connectorSecure diagonal into holder While maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lock Balancing the TelescopeRA Right Ascension Balance Balancing the OTATilting the mount head Aligning the ViewfinderLoosen RA lock right and left sides 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 MoonAligning the LX80 LX80 Multi-Mount SystemInitializing AudioStar Finding True North Alt-Azimuth ModeSetting the Alt-Azimuth Home Position Alt-Azimuth home positionEasy Two-Star Align Perform the Easy Align ProcedureFinding Magnetic North 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 Secondary mount plate Dual OTA ModeDual OTA Alt-Az LX80 Tips Scroll Keys AudioStar HandboxTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button AudioStar Handbox Slew Speeds Terrestrial Observing Observation Using AudioStar’s Arrow KeysPlaying the Audio To Calculate Sunset time AudioStar OperationAudioStar Navigation Exercise 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 To Edit a Site Adding Observing SitesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list Observing Satellites Using AudioStar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseTo GoTo a user-entered object 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 OpticsObject appears in the viewfinder but not in the eyepiece TroubleshootingUnable to see an image through 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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