midpoint of the counterweight shaft. Tighten the counterweight(s) lock knob to a firm feel. Replace the safety cap.

Note: If the counterweight ever slips, the safety cap prevents the counterweight from sliding entirely off the shaft. Always leave the safety cap in place when the counterweight is on the shaft.

6.Attach the optical tube to the dovetail mount. All of Meade’s standard LX80 OTAs is equipped with a dovetail that mates with the mount’s Vixen®- style receiver.

prevent the OTA from moving once it is installed in the receiver. Next loosen the two dovetail receiver lock knobs, pick-up the OTA and slide the tube’s dovetail mount into the mount;s receiver. Maintain your grip on the OTA so that it does not slide through or off of the receiver; secure by tightening the two

(2) lock knobs to a firm feel.

7.Assemble the viewfinder. Attach the six viewfinder collimation screws to the viewfinder bracket leaving room to slide the viewfinder tube into the bracket. Slide the optical viewfinder into the bracket and adjust the collimation screws so the viewfinder is approximately centered in the bracket. Orient the viewfinder eyepiece as depicted in (Page 8, Fig 1, 3).

Attach viewfinder to the OTA

Getting Started

Fig 19: Tighten DEC lock

•Schmidt-Cassegrain OTAs: Dovetails on the 6, 8 and 10 inch OTAs are factory mounted and can be immediately mounted onto the LX80.

•Series 5000 ED APOs and Coronado SolarMax OTAs: are equipped with Vixen®-style dovetails mated to cradle ring style mounts. It is always good practice to make sure that the cradle ring lock knobs are tight and secured to prevent the tube from slipping from the cradle.

First lock the declination lock (see Fig 19) to

Fig 20: Slide dovetail into bracket and secure

Fig 21: Slide in finderscope and secure

•Slide the viewfinder bracket into the pre-installed mounting adapter on the rear of the OTA so the viewfinder eyepiece points toward the rear of the telescope. Tighten the locking screws to a firm feel.

Note: The 80mm APO is not equipped with a viewfinder.

Coronado SolarMax II: both the 60mm and 90mm solar scopes include a built-inSol-Ranger projection viewfinder mounted to the cradle ring and are pre-aligned at the factory.

8.Insert the eyepiece.

Schmidt-Cassegrain models: Unscrew the rear silver dust cap and set aside in a safe place. Replace it when you have finished observing to prevent dust from entering the rear cell of the optical tube assembly. Thread the accessory adapter onto

17

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Image 17
Meade LX80 instruction manual Tighten DEC lock
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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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