Meade LX800 StarLock 14" F8 ACF Telescope

Coming soon - Meade Instruments proudly introduces the new standard in astrophotograhic and visual performance, the LX800. The fast f/8 Advanced Coma Free optical system produces a wider, flatter field with no coma for pinpoint stars out to the edge of larger imaging sensors and extreme wide angle eyepieces. Includes StarLock full time guider, Crayford style zero shift focuser with reduction, AutoStar II GOTO system with over 144,000 object library, and much more.

The patented Meade Advanced Coma Free (ACF) optical design offers the coma-free pinpoint star images and flatter image fields greatly desired by discerning amateur astronomers, astrophotographers and professional observatories alike. This patented system also reduces the astigmatism and eliminates diffraction spikes found in classical RC’s.







This 14" LX800 has 14" diameter f/8 ACF optics (focal length 2845mm) and Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) for maximum image brightness and contrast. The all new OTA includes an internal Crayford style zero image shift focusing system with two speed, 7:1 reduction control that rigidly holds the primary mirror, eliminating the need for a mirror lock.

A 90lb capacity goto GPS equatorial mount with built in guiding cameras

Includes StarLock- the revolutionary new technology that makes target acquisition on your imaging sensor and accurate guiding during exposures completely automatic. With Meade's exclusive LightSwitch technology at its core, StarLock uses an 80mm f/5 optic and two camera sensor system to provide computer assisted polar alignment using the drift method. Once aligned the StarLock is guiding the mount in real time, and even automatically programs periodic error correction, achieving a guiding accuracy of up to 1 arcsecond in good seeing and with the capability of guiding on stars as faint as 11th magnitude.

The LX800 mount, constructed of machined stainless steel and aircraft grade aluminum is a rock solid platform for the most demanding applications, with a 90 pound payload capacity and pointing accuracy as good as one arcminute. Features include precision roller bearings on each axis, a 1.75 stainless steel RA shaft, 5.8" main gears, fine manual adjustment controls on both axis, illuminated reticle output port and RS-232 serial interface port (USB Adapter available separately). Mount main body weight is 55 pounds. The fully height adjustable (29 to 45") tripod features massive 3" diameter stainless steel legs for rock steady performance and weighs 36 pounds.

The LX800 features DC-servo motors on each axis with a maximum slew speed of 3 degrees per second, allowing slewing 180 degrees to the opposite side of the sky in one minute flat. Fine slewing and photographic guiding speeds can be adjusted from .01x to 1x sidereal, with faster slewing at 2x, 8x, 16x, or 1/4, 1/2, 1 or 3 degrees per second. The mount and all electronics are externally powered by (12V). An external DC battery or power pack may also be used; Meade 607 Power Cord sold separately. The mount includes both mechanical locks and slow motion manual controls in both axis if for some reason you found yourself without power.

The 14" LX800 Advanced Coma-Free comes fully equipped with a Meade Series 5000 2" diagonal prism with 99% enhanced reflectivity, Series 5000 HD-60 25mm eyepiece, 8x50 viewfinder with quick release bracket and Meade AutoStar Suite Astronomer Edition Software for PC.

Fast f/8 Advanced Coma-Free (ACF)
Optical systems on the 10", 12" and 14" OTAs. These optics produce wider, flatter fields with no coma for pinpoint stars out to the edge of larger imaging sensors or extreme wide angle eyepieces. Optional custom-designed LX800 f/5 large-format focal reducer/field flattener also available.

StarLock full-time automatic integrated guider
Assists with ultra precise drift polar alignment, finds and centers targets and then automatically locks onto a field star as faint as 11th magnitude for one arcsecond guiding. No separate computer, no guide star selection, no user focus. Just setup your camera and image.

German Equatorial Mount
Made from machined aluminum and stainless steel with large bearing surfaces and roller bearings in both axes for an extremely solid and stable platform.

Internal Crayford-style primary mirror focusing system
With a dual speed 7:1 focus control, that eliminates image shift and mirror flop. Precise focus is a snap.

Internal cabling
Prevents snags and tangles during your imaging sessions.

Precision machined 5.8" main gears
With 225 teeth in both R.A. and DEC. with .68" worms for very accurate movements and tracking.

1.75" diameter threaded stainless steel
Counterweight shaft with 18 lb. threaded stainless steel counterweights for easy and safe adjustments to telescope balance.

Sophisticated built-in computer
For the most accurate control of the StarLock and other telescope systems.

AutoStar II hand control
Over 144,000 object database to take you to almost any object imaginable at the push of the GoTo button. AutoStar II allows the user to setup and operate the LX800 in just the way you want.

Ultra-stable adjustable height tripod
Three inch diameter legs fold up for easy transport.

Specifications
Tracking accuracy +/- 1 arcsecond
Focal Ratio f/8
Aperture 356mm (14")
Mount LX800 German Equatorial with StarLock
GOTO Accuracy +/- 1 arcminute