Meade LX80 instruction manual Advanced alt/az Alignment, Browse, Two-Star alt/az Alignment

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18.The telescope slews and “Press V until it is centered” displays. Press the Down Arrow key until the target is centered again. Then press ENTER. “Train Drive: Alt/DEC Train” displays again. You have now completed this procedure. Press the MODE key several times until the display reads “Select Item: Object”.

Advanced alt/az Alignment

If you would rather choose your own alignment stars from the AudioStar database during the alt/az alignment procedure, AudioStar offers two methods described below.

Two-Star alt/az Alignment

Two-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. AudioStar provides a database of bright stars and two stars from this database are chosen by the observer for alignment.

A detailed step-by-step description can be found in the “Easy” alignment description on page 26

One-Star alt/az Alignment

One-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. AudioStar provides a database of bright stars. One-Star Alignment is identical to Two-Star alt/az: Alignment (see “Two-Star ETX/AZ Alignment,” above), except only one star from this database is chosen by the observer for alignment.

IMPORTANT NOTE : The accuracy of One- Star alt/az Alignment, unlike the Two-Star and Easy (alt/az) Alignment procedures, depends on how well the observer levels the telescope and how close to North the telescope is pointed when setting the home position (Page 29, Fig. 36). Because the other methods use two stars to align upon, they are more precise than One- Star Alignment.

Browse

This menu 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, and “Start Search” activates the search. A typical search might be performed as follows:

1.Select “Browse” from the Object menu. Press ENTER. “Browse: Start Search” displays.

2.Press one of the scroll keys and “Browse: Edit Parameters” displays. Press Enter.

3.“Edit Parameters: Largest (mins)” displays. “Mins” stands for arc-minutes

LX80 TIPS

Too Much Power?

Can you ever have too much power? If the type of power you’re referring to is eyepiece magnification, yes, you can! The most common mistake of the beginning observer is to “overpower” a telescope by using high magnifications which the telescope’s aperture and atmospheric conditions cannot reasonably support. Keep in mind that a smaller, but bright and well-resolved image is far superior to one that is larger, but dim and poorly resolved (see Figs. 44a and 44b below). Powers above 400X should be employed only under the steadiest atmospheric conditions.

Most observers should have three or four additional eyepieces to achieve the full range of reasonable magnifications possible with the LX80 telescopes. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, Page 52.

Figs. 44a & 44b: Jupiter; examples of the right amount of magnification and too much magnification.

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 DrivesControl Panel AudioStar Counterweight ShaftIndustry Standard Dovetail Adapter 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 ModeVixen-style Dovetail Receiver Place OTA dovetail here LX80 Series Your Personal Window to the UniverseTelescope Control Panel 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 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 RA Right Ascension Balance Balancing the TelescopeWhile maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lock Balancing the OTALoosen RA lock right and left sides Aligning the ViewfinderTilting the mount head 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 MoonInitializing AudioStar LX80 Multi-Mount SystemAligning the LX80 Setting the Alt-Azimuth Home Position Alt-Azimuth ModeFinding True North Alt-Azimuth home positionFinding Magnetic North Perform the Easy Align ProcedureEasy Two-Star Align 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 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 TreeGlossary Menu Event MenuUtilities 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 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 OpticsUnable to see an image through the eyepiece TroubleshootingObject appears in the viewfinder but not in 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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