Meade DSX Series instruction manual Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the Database

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TIP:

Entering R.A. and Dec. Coordinates of an object without using the menus:

If you do not wish to navigate through the menus, a more direct way to enter coordinates is to press and hold MODE for two seconds or more. R.A. and Dec. coordinates display. Press GO TO. "Object Position" and a set of coordinates displays. Enter the R.A. and Dec. coordinates of any celestial object using the Up and Down Arrow keys, overwriting the coordinates currently displayed. As soon as the coordinates are entered, Autostar slews the telescope to the coordinates. Note that the telescope must be initialized and placed in the Alt/Az home position (see page 17) for this procedure to operate properly.

However, if you wish to store the coordinates of an object in memory, use the method described at the right.

APPENDIX B

Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the Database

Although Autostar contains a database of more than 30,000 celestial objects (stars, nebulae, planets, etc.) that you can observe, you may eventually want to view objects that are not part of the database. Autostar provides a feature that allows you to enter an object's R.A and Dec. coordinates in the "User: Objects" option of the Object menu and allows automatic slewing of the telescope to the user-entered coordinates.

In order to use this menu option, you first need to look up the R.A and Dec. coordinates of the object or objects you wish to observe. Check out your local library, computer store, bookstore, CD Roms, Internet, or magazines (such as Sky & Telescope or Astronomy), to find coordinates of celestial objects. The objects/coordinates you enter become part of your own permanent database, called "User Objects."

To enter coordinates of an object into the "User: Objects" option of the Object menu:

1.Make sure Autostar has been initialized and the telescope has been aligned.

2.After the telescope is aligned, "Select Item: Object" displays. (If necessary, use the Scroll keys to scroll through the menus, as previously described, to find this option.) Press

ENTER.

3."Object: Solar System" displays. Keep pressing the Scroll Up key until "Object: User Object" displays and press ENTER.

4."User Object: Select" displays. Press the Scroll Down key once. "User Object: Add" displays. Press ENTER.

5."Name" displays on the top line and a blinking cursor on the second line. Use the Arrow keys, as previously described, to enter the name of the object you wish to add to the database. When you are finished, press ENTER.

6."Right Asc.: 00.00.0" displays. Use the Number keys to enter the digits for the Right Ascension coordinate of your object. When you are finished, press ENTER.

7."Declination: +00°.00'" displays. Use the Number keys to enter the digits for the Declination coordinate of your object. If necessary, use the Scroll Keys to change "+" to "-." When you are finished, press ENTER.

8.Autostar then prompts you to enter the size of the object. This step is optional. Use the Number keys to enter the size (in arc-minutes), if so desired, and press ENTER to go to the next display. If you do not wish to enter this information, simply press ENTER.

9.Autostar then prompts you to enter the magnitude of the object. This step is also optional. Use the Number keys to enter this information, if so desired, and press ENTER to go to the next display. "User Object: Add" displays again.

To GO TO a user-entered object:

In this procedure, you will choose an object from the User Object list and GO TO the object.

1.With "User Object: Add" displayed, press the Scroll Up key once. "User Object: Select" displays. Press ENTER.

2.Use the Scroll keys (if necessary) to scroll to the desired object. Press ENTER.

3.The name of the object and the Right Ascension and Declination coordinates display.

4.Press GO TO and the telescope slews to the object.

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Page Contents QUICK-START Guide Slew Speed C D Computer Control Panel c Telescope FeaturesAltitude Setting Circle and Lock DSX Autostar Handbox Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar FeaturesJoin an Astronomy Club Attend a Star Party DSX TipsPacking List How to Assemble Your TelescopeGetting Started DSX-90 8 x 21mm Erect-Image Viewfinder Focusing the ViewfinderViewfinder DSX-90 Viewfinder Choosing an EyepieceScrews 4 and 6, DSX-125EC ViewfinderLocation of telescope eyepiece Too Much Power?Observing Observing Using Autostars Arrow KeysObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Terrestrial ObservingObserve the Moon Slew SpeedsAstronomical Observing To Track an Object AutomaticallyInitializing Autostar Alt/Az Home PositionMoving Through Autostar’s Menus Easy Two-Star Align Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureWhich One’s Alignment Star? How to Easy Align Your TelescopeOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentGo To Saturn Take a Guided TourAutostar Navigation Exercise Basic Autostar OperationEntering data into Autostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageNavigating Autostar To Calculate Sunset timeObject Menu Menus and Menu OptionsEvent Menu Observing Considerations Glossary MenuUtilities Menu Enter Setup MenuSurf the Web Menu Daylight SAVING, Page Adding Observing Sites Advanced Autostar FeaturesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list To Edit a SiteCommand Line How to Create Your Own Guided TourWhat you will need Tour ModesTitle Writing a TourPick ONE / Pick END Downloading Tours LandmarksTo Add a landmark to the database To Select a landmark from the databaseTo perform a Landmark Survey IdentifyTo check on the available amount of memory in Autostar Displayed information ExampleLook into the Future BrowseDSX-90EC Optional AccessoriesCaring for Your Telescope Meade Customer ServiceDSX-90AT SpecificationsLocating the Celestial Pole Celestial CoordinatesTo GO to a user-entered object Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseObserving Satellites Appendix CTraining the Drive Appendix DMoon Autostar GlossaryObjects in Space Deep-Sky Objects PlanetsPage Page Meade Instruments Corporation

DSX Series specifications

The Meade DSX Series telescopes are designed to offer enthusiasts and newcomers an engaging astronomical experience. Combining user-friendly features with advanced technology, this series makes stargazing both accessible and enjoyable.

One of the standout characteristics of the DSX Series is its portable design. Lightweight and compact, these telescopes can be easily transported to various observation sites. This mobility is essential for amateur astronomers who wish to explore the night sky away from light pollution. The telescopes can be set up quickly, making them a great option for impromptu stargazing sessions.

The DSX Series features a computerized mount, integrating the latest GoTo technology. With this advanced system, users can effortlessly locate and track celestial objects. Simply input a desired target, and the telescope's automated system will move to point directly at it. This feature significantly enhances the stargazing experience, eliminating the often tedious task of manually finding stars, planets, and other phenomena.

The optical quality of the Meade DSX telescopes is another key highlight. Sporting high-quality glass optics, they deliver clear and bright images of celestial objects. The series includes various models designed for different levels of observation, from the casual stargazer to those interested in deep-sky observation. Each model provides excellent light-gathering capabilities, allowing users to see beyond the obvious, uncovering the beauty of distant galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters.

In addition to its impressive optical system, the DSX Series also features a straightforward intuitive control panel. This user-centered design assists beginners in navigating settings and options with ease. Moreover, the included software helps data recording and object identification, further enriching the learning experience.

Finally, Meade's commitment to durability and quality ensures that the DSX Series is built to last. With robust materials and thoughtful engineering, these telescopes can withstand outdoor conditions, providing reliable functionality for years to come.

In summary, the Meade DSX Series stands out with its portable design, advanced GoTo technology, high-quality optics, user-friendly controls, and durable construction, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the universe. Whether you are an experienced astronomer or just starting your celestial journey, the DSX Series offers an outstanding platform for exploration and discovery.
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