Initialization is a procedure that ensures that AutoStar operates correctly. When you first use AutoStar, it doesn't yet know where the observation location site is.
During the procedure, you will enter
the observation l ocation or zip code. AutoStar uses this information, along with the time and date information provided by the LNT module, to precisely calculate the location of celestial objects (such as stars and planets) and to move your telescope correctly for various operations.
Important Tip:
It is recommended that you train you telescope’s drive the first time you align your telescope. Training the drive improves your telescope’s pointing precision.
For more information about pointing your telescope, see page 53 for more information.
Astronomical Observing
Used as an astronomical instrument, your telescope has many optical and electromechanical capabilities. It is in astronomical applications where the high level of optical performance is readily visible. The range of observable astronomical objects is, with minor qualification, limited only by the observer’s motivation.
To Track an Object Automatically
As the Earth rotates beneath the night sky, the stars appear to move from East to West. The speed at which the stars move is called the sidereal rate. You can setup your telescope to move at the sidereal rate so that it automatically tracks the stars and other objects in the night sky. If the telescope is not tracking an astronomical object, the object will drift out of the eyepiece field of view. The tracking function automatically keeps an object more or less centered in the telescope’s eyepiece.
To automatically track objects, you must initialize AutoStar, and then select "Targets: Astronomical" from the AutoStar Setup menu. You must also learn how the AutoStar keypad operates in order to move through the AutoStar menus.
Moving Through AutoStar’s Menus
The AutoStar database is organized in levels for quick and easy navigation.
•Press ENTER to go deeper into AutoStar's menu levels.
•Press MODE to move back toward the top menu level.
•Press the Scroll keys to move up and down through the options available for each level.
•Press the Arrow keys to enter characters and digits.
The Arrow keys are also used to move the telescope.
Initializing AutoStar for the First Time
This section describes how to initialize AutoStar. Perform this procedure the first time you use AutoStar or after performing a Reset (see “RESET,” page 29).
AutoStar will ask you to choose your observing location (or zip code) and your telescope’s model number from the list it displays. You will be prompted to enter this information only the first time you use AutoStar. If you wish to change your location information (or if AutoStar does not ask you for this information information the first time that you use it), go to the Site option of the Setup Menu to select your location. See page 30 for more information.
1.Tighten the vertical and horizontal locks (6 and 9, Fig. 1) if necessary.
2.Make sure that AutoStar is connected to the HBX port (C, Fig. 2) and SmartFinder is connected to an AUX port (D, Fig. 2) of the telescope’s computer control panel.
3.Flip the telescope power switch (A, Fig. 2) to the ON position.
The AutoStar screen displays a copyright message, followed by a short beep. Then AutoStar takes a few moments to start up the system.
4.A message displays that warns not to look at the Sun. At the end of this message, press the key prompted by AutoStar to signify that the message has been read and understood.
5.The Getting Started menu displays a scrolling message. Press ENTER (2, Fig. 2) to bypass the Help tutorial and continue with initialization.
6.AutoStar then displays: “Location Option:
choose how you wish to enter the location of your observing site: You can enter your zip code or choose the site from a list of countries, states and cities.
Press the number key “1” if you wish to enter by zip code. Then enter the five digits of the zip code of your observing site and press ENTER.
Press the number key “2” if you wish to select your observing site from a list of country, states and cities. First, use a Scroll key to cycle through the list of countries and states (listed alphabetically). Press ENTER when the correct location displays. Next, use a Scroll key to cycle through the list of cities (also listed alphabetically). Press ENTER when the closest city displays.
7.AutoStar then requests the telescope model number. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the database of models. Press ENTER when your model number displays.
8.System initialization is complete and the screen reads "Align: Automatic."
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