Meade LX80 Telescopes – 3 Mounts in one with an amazing optical system
Meade Series 6000 ED Triplet APO Refractors are designed specifically for the discerning astrophotographer or visual observer, Meade Instruments Series 6000 refractors offer incredible optics and ultra-precise crayford-style 10:1 dual-speed focusing and optional 2-element field flattener. Also included are full-sized cradle rings, Series 5000 die-electric coated 2 inch star diagonal with 99% reflectivity and a custom hard carrying case to keep that beautiful new telescope looking impressive for years to come.
The all new Meade LX80 Multi-Mount – Three Mounts In One
Now you no longer have to make the difficult decision between the ease of setup and operation of an alt-az mount or the versatility and long duration imaging capability of a German equatorial mount. Meade’s LX80 is the only mount that gives you both plus one more – three computerized GoTo Mounts for the price of one.
The new line of LX80 telescopes with Multi-Mount is the most innovative and versatile mid-range telescope system available anywhere.
Meade LX80 Multi-Mount
The LX80 Multi-Mount operates in three modes, German equatorial, single OTA alt-az and dual OTA alt-az. Setting up in any mode is quick and easy. 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 larger loads up to a total payload of 40 pounds in EQ and alt-az modes and up to 75 pounds in dual OTA mode. 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. Both the primary and secondary OTA dovetail plates are industry-standard for maximum compatibility with all of your OTA’s. The LX80 computerized GoTo mount is controlled with the amazing AudioStar handbox with Meade’s exclusive Astronomer Inside audio descriptions of the objects you are viewing.
LX80 Tripod
With large two inch diameter stainless steel legs, the all new LX80 tripod is rugged and stable. Built-in fine-tune leg levelers at the top of each leg make doing small adjustments the easiest they’ve ever been.
Product Number 0306-08-01
Clear Aperture 80mm
Optical Design Apochromatic Refractor
Focal Length 480mm
Focal Ratio f/6
Telescope Mounting LX80 Multi-Mount
Optical Coatings Fully Multi-Coated
Resolving Power (Dawes Limit) 1.45 arcseconds
AutoStar Controller AudioStar
Object Database 30,000 objects
Viewfinder None
Eyepiece 26mm Series 4000 Super Plossl
Diagonal 2″ diagonal prism with 99% reflectivity
Total Instrument Capacity Multi-OTA = 70 lbs
Alt-Az or German Equatorial = 40 lbs
Optional AC Power 12v DC, 5 amp power supply
Materials
Correcting Plate/Lens FPL53 extra-low dispersion glass
Optical Tube Aluminum
Weights and Dimensions
OTA Weight 7.2 lbs.
OTA Only Dimensions 4 inch diameter x 18 inches
Meade LX80 Multi-Mount Specifications
Telescope Mounting Alt-Azimuth or German Equatorial
AutoStar Controller AudioStar
Object Database 30,000 objects
Pointing Precision (High-Precision Mode) Up to 5 arcminutes
Go-To Pointing Precision (approx.) 10 arcminutes
Periodic Error Correction Polar mode only
Slow Motion Controls Electronic
Slew Speeds RA and Dec:1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x sidereal and 1.5°/sec., 3°/sec., 6.5°/sec.
Tracking Rates Sidereal, lunar or custom selected from 2,000 incremental rates
Latitude Range (in EQ mode) 25° to 90°
Control Panel 12v DC, Power, HBX port, 2 Aux ports (RS232)
Total Instrument Capacity Multi-OTA = 70 lbs
Alt-Az or German Equatorial = 40 lbs
Batteries (User-Supplied) 8 x AA
Tripod Adjustable-height tripod with 2 inch stainless steel legs. Includes fine adjustment leg levelers on each leg. Range of fine adjustment for each leg+ 0.2 inch. Tripod height adjusts from 30.5 to 47 inches.
Optional AC Power 12v DC, 5 amp power supply
Smart Drive Yes
AutoStar Suite Planetarium Software Yes
Counterweights One 11 lb. steel weight included
Astronomer Inside Yes
Other Features
Alt-Az or German EQ configuration, dual OTA configuration, optional plug-in autoguider port
Materials
Mount Body Diecast aluminum with ABS panels
Weights and Dimensions
Mount Weight 35 lbs.
Mount Dimensions (LWH) 12 inches x 8 inches x 14 inches
Tripod Weight 31.5 lbs.
Tripod Dimensions 30.5 inches to 47 inches (variable)