“Landmark: Select” displays.

6.Press the Scroll Down key once. “Landmark: Add” displays. Press ENTER.

7.“Landmark Name” displays. Using arrow keys, enter a name for the landmark you wish to add to the database. When finished, press ENTER.

8.“Center Landmark. Press Enter” displays. Using only the arrow keys (do not manually move the telescope), move the telescope to the desired landmark and center the object in the eyepiece. Press Enter. The object is now stored in memory.

9.“Landmark: Add” displays. If you wish to add more landmarks, repeat steps 5 through 7.

To Select a landmark from the database:

1.Make sure the telescope is located and aligned exactly as when the desired landmark was entered into memory.

2.Display the “Landmark: Select” menu option. Press ENTER.

3.Use the scroll keys to scroll through the list of objects you have previously entered. When the desired object displays, press ENTER to select the object. Use the scroll keys to scroll through location information about the object, if desired. Press GoTo to slew the telescope to the landmark.

4.Press MODE to exit.

To perform a Landmark Survey

This procedure allows you to perform a tour of the objects entered in the “Object: Landmark” menu option – note that the Landmark Survey will function only if you have previously entered objects in the Landmark menu.

1.Navigate to “Utilities: Landmark Survey” menu and press ENTER.

2.“Landmark Survey: Slewing...” displays. The telescope moves to the first object on the Survey list and displays the name of the object.

3.Press MODE to pause the Survey. Press Enter to restart the survey at the first object of the survey.

To check on the available amount of memory in AudioStar.

AudioStar has a limited amount of memory. Once you begin to store Landmarks, User Objects and other bits of information in AudioStar, you will begin to use up memory. This procedure allows you to check on how much memory is still available.

1.Navigate to the “Setup: Statistics” menu option and press ENTER.

2.“Statistics: 97.4K Char. Free” displays. This is the amount of memory that is still available to the user.

Identify

This procedure allows you to use AudioStar to identify objects you have found in the night sky using the arrow keys. If the object is not in AudioStar’s database, AudioStar displays information about an object in its database that is closest to the one you queried about.

Important Note: The telescope must be successfully aligned before the Identify feature can be used. Once aligned, it cannot be physically moved from that location. Moving the telescope disrupts the telescopes frame of reference to the night sky and will prevent it from identifying objects.

In this procedure, you will center an object you wish to have identified by AudioStar in the telescope eyepiece and use the “Identify” menu to find out information about the object or the nearest object to it in the AudioStar database.

1.Center the object you wish to have identified in the telescope’s eyepiece.

2.Navigate to the “Object: Identify” option and press ENTER.

3.“Searching...” displays. When AudioStar finishes calculating, the name of the closest object displays.

4.Press a scroll key to display information about this object. AudioStar displays some or all the following information about the object with each press of a scroll key:

AudioStar Operation

47

Page 46 Page 48
Page 47
Image 47
Meade LX80 instruction manual Identify, To Select a landmark from the database, To perform a Landmark Survey
Page 46 Page 48

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.
Top Page Image Contents