AudioStar Operation

Object Menu

Almost all observing with LX80 is performed using the Object menu category. (NOTE: Exceptions include Guided Tour and Landmarks).

Many AudioStar menu categories contain databases. An AudioStar database is a list of objects, such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae and so forth. When one of these objects is selected from a database by pressing “ENTER” and then “GoTo”, LX80 moves your telescope (when properly aligned) and points it at the selected object.

The Object Menu options include:

Solar System is a database of the eight planets (Earth is not included) in ascending orbits from the Sun, followed by the Moon, asteroids, and comets.

Constellation is a database of all 88 Northern and Southern Hemisphere constellations. When this menu option is chosen and a constellation name appears on the first line of the screen, press GoTo once to change the second line to the name of the brightest star in the constellation.

Press GoTo a second time to slew the telescope to that star. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the list of stars in the constellation, from brightest to dimmest.

Deep Sky is a database of objects outside our Solar System such as nebulae, star clusters, galaxies and quasars grouped in various catalogs like Messier, Caldwell and NGC.

Star is a database of stars listed in different categories such as named, double, variable or nearby.

Important Note: When you are looking at descriptive object text, pressing and holding for two seconds “ENTER” will synchronize the telescope’s coordinates with the object. This is most useful when synching on bright stars to achieve better pointing in the vicinity of the star.

User Objects allows the user to define and store in memory deep-sky objects of specific interest that are not currently in the LX80 database. See Page 45 for more information (for complete instructions on how to use the authoring tools please refer to the reference manual included on the software DVD).

Satellite is a database of Earth-orbiting objects such as the International Space Station (ISS), the Hubble

Space Telescope (HST), Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites and geosynchronous orbit satellites. In order to find and track satellites, you must download recent orbital data into the telescope.

Landmarks stores the location of terrestrial points of interest that you create in the permanent AudioStar database.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To use the Landmark function, the telescope must be located and aligned exactly as when the landmark was added to the database.

•Select – To select a Landmark already in the database (see ADD below), choose the “Select” option and scroll through the list. Press “ENTER” to select a Landmark, then press “GoTo” and the telescope slews to the object.

•Add – To add a Landmark, choose the “Add” option. Enter a name for the Landmark. Locate and center the Landmark in the eyepiece, then press “ENTER”.

Identify is an exciting feature for an observer who wants to scan the night sky and start exploring. After the telescope has been properly aligned, use the AudioStar Arrow keys to move about in the sky. Then follow this procedure:

Important Note: Only use the arrow keys to move the telescope during the Identify procedure. Do not move the telescope manually or the alignment will be lost.

1.When a desired object is visible in the eyepiece, keep pressing MODE until the “Select Item: Object” menu is displayed. Press ENTER to select this menu.

2.Scroll through the Object menu options until the “Object: Identify” screen appears.

3.Press ENTER. AudioStar searches the database for the identity of the object being observed.

4.If the telescope is not directly on an AudioStar database object, the nearest database object is located and displayed on the screen. Press GoTo and the telescope slews to that object.

Browse allows you to search the database for objects with certain parameters, much like a search engine. “Edit Parameters” lets you set various parameters for the search, such as Object Type, Minimum Elevation,

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Meade LX80 instruction manual Object Menu
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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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