Meade ETX-80AT-TC instruction manual Appendix D Training the Drive, Further Study

Page 40

APPENDIX D: TRAINING THE DRIVE

Train the telescope motors using AutoStar. Perform this procedure after RESET or if you are experiencing any point- ing accuracy problems. Figure 33 depicts the complete Drive Training procedure.

Note: Use a terrestrial object, such as a telephone pole or lamp post, to train the drive. Complete this exer- cise once every 3 to 6 months to maintain the highest level of telescope pointing accuracy.

1Verify that AUTOSTAR INITIALIZATION is complete.

2Press MODE until Select Item is displayed.

Select Item

 

Press

> until it 12

 

 

is centered

 

 

 

Scope slews left.

 

 

Bring target back

 

 

to center using

ENTER

the Right Arrow key.

TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

Further Study....

This manual gives only the briefest introduction to astronomy. If you are interested in pursuing further

Object

3

studies in astronomy, a few topics are suggested

below that are worth reading up on. Try looking up

some of these topics in AutoStar’s glossary.

Also included below is a small sampling of books, magazines, and organizations that you might find

Press the scroll up key once.

Select Item

is centered

13

 

Scope slews right.

Bring target back

to center using

Setup

4

ENTER

the Left Arrow key.

ENTER

Access the Setup

menu.

Train Drive

Az. Train

14

Setup

5

Align

Multiple presses.

Setup 6

Telescope

 

 

Access the

 

ENT

ER

Telescope menu.

 

 

 

 

Telescope 71 Telescope Model

Multiple presses.

Telescope

8

Train Drive

ENTER

Choose the Train

Drive option.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Train Drive

9

 

 

Az. Train

 

 

 

 

ENTER

Azimuth

 

 

(horizontal)

 

 

 

training.

 

 

 

 

 

Drive Setup

10

 

 

For this op. . .

 

ENTER

Reminder to

use terrestrial

 

 

 

 

 

 

target.

 

 

 

 

Center reference 11

 

object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Center target

E

 

NTER

using Arrow

 

 

keys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Menu returns to

Az. training.

Train Drive

15

Alt. Train

 

ENTER

Altitude

 

 

 

(vertical)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drive Setup

16

 

 

 

 

 

For this op. . .

 

 

ENTER

Reminder to

use terrestrial

 

 

 

 

target.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Center reference

17

 

 

 

 

object

 

 

 

 

 

ENTER

Center target

 

using Arrow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

keys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press

>

until it

18

 

 

 

 

is centered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scope slews down.

 

 

 

 

Bring target back

 

ENTER

to center using

 

the Up Arrow key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press

> until it

19

 

 

 

 

is centered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scope slews up.

 

 

 

 

Bring target back

 

E

 

to center using

 

 

the Down Arrow key.

 

 

NTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Train Drive

20

 

 

 

 

Az. Train

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MODE

Multiple presses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select Item

21

 

 

 

 

Object

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 33: Training the Drive Procedure.

helpful.

Topics

1.How is a star born? How does a solar system form?

2.How is the distance to a star measured? What is a light year?

3.What is red shift and blue shift?

4.How are the craters on our Moon formed? How old is the Moon and Earth? How old is the Sun?

5.What is a black hole? A quasar? A neutron star?

6.What are stars made of? Why are stars differ- ent colors? What is a white dwarf? A red giant?

7.What is a nova? A supernova?

8.What are comets? Asteroids? Meteors? Meteor showers? Where do they come from?

9.What is a planetary nebula? A globular cluster?

10.What is the Big Bang? Is the universe expand- ing or contracting, or does it always remain the same?

Books

1.The Guide to Amateur Astronomy by Jack Newton and Philip Teece

2.The Sky: A User’s Guide by David Levy

3.Turn Left at Orion by Guy Consolmagno & Dan Davis

4.Astrophotography for the Amateur by Michael Covington

Magazines

1.Sky & Telescope

Box 9111, Belmont, MA 02178

2.Astronomy

Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187

Organizations:

1.Astronomical League Executive Secretary

5675 Real del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88012

2.The Astronomical Society of the Pacific

390 Ashton Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112

3.The Planetary Society

65 North Catalina Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106

40

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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 Parts Listing Telescope Assembly Setting up the TripodGetting Started Connect the AutoStar HandboxChoosing an Eyepiece Manual Operation of the Telescope without AutoStarManual Operation of the Telescope Using AutoStars Arrow Keys Slew SpeedsObserve the Moon To Track an Object AutomaticallyMoving Through AutoStar’s Menus 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 ExerciseEntering Numbers and Text into Autostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageNavigating Autostar Object Menu Glossary Menu Event MenuUtilities Menu Setup Menu EnterReverse L/R Reverses Reverse UP/DOWN ReversesMenu Daylight SAVING, Advanced Features One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentObserving a Satellite Digital Photography with the ETX Photography with Meade’s AutoStar SuiteLunar Planetary Imager Optional Accessories Meade Series 4000 Super Plossl EyepiecesMaintenance and Servicing General MaintenanceStorage and Transport Inspecting the OpticsTroubleshooting Cannot seem to focus No image appears in the eyepieceMeade Customer Service ETX-80AT SpecificationsAutoStar Specifications AutoStar DimensionsAppendix a Using Autostar to Enter R.A. and DEC Coordinates To GO to a user-entered objectPolar Alignment Appendix B Equatorial Polar AlignmentCelestial Coordinates Autostar Polar Alignment Easy Polar AlignmentOne-Star Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentAppendix C Helpful Charts Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldCity State Latitude City Country LatitudeAppendix D Training the Drive Further StudyAppendix E Basic Astronomy AutoStar GlossaryObjects in Space 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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