is not fixed; it moves as the mount moves.

Using the LX80 hex head tool loosen the right and left side latitude locks. Insert the same tool into the latitude adjustment drive. Turn the LX80 tool until the latitude reference arrow points to the latitude that corresponds to your location. Once your have “dialed in” your latitude, secure the right and left latitude adjustment locks with the hex head tool.

Fig 36: Equatorial home position

If steps 1 through 5 above were performed with reasonable accuracy, your telescope is now sufficiently well aligned to Polaris, the North Star, for you to begin an Easy Alignment on the night sky.

Once the mount has been placed in the polar home position as described above, the latitude angle need not be adjusted again, unless you perform the one or two star alignment, move to a different geographical location (i.e., a different latitude), you wish to resume observation in the Alt-Az mode, or wish to fine-tune your polar alignment for astrophotography.

Important Note: For almost all visual astronomical observing, approximate settings of the telescope’s latitude and other settings are acceptable. Do not allow undue attention to precise settings of polar home position of the telescope to interfere with your basic enjoyment of the instrument.

Your telescope is now in the Polar Home Position and now ready to begin the AudioStar Alignment procedure.

Locating the Celestial Pole

To get basic bearings at an observing location, take note of where the Sun rises (East) and sets (West) each day. After the site is dark, face North by pointing your left shoulder toward where the Sun set. To precisely

point at the pole, find the North Star (Polaris) by using the Big Dipper as a guide (Page 62, Fig 47).

Easy Align

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

AudioStar automatically chooses two stars from its database for the Easy Align procedure. During this procedure, AudioStar slews the telescope to the 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.

How to perform the Easy Align

When the telescope is already powered on and the correct site location, date, time, telescope model and mount configuration have already been entered, the Easy Alignment can be started by selecting in the menu “Setup: Align: Easy” and following the steps below.

1.When the Easy Alignment procedure is selected in the AudioStar’s setup menu, LX80 should be in the Polar North Home position. See Page 28, “Setting the Polar North Home Position” for a description of how to place your LX80 telescope in the home position.

2.Star Alignment - The AudioStar then uses two alignment stars to align upon. When the telescope slews to the first star for alignment, it may not appear in the field of view in the eyepiece. The alignment star should be easily recognized and be the brightest star in the area of the sky where the telescope is pointing. While looking through the finderscope, use the arrow keys to center the alignment star in the viewfinder. Now look through the eyepiece and use the arrow keys to move the star to the center of the eyepiece field. Press ENTER. If that area of the sky is obscured, you can prompt AudioStar to choose an alternate star by pressing either one of the two scroll keys. Repeat procedure for the second alignment star.

When the procedure is performed correctly, “Alignment

The LX80 Multi-Mount System

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Meade LX80 instruction manual Locating the Celestial Pole, How to perform the Easy Align, Equatorial home position
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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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