Meade LX80 manual

Instruction Manual LX80™ Multi-Mount T elescope System With Astronomer Inside™[...]

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W ARNING! Never use a Meade ® LX80 T elescope to look at the Sun! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye. Eye damage is often painless, so there is no warning to the observer that damage has occurred until it is too late. Do not point the telescope at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope or [...]

GoT o Saturn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Using the Guided T our . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Equatorial Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Setting the Polar Home Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Locating the Celestial Pole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29[...]

INTRODUCTION The LX80 T elescope A solid telescope built for a lifetime of service Congratulations on receiving your new LX80 telescope. Y ou’ll fi nd that this telescope system has all you need to explore the Universe we live in. Designed from the ground up, the Multi-Mount system delivers both precision and versatility . Only from Meade. Drawi[...]

Gears and Drives I t s p r e c i s i o n w o r m g e a r d r i v e s o n b o t h a x e s d e l i v e r smooth, accurate motion and Meade’ s proprietar y Smar tDrive ™ provides periodic er ror correc tion that dramatically reduc es errors providing per for mance only available on much more e x pensiv e moun ts. LX80 T ripod With large t wo inch [...]

AudioStar AudioStar ™ c omputer - control handb o x. Meade’ s revolutionary Audio Star computer c ontroller fi nds and points your telescope to over 30,00 0 objects in the night sky . Wi th its Astronomer Inside ™ digital audio technology , ever yone around the telescope can listen and learn about the 5 00 -plus c elestial objects cont ained[...]

LX80 Key Features  View fi nder  View fi nder Collimation Screws  View fi nder Front Cell and Locking Ring  View fi nder Bracket  View fi nder Bracket Screws  Eyepiece  Accessory Adapter  Adapter Thumbscrews  Focus Lock Knob (Refractors Only)  2” Star Diagonal with 1.25” Adapter  2-Speed Crayford Style Focu[...]

LX80 Key Features  3$ 1% Vixen®-style Dovetail Receiver 1^ Cradle Rings (Refractors only) 2# Azimuth Lock Knob 2* Latitude Scale 3$ DEC Setting Circle 3% DEC Reference Point 4) Battery Compartment Cover 4! Battery Compartment Lock Knob 4( Counterweight Lock Knob Figure 2: LX80 Key Features - Front View 3% 2*  2# 4) 4! 9 LX80 Key F eatures 4([...]

1( T elescope Control Panel: A. Power-On Lamp B. 12v DC Power Connector C. ON/OFF Switch D. Handbox (HBX) Port E. Aux 1 F . Aux 2 2$ Azimuth Adjustment Drive 2% Latitude Adjustment Drive 2^ Latitude Lock 2& Latitude Pivot Point 2( RA Clutch 3! Multi-Function Hex Head T ool 3@ Bubble Level 3& AZ and EQ Home Position 3* AZ Home reference poin[...]

LX80 Key Features 2# Azimuth Lock Knob 3^ T rue North Indicator 4@ Spreader Bar 4# T ripod Mounting Base 4$ V ariable Height T ripod Legs 4% Spreader Bar T ension Knob 4^ T ripod Leg Lock Knobs (two on each leg) 4& T ripod Leg Leveler 4* T ripod Lock Knobs 2# 3^ 4@ 4# 4% 4$ 4^ 4& 11 LX80 Key F eatures Figure 6 : LX80 T ripod Figure 5: LX80 [...]

2$ Azimuth Adjustment Drive 2% Latitude Adjustment Drive 2^ Latitude Lock 2& Latitude Pivot Point 3! Multi-Function Hex Head T ool LX80 Key Features Adjustments for German EQ Mode Fig 8: Azimuth Adjustment Fig 9: Latitude Adjustment Fig 10: Latitude Pivot Point Fig 1 1: Latitude Lock Knob Fig 7: Multi-Function Hex Head T ool AudioStar #497 HAND[...]

LX80 Series: Y our Personal Window to the Universe The Meade LX80 Series models are versatile, high- resolution telescopes. Supplied with an AudioStar handbox, the LX80 Series models offer unmatched mechanical and electronic performance. The LX80 Series telescopes reveal nature in an ever-expanding level of detail. Observe the feather structure of [...]

D. Handbox (HBX) Port E. Aux 1 F . Aux 2 2) Counterweight Safety Cap : Prevents the counterweight from accidentally slipping off the end of the counterweight shaft. 2! Counterweight Shaft : Slide the counterweight onto this shaft (below). The shaft is composed of 3 segments which can be added or removed as needed. 2@ Counterweight : Counterbalances[...]

Unpacking your telescope: The LX80 is shipped in two or four boxes: Box #1: LX80 Multi-mount (with components) Box #2: LX80 Field T ripod Box #3: (if ordered): Optional Optical T ube Assembly Box #4: (if required): Additional Counterweight As you unpack your telescope, carefully note the following parts. • LX80 Multi-Mount with computer control p[...]

4. Attach mount to tripod base . Place the mount onto the tripod head using the built-in handles on the mount ( see Fig. 15 ). Note the “arrow” and “N” graphic printed on the front side of the mount. Place this over the leg that is pointing toward “true” North (south if you are using the telescope in the Southern Hemisphere). There are [...]

midpoint of the counterweight shaft. T ighten the counterweight(s) lock knob to a fi rm feel. Replace the safety cap. Note : If the counterweight ever slips, the safety cap prevents the counterweight from sliding entirely off the shaft. Always leave the safety cap in place when the counterweight is on the shaft. 6. Attach the optical tube to the d[...]

the rear cell thread. Slide the diagonal into the accessory adapter and lock in place by turning the thumbscrew to a fi rm feel. Place the eyepiece into the diagonal and tighten the attachment thumbscrew to a fi rm feel only . APOS and Coronado SolarMaxII models: Lift to remove the dust cap from the accessory adapter on the focuser assembly . Set[...]

Balancing the T elescope In order for the telescope to be stable on the tripod and also for it to move smoothly , it must be properly balanced in both vertical and horizontal axes. The horizontal axis is commonly referred to as the DEC (Declination) axis and vertical axis the RA (Right Ascension) axis. Most of the motion of the telescope takes plac[...]

( See Fig 31 ). Manually rotate the counterweight shaft so it is parallel to the ground. Continue to keep your hand on the counterweight shaft to control rotation. Loosen Counterweight: Loosen the lock knob on the counterweight so it is free to move. Slide the counterweight along the counterweight shaft so that the mount head does not rotate in eit[...]

at least 200 yards away . If the distant object is not in focus, turn the focus lock ring counterclockwise to loosen the view fi nder front cell ( Page 8, Fig 1, 3 ). T wist the front cell until focus is achieved and retighten the focus lock ring. 4. Unlock the RA lock ( Page 8, Fig 1, 29 ) and the DEC lock ( Page 8, Fig 1, 30 ) so that the telesc[...]

and DEC locks. • Once centered, an object can be focused by turning one of the knobs of the focusing mechanism ( Page 8, Fig 1, 1 1 ). Notice that when observing astronomical objects, the fi eld of view begins to slowly drift across the eyepiece fi eld. This motion is caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis. Objects appear to move throu[...]

Speeds 7 or 8: Best used for rough centering of an object in the view fi nder . Speed 9: Moves the telescope quickly from one point in the sky to another . Playing Audio The LX80 is equipped with Astronomer Inside technology . This revolutionary technology provides object descriptions of night sky objects while you are viewing them. Object descrip[...]

The LX80 series telescopes feature Meade’s innovative Multi-Mount System that allows you to choose between three (3) modes of operation; Alt-Az, German Equatorial or Dual OT A Mode. Below is a brief overview of the pluses and minuses of each mode: Alt-Az Mode : Easiest to set-up, operate and understand. This mode is ideal for visual observation a[...]

city and state. Note: The location settings (country/state/province and city , or ZIP code) are only asked for the fi rst time you turn on the control panel. If you wish to change this setting later on, use the Site menu. See SITE, Page 42 for more information. a. If you chose the ZIP code option, the left most “0” is highlighted. Use the Numb[...]

still level, rotate it so that it points in the direction of the North Star . Lock the horizontal lock. The tube is pointing T rue North and now in the alt/az home position. Method #2: Finding T rue North using a compass adjusted for local declination: T rue North and Magnetic North differ and will vary from location to location. In order to correc[...]

stars to align upon. When the telescope slews to the fi rst star for alignment, it may not appear in the fi eld of view of the eyepiece. The alignment star should be easily recognized and be the brightest star in that area of the sky where the telescope is pointing. While looking through the view fi nder , use the Arrow keys to move the telescop[...]

Note : Different objects may be displayed on a tour list on any given night. Press ENTER to display information about the object. Press GoT o to move the telescope to the object. 5. Press MODE to return to the T our list. Press the Scroll keys to scroll through the list. Press ENTER when you fi nd the next object you wish to observe. 6. Press and [...]

is not fi xed; 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. T urn 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 ri[...]

Successful” displays. If AudioStar does not display this message, perform this procedure again. Note : AudioStar locates alignment stars based on the date, time and location entered. Using this information and the Polar Home Position as its starting point, the alignment stars should easily be placed within the view fi nder . The alignment stars [...]

3. Locate the included secondary dovetail adapter ( Fig 38 ). Note the adapters’ two hex head attaching screws. Inspect the adapter mounting hole and verify the attaching screws are suf fi ciently screwed back allowing it to fi t onto the counterweight shaft. Y ou may need to back the attaching screws out using the LX80 tool if necessary . Next[...]

6. If you have not previously done so, align the fi nderscope on the secondary OT A. 7. Synchronize the two OT As by fi rst sighting and aligning the primary OT A on a distant landmark. Loosen the secondary dovetail adapter carefully and rotate the secondary OT A so that it is aligned on the same object. Retighten the dovetail adapter locks to a [...]

Figure 39: The AudioStar #497 Handbox T our the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Control of the LX80 is through the operation of the standard-equipment AudioStar . Nearly all functions of the telescope are accomplished with just a few pushes of AudioStar ’ s buttons. Some of the major features of AudioStar are: • Automatically move the tel[...]

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 fo[...]

 Number Keys: Input digits 0 - 9 and changes the slew speeds (see Slew Speeds, see below). The “0” key also turns on and of f the red utility light on the top of the handbox. Note : While the audio descriptions are playing, the 7 and 9 keys adjust the speaker volume. Press 7 to decrease the volume. Press 9 to increase the volume Slew Speeds [...]

more details.  Utility Light: Use this built-in red light to illuminate star charts and accessories without disturbing your eye’s adaptation to darkness.  Speaker Opening: Built-in speaker plays Astronomer Inside audio content. Observation Using AudioStar ’ s Arrow Keys Y ou may observe land and astronomical objects using AudioStar ’ s [...]

It is important to understand that menu selections are set in a loop ( Fig. 40 ). This means that pressing the Scroll Down key ( Page 33, Fig. 39, 7 ) cycles down through all the available options within a given category , then returns to the fi rst option. The Scroll Up key ( Page 33, Fig. 39, 7 ) cycles up through the options in the opposite ord[...]

Space T elescope (HST), Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites and geosynchronous orbit satellites. In order to fi nd 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. IMPORT ANT NOTE: T o use the L[...]

AudioStar #497 MENU TREE Figure 43: The AudioStar #497 Menu T ree 39 AudioStar #497 Menu T ree[...]

Largest, etc. Once you have set the parameters of the search, select “Start Search” and press ENTER. AudioStar will display the results of the search. See Page 49 for more information. Event Menu The Event menu provides access to dates and times of astronomical events. The Event database includes: Sunrise and Sunset calculates the time that the[...]

AudioStar beeps. Press ENTER to deactivate the alarm. Eyepiece Calc calculates information about an eyepiece for the speci fi c telescope to which AudioStar is connected. • Field of View: Scroll through a list of available eyepieces. When an eyepiece is selected, the fi eld of view is calculated. • Magni fi cation: Scroll through a list of a[...]

selected telescope. • Az Ratio and Alt Ratio: The Az (Azimuth) ratio and Alt (Altitude) ratio refers to the gears of the telescope’s motors. Do not alter these numbers. • Az Percent: The Az (Azimuth) Percent allows you to change the azimuth backlash, i.e., the way the arrow keys move the telescope along the azimuth (horizontal) axis. If you e[...]

Clone uploads information from one AudioStar handbox to another . Three options are available: • Catalogs: Sends only user-de fi ned object information, such as new satellite orbits or comet data to another AudioStar handbox. • Software: Sends only the basic AudioStar software. This is useful if one user has downloaded a new version of AudioSt[...]

Advanced AudioStar Features Adding Observing Sites If you plan to observe using AudioStar at different geographic locations, you can store up to six observation sites in AudioStar ’s memory to help simplify your telescope setup. Perform these procedures using the Site options (Add, Select, Delete, Edit) of the Setup menu. T o Add a Site to the us[...]

Using AudioStar to Find Objects Not in the Database In this procedure, you will enter coordinates of celestial objects that do not appear in any of the AudioStar database lists. Y ou will enter the object’s name and RA and DEC coordinates (required information). Y ou may also enter the object’s magnitude and size (optional information). Althoug[...]

satellites are in low orbit, travelling at approximately 17,500 mph. When visible, they move quickly across the sky and are only in the fi eld of view for a few minutes, requiring AudioStar to slew the telescope rapidly . Best viewing is near Sunrise or Sunset when the sky is still dark. Viewing in the middle of the night can be problematic becaus[...]

T o 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[...]

9. Press ENTER to begin Az/RA (Right Ascension) training. 10. “Drive Setup: For this....” begins to scroll across the display . This is a reminder to point your telescope at a terrestrial object. Loosen the RA and DEC locks ( Page 8, Fig 1, 29 and 30 ) and point the telescope at an object. Then re-tighten the locks. Press ENTER when the telesco[...]

18. The telescope slews and “Press V until it is centered” displays. Press the Down Arrow key until the target is centered again. Then press ENTER. “T rain Drive: Alt/DEC T rain” displays again. Y ou have now completed this procedure. Press the MODE key several times until the display reads “Select Item: Object”. Advanced alt/az Alignme[...]

Photography using a 35mm camera requires the addition of the optional #62 T–Adapter . See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES , Page 52 . With the #62 T -Adapter and a T -mount attached to the telescope, through-the-telescope photography is possible with any 35mm camera body with a removable lens. In this way , the telescope effectively becomes the lens of the [...]

are becoming available as time goes by . • If the camera is not directly coupled to the eyepiece, keep it as close to the eyepiece as possible and center the image to be photographed to minimize vignetting (darkening of the edges of the photo). • T ry to block ambient light (from street lights, house, etc.) from the eyepiece and the camera with[...]

A wide assortment of professional Meade accessories is available for the LX80 telescope models. The premium quality of these accessories is well-suited to the quality of the instrument itself. T o fi nd out more information about these and other exciting Meade accessories visit Meade’s website at www .meade.com. Additional LX80 Counterweights: D[...]

where the star ’ s position can be examined for tracking errors with an illuminated reticle eyepiece; position corrections can then be effected using AudioStar . Piggyback Brackets : Piggyback photography is one of the most popular and easiest ways to get started in astrophotography . Attach your 35mm camera, with its own 35mm-to-250mm lens, atop[...]

Y our LX80 model telescope is a precision optical instrument designed to yield a lifetime of rewarding observations. Given the care and respect due any precision instrument, the telescope will rarely require factory servicing or maintenance. Use the following guidelines: 1. A void cleaning the telescope’s optics: a little dust on the front surfac[...]

The following suggestions may be helpful with operation of the LX80: The power indicator light on the telescope does not come on or there is no response when pressing the AudioStar Arrow keys: • V erify that the Computer Control panel power switch ( Page 10, Fig. 3. C ) is in the ON position. • V erify that the AudioStar coil cord is fi rmly c[...]

A terrestrial object appears reversed left-for-right: • When using a Schmidt Cassegrain optical tube an eyepiece in the standard 90° observing position reverses an object left-for-right: T o view a correctly oriented image requires the optional #932 Erecting Prism. Page 20 ). Slew speed does not change when you change slew speeds or the telescop[...]

Press > until it is centered Press < until it is centered T rain Drive Az. T rain T rain Drive Alt. T rain Drive Setup For this op. . . Center reference object ENTER ENTER ENTER ENTER Scope slews left. Bring target back to center using the Right Arrow key . 12 13 14 15 16 17 Scope slews right. Bring target back to center using the Left Arrow [...]

In the early 17th century Italian Scientist Galileo, using a crude telescope considerably smaller than the LX80, turned it to look towards the sky instead of distant trees and mountains. What he saw , and what he realized about what he saw , forever changed the way mankind thought of the universe. Imagine what it must have been like being the fi r[...]

Planets change positions in the sky as they orbit around the Sun. T o locate the planets on a given day or month, consult a monthly astronomy magazine, such as Sky and T elescope or Astronomy . Y ou can also consult LX80 for information about planets. Scroll to the “Object: Solar System” menu and scroll through the lists of planets. When a plan[...]

APPENDIX C: SPECIFICA TIONS Mount Only Product Number 37-0080-00 UPC 7 09942 38120 7 T elescope Mounting Alt-Azimuth or German Equatorial AudioStar Controller AudioStar Object Database 30,000 objects Pointing Pr ecision (High-Precision Mode) Up to 5 arcminutes Go-T o Pointing Precision (Approx.) 10 arcminutes Periodic Err or Correction Polar mode o[...]

EQUA TORIAL (POLAR) ALIGNMENT APPENDIX D: Polar Alignment In Polar Alignment, the telescope is oriented so that the horizontal and vertical axes of the telescope are lined up with the celestial coordinate system. In order to Polar align your telescope, it is essential to have an understanding of how and where to locate celestial objects as they mov[...]

Locating the Celestial Pole T o 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 sets. T o precisely point at the pole, fi nd the North Star (Polaris) by using the Big Dipper as a guide ( Fig. 47 ). [...]

3. Note the extent of the star ’ s drift in declination (disregard drift in right ascension): a. If the star drifts South (or down), the telescope’s polar axis is pointing too far East. b. If the star drifts North (or up), the telescope’s polar axis is pointing too far West. 4. Move the base in azimuth (horizontally) to effect the appropriate[...]

Periodic Error Correction (PEC) T raining (Polar Alignment and RA Drive Only) If you wish to improve the tracking performance on your telescope, fi rst, perform the train the drive procedure (see page 57 ). Then use the Periodic Error Correction (PEC)/T rain menu option to remove the slight perturbations from center that occur due to the mechanica[...]

LA TITUDE CHART APPENDIX E: Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the World T o aid in the polar alignment procedure (see Page 28 ), latitudes of major cities around the world are listed below . T o determine the latitude of an observing site not listed on the chart, locate the city closest to your site. Then follow the procedure below: Northern hemis[...]

MAGNETIC DECLINA TION: NORTH AMERICA APPENDIX F: - 1 2 -1 2 - 12 -1 2 - 1 2 - 12 -1 2 194 - 2 54 178 2 -2 20 - 1 8 6 - 8 -8 - 8 - 8 - 8 -8 - 8 - 8 -8 - 8 -8 -1 4 - 17 6 -1 7 4 - 1 70 -1 4 - 160 -1 66 - 4 -4 - 1 4 - 14 8 1 66 - 152 -1 5 2 -1 46 16 4 -1 38 -1 34 - 142 -1 36 - 1 36 - 1 30 -1 3 2 1 52 0 - 14 142 1 40 138 16 136 1 32 1 2 8 1 26 124 -1 4[...]

MAGNETIC DECLINA TION: GLOBAL MAP APPENDIX G: 67 Appendix G: Magnetic Dec lination - Global Map[...]

RECYCLING INFORMA TION (EU Countries only) Correct Disposal of this Product (W aste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) This marking shown on the product or its literature indicates that it must not be disposed of in unsorted municipal waste at the end of its working life T o prevent possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontro[...]

69 Notes Notes:[...]

AudioStar #497 HANDBO X Notes 70[...]

71 Notes[...]

MEADE LIMITED W ARRANTY Every Meade telescope, spotting scope, and telescope accessory is warranted by Meade Instruments Corp. (“Meade”) to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE YEAR from the date of original purchase in the U.S.A. and Canada. Meade will repair or replace a product, or part thereof, found by Meade [...]