Meade LT SC Series, LT Series, LT ACF Series Observing Using AutoStar’s Arrow Keys

Page 21

appropriate key shown below.

Nine available speeds are:

Number Key “1” = 1x (Guide)

Number Key “2” = 2x

Number Key “3” = 8x

Number Key “4” = 16x

Number Key “5” = 64x

Number Key “6” = 0.50°/sec

Number Key “7” = 1.0°/sec

Number Key “8” = 1.5°/sec

Number Key “9” = 4.0°/sec (Max)

Speeds “1”,“2”, or “3” Best used for fine centering of an object in the field of view of a higher power eyepiece, such as a 12mm or a 9mm eyepiece.

Speeds “4”, “5”, or “6”: Enables centering an object in the field of a low-to-moderate power eyepiece, such as the standard Super Plössl 26mm.

Speeds “7” or “8”: Best used for rough centering of an object in the Red Dot Viewfinder.

Speed “9”: Moves the telescope quickly from one point in the sky to another.

Scroll Keys: Accesses 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 & 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.

?Key: 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 AutoStar functions in the Help feature. The Help system is

essentially an on-screen instruction manual.

If you have a question about an AutoStar 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 AutoStar Glossary. A definition or more detailed information is displayed. Press MODE to return to the scrolling AutoStar Help display.

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

Coil Cord Port: Plug one end of the AutoStar coil cord into this port (pg. 19, Fig. 5, 9) located at the bottom of the AutoStar handbox.

Coil Cord: Plug one end of the AutoStar coil cord into the HBX port (Pg. 14, Fig. 4, 10A) of the computer control panel of the telescope and the other end into the coil cord port.

Serial Port: plug an serial accessory (#505) cable into AutoStar for updating functions such as “Download” or “Clone”. See page 29 for more details.

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

Observing Using AutoStar’s Arrow Keys

You may observe land and astronomical objects using AutoStar’s Arrow keys to move the telescope.

1.Verify the telescope is fully assembled and that AutoStar is properly connected to your telescope. See Getting Started on page 5.

2.Flip the telescope power switch to the ON position. The AutoStar screen is activated and a copyright message displays briefly, followed by a short beep. Then AutoStar takes a few moments to start up the system. “Press 0 to align or Mode for Menu” displays (if you select “0”, Alignment will begin).

3.The Arrow keys are now activated. Press the Arrow keys (Pg. 19, Fig. 5, 5) to slew (move)

AUTOAutotarSTAR#497HANDBOX

INDEX

 

21

 

 

Page 20 Page 22
Image 21
Page 20 Page 22
Contents Index Battery Safety Instructions Contents LT Series ACF and LT Series SC Telescope IntroductionAssembling the Tripod Getting StartedLock-Knob Spreader Shaft End Nut Spreader BarUsing an AC Adapter or DC Power Cord Installing the BatteriesPower Port Mounting the TelescopeYour Telescope is now Fully Assembled Attaching AccessoriesGETTING#497 Handboxstarted Using the Red Dot Finder Adjusting the Red Dot FinderLT Series Home Position Aligning the LT SeriesMagnetic North Home Position True 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 ScrewOptional Accessories Choosing Eyepieces52º 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 ExerciseGuided Tour Menu Entering Data into AutoStarObject Menu Navigating AutoStarAutoStar #497 Menu Tree Event Menu Utilities Menu Glossary MenuSetup Menu Index Autostar #497 Handbox Adding Observing Sites To Add a Site to the user-defined site listTo Edit a Site Using AutoStar to Find Objects Not in the Database To GO to a user-entered objectObserving Satellites Tour Modes How to Create Your Own Guided TourCommand Line Writing a TourComment Line Index Downloading Tours LandmarksTo Select a landmark from the database To Add a landmark to the databaseTo perform a Landmark Survey To check on the available amount of memory in AutoStarAdvanced Alt/Az Alignment IdentifyTwo-Star Alt/Az Alignment Displayed information ExampleAutostar Features One-Star Alt/Az Alignment BrowseCollimation MaintenanceLT Series Collimation Collimation ScrewsInspecting the Optics Customer ServiceGauging the Movement of the Telescope Updating Your LT Series FirmwareAppendix 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.
Top Page Image Contents