Meade LX80 instruction manual Setup Menu

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AudioStar beeps. Press ENTER to deactivate the alarm.

Eyepiece Calc calculates information about an eyepiece for the specific telescope to which AudioStar is connected.

•Field of View: Scroll through a list of available eyepieces. When an eyepiece is selected, the field of view is calculated.

•Magnification: Scroll through a list of available eyepieces. When an eyepiece is selected, the magnification is calculated.

•Suggest: AudioStar calculates and suggests the best eyepiece for viewing, based on the telescope and the object being viewed.

Brightness Adj adjusts the brightness of the display using the Scroll keys. When complete, press ENTER.

Contrast Adj adjusts the contrast of the display using the Scroll keys. When complete, press ENTER.

Note: This feature is usually only required in very cold weather.

Landmark Survey automatically slews the telescope to all user-defined landmarks with a short pause at each location. Press ENTER to start the survey. While a slew is in progress, press any key to skip that object and go to the next landmark on the list. To observe a landmark for a longer period, press MODE when paused on the object to stop the survey. Press ENTER to restart the survey at the first object on the list. See Landmarks, Page 46.

Sleep Scope is a power saving option that shuts down AudioStar and the telescope without forgetting its alignment. With “Sleep Scope” selected, press ENTER to activate the Sleep function. AudioStar goes dark, but the internal clock keeps running. Press any key, except ENTER, to re-activate AudioStar and the telescope.

Park Scope is designed for a telescope that is not moved between observing sessions. Align the telescope one time, then use this function to park the telescope. Next time it is powered up, enter the correct date and time – no alignment is required. Pressing ENTER causes the telescope to move to its pre-determined Park position. Once parked, the screen prompts to turn off power.

Important Note: When the “Park Scope” option is chosen and the display prompts you to turn off the

telescope’s power, AudioStar is unable to be returned to operation without turning the power off and then back on.

Language: Select the English language or other pre- loaded language and AudioStar will display text and audio descriptions in the selected language.

Audio clip: Select from Automatic or On Demand. The Automatic setting will automatically play the object audio when a night sky object is selected on the AudioStar. The On Demand feature requires the user to press the ? key once a night sky object is selected. Pressing the ? key will then play the audio presentations for the selected object.

Cord Wrap, when set to “On”, moves the telescope in such a way as to prevent the cords and cables attached to your telescope assembly from getting wound around the assembly and tangled as the telescope slews to objects.

Setup Menu

The Setup menu’s primary function is to align the telescope. However, there are numerous other features available within the Setup menu, including:

Date changes the date used by AudioStar. This function is useful to check events in the past or future. For example, set the Date menu for a day three months in the future. Then check the “Select Item: Event” menu for the sunset time on that date. See EVENT MENU, Page 40.

Time changes the time entered into AudioStar. Setting the correct time is critical for AudioStar to properly calculate locations and events. Time may be set to 24-hour mode (military time) by selecting the “blank” option which follows the “AM” and “PM” options.

Daylight Saving is used to enable or disable Daylight Savings time.

Note: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by different names in various areas of the world. Check local time to verify.

Telescope accesses the several options, including:

•Model: Allows you to select the telescope model connected to AudioStar.

•Focal Length: Displays the focal length of the

AudioStar Operation

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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 DrivesIndustry Standard Dovetail Adapter AudioStar Counterweight ShaftControl Panel 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 ModeTelescope Control Panel LX80 Series Your Personal Window to the UniverseVixen-style Dovetail Receiver Place OTA dovetail here 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 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 RA Right Ascension Balance Balancing the TelescopeWhile maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lock Balancing the OTATilting the mount head Aligning the ViewfinderLoosen RA lock right and left sides 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 MoonAligning the LX80 LX80 Multi-Mount SystemInitializing AudioStar Setting the Alt-Azimuth Home Position Alt-Azimuth ModeFinding True North Alt-Azimuth home positionEasy Two-Star Align Perform the Easy Align ProcedureFinding Magnetic North 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 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 TreeGlossary Menu Event MenuUtilities 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 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 OpticsObject appears in the viewfinder but not in the eyepiece TroubleshootingUnable to see an image through 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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