Timer selects a countdown timer. This feature is useful for functions such as astrophotography and tracking satellites. See OBSERVING SATELLITES, page 30. To use the Timer, press ENTER, then choose “Set” or “Start/Stop."
NSet: Enter the time to be counted down, in hours, minutes, and seconds, then press ENTER.
NStart/Stop: Activates the timer set previously. Use the Scroll keys to toggle between ON and OFF. When ON is displayed, press ENTER to activate the timer. When the timer runs out, four beeps sound and the timer is deactivated.
Alarm selects a time for an alarm signal as a reminder. To use the Alarm, press ENTER, then choose "Set" or "Start/Stop."
NSet: Enter the time of day for the alarm to sound, in hours, minutes, and seconds, then press
ENTER.
NStart/Stop: Activates the alarm set previously. Use the Scroll keys to toggle between ON and OFF. When ON is displayed, press ENTER to activate the alarm. When the alarm time arrives, Autostar beeps. Press ENTER to deactivate the alarm.
Eyepiece Calc calculates information about an eyepiece for the specific telescope to which Autostar is connected.
NField of View: Scroll through a list of available eyepieces. When an eyepiece is selected, the field of view is calculated.
NMagnification: Scroll through a list of available eyepieces. When an eyepiece is selected, the magnification is calculated.
NSuggest: Autostar calculates and suggests the best eyepiece for viewing, based on the tel- escope and the object being viewed.
Display Options enables or disables Autostar’s two initial displays. If both displays are dis- abled, Autostar begins with the Date display.
NSun Warning: Turns the “Sun Warning” message on or off.
NGetting Started: Turns the “Getting Started” message on or off.
Brightness Adj: Adjusts the brightness of the display using the Scroll keys. When complete, press
ENTER.
Contrast Adj: Adjusts the contrast of the display using the Scroll keys. When complete, press
ENTER.
NOTE: This feature is usually only required in very cold weather.
Beep: Turns the beep on or off.
Sleep Scope is a power saving option that shuts down Autostar and the telescope without for- getting its alignment. With "Sleep Scope" selected, press ENTER to activate the Sleep function. Autostar goes dark, but the internal clock keeps running. Press any key, except ENTER, to re- activate Autostar and the telescope.
Park Scope is designed for a telescope that is not moved between observing sessions. Align the telescope one time, then use this function to park the telescope. Next time it is powered up, enter the correct date and time – no alignment is required. Pressing ENTER causes the tele- scope to move to its
IMPORTANT NOTE: When the "Park Scope" option is chosen and the display prompts you to turn off the telescope's power, Autostar is unable to be returned to operation without turning the power off and then back on.
Cord Wrap, when set to "On," moves the telescope in such a way as to prevent the cords and cables attached to your telescope assembly from getting wound around the assembly and tan- gled as the telescope slews to objects. "Off" is the default setting.
Setup Menu
The Setup menu’s primary function is to align the telescope (see EASY ALIGN, page 19). However, there are numerous other features available within the Setup menu, including:
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