Meade ETX-80AT-TC instruction manual Reverse L/R Reverses, Reverse UP/DOWN Reverses

Page 26

Date changes the date used by Autostar. This function is useful to check events in the past or future. For example, set the Date menu for a day three months in the future. Then check the "Select Item: Event" menu for the Sunset time on that date. See EVENT MENU, page 24.

Time changes the time entered into Autostar. Setting the correct time is critical for Autostar to properly calculate locations and events. Time may be set to 24-hour mode (military time) by selecting the "blank" option which follows the "AM" and "PM" options.

Daylight Saving is used to enable or disable Daylight Savings time.

NOTE: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by different names in various areas of the world. Check local time to verify.

Telescope accesses the several options, including:

NModel: Allows you to select the telescope model connected to Autostar.

NFocal Length: Displays the focal length of the selected telescope.

NAz Ratio and Alt Ratio: The Az (Azimuth) ratio and Alt (Altitude) ratio refers to the gears of the telescope's motors. Do not alter these numbers.

NAz Percent: The Az (Azimuth) Percent allows you to change the azimuth backlash, i.e., the way the Arrow keys move the telescope along the azimuth (horizontal) axis. If you enter a value near 100, the telescope tube responds more quickly (it responds immediately at 100%) as you hold down an Arrow key and also slews (moves) the tube more quickly. If you enter a value near 0, it takes longer for the tube to respond as you hold down an Arrow key and also slews the tube more slowly. Experiment with this option. Try changing the per- cent value until you get a "feel" for the Arrow keys that is comfortable for you.

Alt Percent: The Alt (Altitude) Percent operates identical to the AZ Percent option (see above), but allows you to change the altitude backlash, i.e., the way the Arrow keys move the telescope when moving along the altitude (vertical) axis.

N Train Drive: Trains the Altitude and

 

TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

 

Azimuth motors to locate objects

 

 

with more precision.

 

 

Surf the Web

 

If you are experiencing any problems

 

 

with

pointing accuracy, follow the

One of the most exciting resources for astronomy is

 

the internet. The internet is full of websites with new

 

procedure described in APPENDIX D:

 

images, discoveries, and the latest astronomical

 

TRAINING THE DRIVE, page 40, to

information. For example, when comet Hale-Bopp

 

insure accurate pointing and

track-

made its approach to our Sun in 1998, astronomers

 

ing.

 

 

around the world posted new photos daily.

 

 

 

 

 

N Tracking Rate: Changes the speed

You can find websites for almost any topic relating

 

at which the telescope tracks targets

to astronomy on the internet. Try the following key

 

in the sky.

 

word searches: NASA, Hubble, HST, astronomy,

 

 

Messier, satellite, nebula, black hole, variable stars,

 

 

 

 

 

a. Sidereal: The default setting for

etc.

 

 

Autostar; sidereal rate is the

Check out Meade’s website for the latest product

 

 

standard rate at which stars

 

 

and technical information. You can download the

 

 

move from East to West across

latest software revisions, links to other astronomical

 

 

the sky due to the rotation of the

sites, coordinates of celestial objects and the latest

 

 

Earth.

 

satellite tracking information for your #494 AutoStar

 

 

 

handbox. See page 29 for more information. You’ll

 

b.

Lunar: Choose this option to

 

find our website at:

 

 

properly track the Moon over

 

http://www.meade.com/

 

 

long observing sessions.

 

 

 

c.

Custom: Allows entry of

user-

Here are some other sites you might find interesting:

 

 

defined tracking rates.

 

 

 

 

•

Sky & Telescope:

N

Reverse L/R: Reverses the

func-

 

http://www.skypub.com/

 

tions of the Left and Right Arrow

 

 

•

Astronomy:

 

keys (i.e., the Right key moves the

 

http://www2.astronomy.com/astro/

 

telescope to the left).

 

•

The Starfield:

N

Reverse UP/DOWN: Reverses the

 

http://users.nac.net/gburke/

•

Astronomy Picture of the Day:

 

functions of the Up and Down Arrow

 

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.goc/apod/

 

keys (i.e., the Up key moves the tele-

•

Heaven’s Above (satellite observing information):

scope down).

http://www.heavens-above.com/

26

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Contents ETX-80AT-TC MEADE.COMPage Contents Setting up the Tripod QUICK-START GuideObserve Telescope Features ETX-80AT Telescope@ 2# ETX Your Personal Window to the Universe Flip mirror control in the up positionComputer Control Panel TripodAutostar Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonPage Join an Astronomy Club Attend a Star Party Getting Started Parts ListingTelescope Assembly Setting up the Tripod Connect the AutoStar HandboxChoosing an Eyepiece Manual Operation of the Telescope without AutoStarManual Operation of the Telescope Using AutoStars Arrow Keys Slew SpeedsMoving Through AutoStar’s Menus Observe the MoonTo Track an Object Automatically Initializing AutoStarToo Much Power? Easy Alignment Go To SaturnUsing the Guided Tour Which One’s the Alignment Star?Autostar Menus IngvSa e Daylight pesco TelAutostar Operation AutoStar Navigation ExerciseNavigating Autostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageEntering Numbers and Text into Autostar Object Menu Utilities Menu Event MenuGlossary Menu Setup Menu EnterReverse L/R Reverses Reverse UP/DOWN ReversesMenu Daylight SAVING, Advanced Features Observing a Satellite Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Digital Photography with the ETX Photography with Meade’s AutoStar SuiteLunar Planetary Imager Optional Accessories Meade Series 4000 Super Plossl EyepiecesStorage and Transport Maintenance and ServicingGeneral Maintenance Inspecting the OpticsTroubleshooting Cannot seem to focus No image appears in the eyepieceAutoStar Specifications Meade Customer ServiceETX-80AT Specifications AutoStar DimensionsAppendix a Using Autostar to Enter R.A. and DEC Coordinates To GO to a user-entered objectCelestial Coordinates Appendix B Equatorial Polar AlignmentPolar Alignment One-Star Polar Alignment Autostar Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentCity State Latitude Appendix C Helpful ChartsLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City Country LatitudeAppendix D Training the Drive Further StudyObjects in Space Appendix E Basic AstronomyAutoStar Glossary MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsPage 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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