Meade StarNavigator instruction manual Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment, How to Easy Align Your Telescope

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How to Easy Align Your Telescope

If you have performed Initializing AudioStar as shown on page 16, continue to step 2. Otherwise, before proceeding, please perform the steps shown on page 16, Initalizing AudioStar.

NOTE: For the Easy Align procedure to function properly, AudioStar must have the correct time, date and location of the observing site. If you have changed locations since your telescope was last used, or would like to change this information, see the Setup Menu on page 25 for more information.

1.Option Screen - AudioStar displays "Press 0 to Align or MODE fro Menu.” Press "0" to begin the Easy Align procedure.

2.North Method -"North Method: 1=True 2=Compass" displays. Press the 1 key if you will be placing the telescope in the True North Home Position. Press the 2 key if you will be placing the telescope in the Magnetic North Home Position. See page 16 for more information on setting the telescope into the Home Position.

3.Set Alt/Az Home Position - Audiostar then prompts you to set the telescope in the Alt/Az Alignment home position. See SET ALT/AZ HOME POSITION, page 16.

4Star Alignment - Audiostar then chooses two stars to align upon. When the telescope slews to the first star for alignment, it may not appear in the field of view in the eyepiece. The alignment star should be easily recognized and be the brightest star in the area of the sky where the telescope is pointing. Use the Arrow keys to move the telescope until the star is visible and centred in the eyepiece. Press ENTER. Repeat procedure for the second alignment star.

When the procedure is performed correctly, "Alignment Successful" displays. If Audiostar does not display this message, perform this procedure again.

NOTE: Audiostar locates alignment stars based on the date, time, and location entered. The alignment stars may change from night to night. All that is required is for the observer to centre the selected stars in the eyepiece when prompted.

NOTE: The GO TO key also allows you to perform a "spiral search." A spiral search is useful when the telescope slews to an object, but that object is not visible in the eyepiece after the telescope finishes its search. (This sometimes occurs during an alignment procedure.) Press GO TO when the slew is finished and the telescope starts slewing in a spiral pattern at a very slow speed around the search area. Look through the eyepiece and when the

object does become visible, press MODE to stop the spiral search.

Then use the Arrow keys to centre the object.

Two other methods of alignment are available to the observer: Two-Star and One-Star. These methods are included in case the observer prefers to pick out his or her own alignment stars.

Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment

Two-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. Two-Star Alignment is identical to Easy: Align (see EASY (TWO-STAR) ALIGN, Pg. 17), except Audiostar displays a database of bright stars and two stars are chosen by the observer from this database for alignment. It is recommended that you choose stars with

Which One’s the

Alignment Star?

If Audiostar has chosen an alignment star with which you are unfamiliar, how can you be sure if the star in your eyepiece is really the alignment star?

The rule of thumb is that an alignment star is usually the brightest star in that area of the sky. When you view an alignment star in an eyepiece, it stands out dramatically from the rest of the stars in that portion of the sky.

If you have an obstruction, such as a tree or a building blocking your view of the alignment star, or if you have any doubts at all about the star that has been chosen, no problem. Just press the Scroll Down key and Audiostar will find another star to align upon.

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 Computer Control Panel Fig. Ic Telescope FeaturesAltitude Setting Circle and Lock StarNavigator Audiostar handbox Audiostar Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonPads allow the mount to move smoothly Packing List How to Assemble Your TelescopeGetting Started 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 AlignmentTake a Guided Tour One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentGo To Saturn 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 Locating the Celestial Pole Appendix aCelestial Coordinates To GO to a user-entered object Using Audiostar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseAppendix B 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.