Meade LX80 instruction manual Landmarks, To Add a landmark to the database

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AudioStar Operation

5.Use the Scroll keys to display data about the pass: aos—acquisition of signal and los—loss of signal. If you subtract the aos from the los, you can calculate how long the satellite will be visible. Location information also displays.

6.“Alarm” displays after the location information. Press ENTER and AudioStar automatically sets the alarm to sound a minute before the satellite’s scheduled appearance. You may return to regular observations until the alarm goes off.

7.When the alarm goes off, return to the Satellite menu and press a Scroll key until the desired satellite is on the top line of the display.

8.Press GoTo. AudioStar slews the telescope to where the satellite should appear. The motor drive stops and a countdown is displayed.

Note: If the scheduled appearance position of the satellite is obstructed (i.e., by a building, tree, or hill), press ENTER and AudioStar starts to move the telescope along the expected satellite track. When the track clears the obstruction, press ENTER again to pause the telescope, then continue with this procedure.

9.With about 20 seconds left on the countdown timer, start watching through the telescope Viewfinder (Page 8, Fig. 1, 1) for the satellite to enter the field of view.

10.When the satellite enters the viewfinder field of view, press ENTER. The telescope starts to track with the satellite.

11.Use the AudioStar Arrow keys to center the object in the viewfinder, then look through the eyepiece to view the object.

Satellite orbits change and new satellites (including the Space Shuttle) are launched. Visit the Meade web site (www.meade.com) approximately once a month to get updated information and instructions on how to download this data to AudioStar. If orbital parameters are more than one month old, the satellite pass may not happen at the time predicted by AudioStar. Downloading requires the optional #505 AstroFinder™ Software and Cable Connector Kit. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, Page 52.

NOTE: Satellite observing is an exciting challenge. Most

satellites are in low orbit, travelling at approximately 17,500 mph. When visible, they move quickly across the sky and are only in the field of view for a few minutes, requiring AudioStar to slew the telescope rapidly. Best viewing is near Sunrise or Sunset when the sky is still dark. Viewing in the middle of the night can be problematic because the satellite may pass overhead, but not be visible as it is in the Earth’s shadow.

Landmarks

This menu option allows you to define and store terrestrial objects in the Landmark database. First, a landmark needs to be stored in memory using the “Landmark: Add” option. To view a landmark, use the “Landmark: Select” option. Landmarks may also be viewed using the “Landmark Survey” option in the Utilities menu.

To Add a landmark to the database:

In this procedure, you will store the location of terrestrial landmarks in AudioStar’s memory.

1.Set the telescope in the home position, if necessary. Note for future reference where the telescope is located and if you have aligned the telescope, which alignment method is used.

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

2.Display the “Setup: Targets” menu option. Choose “Terrestrial” and press ENTER – “Setup: Targets” displays again. Choosing this option turns off tracking for astronomical objects and is not useful for the viewing of terrestrial objects such as those in the Landmark database. Be sure to change this option back to “Astronomical” when you wish to view celestial objects again.

3.Press MODE once. “Select Item: Setup” displays.

4.Press the Scroll Down key once and “Select Item: Object” displays. Press Enter. “Object: Solar System” displays.

5.Press the Scroll Up key twice and “Object: Landmarks” displays. Press ENTER.

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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 DrivesControl Panel AudioStar Counterweight ShaftIndustry 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 KnobVixen-style Dovetail Receiver Place OTA dovetail here LX80 Series Your Personal Window to the UniverseTelescope Control Panel 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 knobAttach mount to tripod base. Place the mount Thread-on counterweight shaftTighten three 3 knobs at underside Tighten DEC lock Secure diagonal into holder Plug AudioStar into HBX connectorInsert eyepiece into diagonal While maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lock Balancing the TelescopeRA Right Ascension Balance Balancing the OTALoosen RA lock right and left sides Aligning the ViewfinderTilting the mount head 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 MoonInitializing AudioStar LX80 Multi-Mount SystemAligning the LX80 Finding True North Alt-Azimuth ModeSetting the Alt-Azimuth Home Position Alt-Azimuth home positionFinding Magnetic North Perform the Easy Align ProcedureEasy Two-Star Align 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 Dual OTA Alt-Az Dual OTA ModeSecondary mount plate LX80 Tips Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button AudioStar HandboxScroll Keys AudioStar Handbox Slew Speeds Playing the Audio Observation Using AudioStar’s Arrow KeysTerrestrial Observing AudioStar Navigation Exercise AudioStar OperationTo Calculate Sunset time 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 Add a Site to the user-defined site list Adding Observing SitesTo Edit a Site To GoTo a user-entered object Using AudioStar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseObserving Satellites 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 OpticsUnable to see an image through the eyepiece TroubleshootingObject appears in the viewfinder but not in 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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