Meade Instruments is a well-known manufacturer of high-quality telescopes, mounts, and accessories. Their LX85 Computerized GoTo Telescope Mount with AudioStar is a popular choice among amateur astronomers and astrophotographers. This mount features robotic GoTo technology that can locate, center, and track over 30,000 night sky objects. It is equally capable for visual and imaging pursuits, making it a versatile option for all your astronomy needs.
The Meade LX85 Equatorial mount with AudioStar is a portable, German equatorial mount that is perfect for cultivated observers and astro-imagers. It features fully automated GoTo slewing to thousands of objects in the night sky. The LX85 is a robust yet portable mount that can easily be transported to your favorite stargazing spot. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced astronomer, the Meade LX85 mount is a great choice for your next telescope setup.
Meade also offers a range of telescope mounts for sale on eBay, including the DS60 Digital Series Telescope Mount Head for a 60mm refractor optical tube and the LX50 8″ Fork Mount. Additionally, Meade offers a smartphone adapter for all telescopes, allowing you to take pictures through the telescope with your phone. With Meade’s range of telescope mounts and accessories, you can easily find the perfect setup for your stargazing adventures.
What is a Meade Telescope Mount?
A Meade telescope mount is a device that allows you to attach a telescope to it and move it in different directions to track celestial objects. Meade Instruments is a well-known brand that produces various types of telescope mounts, including equatorial and German equatorial mounts.
Equatorial Mounts
Equatorial mounts are designed to align with the Earth’s rotation axis, making it easier to track celestial objects as they move across the sky. Meade’s equatorial mounts come with robotic GoTo technology that can locate and track over 30,000 night sky objects. These mounts are ideal for both visual and imaging pursuits and are portable enough to take with you on the go.
German Equatorial Mounts
German equatorial mounts are similar to equatorial mounts, but they offer more stability and precision for astrophotography. Meade’s German equatorial mounts come with StarLock technology that provides precise tracking and guiding for long-exposure astrophotography. These mounts are also equipped with GoTo technology, making it easy to find and track celestial objects.
Meade Instruments offers several models of telescope mounts, including the LX85 EQ mount and tripod, the LX85 computerized GoTo telescope mount with AudioStar, and the LX850 German equatorial mount with StarLock. Each of these mounts has its own unique features and capabilities, making it easy to find one that suits your needs and budget.
In conclusion, a Meade telescope mount is an essential tool for any astronomy enthusiast. Whether you’re interested in visual observing or astrophotography, Meade’s equatorial and German equatorial mounts offer the stability, precision, and convenience you need to explore the night sky.
Types of Meade Telescope Mounts
Meade Instruments offers a variety of telescope mounts to fit different needs and preferences. Here are two types of Meade telescope mounts:
Fork Mounts
Fork mounts are designed to hold the telescope’s optical tube assembly (OTA) between two arms that resemble a fork. Meade’s fork mounts are available in different sizes to accommodate different OTA sizes and weights. The table below shows some of Meade’s fork mounts and their specifications:
| Model | Telescope Size | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| LX85 | Up to 8″ | 33 lbs |
| LX600 | 10″, 12″, 14″ | 90-110 lbs |
| LX850 | 10″, 12″, 14″ | 90-110 lbs |
Fork mounts are known for their stability and precision tracking, making them ideal for astrophotography.
Alt-Azimuth Mounts
Alt-azimuth mounts, also known as alt-az mounts, have two axes of motion: altitude (up-down) and azimuth (left-right). Meade’s alt-az mounts are easy to set up and use, making them a great choice for beginners. The table below shows some of Meade’s alt-az mounts and their specifications:
| Model | Telescope Size | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| LightBridge Mini | Up to 130mm | 13 lbs |
| Adventure Scope | Up to 80mm | 6.6 lbs |
| ETX Observer | Up to 127mm | 12 lbs |
Alt-az mounts are generally more affordable than fork mounts and are great for visual observing.
In conclusion, Meade offers a variety of telescope mounts to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer, Meade has a mount that will fit your telescope and budget.
Features of Meade Telescope Mounts
Meade Telescope Mounts are known for their advanced features and superior quality. Here are some of the key features of Meade Telescope Mounts:
PEC Technology
Meade Telescope Mounts come with a PEC (Periodic Error Correction) technology that corrects for any tracking errors caused by the mount. This technology allows for more accurate tracking of celestial objects, making it easier to capture stunning astrophotography images. With PEC, you can achieve longer exposure times and capture more detail in your images.
Hand Controller
Meade Telescope Mounts come with a hand controller that allows you to easily navigate through the mount’s features and settings. The hand controller is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to use even for beginners. With the hand controller, you can quickly access the mount’s GoTo feature, which allows you to easily locate and track celestial objects.
LX Focuser
Meade Telescope Mounts feature an LX Focuser that provides precise focus control for your telescope. The LX Focuser allows you to achieve sharp, clear images of celestial objects, making it ideal for astrophotography. With the LX Focuser, you can easily adjust the focus of your telescope to capture stunning images of the night sky.
Meade Telescope Mounts are also compatible with a wide range of eyepieces, allowing you to customize your viewing experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced astronomer, Meade Telescope Mounts are an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the night sky.
Setting up a Meade Telescope Mount
When it comes to astronomy, having a reliable telescope mount is essential for a successful stargazing experience. The Meade LX85 Computerized GoTo Telescope Mount with AudioStar is a heavy-duty mount that can support a payload of up to 33 pounds, making it ideal for both visual and deep-sky astrophotography pursuits. In this section, we’ll cover the steps involved in setting up a Meade telescope mount.
Shipping and Availability
Before you can start setting up your Meade telescope mount, you’ll need to ensure that you have all the necessary items. The Meade LX85 mount is available from authorized resellers, and pricing and availability may vary depending on your location. It’s worth checking with your local retailer or online store to see if the mount is in stock.
When your mount arrives, inspect the package for any signs of damage during shipping. If there are any issues, contact the retailer or Meade Instruments for assistance.
Assembly and Mounting
Once you have your Meade LX85 mount, it’s time to assemble and mount it. Here are the steps involved:
- Begin by assembling the tripod legs. Spread the legs apart and extend them to the desired height. Tighten the locking mechanisms to secure the tripod in place.
- Attach the mount head to the tripod using the provided bolts and screws. Tighten the bolts securely.
- Install the counterweight shaft into the mount head. Attach the counterweight(s) to the shaft to balance the mount.
- Attach your telescope to the mount head using the dovetail mounting plate. Tighten the screws to secure the telescope in place.
- Connect the mount to a power source using the provided power cord. Turn on the mount and follow the instructions in the AudioStar hand controller to align the mount with the stars.
It’s worth noting that the Meade LX85 mount comes with a variety of features and options, including a built-in polar alignment scope, adjustable latitude range, and more. Take the time to read the manual and familiarize yourself with the mount’s capabilities to get the most out of your stargazing experience.
Overall, setting up a Meade telescope mount is a straightforward process that can be completed with a few basic tools and some patience. With the right setup, you’ll be able to enjoy the wonders of the night sky for years to come.
Using a Meade Telescope Mount
A Meade telescope mount is an essential component of any telescope setup. It provides stability and precision to your telescope, allowing you to track celestial objects with ease. In this section, we will discuss how to use a Meade telescope mount for solar and lunar viewing, stargazing, and astrophotography.
Solar and Lunar Viewing
A Meade telescope mount is perfect for observing the sun and moon. When viewing the sun, it is important to use a solar filter to protect your eyes and equipment. Meade offers a range of solar filters that are compatible with their telescopes. To view the moon, you can use the mount to track its movement across the sky and observe its craters and mountains in detail.
Stargazing
With a Meade telescope mount, you can explore the wonders of the night sky. The mount allows you to track celestial objects as they move across the sky, making it easier to locate and observe them. Meade offers a range of mounts that are suitable for stargazing, including computerized GoTo mounts that can locate and track objects automatically.
Astrophotography
A Meade telescope mount is also ideal for astrophotography. By attaching a camera to your telescope, you can capture stunning images of the night sky. Meade offers a range of cameras that are compatible with their telescopes, including the popular Meade DSI camera. With the mount’s precision tracking, you can capture long-exposure images of galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial objects.
In conclusion, a Meade telescope mount is an essential component of any telescope setup. Whether you are interested in solar and lunar viewing, stargazing, or astrophotography, a Meade mount can help you achieve your goals. With its precision tracking and stability, you can explore the wonders of the universe with ease.