Meade instruction manual Photography with the LX80, Photography with Meade’s AudioStar Suite

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are becoming available as time goes by.

•If the camera is not directly coupled to the eyepiece, keep it as close to the eyepiece as possible and center the image to be photographed to minimize vignetting (darkening of the edges of the photo).

•Try to block ambient light (from street lights, house, etc.) from the eyepiece and the camera with a piece of cardboard, a screen, etc.

•Keep extra (charged) batteries on hand for your camera as digital cameras often drain batteries in a short period of time. Rechargeable Lithium batteries provide power for a longer period than non-rechargeable batteries. If practical, use an AC adapter.

•Avoid short-focus eyepieces. They present many difficulties for digital cameras.

•If using manual focus, set to infinity. Otherwise, using the camera’s autofocus is OK.

•Experiment with your camera’s exposure, brightness and/or contrast settings. Keep notes for future reference.

•Clean eyepieces and camera lens as needed.

•Many digital cameras have a manual ISO setting. Short exposures times work the best.

•Use your camera’s highest image quality and lowest compression settings. Although this fills up your camera’s memory more quickly, it produces the best quality photos.

•Use the camera’s timer or remote shutter release

(if available for your camera) to minimize vibration. Wireless shutter releases may be available for some model digital cameras. If you do not have a shutter release, use the camera’s timer (sometimes called “self-timer”), which is available with most digital cameras. The timer may also help minimize vibration.

Photography with Meade’s AudioStar Suite™

The AudioStar Suite with Meade LPI™ (Lunar Planetary Imager) or Meade’s line of Deep Sky Imager™ turns your Meade LX80 telescope, AudioStar and PC into

even more powerful and easy-to-use astronomical instrument.

LPI and Deep Sky Imager combine the power of an electronic astronomical imager with the simplicity of a web cam. Check out the following imager features:

•Achieves great results the first time out on the Moon, planets, deep-sky objects and terrestrial targets.

•Easy to use with real-time display of object on your PC screen. Just center, focus and shoot.

•Magic Eye software-assisted focusing.

•Automatic and manual exposure control from .001 seconds to one hour.

•Automatically takes multiple exposures. AudioStar Suite Software includes powerful tools to help you get the most from your Meade LX80 telescope.

•Sophisticated planetarium program with over 19 million objects.

•Select objects from the planetarium display and the telescope slews to those objects.

• Create time-lapse movies of objects, such as Jupiter

•Create your own Guided Tours.

•Advanced Image Processing Software includes Unsharp Masking, Convolution Filtering and many other features.

•Controls all AudioStar functions from your PC.

•Talking Telescope software translates AudioStar text to synthesized speech through PC speaker.

•Includes a cable to connect your LX80 model to your PC Serial Port.

Photography with the LX80

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Contents LX80 Multi-Mount Telescope System With Astronomer Inside Page Battery Safety Instructions Contents People at Meade IntroductionIntroduction LX80 TelescopeGears and Drives Telescope FeaturesLX80 Multi-Mount Robust Aluminum ConstructionAudioStar Counterweight Shaft Control PanelIndustry 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 ModeLX80 Series Your Personal Window to the Universe Vixen-style Dovetail Receiver Place OTA dovetail hereTelescope Control Panel Azimuth Lock Knobs DEC Setting Circle DEC Reference PointAttach spreader bar and thread on tension knob How to Assemble Your TelescopeGetting Started Spread the tripod legsThread-on counterweight shaft Attach mount to tripod base. Place the mountTighten three 3 knobs at underside Tighten DEC lock Plug AudioStar into HBX connector Secure diagonal into holderInsert eyepiece into diagonal Balancing the OTA Balancing the TelescopeRA Right Ascension Balance While maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lockAligning the Viewfinder Loosen RA lock right and left sidesTilting the mount head Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually Choosing an EyepieceSlew Speeds Using AudioStar’s GoTo CapabilitiesMoving Through AudioStar’s Menus Activate the Arrow KeysObserve the Moon Playing AudioEntering Data into AudioStar Navigating AudioStarLX80 Multi-Mount System Initializing AudioStarAligning the LX80 Alt-Azimuth home position Alt-Azimuth ModeSetting the Alt-Azimuth Home Position Finding True NorthPerform the Easy Align Procedure Finding Magnetic NorthEasy Two-Star Align Go To Saturn Using the Guided TourTilt the mount head using hex head tool Equatorial ModeSetting the Polar Home Position Equatorial ModeEquatorial home position How to perform the Easy AlignLocating the Celestial Pole Easy AlignGo To Saturn Dual OTA Mode Dual OTA Alt-AzSecondary mount plate LX80 Tips AudioStar Handbox Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonScroll Keys AudioStar Handbox Slew Speeds Observation Using AudioStar’s Arrow Keys Playing the AudioTerrestrial Observing AudioStar Operation AudioStar Navigation ExerciseTo Calculate Sunset time Object Menu AudioStar #497 Menu Tree AudioStar #497 Menu TreeWinter and Summer Solstice calculates the time Event MenuGlossary Menu Utilities MenuSetup Menu Selected telescope AudioStar Operation Adding Observing Sites To Add a Site to the user-defined site listTo Edit a Site Using AudioStar to Find Objects Not in the Database To GoTo a user-entered objectObserving Satellites To Add a landmark to the database LandmarksTo check on the available amount of memory in AudioStar IdentifyTo Select a landmark from the database To perform a Landmark SurveyDisplayed information Example Training the DriveOne-Star alt/az Alignment Advanced alt/az AlignmentBrowse Two-Star alt/az AlignmentSome tips for better digital photos Photography with the LX80Few tips on photography with the LX80 Photography with a Digital CameraPhotography with Meade’s AudioStar Suite Photography with the LX80Optional Accessories Optional Accessories Inspecting the Optics MaintenanceMaintenance Storage and TransportTroubleshooting Unable to see an image through the eyepieceObject appears in the viewfinder but not in the eyepiece Customer Service Customer ServiceAppendix a DriveObjects in Space Appendix BDeep-Sky Objects Cations Appendix C SpecificationsCelestial Coordinates AlignmentAppendix D Polar AlignmentOne-Star Polar Alignment Precise Polar AlignmentAudioStar Polar Alignment Easy Polar AlignmentAppendix D Equatorial Polar Alignment PEC On and Off Menu Options PEC Update Menu OptionPEC Train Menu Option PEC Erase Menu OptionEurope Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World Appendix EAmerica 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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