Meade ETX-60AT instruction manual Setup Menu, Surf the Web

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Brightness Adj: Adjusts the brightness of the display using the Scroll keys. When complete, press

ENTER.

Contrast Adj: Adjusts the contrast of the display using the Scroll keys. When complete, press

ENTER.

NOTE: This feature is usually only required in very cold weather.

Landmark Survey automatically slews the telescope to all user-defined landmarks with a short pause at each location. Press ENTER to start the survey. While a slew is in progress, press any key to skip that object and go to the next landmark on the list. To observe a landmark for a longer period, press MODE when paused on the object to stop the survey. Press ENTER to restart the survey at the first object on the list. See "Landmark," page 16.

Sleep Scope is a power saving option that shuts down Autostar and the telescope without for- getting its alignment. With "Sleep Scope" selected, press ENTER to activate the Sleep func- tion. Autostar goes dark, but the internal clock keeps running. Press any key, except ENTER, to re-activate Autostar and the telescope.

Park Scope is designed for a telescope that is not moved between observing sessions. Align the telescope one time, then use this function to park the telescope. Next time it is powered up, enter the correct date and time - no alignment is required. Pressing ENTER causes the tele- scope to move to its pre-determined Park position. Once parked, the screen prompts to turn off power.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When the "Park Scope" option is chosen and the display prompts you to turn off the telescope's power, Autostar is unable to be returned to operation without turning the power off and then back on.

Setup Menu

The Setup menu’s primary function is to align the telescope (see pages 14 and 21). However, there are numerous other features available within the Setup menu, including:

Date changes the date used by Autostar. This function is useful to check events in the past or future. For example, set the Date menu for a day three months in the future. Then check the

"Select Item: Event" menu for the Sunset

 

time on that date. See “EVENT MENU,”

TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

page 17.

Time changes the time entered into Autostar. Setting the correct time is criti- cal for Autostar to properly calculate locations and events. Time may be set to 24-hour mode (military time) by selecting the "blank" option which follows the "AM" and "PM" options.

Daylight Saving is used to enable or disable Daylight Savings time.

NOTE: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by different names in various areas of the world. Check local time to verify.

Telescope accesses the several options, including:

•Telescope Model: Selects the model of telescope connected to Autostar.

•Focal Length: Displays the focal length of the selected telescope.

•Az Ratio and Alt Ratio: The Az (Azimuth) ratio and Alt (Altitude) ratio refers to the gears of the tele- scope's motors. Do not alter these numbers.

•Mount: Choose between Alt/Az mount or Polar Mount. Mount requires that the telescope be physically aligned to the mount selected in this menu. The default setting is "Alt/Az."

Surf the Web

One of the most exciting resources for astronomy is the internet. The internet is full of websites with new images, discoveries, and the latest astronomical information. For example, when comet Hale-Bopp made its approach to our Sun in 1998, astronomers around the world posted new photos daily.

You can find websites for almost any topic relating to astronomy on the internet. Try the following key word searches: NASA, Hubble, HST, astronomy, Messier, satellite, nebula, black hole, variable stars, etc.

Check out Meade’s website for the latest product and technical information. You can download the latest software revisions, links to other astronomi- cal sites, coordinates of celestial objects and the latest satellite tracking information for your #494 Autostar handset. See page 20 for more informa- tion. You’ll find our website at:

http://www.meade.com/

Here are some other sites you might find interesting:

•Sky & Telescope: http://www.skypub.com/

•Astronomy: http://www2.astronomy.com/astro/

•The Starfield:

http://users.nac.net/gburke/

•Astronomy Picture of the Day: http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.goc/apod/

•Heaven’s Above (satellite observing information): http://www.heavens-above.com/

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Contents QUICK-START Guide If you wish to observe using Autostar’s databases, go toETX-60AT and ETX-70AT Telescope Telescope FeaturesETX Your Personal Window to the Universe Flip mirror control in the up position Computer Control PanelTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar FeaturesAutostar Features Join an Astronomy Club Attend a Star Party Choosing an Eyepiece Parts ListingHow to Assemble Your Telescope Getting StartedManual Operation of the Telescope without Autostar Manual Operation of the Telescope Using Autostars Arrow KeysInitializing Autostar Moving Through Autostar’s MenusAutostar Navigation Exercise Autostar OperationEasy Two-Star Alignment Easy Two-Star Alignment ProcedureTo Calculate Sunset time Observing Exercises Using the Guided TourGo To Saturn Complete Autostar Menu Structure Autostar MenusObject Menu Event Menu Utilities Menu Glossary MenuSurf the Web Setup MenuMenu Daylight Saving, Advanced Features One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentSlew Speeds Photography with the ETX Observing a SatelliteFew tips on photography with the ETX-60AT or ETX-70AT Instrument across the two slots and turn counAstrofinder Software Optional Accessories#882 Standard Field Tripod set in Alt/Az Configuration Inspecting the Optics Maintenance and ServicingGeneral Maintenance Storage and TransportMaintenance ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications Meade Customer ServiceAutostar Specifications ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications contdAutostar Dimensions Polar Alignment Appendix a Equatorial Polar AlignmentCelestial Coordinates Two-Star Polar Alignment Autostar Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment One-Star Polar AlignmentTo GO to a user-entered object Appendix B Using Autostar to Enter R.A. and DEC CoordinatesCity Country Latitude Appendix C Helpful ChartsLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City State LatitudeIs centered Appendix D Training the DriveEnter Appendix E Initialization ExampleMoon Basic AstronomyAutostar Glossary Objects in SpaceDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsSeason Star Name Constellation Dec Star LocatorMeade Instruments Corporation

ETX-60AT specifications

The Meade ETX-60AT is a compact, portable telescope designed for amateur astronomers and budding astrophotographers. Known for its ease of use and exceptional optical performance, the ETX-60AT combines innovative technologies with user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for stargazers of all skill levels.

One of the standout characteristics of the ETX-60AT is its 60mm aperture, which allows for impressive light-gathering capabilities. This telescope is equipped with a high-quality Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design that delivers sharp, clear images with minimal distortion. The multi-coated optics enhance light transmission, ensuring brighter images with better color fidelity, which is essential for planetary and deep-sky observations.

The telescope boasts a lightweight and compact design, making it highly portable for on-the-go astronomy. Weighing only about 4.5 pounds, the ETX-60AT comes with a sturdy, adjustable tripod that provides stable support during observation. The telescope is also equipped with a unique fork mount that includes Meade's AutoStar technology, allowing for automatic tracking of celestial objects. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it simplifies the process of locating and tracking stars and planets.

Meade’s AutoStar system is a highlight of the ETX-60AT, featuring a database with thousands of celestial objects. This intelligent computer control allows users to simply input the desired object, and the telescope will automatically position itself accordingly. The intuitive hand controller enhances the viewing experience by offering guided tours of the night sky, enabling users to discover and appreciate various astronomical wonders, from the moon and planets to distant galaxies and star clusters.

The ETX-60AT also includes a diagonal mirror, which provides comfortable viewing angles and helps in locating objects above the horizon with ease. The telescope comes with a variety of eyepieces, enhancing versatility and giving users options for different magnifications based on their observing needs.

In addition to its impressive optical and technological features, the Meade ETX-60AT is built with durability in mind. The telescope's construction withstands environmental challenges, allowing users to explore the night sky in a range of conditions.

Overall, the Meade ETX-60AT offers an outstanding balance of performance, portability, and user-friendliness, making it a perfect introductory telescope for amateur astronomers. Whether you are a seasoned observer or just starting your journey into astronomy, the ETX-60AT provides a reliable platform for exploring the universe.
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