Meade ETX-80AT-TC instruction manual

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NOTE:

Throughout this man- ual, you will notice the term "Alt/Az." Alt/Az stands for alti- tude-azimuth, which is just a fancy way of saying the telescope moves up and down, and from side to side. Not all telescopes move like this. Alt/Az alignment is just one of many methods used by amateur astronomers to help locate stars in the night sky.

The AutoStar Computer Controller provides control of virtually every telescope function within a compact handbox. AutoStar has soft-touch keys designed to have a positive feel. The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is backlit with a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) for easy viewing in the dark. The backlit display, key arrangement, and sequential database make AutoStar extremely user friendly.

Note: AutoStar does not require batteries; the telescope’s batteries supply power to AutoStar.

b2-Line LCD Display: Provides a visual interface between AutoStar and the telescope.

•Top line: Displays a menu item, or a menu option.

•Bottom line: Displays a menu option or information about a subject.

cENTER Key: Accesses the AutoStar menus. See MOVING THROUGH AUTOSTAR'S MENUS, page 16 and AUTOSTAR’S MENUS, page 20. The ENTER key is similar to the Return key on a computer.

Note: If ENTER is pressed for two seconds or more and then released, AutoStar emits a beep and “ENTER to Sync” is displayed. "ENTER to Sync" is relevant only after the telescope has been aligned and is pointing at an object. If the "ENTER to Sync" feature is accessed by mistake, press MODE to return to the previous screen. See HIGH PRECISION, page 27, for more details about this feature.

dMODE Key: Returns to the previous menu. If you keep pressing Mode, it will continue to access previous menus until the top level, “Select Item," is reached. The MODE key is similar to the ESCAPE key on a computer.

NOTE: If MODE is pressed and held for two seconds or more, the following infor- mation is then available using the Scroll keys (6 , Fig. 5):

•Right Ascension and Declination (astronomical) coordinates (see APPENDIX A)

•Altitude (vertical) and Azimuth (horizontal) coordinates

•Local Time and Local Sidereal Time (LST)

•Timer and Alarm Status

Press MODE again to return to the previous menu.

eGO TO Key: Moves the telescope to the coordinates of the currently selected object. While the telescope is moving (or “slewing”), the operation may be stopped at any time by press- ing any key except GO TO. Pressing GO TO again resumes the slew to the object.

fArrow Keys: Move the telescope up, down, left and right, at one of nine different speeds. Speed selection is explained in SLEW SPEEDS, page 15. The following functions are avail- able with the Arrow keys:

•Alt/Az Alignment - Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move the telescope ver- tically up and down. The Left Arrow key rotates the telescope (horizontally) coun- terclockwise, while the Right Arrow key rotates it clockwise.

•Data Entry - Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to scroll through the letters of the alphabet and numerical digits. The Down Arrow key starts with the letter "A" and the Up Arrow key starts with the digit "9." The Left and Right Arrow keys are used to move the blinking cursor left and right across the LCD display.

gScroll Keys: Accesses menu 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 a list of options. Press and hold a Scroll key to move quickly through the options.

The Scroll keys, like the Arrow 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.

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Contents MEADE.COM ETX-80AT-TCPage Contents QUICK-START Guide Setting up the TripodObserve ETX-80AT Telescope Telescope Features@ 2# Flip mirror control in the up position ETX Your Personal Window to the UniverseTripod Computer Control PanelTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar FeaturesPage Join an Astronomy Club Attend a Star Party Connect the AutoStar Handbox Parts ListingTelescope Assembly Setting up the Tripod Getting StartedManual Operation of the Telescope without AutoStar Choosing an EyepieceSlew Speeds Manual Operation of the Telescope Using AutoStars Arrow KeysInitializing AutoStar Observe the MoonTo Track an Object Automatically Moving Through AutoStar’s MenusToo Much Power? Go To Saturn Easy AlignmentWhich One’s the Alignment Star? Using the Guided TourIngvSa e Daylight pesco Tel Autostar MenusAutoStar Navigation Exercise Autostar OperationNavigating Autostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageEntering Numbers and Text into Autostar Object Menu Utilities Menu Event MenuGlossary Menu Enter Setup MenuReverse UP/DOWN Reverses Reverse L/R ReversesMenu Daylight SAVING, Advanced Features Observing a Satellite Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Photography with Meade’s AutoStar Suite Digital Photography with the ETXLunar Planetary Imager Meade Series 4000 Super Plossl Eyepieces Optional AccessoriesInspecting the Optics Maintenance and ServicingGeneral Maintenance Storage and TransportCannot seem to focus No image appears in the eyepiece TroubleshootingAutoStar Dimensions Meade Customer ServiceETX-80AT Specifications AutoStar SpecificationsTo GO to a user-entered object Appendix a Using Autostar to Enter R.A. and DEC CoordinatesCelestial Coordinates Appendix B Equatorial Polar AlignmentPolar Alignment Two-Star Polar Alignment Autostar Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment One-Star Polar AlignmentCity Country Latitude Appendix C Helpful ChartsLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City State LatitudeFurther Study Appendix D Training the DriveMoon Appendix E Basic AstronomyAutoStar Glossary Objects in SpaceDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsPage Meade Limited Warranty

ETX-80AT-TC specifications

The Meade ETX-80AT-TC is a sophisticated yet user-friendly telescope that caters to both novice astronomers and seasoned stargazers. This compact telescope is particularly praised for its portability, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to explore the night sky without the burden of heavy equipment.

One of the standout features of the ETX-80AT-TC is its 80mm aperture, which delivers impressive light-gathering capabilities. This allows users to observe a wide range of celestial objects, from the craters on the Moon to distant galaxies. The telescope’s Achromatic refractor design minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring sharp and clear images across the field of view.

The Meade ETX-80AT-TC is equipped with the AutoStar computer control system, which enhances the observational experience significantly. This technology allows users to locate and track thousands of celestial objects with ease. With a simple push of a button, the telescope can automatically find and track planets, stars, and deep-sky objects, making it perfect for those who are new to astronomy and may find manual navigation challenging.

Additionally, the telescope features a built-in Solar System tour that animates a journey through the solar system, providing educational insights about the celestial bodies in our neighborhood. It is operated via a user-friendly handheld controller with a numeric keypad and an LCD display, making navigation intuitive even for beginners.

The ETX-80AT-TC also includes a durable and lightweight design, with an integrated tabletop tripod for stable viewing. It can be easily set up and taken down, allowing for spontaneous stargazing adventures. The telescope is compatible with various Meade accessories, including additional eyepieces and filters, which further enhance the observing experience.

In terms of mechanics, the ETX-80AT-TC boasts smooth, slow-motion manual controls for fine adjustments and a flip mirror for easy switching between visual and photographic modes. Whether capturing breathtaking astrophotos or enjoying the stars visually, this telescope delivers versatility and quality.

Overall, the Meade ETX-80AT-TC stands out with its thoughtful combination of features, technology, and portability, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the night sky. Whether you are a budding astronomer or a more experienced enthusiast, this telescope provides ample opportunities for wonder and discovery under the stars.
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