Meade StarNavigator instruction manual Pads allow the mount to move smoothly

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Join an Astronomy Club
Attend a Star Party
A fun way to learn more about astronomy is to join an astronomy club. Check your local newspaper, school, library, or telescope dealer to find out if there’s a club in your area.
At club meetings, you will meet other astronomy enthusiasts with whom you will be able to share your discoveries. Clubs are an excellent way to learn more about observing the sky, to find out where the best observing sites are, and to compare notes about telescopes, eyepieces, filters, tripods, and so forth.
Often, club members are excellent astrophotographers. Not only will you be able to see examples of their art, but you may even be able to pick up some “tricks of the trade” to try out on your StarNavigator telescope.
Many groups also hold regularly scheduled Star Parties at which you can check out and observe with many different telescopes and other pieces of astronomical equipment. Magazines such as Sky & Telescope and Astronomy print schedules for many popular Star Parties around the United States and Canada.

DEFINITION: Throughout this manual, you will notice the term "Alt/Az." Alt/Az (short for altazimuth) just means that your telescope moves up and down and from side to side. Alt/Az is one of many methods used by amateur astronomers to locate celestial objects.

Fasten wingnuts

Fig. 3 Attach Tray to the tripod: Thread the wingnuts to the bolts (bottom view).

Fig. 4: Pads allow the mount to move smoothly.

Fig. 5: Attach the mounting arm to the tripod base.

the Up Arrow key starts with the digit "9." The Left and Right Arrow keys are used to move the blinking cursor left and right across the LCD display.

•Alt/Az Alignment: Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move the telescope vertically up and down. The Left Arrow key rotates the telescope horizontally counterclockwise, while the Right Arrow key rotates it clockwise.

gNumber Keys: Input digits 0 - 9 and changes the slew speeds (see SLEW SPEEDS, page 15). The "0" key also turns on and off the red utility light on the top of the handbox.

NOTE: While the audio descriptions are playing, the 7 & 9 keys adjust the speaker volume. Press 7 to decrease the volume. Press 9 to increase the volume.

hScroll Keys: Accesses database options within a selected menu. The menu is displayed on the first line of the screen. Options within the menu are displayed, one at a time, on the second line. Press the Scroll keys to move through the options. Press and hold a Scroll key to move quickly through the options.

The Scroll keys also scroll through the letters of the alphabet and numerical digits.

NOTE: The Scroll Down key and the Down Arrow key move forward through the alphabet and digits (A to Z, 0 to 9). The Scroll Up key and the Up Arrow key move backward (Z to A, 9 to 0). Common symbols are also available in the list.

i? Key: While the audio descriptions are playing, the ? key will skip to the next audio file for the selected object. If there is only one audio file for the object, pressing the ? key will stop the audio. The ? key also accesses the "Help" file. "Help" provides on-screen information on how to accomplish whatever task is currently active.

Hold down the ? key and then follow the prompts on the display to access details of Audiostar functions in the Help feature. The Help system is essentially an on-screen instruction manual.

If you have a question about an Audiostar operation, e.g., INITIALIZATION, ALIGNMENT,

etc., hold down the ? key and follow the directions that scroll on the second line of the LCD screen. When a word appears in [brackets], press ENTER to access the Audiostar Glossary. A definition or more detailed information is displayed. Press MODE to return to the scrolling Audiostar Help display.

When satisfied with the Help provided, press MODE to return to the original screen and continue with the chosen procedure.

j Coil Cord Port: Plug one end of the Audiostar coil cord into this port (10, Fig. 2) located at the bottom of the Audiostar handbox.

1) Coil Cord: Plug one end of the Audiostar coil cord into the HBX port (A, Fig. 1C) of the computer control panel of the telescope.

1! RS-232 Port: Plug an RS-232 cable into Audiostar for downloading functions such as "Download" or "Clone." See page 27 for more details.

1@ Utility Light: Use this built-in red light to illuminate star charts and accessories without disturbing your eye's adaptation to darkness.

Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversible damage to your eye. Do not point this telescope at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.

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Contents StarNavigator Series Reflecting and Refracting Telescopes Refracting Telescope Contents Easy SET-UP Guide Slew Speeds Speed 9 Fast Arrow Assembly View Starnavigator Refractingtelescopes SideAssembly View Starnavigator Reflectingtelescopes 8 14 15This page folds out Telescope Features Altitude Setting Circle and LockComputer Control Panel Fig. Ic StarNavigator Audiostar handbox Audiostar Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonPads allow the mount to move smoothly How to Assemble Your Telescope Getting StartedPacking List Red Dot Viewfinder Aligning the Red Dot ViewfinderChoosing an Eyepiece Never point the telescope directly atObserving Using Audiostars Arrow Keys ObservingObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Terrestrial ObservingSlew Speeds Playing the AudioObserve the Moon Astronomical ObservingTo Track an Object Automatically Alt/Az Home PositionMoving Through Audiostar’s Menus Initializing AudiostarEasy Two-Star Align How to Easy Align Your Telescope Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Go To SaturnTake a Guided Tour Basic Audiostar Operation Audiostar Navigation ExerciseAdjusting the Speed of a Scrolling Message Entering data into AudiostarNavigating Audiostar To Calculate Sunset timeMenus and Menu Options Object MenuEvent Menu Glossary Menu Utilities MenuSetup Menu EnterTime Zone Shift Surf the Web Advanced Audiostar Features Adding Observing SitesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list To Edit a SiteLandmarks To Add a landmark to the databaseTo Select a landmark from the database To perform a Landmark SurveyIdentify BrowseTo check on the available amount of memory in Audiostar Displayed information ExampleStarNavigator Look into the Future Optional Accessories Caring for Your Telescope CollimationMeade Consumer Solutions Do not look through the telescope as it is moving Specifications StarNavigator60StarNavigator114 Appendix a Celestial CoordinatesLocating the Celestial Pole Using Audiostar to Find Objects Not in the Database Appendix BTo GO to a user-entered object Appendix C Observing SatellitesAppendix D Training the DriveHow to manually set the date to March 6 How to manually set the time to 1130 p.mAppendix E Appendix FBasic Astronomy Audiostar GlossaryObjects in Space MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsRecycling Information EU Countries only Meade Limited Warranty

StarNavigator specifications

The Meade StarNavigator telescope is an impressive entry-level instrument designed primarily for amateur astronomers who seek a user-friendly experience without compromising on quality. Renowned for its blend of innovative technologies, ease of use, and excellent value for money, the StarNavigator series opens up the wonders of the night sky to enthusiasts of all ages.

One of the standout features of the StarNavigator is its high-quality optics. Equipped with a fully multi-coated achromatic refractor, it offers bright and clear images, which are essential for observing celestial objects. The telescope typically features a large aperture, enabling it to gather more light, thus revealing intricate details of planets, stars, and even distant galaxies.

The StarNavigator series is powered by the Autostar hand controller, which incorporates Meade's advanced computer technology. This intuitive control system allows users to easily navigate the night sky by simply inputting the desired celestial object. The telescope will automatically locate and track it, providing a hassle-free viewing experience.

Another notable characteristic of the StarNavigator is its portability. With a lightweight and compact design, it can be easily transported, making it an excellent choice for stargazing trips or backyard observations. The sturdy mount, often a form of an altazimuth base, ensures stability and ease of movement, allowing for smooth adjustments during observations.

In addition to its optical and navigational prowess, the StarNavigator includes several accessories. Users typically receive quality eyepieces that enhance their viewing experience by offering different magnifications. Moreover, many models come equipped with a finderscope, which assists in aiming the telescope at celestial objects more accurately.

Built with durability in mind, the Meade StarNavigator telescope is constructed from high-quality materials that withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Its design is not only functional but also visually appealing, often featuring a sleek and modern look.

Overall, the Meade StarNavigator telescope represents a perfect harmony between user-friendly technology and exceptional optical performance, making it a top choice for both budding astronomers and seasoned stargazers. With its combination of responsive controls, quality optics, and portability, it promises countless nights of wonder and discovery under the stars.
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