Formerly reserved for larger-aperture near-research-grade optical tubes, the Meade Instruments LX65 6" f/10 ACF Catadioptric GoTo Telescope
is built with an Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) catadioptric-variant optical
path to reduce color fringing and off-axis comas and to enable it to
clearly resolve dim deep-sky objects and easily split binary stars with
tack-sharp clarity. Complementing the ACF system is Meade's Ultra-High
Transmission Coatings (UHTC) system that improves light transmission
through the entire light path across the whole visible spectrum. A
combination of high-transmittance lens coatings and highly reflective
mirror coatings boosts image brightness, while minimizing internal and
external light loss and diffraction.
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 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 next generation of
their iconic GoTo system, the AudioStar hand 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.