Meade 8" LS-8 ACF Autostar III Handbox Basic Usage, Navigating the Menus, Key Functions

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AUTOSTAR III HANDBOX –

BASIC USAGE

Now that you have successfully setup and used your LS telescope, it’s time for more information about all the capabilities of this amazing optical system.

The first step is to familiarize yourself with the AutoStar III handbox operation. The largest keys on the keypad are the motion control keys. Most of the time, these keys allow you to move, or slew, your telescope both up and down and right and left. Press them now and see how the telescope moves in response to the keys. When the telescope initially starts up the scope is set to move at its fastest speed. While this is great for getting close to the area you want to see, it is really too fast to get anything positioned into the eyepiece. For that reason, the LS has 9 distinct speeds.

AUTOSTAR III BASIC USAGE

Key Functions

“BACK” - return to previous menu. “ENTER” - select or confirm entry.

“GO TO” - Slew to currently selected object. “SPEED” - Adjust Slew Speed.

“FOCUS” - Optional Electronic focuser. Motion pad controls focuser.

Up/Down scrolls focus speed.

“VOL”. - Up/Dn adjusts media volume.

“DISP” - Control Display contrast, brightness.

“MODE” - Cycles thru Menu -> Scope info -> SkyMap -> Menu and aborts current operation.

“MEDIA” - Toggles media on and off.

“CALD” - Lookup Caldwell Objects

“MES” - Look up Messier Objects “PLANETS” - Look up planets in our

solar system

“STAR” - Look up bright stars

To change the telescope’s speed, press the 1/SPEED key. You can now select a speed with the scroll up and down small arrow keys on the bottom of the hand control. When you have the desired speed selected, press the “ENTER” key. Alternatively, when the speed selection screen is showing, you can just press a number 1-9 to select a speed quickly, where 1 is the slowest and 9 is the fastest.

Take a moment and try move the scope around at some different speeds.

Navigating the Menus

Now that you are starting to get comfortable with the basics, lets learn some new keys. The most important keys for navigating the menus on you telescope are the keys along the top and bottom rows of your AutoStar. The two small arrows on the bottom of the key pad, allow you to scroll through the possible menu selections. The menu line is at the top of the handbox display and the top of the video monitor if connected. The second line of the hand control display has the current active menu item. If you are looking at a connected video display, you will see more menu choices and the active selection will be highlighted.

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INDEX

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Contents LS-6 ACF / 6 LS-6 SC Index Contents Introduction LS-6 and LS-8 LightSwitch TelescopesGetting Started StartedAssembling the Tripod Lock-KnobUsing an AC Adapter or DC Power Cord Installing the BatteriesPower Port Mounting the TelescopeYour Telescope is now Fully Assembled Attaching AccessoriesSpeed 5 Medium Speed 1 Slow Mode KeyAutostar III Handbox Basic Usage Navigating the MenusKey Functions Scope Info Mode Menu ModeSky Map Mode ShortcutsLS KEY Features LS KeyfeaturesLS KEY Features Eyepiece Holder USB-A Connector for future expansionLS KEY Features Using the Red-Dot Finder Adjusting the Red-Dot Finder Choosing Eyepieces Optional AccessoriesSeries 4000 Super Plössl Eyepieces are excellent Series 4000 Super Plössl EyepiecesOptional Accessories Imagers and Accessories Power SuppliesFocal Reducers Deep Sky Imagers DSITour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar III HandboxAutostar III Handbox Slew Speeds Observing Considerations Orion Nebula M42Autostar III Menu Tree TreeObject Menu Guided Tour MenuTake Picture Menu Event MenuPleiades Star Cluster M45 Take Picture EnterUtilities Menu Setup Menu Autostar III Menu Options Advanced LS Features Advanced LSTwo Star Alt Az Alignment Finding Objects Not in the Database Alt/Az 1 Star AlignmentLandmarks To enter coordinates of an object into the TelescopeTo view a landmark in the database Observing SatellitesCapitol Reef, Utah Terrestrial ObservingMaintenance MaintenanceCollimation Collimation Screws Inspecting the Optics Gauging the Movement of the TelescopeUpdating Your LS Firmware LS Mini SD Card for Updates and Image Storage Customer ServiceAppendix a DriveCreating User Objects and Tours Appendix BBasic Astronomy Appendix CObjects in Space Deep-Sky Objects Specifications SpecificationsModel and Product Number LS-6 SC # Optical System Model and Product Number 8LS-8 ACF # Optical System Model and Product Number LS-8 SC # Optical System Appendix E DOC FCCRecycling Information RecyclingMeade Limited Warranty

6" LS-6 SC, 8" LS-8 ACF, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 SC specifications

The Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 ACF, and 6" LS-6 SC telescopes represent cutting-edge advancements in amateur astronomy, catering to both novice stargazers and seasoned astronomers alike. Each model incorporates innovative technologies, making it easier than ever to explore the cosmos.

The Meade 8" LS-8 SC (Schmidt-Cassegrain) features a compact design with an 8-inch aperture that provides exceptional light-gathering capabilities. This telescope utilizes an advanced computer-controlled system known as the AutoStar II. This technology allows for hassle-free navigation across the night sky. The LS-8 SC comes equipped with a built-in observatory, ensuring a user-friendly experience, allowing beginners to locate and track celestial objects with ease. The telescope's premium optics guarantee sharp, high-contrast images, making it an ideal choice for planetary and deep-sky observation.

Next, the Meade 6" LS-6 ACF (Advanced Coma-Free) delivers superior optical performance with minimal distortion. This design eliminates spherical aberrations, providing exceptionally sharp images across the entire field of view. Featuring a 6-inch aperture, the LS-6 ACF is highly portable and perfect for both visual observations and astrophotography. It includes the AutoStar computer system for easy alignment and tracking, as well as a robust, sturdy mount that enhances stability during viewing sessions.

The 8" LS-8 ACF builds on the strengths of its predecessors with an even larger aperture, ensuring maximum light-gathering potential for serious observers. The improved ACF optics yield crisp images without the common off-axis distortions seen in traditional designs. This telescope is also equipped with hassle-free setup features, allowing users to spend more time observing and less time setting up. The OTA design and mount are tailored for easy transport, making it a favorite for astrophotographers seeking high-quality celestial imagery.

Finally, the Meade 6" LS-6 SC offers a balanced option for those seeking portability without sacrificing optical quality. Like its larger counterpart, the LS-6 SC is designed for ease of use and includes the AutoStar technology for automated tracking. Its compact design and lightweight build make it convenient for travel, while still providing an impressive 6-inch aperture for celestial viewing.

In summary, the Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 ACF, and 6" LS-6 SC telescopes exemplify the intersection of portability, usability, and advanced optics. Each telescope supports astronomers of all skill levels, making the wonders of the universe accessible to everyone. Whether you're observing planets, nebulae, or star clusters, Meade’s innovative technologies enhance the overall experience, ensuring that the night sky is within reach.
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