Meade LX80 instruction manual Troubleshooting, Unable to see an image through the eyepiece

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TROUBLESHOOTING

when the motor drive is engaged. In fact, when the batteries are installed, the power is on and the RA lock engaged, the telescope is moving. However, the movement is at the same speed as the hour hand of a 24-hour clock; as such, the movement is difficult to discern visually.

To check the movement of your telescope, look at an astronomical object through the telescope’s eyepiece with the telescope aligned and with the motor drive on. If the object remains stationary in the field of view, your telescope is operating properly. If not, check to ensure that you have engaged the RA and DEC lock and that the power switch on the control panel is on. Also check if “Astronomical” is selected in the “Targets” option of the setup menu.

The following suggestions may be helpful with operation of the LX80:

The power indicator light on the telescope does not come on or there is no response when pressing the AudioStar Arrow keys:

•Verify that the Computer Control panel power switch (Page 10, Fig. 3. C) is in the ON position.

•Verify that the AudioStar coil cord is firmly connected to the HBX port (Page 10, Fig. 3, D).

•If using internal power (batteries), verify that the batteries are installed correctly and that they have sufficient charge (see GETTING STARTED, Page 15).

Note: If the batteries are getting low on charge, there will be a marked difference in the slew speed. The speed indicator lights may also flash and the speed may change. If any of these symptoms occurs, turn the power off and replace the batteries.

•If using an external power source, verify that it is properly connected between the 12-volt connector and wall plug (AC source) .

•If AudioStar does not respond to commands, move the power switch to OFF and then back to ON.

•If the telescope does not slew after power is applied or if the motor quits or stalls, verify that there are no physical obstructions that would impede telescope movement.

•If all physical obstacles are removed and the telescope still does not move properly, turn off the power and unplug AudioStar. Plug AudioStar back in and turn the power back on.

•Verify that both axes are properly balanced

Unable to see an image through the eyepiece:

•Confirm that the lens cover has been removed from the telescope.

•Verify that the telescope is pointed and focused on an object. Adjust the focus until the image appears and is sharply in focus.

•Object appears in the viewfinder but not in the eyepiece:

Troubleshooting

•The viewfinder is not properly aligned with the telescope (see Aligning THE VIEWFINDER,

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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 ConstructionControl 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 PointAttach spreader bar and thread on tension knob How to Assemble Your TelescopeGetting Started Spread the tripod legsAttach 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 Balancing the OTA Balancing the TelescopeRA Right Ascension Balance While maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the DEC lockLoosen RA lock right and left sides Aligning the ViewfinderTilting 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 AudioStarInitializing AudioStar LX80 Multi-Mount SystemAligning the LX80 Alt-Azimuth home position Alt-Azimuth ModeSetting the Alt-Azimuth Home Position Finding True NorthFinding Magnetic North Perform the Easy Align ProcedureEasy 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 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 TreeWinter and Summer Solstice calculates the time Event MenuGlossary Menu Utilities MenuSetup 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 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 TransportUnable 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 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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