Meade ETX-60AT Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment, One-Star Alt/Az Alignment, Slew Speeds

Page 22

Fig. 14: Alt/Az Two-Star Alignment.

Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Two-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. Autostar provides a database of bright stars and two stars from this database are chosen by the observer for alignment.

1.Perform steps 1 through 8 as described in the "EASY TWO-STAR ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE," page 14.

2 . Align to the first star. Autostar then displays a database of stars for the observer to choose from. Use the Scroll keys to scroll to a star that you wish to align upon. Select a star that you can easily locate in the night sky.

3.Press ENTER. The telescope slews to the star for alignment. Use the Arrow keys to move the telescope until the star is visible and centered in the eyepiece.

4.Press ENTER. Repeat procedure for the second alignment star. The telescope is aligned and you are now ready to use Autostar's GO TO capabilities for a night of observing.

Fig. 15: Alt/Az One-Star

Alignment.

One-Star Alt/Az Alignment

Level: Intermediate

One-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. Autostar provides a database of bright stars. One-Star Alignment is identical to Two-Star Alt/Az: Alignment (see “TWO-STAR ALT/AZ ALIGNMENT,” above), except only one star from this database is chosen by the observer for alignment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The accuracy of One-Star Alt/Az Alignment, unlike the Two- Star Alt/Az Alignment procedure, depends on how well the observer levels the tel- escope and how close to North the telescope is pointed when setting the Home Position (Fig. 12). Because Two-Star Alignment uses two stars to align upon, it is more precise than One-Star Alignment.

Slew Speeds:

Autostar has nine slew speeds that are directly proportional to the sidereal rate and have been calculated to accomplish specific functions. Pressing the Speed/? key briefly changes the slew speed, which is shown for about two seconds on Autostar’s display.

NOTE: Pressing the Speed/? key very briefly changes the slew speed. Holding down the Speed/? key longer (one to two seconds) accesses the Help function.

The nine available speeds are:

Speed 1

=

5° =

1200 x sidereal (300 arc-min/sec or 5°/sec)

Speed 2

=

2° =

480 x sidereal (120 arc-min/sec or 2°/sec)

Speed 3

=

1° =

240 x sidereal (60 arc-min/sec or 1°/sec)

Speed 4

=

0.5° =

120 x sidereal (30 arc-min/sec or 0.5°/sec)

Speed 5

=

64x

=

64 x sidereal (16 arc-min/sec or 0.27°/sec)

Speed 6

=

32x

=

32 x sidereal (8 arc-min/sec or 0.13°/sec)

Speed 7

=

16x

=

16 x sidereal (4 arc-min/sec or 0.067°/sec)

Speed 8

=

8x

=

8 x sidereal (2 arc-min/sec or 0.033°/sec)

Speed 9

=

2x

=

2 x sidereal (0.5 arc-min/sec or 0.008°/sec)

Speed 1: Moves the telescope quickly from one point in the sky to another

Speeds 2 or 3: Best used for rough centering of an object in the eyepiece.

Speeds 4, 5, or 6: Enables centering an object in the field of a low-to-moderate power eye- piece, such as the standard MA 25mm.

Speeds 7, 8, or 9: Best used for fine centering of an object in the field of view of a high power eyepiece, such as the standard MA 9mm or higher powers.

22 Advanced Features

Page 21 Page 23
Image 22
Page 21 Page 23
Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Contents If you wish to observe using Autostar’s databases, go to QUICK-START GuideTelescope Features ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT TelescopeETX Your Personal Window to the Universe Computer Control Panel Flip mirror control in the up positionAutostar Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonAutostar Features Join an Astronomy Club Attend a Star Party Getting Started Parts ListingHow to Assemble Your Telescope Choosing an EyepieceManual Operation of the Telescope Using Autostars Arrow Keys Manual Operation of the Telescope without AutostarMoving Through Autostar’s Menus Initializing AutostarAutostar Operation Autostar Navigation ExerciseEasy 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 Glossary Menu Utilities MenuSetup Menu Surf the WebMenu Daylight Saving, Advanced Features One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentSlew Speeds Observing a Satellite Photography with the ETXInstrument across the two slots and turn coun Few tips on photography with the ETX-60AT or ETX-70ATOptional Accessories Astrofinder Software#882 Standard Field Tripod set in Alt/Az Configuration Storage and Transport Maintenance and ServicingGeneral Maintenance Inspecting the OpticsMaintenance Meade Customer Service ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT SpecificationsAutostar Specifications ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications contdAutostar Dimensions Polar Alignment Appendix a Equatorial Polar AlignmentCelestial Coordinates One-Star Polar Alignment Autostar Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentAppendix B Using Autostar to Enter R.A. and DEC Coordinates To GO to a user-entered objectCity State Latitude Appendix C Helpful ChartsLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City Country LatitudeAppendix D Training the Drive Is centeredAppendix E Initialization Example EnterObjects in Space Basic AstronomyAutostar Glossary MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsStar Locator Season Star Name Constellation DecMeade 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.
Top Page Image Contents