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 LX80s with Multi-mount is the most innovative and versatile mid-range telescope system available anywhere.

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 altaz 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 OTAs. The LX80s computerized GoTo mount is controlled with the amazing AudioStar handbox with Meade’s exclusive Astronomer Inside audio descriptions of the objects you are viewing.

• AutoStar Controller:  AudioStar w/30,000 object database
• Pointing Precision (High Precision Mode):  Up to 5 arcminutes
• Go-to pointing precision (approximately):  10 arcminutes
• Periodic Error Control:  Polar Mode Only
• 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):  8xAA
• AC Power Supply (optional):  12v DC, 5 amp power supply

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. With the LX80’s industry-standard saddle, there is virtually no limit to the different tubes that can be used.

• 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.
• One 11 lb. steel weight included
• Alt-az or German EQ configuration, dual OTA configuration, optional plug-in autoguider port
• Mount weight:  35 lbs
• Tripod weight:  31.5 lbs
• Tripod Dimension:  30.5 inch to 47 inch variable
• Mount Dimension:  12 inch L x 8 inch W x 14 inch H