Meade ETX-80AT-TC instruction manual Using the Guided Tour, Which One’s the Alignment Star?

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NOTE:

Keep in mind that when viewing through an eyepiece in the 90°eyepiece holder, images of terrestrial objects are right-side-up, but reversed left-for- right. Normally, such an image orienta- tion is not bother- some, unless trying to read a distant sign, for example.

If you wish to use the telescope for terrestrial observa- tion, use the eye- piece in the 45° prism. The image in this eyepiece will be correctly oriented.

4.Press ENTER. “Calculating” displays. Then “Saturn” and a set of coordinates displays. Saturn’s (and other planets’) coordinates change throughout the year.

5.Press GO TO. “Saturn: Slewing...” displays and the telescope slews until it finds Saturn.You may need to use the Arrow keys to center Saturn precisely in the eyepiece. AutoStar then automatically slews (moves) the telescope so that it "tracks" Saturn (or whatever other object you may have chosen); i.e., Saturn remains centered in the eyepiece. If an object is observed in the telescope without using AutoStar's GO TO or automatic tracking capabili- ties, objects in the eyepiece gradually drift out of the field of view due to the Earth's rota- tion.

Using the Guided Tour

You’ve been hiking all day and night falls after you’ve set up camp. The only light is from the stars, which seem so close that you feel you can reach out and touch them. You’ve gotten your friends all excited about looking through your scope during the hike.

You initialize Autostar, set the home position and get aligned. You find Jupiter in the Solar System menu and you show off Jupiter’s four moons and you talk about the detail you can see in the bands circling the giant planet.

Next, you choose Saturn from the Solar system menu and — Autostar displays “Below hori- zon.” So you quickly pick out Mars from the menu. It’s also below the horizon. Your friends are losing interest.

This is the perfect time to use Autostar’s “Guided Tour.”

Guided Tour is one of Autostar’s more fun features. For example, check out the tour called “Tonight’s Best.” “Tonight’s Best” will take you on a tour of the best objects in the sky. Objects that are in the sky right now—the tour changes all the time depending on the time, date and place.

1.

To find the Guided Tour menu, keep pressing MODE until “Select Item: Object” displays.

2.

Press one of the Scroll keys to page through the menus. Keep pressing until “Select

 

Item: Guided Tour” displays.

 

3.

Press ENTER. “Guided Tour: Tonight’s Best” displays. Press ENTER.

4.

“Tonight’s Best: Searching...” displays. After calculating, “Tonight’s Best: Jupiter” might

 

displays—different objects may be displayed on a tour list on any given night.

5.

Press ENTER to display information about an object. Even though you may have just

 

looked at Jupiter, read the information screens (use the scroll keys to page through these

 

screens). You may discover some

 

 

cool information you didn’t know

TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

 

about Jupiter.

 

 

6.Press MODE to return to the Tour list of objects. Press one of the Scroll keys to scroll through the list. Press ENTER when you find the next object you wish to observe; press ENTER to select the object. Then press GO TO to move the tel- escope to that object. Repeat this procedure to find other objects.

7.Press and hold down MODE for two seconds to leave the Guided Tour menu.

Which One’s the Alignment

Star?

If AutoStar has chosen an alignment star with which you are unfamiliar, how can you be sure if the star in your eyepiece is really the alignment star?

The rule of thumb is that an alignment star is usual- ly the brightest star in that area of the sky. When you view an alignment star in an eyepiece, it stands out dramatically from the rest of the stars in that portion of the sky.

If you have an obstruction, such as a tree or a build- ing blocking your view of the alignment star, or if you have any doubts at all about the star that has been chosen, no problem. Just press the Scroll Down key and AutoStar will find another star to align upon.

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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 OperationEntering Numbers and Text into Autostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageNavigating Autostar Object Menu Glossary Menu Event MenuUtilities Menu Enter Setup MenuReverse UP/DOWN Reverses Reverse L/R ReversesMenu Daylight SAVING, Advanced Features One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentObserving a Satellite 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 CoordinatesPolar Alignment Appendix B Equatorial Polar AlignmentCelestial Coordinates 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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