Meade LX80 User Manual

Instruction Manual

LX80™ Multi-Mount Telescope System
With Astronomer Inside™

WARNING!

Never use a Meade® LX80 Telescope 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 fi nderscope as it is moving.
Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

BATTERY SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:

• Always purchase the correct size and grade of battery: 8 x AA-type Alkaline batteries
(ANSI 15A, 15AC/IEC LR6).

• Always replace the whole set of batteries at one time, taking care not to mix old and new
ones, or batteries of different types.

• Clean the battery contacts and also those of the device prior to battery installation.

• Ensure the batteries are installed correctly with regard to polarity (+ and -).

• Remove batteries from equipment which is not to be used for an extended period of time.

• Remove used batteries promptly.

• Never attempt to recharge primary batteries as this may cause leakage, fi re or explosion.

• Never short-circuit batteries as this may lead to high temperatures, leakage or explosion.

• Never heat batteries in order to revive them.

• Remember to switch off devices after use.

• Keep batteries out of the reach of children; small batteries may be ingested.

• Seek medical advice immediately if a battery has been swallowed

.

Caution: If batteries or parts are swallowed, see a doctor immediately.

® The name “Meade,” “AudioStar” and the Meade logo are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent
and Trademark Offi ce and in principal countries throughout the world.

“Deep Sky Imager,” “LX80,” and “Tonight’s Best” are trademarks of Meade Instruments Corp.
Protected by U.S. Patent:
US 6,392,799 and other Patents Pending
© 2012 Meade Instruments Corp.

CONTENTS

Introduction

A solid telescope built for a lifetime of service . . . . . . . . . . .5

Telescope Features

Multi-Mount. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Robust Aluminum Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Gears and Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Tripod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

AudioStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Counterweight Shaft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Industry Standard Dovetail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

LX80 Key Features

Figure 1: Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Figure 2: Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Figure 3: Control Panel – Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Figure 4: Controls – Overall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Figure 5: Drive Base Close-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Figure 6: Tripod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Figure 7: Hex-Head Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Figure 8: Azimuth Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Figure 9: Latitude Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Figure 10: Latitude Pivot Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Figure 11: Latitude Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Key Features Explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14

Getting Started

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Tripod set-up and assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Mount Head to Tripod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Attach counterweight shaft(s) to mount . . . . . . . . . . .16

Mount counterweight(s) to shaft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Mount Optical tube assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Assemble Viewfi nder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Insert Eyepiece. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Level the mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Install Batteries or connect AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . .18

Connect AudioStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Balancing the Telescope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Aligning the Viewfi nder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Choosing an Eyepiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Observing By Moving the Telescope Manually. . . . . .21

Using AudioStar’s GoTo Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Moving Through AudioStar’s Menus. . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Activate the Arrow Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Slew Speeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Playing Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Entering Data Into AudioStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Navigating AudioStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Observe the Moon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Tracking Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

The LX80 Multi-Mount System

Aligning the LX80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Initializing AudioStar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Alt-Azimuth Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Setting the Alt-Azimuth Home position . . . . . . . . .25

Finding True North. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Finding Magnetic North. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Easy (Two-Star) Align . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

How to perform the Easy Align Procedure . . . . . .26

GoTo Saturn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Using the Guided Tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Equatorial Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Setting the Polar Home Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Locating the Celestial Pole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Easy Align . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

How to perform the Easy Align . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

GoTo Saturn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Using the Guided Tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Dual OTA Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Alt-Azimuth Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

AudioStar Handbox

Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button . . . .33

AudioStar Handbox Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Observation Using AudioStar’s Arrow Keys . . . . . . . .36

Playing the Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Terrestrial Observing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

AudioStar Operation

AudioStar Navigation Exercise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

AudioStar Menus

Object Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

AudioStar Menu Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Event Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Glossary Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Utilities Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40.

Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Advanced AudioStar Features

Adding Observing Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Find Objects Not in the Database. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

To GoTo a user-entered object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Observing Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Landmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Identify . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Training the Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Advanced alt/az Alignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Browse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Optional Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Customer Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Appendix A: Training the Drive. . . . . . . .57

Appendix B: Basic Astronomy . . . . . . . .58

Appendix C: Specifi cations. . . . . . . . . . .60

Appendix D: Equatorial Alignment. . . . .61

Polar Alignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Locating the Celestial Pole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Precise Polar Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Periodic Error Correction (PEC) Training . . . . . . .64

Appendix E: Latitude Chart . . . . . . . . . .65

Appendix F: Declination North America 66

Appendix G: Declination Global . . . . . . .67

Recycling Information (Europe) . . . . . . .68

Meade Limited Warranty

One Year Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

INTRODUCTION

The LX80 Telescope

A solid telescope built for a lifetime of service

Congratulations on receiving your new LX80 telescope. You’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.
Drawing on 40 years of experience and innovation, Meade Instruments introduces the latest in a long line of

advanced astronomical products: the LX80. Thoughtful design and engineering in the creation of this versatile
telescope system delivers these exciting features:

LX80 Multi-Mount: The LX80 Multi-Mount operates in three modes, German equatorial, single OTA alt-az and
dual OTA alt-az.

Robust Construction: The LX80 is built around a solid aluminum structure, with two large, tapered roller bearings
that handle radial and thrust loads on each axis to carry a total instrument payload of 40 pounds in EQ and single
OTA alt-az modes and up to 75 pounds in dual OTA mode. Its precision worm gear drives on both axes deliver
smooth, accurate motion.

Meade’s proprietary SmartDrive™: Provides periodic error correction that dramatically reduces errors providing
performance only available on much more expensive mounts.

AudioStar: The LX80’s computerized GoTo mount is controlled with the amazing AudioStar handbox which
includes a vast 30,000 object database. With its Astronomer Inside™ digital audio technology, everyone around
the telescope can listen and learn about the 500-plus celestial objects contained in its database, including planets,
nebulae, star clusters, the Moon and much more.

LX80 Tripod. With large two inch diameter stainless steel legs, the all new LX80 tripod is rugged and stable.
Built-in, fi ne-tune leg levelers at the top of each leg make doing small leveling adjustments the easiest they’ve
ever been.

LX80’s industry-standard saddle: Both the primary and secondary OTA dovetail adapters are industry-standard
for maximum compatibility with all of your OTAs.

If you are like us, you can’t wait to get outside under a dark sky to try out your new LX80 telescope. We have
provided a Getting Started Guide that will get you up and running in the shortest amount of time possible. After
your fi rst experience, please sit down with this manual and read about all the advanced features that are available
to you with this telescope system. We are confi dent that the LX80 will keep you fascinated with the Universe and
entertained for many years to come.

Introduction

Clear Skies,

The people at Meade

5

Telescope Features

Meade Instruments introduces the latest in a long line
of advanced astronomical products: the LX80™. Using
revolutionary new technology, every aspect of this
system has been designed to deliver the new standard
in astrophotographic and visual performance.

The LX80 incorporates an astonishing array of
technological and mechanical achievements and
provides the kind of innovation and quality that only
Meade can deliver.

LX80 Multi-Mount

Telescope Features

AudioStar #497 HANDBOX

Gears and Drives

Its precision worm gear drives on both axes deliver
smooth, accurate motion and Meade’s proprietary
SmartDrive™ provides periodic error correction that
dramatically reduces errors providing performance only
available on much more expensive mounts.

LX80 Tripod

The LX80 Multi-Mount operates in three modes:
German equatorial, single OTA alt-az and dual OTA alt­az. Setting up in any mode is quick and easy with no
additional tools required.

Robust Aluminum Construction

The LX80 is built around a solid aluminum structure,
with two large, tapered roller bearings that handle radial
and thrust loads on each axis to carry a total instrument
payload of 40 pounds in EQ and single OTA alt-az
modes and up to 75 pounds in dual OTA mode.

With large two inch diameter stainless steel legs, the
all new LX80 tripod is rugged and stable. Built-in fi ne-
tune leg levelers at the top of each leg make doing small
leveling adjustments the easiest they’ve ever been.

6

AudioStar

Counterweight Shaft

Telescope Features

AudioStar™ computer-control handbox. Meade’s
revolutionary AudioStar computer controller fi nds
and points your telescope to over 30,000 objects in
the night sky. With its Astronomer Inside™ digital
audio technology, everyone around the telesc ope can
listen and learn about the 500 -plus celestial objects
contained in its database, including planets, nebulae,
star clusters, the Moon and much more.

Control Panel

Includes 12v power connector, handbox port and two
auxiliary ports for connecting optional equipment.

Large sectional counterweight shafts allows for
selecting the ideal shaft length for c ounter balancing
or dual-tube confi gurations.

Industry Standard Dovetail Adapter

Vixen-style dovetail OTA mounting. The die-cast
aluminum, industry-standard dovetail adapters
provides compatibility with most OTAs.

7

LX80 Key Features











LX80 Key Features

AudioStar #497 HANDBOX



















2(

3!





3)

2$

2!

2)

2@

2&

2%

3#



8

 Viewfi nder
 Viewfi nder Collimation Screws
 Viewfi nder Front Cell and Locking Ring
 Viewfi nder Bracket
 Viewfi nder Bracket Screws
 Eyepiece
 Accessory Adapter
 Adapter Thumbscrews
 Focus Lock Knob (Refractors Only)

 2” Star Diagonal with 1.25” Adapter

 2-Speed Crayford Style Focusing System (Refractors Only)
 AudioStar Handbox
 AudioStar Coil Cord
 Dovetail Lock Knobs

Figure 1: LX80 Key Features - Rear View

 Vixen®-style Dovetail Receiver

Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)

1&

Dust Cover

1*

Telescope Control Panel

1(

Counterweight Safety Cap

2)

Counterweight Shaft

2!

Counterweight

2@

Azimuth Adjustment Drive

2$

Latitude Adjustment Drive

2%

Latitude Pivot Point

2&

RA Clutch

2(

DEC Clutch

3)

Multi-Function Hex Head Tool

3!

Carry Handles

3#



LX80 Key Features



LX80 Key Features



4(

2*

Vixen®-style Dovetail Receiver

1%

Cradle Rings (Refractors only)

1^

Azimuth Lock Knob

2#

Latitude Scale

2*

DEC Setting Circle

3$

2#

DEC Reference Point

3%

Battery Compartment Cover

4)

Battery Compartment Lock Knob

4!

Counterweight Lock Knob

4(

4!

3%

4)
3$

Figure 2: LX80 Key Features - Front View

9

LX80 Key Features

1(

A.B.C.D.E.

LX80 Key Features

Figure 3: LX80 Control Panel - Detail

AudioStar #497 HANDBOX

F.

Telescope Control Panel:

1(

A. Power-On Lamp
B. 12v DC Power Connector
C. ON/OFF Switch
D. Handbox (HBX) Port
E. Aux 1
F. Aux 2

Azimuth Adjustment Drive

2$

Latitude Adjustment Drive

2%

Latitude Lock

2^

Latitude Pivot Point

2&

RA Clutch

2(

Multi-Function Hex Head Tool

3!

Bubble Level

3@

AZ and EQ Home Position

3&

AZ Home reference point

3*

EQ Home reference point (Not Visible)

3(

3(

3*

3&

3@

3!

1(

2&

2^

2%

2(

2$

10

Figure 4: LX80 Controls

LX80 Key Features

Azimuth Lock Knob

2#

True North Indicator

3^

Spreader Bar

4@

Tripod Mounting Base

4#

Variable Height Tripod Legs

4$

Spreader Bar Tension Knob

4%

Tripod Leg Lock Knobs (two on

4^

each leg)

Tripod Leg Leveler

4&

Tripod Lock Knobs

4*

3^

LX80 Key Features

2#

4@

4%

Figure 5: LX80 Drive Base Close-up

4*

4#

4&

4$

Figure 6 : LX80 Tripod

4^

11

LX80 Key Features

Adjustments for German EQ Mode

3!

LX80 Key Features

Fig 7: Multi-Function Hex Head Tool

AudioStar #497 HANDBOX

3!

Azimuth Adjustment Drive

2$

Latitude Adjustment Drive

2%

Latitude Lock

2^

Latitude Pivot Point

2&

Multi-Function Hex Head Tool

3!

3!

3!

2$

Fig 8: Azimuth Adjustment Fig 9: Latitude Adjustment

3!

2&

Fig 10: Latitude Pivot Point Fig 11: Latitude Lock Knob

2%

3!

2^

12

LX80 Series: Your Personal Window to
the Universe

The Meade LX80 Series models are versatile, high­resolution 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 an eagle from 50 yards or study the
rings of the planet Saturn from a distance of 800
million miles. Focus beyond the Solar System and
observe majestic nebulae, ancient star clusters, and
remote galaxies. Meade LX80 Series telescopes are
instruments fully capable of growing with your interest
and can meet the requirements of the most demanding
advanced observer.

Refer to Figures 1 through 11 for the
following features:

 Viewfi nder: 8x50, wide-fi eld sighting scope with

crosshairs that enables easy centering of objects
in the telescope eyepiece



Viewfi nder Collimation Screws: Adjust these
screws to align the viewfi nder. See Page 20 for
more information.

.

 Viewfi nder Front Cell and Locking Ring:

Adjust the front cell to focus the viewfi nder. See
step 3, Page 20 for more details. The viewfi nder
is supplied with a small dust cover placed over
the front cell.

 Viewfi nder Bracket: Holds the viewfi nder

in place.

 Viewfi nder Bracket Screws: Tighten to a fi rm

feel to hold viewfi nder securely in place.

 Eyepiece: Place the supplied eyepiece into the

Diagonal (Page 18, Fig. 23) and tighten in place
with locking thumbscrew.

 Accessory Adapter: The diagonal mirror is

inserted into this adapter.

 Adapter Thumbscrews: Tighten to secure the

Diagonal in place.

 Focus Lock Knob (Refractor Only): Designed

to prevent the focuser drawtube from moving
when a heavy accessory, such as a camera, is
attached to the focuser assembly. For normal

observing with an eyepiece and diagonal, it is
not necessary to use the lock knob.

 Star Diagonal with Adapter: Holds the eyepiece

upright for easy viewing. Provides a more
comfortable right-angle viewing position. Slide
the diagonal directly into the Adapter and tighten
the thumbscrew to a fi rm feel only. See Page 18
for a photo and more information.

 2-Speed Crayford Style Focusing System

(Refractors Only): Moves the telescope’s
focuser in a fi nely-controlled motion to
achieve precise image focus. Rotate
the focus knob clockwise to focus on a
distant object.

 AudioStar Handbox: The LX80 user interface.

Use the handbox to command the LX80 to
automatically slew to any object in the night
sky. See pages 33 thru 43 for a description
of features.

 AudioStar Coil Cord: Connects the handbox to

the Computer Control Panel via the HBX port.

 Dovetail Lock Knobs: Be sure to securely

tighten to hold the OTA dovetail in place.

 Vixen®-style Dovetail Receiver: Place OTA

dovetail here.

 Cradle Rings (Refractor Only): Part of the cradle

assembly; holds the optical tube fi rmly in place.

1& Optical Tube Assembly (OTA): The main

optical component that gathers the light from
distant objects and brings this light to a focus for
examination with the eyepiece.

1* Dust Cover: Place the dust cover (not visible

in photo) over the OTAs primary objective lens
when storing the telescope.

Note: The dust cover should be replaced after

each observing session and the power turned
off to the telescope. Allow time for any dew
that might have collected during the observing
session to evaporate prior to replacing the
dust cover.

1( Telescope Control Panel:

A. Power-On Lamp
B. 12v DC Power Connector
C. ON/OFF Switch

LX80 Key Features

13

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.

LX80 Key Features

2@ Counterweight: Counterbalances the weight of

the optical tube, and adds stability to the mount.

2# Azimuth Lock Knobs:

Alt-Az Mode: Keep in the “Lock” Position.

AudioStar #497 HANDBOX

Equatorial Mode: Unlock while making
adjustments. Once aligned on the celestial pole,
move the knob to the “Lock” position to prevent
unwanted movement.

2$ Azimuth Adjustment Drive: Once the azimuth

lock knob is loosened, make adjustments to the
mounts azimuth position aligning it to the celestial
pole. When properly adjusted, lock the azimuth
adjustment lock knob to prevent unwanted
Azimuth movement in the LX80.

2% Latitude Adjustment Drive: Used to set

the LX80 to the correct Latitude for your
observing site.

2^ Latitude Lock: Before using the latitude

adjustment, loosen the latitude lock. Once the
latitude is adjusted, be sure to lock this to prevent
unwanted movement of the LX80.

2& Latitude Pivot Point: Keep in the lock position

to stabilize the mount.

2* Latitude Scale: Set the latitude of the

observing site on this scale using the latitude
adjustment drive.

2( RA Clutch: Rotate this lever to engage the

RA drive.

3) DEC Clutch: Tighten to engage the DEC drive.
3! LX80 Multi-Function Hex Head Tool: adjust

the latitude lock, latitude drive, azimuth drive and
latitude pivot points. See page 12 for details.

3# LX80 Carry Handles: Use these carry handles

to help move the LX80 mount from one location
to another.

3$ DEC Setting Circle.
3% DEC Reference Point.
3^ True North Indicator: Point this arrow towards

true North.

3& AZ and EQ Home Position: Line the AZ or EQ

marks to set the telescope in altazimuth (AZ) or
equatorial (EQ) home positions

3* AZ Home position reference point.
3( EQ Home position reference point (Not

Visible).

4) Battery Compartment Cover:
4! Battery Compartment Lock Knob.
4@ Spreader Bar: Holds the tripod legs securely

in place and also acts as a holder for
extra eyepieces.

4# Tripod Mounting Base: Set the telescope

mount into the tripod mounting base and secure
into place using the the tripod lock knobs. See
How to Assemble Your Telescope, Page 15 for
more information.

4$ Variable Height Tripod Legs (3): Supports the

telescope mount. The mount attaches to the top
of the tripod.

4% Spreader Bar Tension Knob: Tighten to secure

the spreader bar against the tripod legs.

4^ Tripod Leg Lock Knobs (two on each leg):

Loosen these knobs to slide the inner leg
extension. Tighten the knobs to a fi rm feel to lock
in the height of the tripod.

4& Tripod Leveler: Twist to fi ne tune each tripod’s

leg height up or down.

4* Tripod Lock Knobs:: Securely hold s the mount

to the tripod

4( Counterweight Lock Knob: Secure the

counterweight’s position on the shaft.

14

3@ Bubble Level: Level the mount with this tool.

Getting Started

Unpacking your telescope:

The LX80 is shipped in two or four boxes:

Box #1: LX80 Multi-mount (with components)
Box #2: LX80 Field Tripod
Box #3: (if ordered): Optional Optical Tube Assembly
Box #4: (if required): Additional Counterweight

As you unpack your telescope, carefully note the
following parts.

• LX80 Multi-Mount with computer control
panel, dovetail adapter, and dedicated LX80
adjustment tool.

• Counterweight and sectional counterweight shaft
with safety nut.

• Secondary dovetail adapter with bubble level

• AudioStar handbox with detachable coil cord.

• Heavy duty, adjustable stainless steel tripod, six
tripod leg lock knobs (pre-installed), three captive
mount locking knobs that connect the tripod head
and mount (pre-installed), and one large three
point spreader bar.

• Software DVD and Bubble Level Compass.

• Optional Meade Optical Tube Assembly with
accessories (if purchased).

How to Assemble Your Telescope

The LX80 telescope can be confi gured in three (3)
modes of operation (alt-azimuth, equatorial or dual
mode). The following assembly procedure will be
common for all modes up to the step “Balancing the
Telescope”. At that point you will have the opportunity
to choose a specifi c confi guration and continue with
set-up and operation.

1. Remove the components from the boxes. Refer
to Figures 1 through 11 for images of the parts
and the overall assembly of your telescope.

2. Adjust the tripod legs. Spread the tripod legs
as far as they will open. See Fig. 13. Point any
one of the three tripod legs towards “true” north
(south if you are using the telescope in the
Southern Hemisphere).

Getting Started

Fig 13: Spread the tripod legs

3. Attach the spreader bar to the spreader shaft.
Thread the tension knob onto the spreader shaft
so the spreader is fi rmly seated against each tripod
leg (See Fig. 14). Roughly level the tripod head
by extending/shortening the tripod leg extensions.
Secure the extension by tightening the two leg lock
knobs on each leg securely. Note that included on
the tripod head is a convenient bubble level to guide
you. A “rough” state of levelness is suffi cient at
this point.

Fig 12: Alt-Azimuth, Equatorial and Dual Modes

Fig 14: Attach spreader bar and thread on

tension knob

15

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.

Getting Started

Fig 15: Place mount base on tripod. Point the “N” on

AudioStar #497 HANDBOX

the front of the mount to True North.

Place this over the leg that is pointing toward “true”
North (south if you are using the telescope in the
Southern Hemisphere). There are “keyed” detents
in the base, rotate the mount so that the mount
seats fi rmly into the “keys“ on the tripod base.

safety cap which needs to be removed to install the
counterweights.

Fig 17: Thread-on counterweight shaft

Attach the counterweight(s) to the

counterweight shaft.

Look through the hole in the counterweight and

note the pin blocking the hole. Tilt the counterweight
slightly and the pin moves out of position, clearing
the hole. If the pin does not move, unscrew the
counterweight lock knob to allow the pin to move
out of the center hole.

A single 11 pound counterweight is standard.

Some OT As, due to their weight, include additional
counterweights; if so equipped, you may need to
use all three (3) counterweight shaft extensions to
achieve proper balance.

16

Fig 16: Tighten three (3) knobs at underside

Firmly tighten the three (3) threaded lock knobs at
the bottom of the tripod mounting base.

5. Attach the segmented counterweight shaft
to the mount. (See Fig. 17). There are three (3)

threaded shafts pre-assembled at the factory, one
(1) master and two (2) extensions. The master
is attached fi rst, and is the shaft with threaded
receivers on both ends. The extensions have a
threaded male and female on each end (see Fig.

18). At the end of the extension shaft is a knurled

Fig 18: Thread on additional counterweight shaft(s),
counterweight (2) as needed. Affi x safety cap.

Unscrew the safety cap from the counterweight

shaft. Holding the counterweight (see Fig. 18)
so the lock knob points toward the ground,
install the counterweight(s) to approximately the

midpoint of the counterweight shaft. Tighten 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 dovetail mount.
All of Meade’s standard LX80 OTAs is equipped
with a dovetail that mates with the mount’s Vixen®­style receiver.

prevent the OTA from moving once it is installed in
the receiver. Next loosen the two dovetail receiver
lock knobs, pick-up the OTA and slide the tube’s
dovetail mount into the mount;s receiver. Maintain
your grip on the OT A so that it does not slide through
or off of the receiver; secure by tightening the two
(2) lock knobs to a fi rm feel.

7. Assemble the viewfi nder. Attach the six
viewfi nder collimation screws to the viewfi nder
bracket leaving room to slide the viewfi nder tube
into the bracket. Slide the optical viewfi nder into
the bracket and adjust the collimation screws so the
viewfi nder is approximately centered in the bracket.
Orient the viewfi nder eyepiece as depicted in
(Page 8, Fig 1, 3).

Attach viewfi nder to the OTA

Getting Started

Fig 19: Tighten DEC lock

• Schmidt-Cassegrain OTAs: Dovetails on the 6, 8
and 10 inch OTAs are factory mounted and can be
immediately mounted onto the LX80.

• Series 5000 ED APOs and Coronado SolarMax
OTAs: are equipped with Vixen®-style dovetails
mated to cradle ring style mounts. It is always
good practice to make sure that the cradle ring lock
knobs are tight and secured to prevent the tube
from slipping from the cradle.

First lock the declination lock (see Fig 19) to

Fig 20: Slide dovetail into bracket and secure

Fig 21: Slide in fi nderscope and secure

• Slide the viewfi nder bracket into the pre-installed
mounting adapter on the rear of the OTA so the
viewfi nder eyepiece points toward the rear of
the telescope. Tighten the locking screws to a
fi rm feel.

Note: The 80mm APO is not equipped with

a viewfi nder.

Coronado SolarMax II: both the 60mm and

90mm solar scopes include a built-in Sol-Ranger
projection viewfi nder mounted to the cradle ring
and are pre-aligned at the factory.

8. Insert the eyepiece.

Schmidt-Cassegrain models: Unscrew the rear

silver dust cap and set aside in a safe place.
Replace it when you have fi nished observing to
prevent dust from entering the rear cell of the optical
tube assembly . Thread the accessory adapter onto

17

Getting Started

Fig 22: Secure diagonal into holder

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

AudioStar #497 HANDBOX

the attachment thumbscrew to a fi rm feel only.

a twisting motion. Using the bubble level on the
mount head, you can now adjust the leg levelers
to achieve precision mount/tripod level. If you are
far off the level position, you may need to adjust
the height of the tripod legs using the tripod leg
lock knobs.

10. Install Batteries or connect an AC Adapter. Open
the battery compartment door and carefully remove
the battery holder. This holder is connected to the
telescope through a standard 9 volt connector.
Insert eight (user-supplied) AA-size batteries into
the battery holder, oriented as shown in the diagram
on the battery slots of the holder.

Caution: Use care to install batteries as indicated

by the battery compartment. Follow battery
manufacturer’s precautions. Do not install batteries

Fig 23: Insert eyepiece into diagonal

APOS and Coronado SolarMaxII models: Lift to
remove the dust cap from the accessory adapter
on the focuser assembly. Set the dust cap aside
in a safe place and replace it when you have
fi nished observing to protect the delicate optics.
Back off the eyepiece thumbscrews (Fig. 22) and
slide the diagonal into the holder and tighten the
thumbscrews to a fi rm feel only. Insert the supplied
eyepiece (Fig. 23) into the diagonal. Tighten the
diagonal’s thumbscrews to a fi rm feel to secure
the eyepiece.

9. Level the mount. Now that the OT A, counterweight
shaft and counterweight have been installed it is a
good time to fi nely level the mount. The three fi ne-
tune leg levelers on the top of each tripod leg will
raise or lower the tripod leg a small amount using

Fig 24: Plug AudioStar into HBX connector

backwards or mix new and used batteries. Do not
mix battery types. If these precautions are not
followed, batteries may explode, catch fi re, or leak.
Improperly installed batteries void your Meade
warranty. Always remove the batteries if they are
not to be used for a long period of time.

If using Meade’s Universal AC Adapter, connect

the 12v connector directly to the computer
control panel.

11. Plug in AudioStar. Connect one end of the
AudioStar cable into the bottom of the AudioStar
and other end into the HBX port on the telescope
control panel.

18

Balancing the Telescope

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

Fig 25: While maintaining hold of OTA, loosen the
DEC lock

of the motion of the telescope takes place by moving
about these two axes, separately or simultaneously.
Become familiar with how the telescope moves on
each axis and their corresponding locks.

the OTA can be slid fore and aft. Slide the OTA until it
no longer rotates in either direction and is balanced.
When the OTA is balanced, tighten the two dovetail
lock knobs fi rmly.

• APOS and Coronado SolarMaxII OTAs: Carefully

unloosen the DEC lock (see Fig 25), keeping one hand
on the OT A to control its movement. You will notice that
the OTA will want to rotate in one direction. Carefully
loosen the two cradle lock knobs (see Fig 26) just
enough, so that the OTA can be slid fore and aft in the
cradle. Slide the OTA until it no longer rotates in either
direction and is balanced. When OTA is balanced,
tighten the two cradle lock knobs.

RA (Right Ascension) Balance:

At this point you will need to use the LX80 hex tool
(Page 12, Fig 9, 31). This tool can be found at the
lower left of the backside of the drive base. Twist
counter clockwise to remove the tool from the mount.
This tool contains a hex head wrench that fi ts multiple
fasteners and adjustments on the mount.

Getting Started

Fig 26: Balancing the OTA

Declination Balance: This is achieved by moving the
telescope optical tube fore and aft within its holder,
so that the weight is equally balanced along the
DEC axis.

• Schmidt-Cassegrain (SC) OT As: Carefully unloosen
the DEC lock (see Fig 25), keeping one hand on the
OTA to control its movement. You will notice that the
OTA will want to rotate in one direction. Carefully
loosen the two dovetail lock knobs just enough, so that

Fig 27: Removing the hex head tool

Tilt the Mount head: Use the dedicated LX80 tool to
tilt the mount head about 45° from the standard alt-az
shipping confi guration (reference the scale cast into
the base, Fig 29). Note that for this balancing exercise
it is not necessary to precisely tilt the head to 45°) —
an approximation is all that is required.

Loosen the right and left side latitude lock (Fig. 28)
using the LX80 hex tool. Then insert the tool into hex
headed latitude adjustment. T wisting counter clockwise
will begin to tilt the head towards 45°.

Release the RA Lock: Unlock the RA lock by moving
the lock knob left (counter clockwise), keeping a hand on
the counterweight shaft to control rotation. The mount
head will now have tendency to rotate in one direction

19

Getting Started

Fig 28: Loosen RA lock – right and left sides

(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.

AudioStar #497 HANDBOX

Fig 29: Tilting the mount head

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 either direction and
is properly balanced. Lock the RA axis when balance
is achieved.

Note: If your telescope came with additional
weights you may need to attach counterweight shaft

Fig 31: Adjust counterweight to achieve balance

extension pieces to achieve balance. Your telescope
is now balanced in both DEC and RA axes and will
perform optimally.

Return to Alt-Az Mode: Insert the LX80 tool into the
hex headed latitude adjustment, twisting the tool in a
counter clockwise direction to bring the mount head
back up to a vertical (alt-az) confi guration. This can
be checked by lining the latitude indicator back at 90°
degree mark.

Aligning the Viewfi nder

The wide fi eld of view of the telescope’s viewfi nder
(Page 8, Fig 1, 1) provides an easier way to initially
sight objects than the main telescope’s eyepiece
(Page 8, Fig 1, 6), which has a much narrower fi eld of
view. If you have not already attached the viewfi nder
to the telescope tube assembly, follow the procedure
described in Step 7, Page 17.

In order for the viewfi nder to be useful, it must be aligned
to the main telescope, so that both the viewfi nder and
telescope’s optical tube (Page 8, Fig 1, 17) point at
the same position in the sky. This alignment makes it
easier to fi nd objects by fi rst locating an object in the
wide-fi eld viewfi nder, then looking into the eyepiece of
the main telescope for a detailed view.

20

Fig 30: Disengage the RA lock

To align the viewfi nder, perform steps 1 through 4
during the daytime; perform step 5 at night. Refer to
Figs 1 and 2.

1. Remove the dust covers from the optical tube

(Page 8, Fig 1, 18) and the viewfi nder.

2. If you have not already done so, insert the low-

power SP 26mm eyepiece (Page 8, Fig 1, 6) into
the accessory adapter of the main telescope. See
step 8, Page 17.

3. Look through the viewfi nder eyepiece at an object

at least 200 yards away. If the distant object is not
in focus, turn the focus lock ring counterclockwise
to loosen the viewfi nder front cell (Page 8, Fig 1,

3). Twist 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 telescope
turns freely on both axes. Then point the main
telescope at a tall, well-defi ned and stationary
land object (e.g., the top of a telephone pole) at
least 200 yards distant and center the object in the
telescope’s eyepiece. Focus the image by turning
the optical tube focus knobs (Page 8, Fig 1, 11).
Retighten the RA and DEC locks and verify the
object is still centered in the eyepiece.

5. Look through the viewfi nder and loosen or tighten,
as appropriate, one or more of the viewfi nder
collimation thumbscrews (Page 8, Fig 1, 2) until
the viewfi nder’s crosshairs are precisely centered
on the object you previously centered in the main
telescope’s eyepiece.

NEVER point the telescope or viewfi nder directly
at or near the Sun at any time! Observing the Sun,
even for the smallest fraction of a second, will
result in instant and irreversible eye damage, as
well as physical damage to the telescope itself.

Check this alignment on a celestial object, such as
a bright star or the Moon, and make any necessary
refi nements, using the method outlined above in steps
4 & 5.

With this alignment performed, objects fi rst located
in the wide-fi eld viewfi nder will also appear in the
telescope’s eyepiece.

Choosing an Eyepiece

A telescope’ s eyepiece magnifi es the image formed by
the telescope’s main optics. Each eyepiece has a focal
length, expressed in millimeters, or “mm.” The smaller
the focal length, the higher the magnifi cation. For
example, an eyepiece with a focal length of 9mm has
a higher magnifi cation than an eyepiece with a focal
length of 26mm when used with the same OTA.

Y our telescope comes supplied with an eyepiece which
gives a wide, comfortable fi eld of view with high image
resolution.

Low-power eyepieces offer a wide fi eld of view,
bright, high-contrast images, and eye relief during
long observing sessions. To fi nd an object with a

telescope, always start with a lower power eyepiece
such as the 26mm. When the object is located and
centered in the eyepiece, you may wish to switch
to a higher power eyepiece to enlarge the image as
much as practical for prevailing seeing conditions.
For information about optional eyepieces for the LX80
Series models, see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,
Page 52.

The power, or magnifi cation of a telescope is
determined by the focal length of the telescope and the
focal length of the eyepiece being used. To calculate
eyepiece power, divide the telescope’s focal length
by the eyepiece’s focal length. For example, a 26mm
eyepiece is supplied with the LX80 Series. The focal
length of the 8” LX80 Series SC model is 2034mm (see
Specifi cations, Page 60).

Telescope Focal Length ÷ Eyepiece Focal Length
= Magnifi cation (Power)

Telescope Focal Length = 2034mm
Eyepiece Focal Length = 26mm
2034 ÷ 26 = 78

The eyepiece power, or magnifi cation is therefore 78X
(approximately).

Observing by Moving the Telescope
Manually

After the telescope is assembled and balanced as
described previously, you are ready to begin manual
observations. View easy-to-fi nd terrestrial objects such
as street signs or traffi c lights to become accustomed
to the functions and operations of the telescope.
For the best results during observations, follow the
suggestions below:

• When you wish to locate an object to observe, fi rst
loosen the telescope’s RA lock (Page 8, Fig 1, 29)
and DEC lock (Page 8, Fig 1, 30). The telescope
can now turn freely on its axes. Unlock each axis
separately and practice moving your telescope.
Then practice with two unlocked axes at the same
time. It is especially important to practice this
step to understand how your telescope moves in
equatorial confi guration, as the movement of an
equatorial mount are not intuitive.

• Use the aligned viewfi nder to sight-in on the object
you wish to observe. When the object is centered
in the viewfi nder’s crosshairs, re-tighten the RA

Getting Started

21

and DEC locks.

• Once centered, an object can be focused by
turning one of the knobs of the focusing mechanism
(Page 8, Fig 1, 11). 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 through the fi eld

Getting Started

more rapidly at higher powers. See TRACKING
OBJECTS, Page 23, for detailed information
on how you can counteract the drift in the fi eld
of view.

Using AudioStar’s GoTo Capabilities

Before you can use AudioStar’s GoTo capabilities, you
must fi rst:

• Learn how AudioStar’s keys move through

AudioStar #497 HANDBOX

the menus

• Initialize AudioStar

• Place the telescope in either the alt-azimuth or
Polar home position. If you have not already done
so (see Setting the Polar Home Position, Page 28
or Page 25 for the Alt-Azimuth Home position)

• Perform a quick alignment on the night sky using
AudioStar’s alignment routine.

Moving Through AudioStar’s Menus

The AudioStar database is organized in levels for quick
and easy navigation.

• Press ENTER to go deeper into AudioStar’s
menu levels.

• Press MODE to move back toward the top
menu level.

• Press the Scroll keys to move up and down through
the options available for each level.

• Press the Arrow keys to enter characters, digits
and to move the cursor across the display. The
Arrow keys are also used to move the telescope in
each direction.

• Press the Number keys to enter digits

• Press the Help (?) key (Page 33, Fig 39, 8) to
access on-line help.

Activate the Arrow Keys

AudioStar’s arrow keys allow you to slew (move)

the telescope up, down, right, or left. The following
procedure describes how to activate AudioStar’s
Arrow keys:

1. After the batteries are installed and AudioStar’s
cord is plugged into the HBX port of computer
control panel (Page 10, Fig 3, D), a copyright
message displays on the AudioStar LCD display
(Page 33, Fig 39, 1).

2. If you are using the LX80 for the fi rst time, it will
prompt you to select the desired language. Select
English by pressing the enter key. You can use
the hand controller to move the telescope in each
direction and change the slew speeds.

Slew Speeds

AudioStar has nine slew speeds that move the optical
tube at rates that are directly proportional to the sidereal
rate and have been calculated to accomplish specifi c
functions. Press a Number key (Page 33, Fig 39, 6) to
change the slew speed, which is shown for about two
seconds on AudioStar’s display.

The nine available speeds are:

Number Key 1 = Guide (0.25 arc-min/sec

or 0.004°/sec)

Number Key 2 = 2x = 2x sidereal (0.5 arc-min/sec

or 0.008°/sec)

Number Key 3 = 8x = 8x sidereal (2 arc-min/sec or

0.033°/sec)

Number Key 4 = 16x = 16x sidereal (4 arc-min/sec

or 0.067°/sec)

Number Key 5 = 64x = 64x sidereal (16 arc-min

sec or 0.27°/sec)
Number Key 6 = 128x = 30arc-min/sec or 0.5°/sec
Number Key 7 = 1.5° = 90arc-min/sec or 1.5°/sec
Number Key 8 = 3° = 180arc-min/sec or 3°/sec
Number Key 9 = Max = 270arc-min/sec or 4.5°/sec

Speeds 1, 2 or 3: Best used for fi ne centering of an
object in the fi eld of view of a higher power eyepiece,
such as a 12mm or a 9mm eyepiece.

Speeds 4, 5 or 6: Enables centering an object in the
fi eld of a low-to-moderate power eyepiece, such as the
standard 26mm.

22