AudioStar Handbox

revisions directly from the Meade website (www. meade.com) and share software with other AudioStar enthusiasts.

•Control your LX80 with your PC using a serial interface.

•Access a glossary of astronomical terms.

•Calculate which eyepiece to use for optimum viewing of a celestial object.

•Mount the telescope in the alt/az or EQ modes for fully automatic tracking of celestial objects.

The AudioStar Computer Controller provides control of virtually every telescope function within a compact handbox. AudioStar has soft-touch keys designed to have a positive feel. The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is backlit with a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) for easy viewing in the dark. The backlit display, key arrangement, and sequential database make AudioStar extremely user friendly.

2-Line LCD Display: Provides an interface between AudioStar and the telescope.

•Top line: Lists the primary category or menu item.

•Bottom line: Contains a menu option or information about an object or subject, depending on which function is being performed.

ENTER Key: Accesses, in a sequential manner, the next menu or data level in the AudioStar database. See MOVING THROUGH AudioStar’s MENUS, Page 22.

NOTE: If ENTER is pressed for two seconds or more and then released, AudioStar emits a beep and “ENTER to Sync” is displayed. “ENTER to Sync” is relevant only after the telescope has been aligned and is pointing at an object. If the “ENTER to Sync” feature is accessed by mistake, press MODE to return to the previous screen. See High Precision, Page 42, for more details about this feature.

MODE Key: Returns to the previous menu or data level in the AudioStar database until the top level, “Select Item” is reached. The MODE key is similar to the ESCAPE key on a computer.

Note: Pressing MODE while in the “Select Item” level moves AudioStar to the topmost screen:

“Select Item: Object”.

If MODE is pressed and held for two seconds or more, information about the telescope’s status displays. When the status displays, press one of the Scroll keys (Page 33, Fig. 39, 7) to display the following information:

•Right Ascension and Declination (astronomical) coordinates

•Altitude (vertical) and Azimuth (horizontal) coordinates

•Date

•Site coordinates

•Local Time and Local Sidereal Time (LST)

•Timer and Alarm Status

•Battery status

Press MODE again to return to the previous menu.

GoTo Key: Slews (moves) the telescope to the coordinates of the currently selected object. While the telescope is slewing, the operation may be aborted at any time by pressing any key except GoTo. Pressing GoTo again resumes the slew to the object.

Arrow Keys: Slew the telescope in a specific direction (up, down, left, and right), at any one of nine different speeds. Speed selection is explained in “SLEW SPEEDS”, below. The following functions are also available with the arrow keys:

•Moves the telescope – Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move the telescope vertically up and down. The Left Arrow key rotates the telescope horizontally counterclockwise, while the Right Arrow key rotates it clockwise.

•Data entry – When the scope is prompting for user entered data, use the Up and Down Arrow keys to scroll through the letters of the alphabet and numerical digits. The Down Arrow key starts with the letter “A” and the Up Arrow key starts with the digit “9.” The Left and Right Arrow keys are used to move the blinking cursor left and right across the LCD display.

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Meade LX80 instruction manual AudioStar Handbox
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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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