Meade StarNavigator instruction manual One-Star Alt/Az Alignment, Go To Saturn, Take a Guided Tour

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Fig. 18: One of the most beautiful celestial sights, Saturn.

which you are familiar from this database when first trying out this method or the One-Star Alignment method.

One-Star Alt/Az Alignment

One-Star Alignment also requires some knowledge of the night sky. One-Star Alignment is identical to Easy: Align (see EASY (TWO-STAR) ALIGN, Pg. 17), except Audiostar displays a database of bright stars and one star is chosen by the observer from this database for alignment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The accuracy of One-Star Alt/Az Alignment, unlike the Two- Star Alignment procedures, depends on how well the observer levels the telescope and how close to North the telescope is pointed when setting the Home Position (Fig. 16). Because the Two-Star Alignment methods use two stars to align upon, they are more precise than One-Star Alignment.

Go To Saturn

After performing the Easy Align procedure, the motor drive begins operating and the telescope is aligned for a night of viewing. Objects in the eyepiece should maintain their position even though the Earth is rotating beneath the stars.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Once aligned, only use GO TO or the Arrow keys to move the telescope. Do not loosen the telescope locks (10F, Fig. 1b and 26, Fig. 1), or move the base manually, or alignment will be lost.

This exercise shows how to select a object (Saturn) for viewing from Audiostar’s database.

NOTE: Saturn is not visible all the time and you may need to choose another object from Audiostar's Object database; however, the procedure, as described below, remains the same; just choose a different object in step #3.

1 After the telescope is aligned, “Select Item: Object” displays. Press ENTER.

2.“Object: Solar System” displays. Press ENTER.

3.“Solar System: Mercury” displays. Keep pressing the Scroll Down key until “Solar System: Saturn” displays.

4.Press ENTER. “Calculating” displays and Astronomer Inside audio begins to play for the selected object. On the AudioStar display "Saturn" displays and a set of coordinates displays. Note that Saturn's (and other planets) coordinates change throught the year.

5.Press GO TO. “Saturn: Slewing...” displays and the telescope slews until it finds Saturn. You may need to use the Arrow keys to centre Saturn precisely in the eyepiece. Audiostar then automatically moves the telescope so that it "tracks" Saturn (or whatever other object you may have chosen); i.e., Saturn remains centred in the eyepiece.

Take a Guided Tour

This example demonstrates using “Tonight’s Best” Guided Tour.

1.After observing Saturn, press MODE twice so that “Select Item: Object” displays again.

2.Press the Scroll Down key twice. “Select Item: Guided Tour” displays.

3.Press ENTER. “Guided Tour: Tonight’s Best” displays. Press ENTER.

NOTE: If you wish to try out other Guided Tours, press the Scroll Down key to scroll through other tour choices. When the tour you wish to select displays, press

ENTER.

4.“Tonight’s Best: Searching...” displays. After calculating, “Tonight’s Best: Jupiter” displays.

NOTE: Different objects may be displayed on a tour list on any given night.

Press ENTER to display information about the object and listen to the audio presentation provided by Astronomer Inside. Press GO TO to move the telescope to the object.

5.Press MODE to return to the Tour list. Press the Scroll keys to scroll through the list. Press ENTER when you find the next object you wish to observe.

6.Press and hold down MODE for two seconds to exit the Guided Tour menu.

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 Side Assembly View Starnavigator Refractingtelescopes8 14 15 Assembly View Starnavigator ReflectingtelescopesThis page folds out Telescope Features Altitude Setting Circle and LockComputer Control Panel Fig. Ic StarNavigator Audiostar handbox Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Audiostar FeaturesPads allow the mount to move smoothly How to Assemble Your Telescope Getting StartedPacking List Aligning the Red Dot Viewfinder Red Dot ViewfinderNever point the telescope directly at Choosing an EyepieceObserving Observing Using Audiostars Arrow KeysObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Terrestrial ObservingPlaying the Audio Slew SpeedsObserve the Moon Astronomical ObservingAlt/Az Home Position To Track an Object AutomaticallyMoving Through Audiostar’s Menus Initializing AudiostarEasy Two-Star Align Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment How to Easy Align Your TelescopeOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Go To SaturnTake a Guided Tour Audiostar Navigation Exercise Basic Audiostar OperationEntering data into Audiostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageNavigating Audiostar To Calculate Sunset timeObject Menu Menus and Menu OptionsEvent Menu Utilities Menu Glossary MenuEnter Setup MenuTime Zone Shift Surf the Web Adding Observing Sites Advanced Audiostar FeaturesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list To Edit a SiteTo Add a landmark to the database LandmarksTo Select a landmark from the database To perform a Landmark SurveyBrowse IdentifyTo check on the available amount of memory in Audiostar Displayed information ExampleStarNavigator Look into the Future Optional Accessories Collimation Caring for Your TelescopeMeade Consumer Solutions Do not look through the telescope as it is moving StarNavigator60 SpecificationsStarNavigator114 Appendix a Celestial CoordinatesLocating the Celestial Pole Using Audiostar to Find Objects Not in the Database Appendix BTo GO to a user-entered object Observing Satellites Appendix CTraining the Drive Appendix DHow to manually set the time to 1130 p.m How to manually set the date to March 6Appendix E Appendix FAudiostar Glossary Basic AstronomyObjects in Space MoonDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsRecycling 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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