The LX80 Multi-Mount System

still level, rotate it so that it points in the direction of the North Star. Lock the horizontal lock. The tube is pointing True North and now in the alt/az home position.

Method #2: Finding True North using a compass

adjusted for local declination: True North and Magnetic North differ and will vary from location to location. In order to correctly compensate for these differences you will need to know the declination based on your location. Find your location on the declination map of North America on Page 66, Appendix F, or the world map on Page 67, Appendix G. Notice the curved contour lines that are referenced with plus (+) and minus (-) values.

Notice the thicker line in the middle of the map that has a value of zero. Along this line, Magnetic North will point to True North; no compensation will be necessary.

Most of us are not so lucky and will have to compensate using the declination value for our location. For those of you that live on the left side of the thicker zero (0) value line your declination values will have positive (+) values and said to be East Declination. Those of you located to the right will have negative (-) values and said to be West Declination.

For example if you were located in San Francisco, your East Declination value would be about 14 1/2 (San Francisco is located between the 14 and 15 lines). Using this value, Magnetic North would be 14 1/2 degrees East of True North and you would align your telescope tube along this line. Use the AudioStar left arrow slew button to rotate the telescope counterclockwise until the compass needle is on the 14 1/2 line.

If you were located in New York City, your West Declination value would be about -13. Using this value, Magnetic North would be minus (-) 13 degrees West of True North or 347° (360° - 17° = 347°) and you would align your telescope tube along this line. Using the AudioStar right arrow slew button to rotate the telescope clockwise until the compass is on the 13° line. The tube is pointing True North.

Finding Magnetic North.

Use the bubble level/compass or other magnetic compass to locate Magnetic North. Point the north arrow on the mount in this direction.

5.Release the DEC lock (Page 8, Fig 1, 30) so the optical tube may be rotated. Rotate the optical tube until objective lens is in the level position. Insert the

provided combination bubble level/compass into the telescopes diagonal to aid you in the leveling process.

The telescope should now be pointing in the direction of True (or Magnetic) North (or South for the Southern Hemisphere) with the OTA level. Your telescope is now in the alt-az home position and now ready to begin the Easy (Two-Star) Alignment procedure.

Easy (Two-Star) Align

The fastest and easiest way to locate objects with AudioStar’s GoTo capabilities is to use Easy Align.

AudioStarautomaticallypickstwostarsfromitsdatabase for the Easy Align procedure. During this procedure, AudioStar slews the telescope to a first alignment star. The user is asked to verify that the telescope is pointed at the chosen star and then prompted to center the star in the eyepiece. The process is repeated with a second star to complete the alignment.

Note: Before aligning the telescope, first verify that “INITIALIZING AUDIOSTAR”, Page 24, has been performed. See “Moving through AudioStar’s Menus”, Page 22, for a description of how AudioStar’s keys operate.

Perform the Easy Align Procedure

If you have just powered on the telescope, follow the procedures listed in “Initializing AudioStar” on Page 24. When completed, continue on to the steps below to perform the Easy Alignment procedure. If the telescope is already powered on and the correct site location, date, time and telescope model have already been entered, the Easy Alignment can be started by selecting in the menu Setup: Align: Easy and following the steps below.

1.Verify that the telescope is in the Alt-Azimuth home position. See Page 25 for detailed instruction how to set-up in this position.

2.True North or Compass North. “North Method: 1=True 2=Compass” displays. Press the 1 key if the telescope was placed in the True North Home Position. Press the 2 key if the telescope was placed using the Magnetic North Home Position. See Page 26 for more information about setting the telescope into the home position.

3.Star Alignment - The AudioStar will select two bright

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Image 26
Meade LX80 instruction manual Finding Magnetic North, Easy Two-Star Align, Perform the Easy Align Procedure
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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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