Meade LX80 Adding Observing Sites, To Add a Site to the user-defined site list, To Edit a Site

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Advanced AudioStar Features

AudioStar Operation

Adding Observing Sites

If you plan to observe using AudioStar at different geographic locations, you can store up to six observation sites in AudioStar’s memory to help simplify your telescope setup. Perform these procedures using the Site options (Add, Select, Delete, Edit) of the Setup menu.

To Add a Site to the user-defined site list:

In this example, you will choose a city and add it to the database list. You will then select the site to enable it.

1.Navigate to the “Setup: Site” menu. Press ENTER,

2.Scroll through the options until “Site: Add” displays. Press ENTER.

3.You are given a choice to enter a ZIP code (press “1”) or select a city from the list (press “2”). If you choose “ZIP”, enter the digits of your ZIP code and press ENTER.

4.If you choose “City”, scroll through the list of countries/states. Press ENTER when the country/state you wish to add displays.

5.Scroll through the list of cities. Press ENTER when the city you wish to select displays. The sites you choose will appear at the top of the Select list (all other available sites will be listed after the sites you have chosen).

6.To choose a site, navigate to “Site: Select”. Press ENTER. Scroll through the list of sites. Both ZIP Codes and cities are displayed. When the desired ZIP code or site displays, press ENTER.

To Edit a Site:

In this procedure, you will enter a location that is not available in the AudioStar database by editing data of a nearby site. You will edit the location’s name, latitude, longitude and the time zone shift. You will then select the site to enable it.

You will need to know the latitude and longitude of your location to perform this procedure. This information is available on most maps.

1.Using the Add option, choose a site on the list that is closest to your observing site and press ENTER so that the site is added to your

observing sites list. Choosing a site already on the list (as opposed to using the “Custom” feature) makes it easier to edit, as the “Time Zone” value may not need to be changed.

2.Scroll to “Site: Edit” and press ENTER. “Edit: Name” displays. Press ENTER.

3.The name of the site you have just entered to your list displays; if it does not, scroll to the site.

4.Using the arrow keys, change the name of the site so that it now reads the name of your observing location. Press Enter. “Edit: Name” displays again.

5.Press the Scroll Down key and “Edit: Latitude” displays. Press ENTER.

6.Using the number keys, enter the latitude of your observing site and then press ENTER. “Edit: Latitude” displays again.

7.Press the Scroll Down key and “Edit: Longitude” displays. Press ENTER.

8.Using the number keys, enter the longitude of your observing site and then press ENTER. “Edit: Longitude” displays again.

9.Press the Scroll Down key and “Edit: Time Zone” displays. Press ENTER. (If the site you chose from the list in step 1 has the same Time Zone as the site you are editing, just press ENTER again to go on to the next step.) “Time Zone” refers to the Greenwich Time Zone shift. Users West of Greenwich, use “-” hours (one hour per time zone) and users East of Greenwich use “+” hours. For the United States, look up the shift in Table 1, at the left.

10.After entering the shift, press ENTER. “Edit Time Zone” displays.

11.Press MODE. “Site: Edit” displays.

12.Using the arrow keys, scroll to “Site: Select”. The site you have just edited displays. Press ENTER to select the site or press MODE to exit.

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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 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 KnobsHow to Assemble Your Telescope Getting StartedSpread 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 Balancing the Telescope RA Right Ascension BalanceWhile maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lock Balancing the OTATilting the mount head Aligning the ViewfinderLoosen RA lock right and left sides 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 MoonAligning the LX80 LX80 Multi-Mount SystemInitializing AudioStar Alt-Azimuth Mode Setting the Alt-Azimuth Home PositionFinding True North Alt-Azimuth home positionEasy Two-Star Align Perform the Easy Align ProcedureFinding Magnetic North 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 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 TreeEvent Menu Glossary 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 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 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 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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