Meade LT Series AUTOAutotarSTAR#497HANDBOX, Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button

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2-Line LCD Display ENTER Key MODE Key

“GO TO” Key

Arrow Keys

Number Keys

Scroll Keys “? Key

Coil Cord Port Coil Cord RS-232 Port Utility Light

Figure 5: The AutoStar #497 Handbox

AUTOAutotarSTAR#497HANDBOX

Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button

Control of the LT Series is through the operation of the standard-equipment AutoStar. Nearly all functions of the telescope are accomplished with just a few pushes of AutoStar’s buttons. Some of the major features of AutoStar are:

Automatically move the telescope to any of over 30,000 objects stored in the database or manually enter the astronomical coordinates of any celestial object.

Take a guided tour of the best celestial objects to view on any given night of the year.

Download the latest satellite data and software revisions directly from the Meade website (www. meade.com) and share software with other AutoStar enthusiasts.

Control your LT Series with your PC using an serial interface.

Access a glossary of astronomical terms.

Calculate which eyepiece to use for optimum viewing of a celestial object.

Mount the telescope in the “Alt/Az” mode (Altitude - Azimuth, or vertical - horizontal) for fully automatic tracking of celestial objects.

INDEX

 

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Contents Index Battery Safety Instructions Contents LT Series ACF and LT Series SC Telescope IntroductionSpreader Shaft End Nut Spreader Bar Getting StartedAssembling the Tripod Lock-KnobMounting the Telescope Installing the BatteriesUsing an AC Adapter or DC Power Cord Power PortYour Telescope is now Fully Assembled Attaching AccessoriesGETTING#497 Handboxstarted Using the Red Dot Finder Adjusting the Red Dot FinderTrue North Home Position Aligning the LT SeriesLT Series Home Position Magnetic North Home PositionInitializing AutoStar Moving Through AutoStar’s MenusEasy Two-Star Align How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureGo To Saturn Using the Guided TourAutoStarLT SERIES#497KEYHANDBOXFEATURES B. C. D. E Computer Control Panel Eyepiece Holder Thumb ScrewChoosing Eyepieces Optional Accessories52º AutoStarOPTIONAL#497ACCESSORIESHANDBOX Imagers and Accessories Power SuppliesTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button AUTOAutotarSTAR#497HANDBOXSlew Speeds Observing Using AutoStar’s Arrow Keys Terrestrial Observing Observe the MoonTo Calculate Sunset time AutoStar Navigation ExerciseNavigating AutoStar Entering Data into AutoStarGuided Tour Menu Object MenuAutoStar #497 Menu Tree Event Menu Utilities Menu Glossary MenuSetup Menu Index Autostar #497 Handbox To Add a Site to the user-defined site list Adding Observing SitesTo Edit a Site To GO to a user-entered object Using AutoStar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseObserving Satellites Tour Modes How to Create Your Own Guided TourWriting a Tour Command LineComment Line Index Downloading Tours LandmarksTo check on the available amount of memory in AutoStar To Add a landmark to the databaseTo Select a landmark from the database To perform a Landmark SurveyDisplayed information Example IdentifyAdvanced Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentAutostar Features One-Star Alt/Az Alignment BrowseCollimation MaintenanceLT Series Collimation Collimation ScrewsUpdating Your LT Series Firmware Customer ServiceInspecting the Optics Gauging the Movement of the TelescopeAppendix a DriveObjects in Space Appendix BDeep-Sky Objects Model and Product Number LT ACF # Optical System Appendix C SpecificationsAutoStarSPECIFICATIONS#497 Handbox ACF and SC Optical Systems Appendix DFederal Communications Commission Appendix ERecycling 55-09004 Meade Limited Warranty

LT Series, LT ACF Series, LT SC Series specifications

The Meade LT SC Series, LT ACF Series, and LT Series telescopes are designed to meet the diverse needs of amateur astronomers and astrophotographers alike. Each of these series caters to various levels of experience while incorporating advanced features and technologies that enhance observational stability and image quality.

The Meade LT SC Series, featuring the advanced Schmidt-Cassegrain design, excels in versatility. This series includes different aperture sizes, allowing users to view celestial objects ranging from the moon to distant galaxies. The telescopes come equipped with an AudioStar hand controller that provides a database of over 30,000 celestial objects, enabling users to easily locate and track their subjects. The built-in GPS feature facilitates effortless alignment by automatically determining the user’s location and time.

In contrast, the LT ACF Series showcases Meade's innovative Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics. This design minimizes coma and field curvature, providing sharp, crisp images across a wider field of view. Ideal for astrophotography, this series is enhanced by features like a fast focal ratio for better imaging of dim objects and a robust construction that ensures stability during use. The LT ACF telescopes also support advanced imaging techniques, allowing users to capture stunning images of deep-sky objects while minimizing aberrations.

The classic LT Series remains a favorite among beginners. Known for its straightforward setup and usability, this series is designed with a lightweight and portable frame. The LT Series telescope is equipped with an altazimuth mount, making it user-friendly for quick observations. The simplicity allows new astronomers to start observing with minimal technical knowledge. Additionally, these telescopes support a variety of accessories such as smartphone adapters, making it easy for users to capture their observations.

All three series incorporate Meade's proprietary StarLock technology in certain models, which facilitates automated tracking. This feature frees astronomers from the complexities of manual tracking, allowing them to focus more on the experience of observing celestial wonders.

In summary, the Meade LT SC Series, LT ACF Series, and LT Series deliver exceptional optical performance and user-friendly features, making them suitable for a wide range of astronomy enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned astrophotographer or a novice sky-watcher, Meade's telescopes provide the technology and capabilities needed to explore the universe.