Designed as an entry- to mid-level astronomical observation platform, the Meade Instruments LX65 5" f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope
gives users the ability to make detailed observations of the Moon and
planets with the ability to reach outside the solar system to resolve
distant objects like galaxies, nebulae, and binary or variable stars.
The compact and powerful Maksutov-Cassegrain design, complemented by
Meade's Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) system, corrects
off-axis aberrations like comas and chromatic aberrations to produce
views with true-color rendition and high resolution and contrast.
The
LX65 optical tube assembly (OTA) is carried by a motorized single-arm
fork mount that is designed for portability and versatility. It is
equipped with two Vixen-style dovetail saddles that allow you to mount
the Maksutov OTA on the primary and mount a secondary OTA or camera rig
on an outside saddle. The mount has an integrated handle to make setup
and breakdown easier and safer, and a battery compartment for the eight
C-cell batteries required to run it and the controller. A stainless
steel tripod with a center leg lock that improves stability and dampens
vibrations supports the mount and OTA.
The brain of the LX65 is
the venerable AudioStar computer controller. Equipped with a database of
over 30,000 objects, including the planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies,
and the complete Messier catalog, it can also be programmed with custom
user-defined objects. Its intuitive menu-driven user interface provides
the power to observe the heavens with ease, especially with features
such as guided tours, extended information on popular objects, and
multiple alignment options. This updated version of the AudioStar has an
integrated speaker so you can listen to a narration about what you are
looking at without having to divert your eye or attention from the
eyepiece, for added enjoyment.