Meade ETX-80AT-TC instruction manual Contents

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WARNING!

Never use a Meade® Telescope to look at the Sun! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye. Eye damage is often painless, so there is no warning to the observer that damage has occurred until it is too late. Do not point the telescope or its viewfinder at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope or its viewfinder as it is moving. Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

CAUTION: Use care to install batteries in the orientation indicated by illustration in the battery slots of the battery holder. Follow battery manufacturer's precautions. Do not install batteries backwards or mix new and used batteries. Do not mix battery types. If these precautions are not followed, batteries may explode, catch fire, or leak. Improperly installed batteries void your Meade warranty.

If you are anxious to use your telescope for the first time, read the QUICK-START

GUIDE on page 4.

CONTENTS

 

Quick-Start Guide

4

Telescope Features

6

AutoStar® Features

10

Getting Started

13

Parts Listing

13

Telescope/Tripod Assembly

13

Choosing an Eyepiece

14

Manual Operation of the Telescope w/out AutoStar..14

Manual Operation of the Telescope with AutoStar....

15

Slew Speeds

15

Observe the Moon

16

To Track an Object Automatically

16

Moving Through AutoStar’s Menus

16

Initializing AutoStar

16

Easy Alignment

18

Go To Saturn

18

Using the Guided Tour

19

AutoStar Menus

20

Menu Tree

20

AutoStar Operation

21

AutoStar Navigation Exercise

21

Entering Data, Moving Through AutoStar’s Menus ..

22

Objects Menu

23

Event Menu

24

Glossary Menu

24

Utilities Menu

24

Setup Menu

25

Advanced AutoStar Operation

28

Terrestrial Observing, Astronomical Observing

28

Sidereal Rate

28

Advanced Alt/Az Alignment Methods

28

Observing Satellites

29

Digital Photography with the ETX®

30

Optional Accessories

32

Maintenance

33

Troubleshooting

34

Specifications

35

Appendix A: Using AutoStar to Enter Coordinates

36

Appendix B: Polar Alignment

37

Appendix C: Latitude Chart

39

Appendix D: Training the Drive

40

Appendix E: Basic Astronomy

41

®The name “Meade,” the Meade logo, and “ETX” are trade- marks registered with the U.S. Trademark and Patent Office and in principal countries throughout the world. All rights reserved.

Patents: US 6,392,799 and other patents pending.

© 2005 Meade Instruments Corporation.

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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 OperationAdjusting the Speed of a Scrolling Message Entering Numbers and Text into AutostarNavigating Autostar Object Menu Event Menu Glossary MenuUtilities Menu Enter Setup MenuReverse UP/DOWN Reverses Reverse L/R ReversesMenu Daylight SAVING, Advanced Features Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment One-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 CoordinatesAppendix B Equatorial Polar Alignment 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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