at least 200 yards away. If the distant object is not in focus, turn the focus lock ring counterclockwise to loosen the viewfinder front cell (Page 8, Fig 1, 3). Twist the front cell until focus is achieved and retighten the focus lock ring.

4.Unlock the RA lock (Page 8, Fig 1, 29) and the DEC lock (Page 8, Fig 1, 30) so that the telescope turns freely on both axes. Then point the main telescope at a tall, well-defined and stationary land object (e.g., the top of a telephone pole) at least 200 yards distant and center the object in the telescope’s eyepiece. Focus the image by turning the optical tube focus knobs (Page 8, Fig 1, 11). Retighten the RA and DEC locks and verify the object is still centered in the eyepiece.

5.Look through the viewfinder and loosen or tighten, as appropriate, one or more of the viewfinder collimation thumbscrews (Page 8, Fig 1, 2) until the viewfinder’s crosshairs are precisely centered on the object you previously centered in the main telescope’s eyepiece.

NEVER point the telescope or viewfinder directly at or near the Sun at any time! Observing the Sun, even for the smallest fraction of a second, will result in instant and irreversible eye damage, as well as physical damage to the telescope itself.

Check this alignment on a celestial object, such as a bright star or the Moon, and make any necessary refinements, using the method outlined above in steps 4 & 5.

With this alignment performed, objects first located in the wide-field viewfinder will also appear in the telescope’s eyepiece.

Choosing an Eyepiece

A telescope’s eyepiece magnifies the image formed by the telescope’s main optics. Each eyepiece has a focal length, expressed in millimeters, or “mm.” The smaller the focal length, the higher the magnification. For example, an eyepiece with a focal length of 9mm has a higher magnification than an eyepiece with a focal length of 26mm when used with the same OTA.

Your telescope comes supplied with an eyepiece which gives a wide, comfortable field of view with high image resolution.

Low-power eyepieces offer a wide field of view, bright, high-contrast images, and eye relief during long observing sessions. To find an object with a

telescope, always start with a lower power eyepiece such as the 26mm. When the object is located and centered in the eyepiece, you may wish to switch to a higher power eyepiece to enlarge the image as much as practical for prevailing seeing conditions. For information about optional eyepieces for the LX80 Series models, see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, Page 52.

The power, or magnification of a telescope is determined by the focal length of the telescope and the focal length of the eyepiece being used. To calculate eyepiece power, divide the telescope’s focal length by the eyepiece’s focal length. For example, a 26mm eyepiece is supplied with the LX80 Series. The focal length of the 8” LX80 Series SC model is 2034mm (see Specifications, Page 60).

Telescope Focal Length ÷ Eyepiece Focal Length

= Magnification (Power)

 

 

Telescope Focal Length

= 2034mm

Eyepiece Focal Length

=

26mm

2034 ÷ 26

=

78

The eyepiece power, or magnification is therefore 78X (approximately).

Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually

After the telescope is assembled and balanced as described previously, you are ready to begin manual observations. View easy-to-find terrestrial objects such as street signs or traffic lights to become accustomed to the functions and operations of the telescope. For the best results during observations, follow the suggestions below:

•When you wish to locate an object to observe, first loosen the telescope’s RA lock (Page 8, Fig 1, 29) and DEC lock (Page 8, Fig 1, 30). The telescope can now turn freely on its axes. Unlock each axis separately and practice moving your telescope. Then practice with two unlocked axes at the same time. It is especially important to practice this step to understand how your telescope moves in equatorial configuration, as the movement of an equatorial mount are not intuitive.

•Use the aligned viewfinder to sight-in on the object you wish to observe. When the object is centered in the viewfinder’s crosshairs, re-tighten the RA

Getting Started

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Meade LX80 instruction manual Choosing an Eyepiece, Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually
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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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