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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 OTA 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
and casual, short exposure digital imaging.
German Equatorial Mode: Set-up is more involved
than the alt-az mode. This confi guration is ideal for
long duration digital imaging.
Dual OTA Mode: Simultaneously use two optical
tubes on the same mount.
All three modes utilize the same AudioStar operating
system and contain the same 30,000 object database
and audio features.
Note: All LX80 telescopes mounts are shipped from
the factory with the alt-az mode as the default mode,
so we shall start the next section discussing the alt-az
mode and its set-up and operation.
Aligning the LX80
To automatically track and locate objects in the night
sky, the LX80 must fi rst be initialized, then aligned on
the sky. It is best to set up the telescope in twilight or
before sunset the fi rst time you use the LX80. Setup
the telescope in a large open area where you can see
a lot of the night sky. Make sure the ground is stable
and approximately level. It is best to setup the scope
away from bright nighttime lighting. Bright lights will
spoil your night vision and impede you ability to see
the sky.
Initializing AudioStar
This section describes how to initialize AudioStar.
Perform this procedure the fi rst time you use AudioStar
or after performing a RESET (see “RESET” Page 43).
1. Verify that AudioStar is properly connected to your
telescope. See “Getting Started” Page 15.
2. Turn the telescope power switch to the
ON position.
The AudioStar beeps and the display screen is
activated. Then AudioStar takes a few moments
to start up the system.
3. Language > English displays. Press enter to have
AudioStar present text and audio in English.
4. “Press 0 to Align or Mode for Menu” displays. Press
0 to align your telescope using the “Easy Align”
method, see “Easy (Two-Star) Align” on Page
26. To skip the alignment process and access the
AudioStar menus, press the Mode key.
5. The telescope then tests the motor function of
the telescope by moving in the horizontal and
vertical directions.
6. Set Your Location or ZIP Code: The location
screen displays. This screen asks you if you wish
to choose either the ZIP code of your observing
location or the location (i.e., entering the city and
state or country of your observing location). Press
“1” to select the ZIP code option or “2” to enter the
The LX80 Multi-Mount System
AudioStar #497 HANDBOX
The LX80 Multi-Mount System
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