Meade DS-2000 Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature, Easy Two-Star Align

Page 18

IMPORTANT NOTE: Autostar requests the Country/State, City, and Telescope Model infor- mation only the first time Autostar is activat- ed. If you wish to change this information, use the "Site" and "Telescope Model" options in the Setup menu. See pages 27 and 26 for more infor- mation.

IMPORTANT NOTE: While performing the automatic tracking pro- cedure, only use the Arrow keys to move the telescope. Once the tel- escope has been set in the Alt/Az home posi- tion, do not loosen the telescope locks (10 and 26, Fig. 1), or move the base manually, or align- ment will be lost.

10.Select City - The next screen asks for the city (listed alphabetically) closest to the observ- ing site. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the database of cities. Press ENTER when the correct city appears on screen.

11.Select Model Number - The next screen asks for the telescope model. Use the scroll keys to locate your telescope model number. Press ENTER when your model number displays.

12.Initialization Complete - System initialization is complete and the screen reads "Align: Easy."

Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature

In this example, the Autostar Arrow keys are used to find a star, and then Autostar's tracking capability automatically keeps the star centered in your telescope's eyepiece.

1.Set in Home Position - Level the optical tube and point it North. Make sure that the Dec. Lock (9, Fig. 1) and tripod base lock knob (26, Fig. 1) are secured as described previously.

2.Connect Autostar - Verify that Autostar is properly connected to your telescope. See “HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE,” page 11.

3.Turn On Power - Flip the telescope power switch to the ON position.

The Autostar display activates and a copyright message appears briefly, followed by a short beep. Then Autostar takes a few moments to start up the system.

4.Sun Warning - A message displays that warns not to look at the Sun. At the end of this message, press the key prompted by Autostar to signify that the message has been read and understood.

5.Enter Date and Time - Enter these values as previously described.

6.Select Setup: Align Option - Press MODE (2, Fig. 2). "Setup: Align" displays.

7.Select Setup: Targets Option - Press the Scroll Down key repeatedly until "Setup: Targets" displays. Press ENTER (2, Fig. 2).

8.Select Targets: Astronomical Option - "Targets: Terrestrial" displays. Press either of the

Scroll keys once (6 or 7, Fig. 2). "Targets: Astronomical" now displays.

9.Locate a Bright Star - Use the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 2) to locate a bright star in the night sky. Use the viewfinder (15, Fig. 1) to help line up on the star. You may choose any unob- structed, bright star for the purposes of this example. Use Autostar's Arrow keys to center the star in the eyepiece.

10.To Start Tracking - Once the star is centered, press ENTER to select "Astronomical." The telescope's tracking motors then engage. It may take the tracking motors several seconds to begin tracking. When they do, it may be necessary to once again center the star in the eyepiece. The tracking motors will then keep the star you have chosen in the center of the eyepiece.

If you wish to track another star, use the Arrow keys to slew the telescope to the star. Center the star. The tracking motors will then keep that star in the center of the eyepiece.

11.To Stop Tracking - Press ENTER. "Setup: Targets" displays. Press ENTER. "Targets:

Astronomical" now displays. Press either of the Scroll keys once. "Targets: Terrestrial" dis- plays. Press ENTER. Tracking is now turned off.

Easy (Two-Star) Align

The fastest and easiest way to locate objects with Autostar's GO TO capabilities is to use Easy Align.

Autostar automatically picks two stars from its database for the Easy Align procedure. During this procedure, Autostar slews the telescope to a first alignment star. The user is asked to ver- ify that the telescope is pointed at the chosen star and then prompted to center the star in the eyepiece. The process is repeated with a second star to complete the alignment.

NOTE: Before aligning the telescope, first verify that INITIALIZING AUTOSTAR, page 17, has been performed. See MOVING THROUGH AUTOSTAR’S MENUS, page 17, if you wish to learn how to operate Autostar’s keys.

18

Page 17 Page 19
Image 18
Page 17 Page 19
Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Refracting Telescope Contents QUICK-START Guide 7bF Inset a Dec. Setting Telescope Features Computer Control Panel Fig. Ic#494 Autostar Handbox Autostar Features DS-2000 TipsSecure the tripod turn the tripod lock knob How to Assemble Your Telescope Getting StartedPacking List Focusing the 5 x 24mm Viewfinder ViewfinderFocusing the 6 x 30mm Viewfinder Aligning the ViewfinderChoosing an Eyepiece Barlow LensObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Observing Using Autostars Arrow KeysObserving Terrestrial ObservingAstronomical Observing Slew SpeedsObserve the Moon To Track an Object AutomaticallyAlt/Az Home Position Moving Through Autostar’s MenusInitializing Autostar Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature Easy Two-Star AlignHow to Easy Align Your Telescope Alignment Star?Go To Saturn Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Take a Guided TourBasic Autostar Operation Autostar Navigation ExerciseAdjusting the Speed of a Scrolling Message Entering Numbers and Text into AutostarNavigating Autostar Menus and Menu Options Object MenuEvent Menu Glossary Menu Utilities MenuSetup Menu Page Menu Daylight SAVING, Optional Accessories Caring for Your Telescope CollimationPage Meade Customer Service Specifications DS-2060DS-2114S Appendix a Celestial CoordinatesLocating the Celestial Pole Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the Database Appendix BTo GO to a user-entered object Appendix C Observing SatellitesAppendix D Training the DriveAppendix E Electronic Controller DS-2000EC Users OnlySlew Speeds Objects in Space Basic AstronomyAutostar Glossary MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsPage Meade Instruments Corporation

DS-2000 specifications

The Meade DS-2000 is a versatile and user-friendly telescope that caters to both beginners and seasoned astronomers alike. Known for its exceptional performance and ease of use, the DS-2000 series has become a popular choice among amateur stargazers. This telescope features a robust design coupled with advanced technologies that enhance the overall observing experience.

One of the standout features of the Meade DS-2000 is its sturdy mount, which provides stability during observations. This stability is crucial for clearer and more detailed views of celestial objects, as it minimizes vibrations and shakes that can occur while tracking objects across the night sky. The telescope typically comes with an adjustable aluminum tripod to further enhance stability and can handle varying weights and instruments.

The DS-2000 series utilizes an electronically controlled altazimuth mount, allowing users to easily navigate the sky with its automatic tracking capabilities. This intuitive design ensures that even novice astronomers can locate and follow astronomical objects with minimal effort. The built-in computer control allows users to access a database of thousands of celestial bodies, making it easy to select targets for viewing.

In terms of optics, the Meade DS-2000 features high-quality glass optics with multi-coated lenses. This ensures superior light transmission and contrast, resulting in bright, clear images of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects. The telescope typically offers a range of apertures, making it suitable for various observing preferences and conditions.

Furthermore, the Meade DS-2000 is often equipped with a 9mm or 25mm eyepiece, enabling users to achieve magnifications adequate for observing different types of celestial phenomena. The addition of a built-in red-dot finder makes it easier to aim and locate objects in the night sky.

Portability is another significant characteristic of the DS-2000 series. Its lightweight design allows astronomers to transport it easily to different observing locations, making spontaneous stargazing adventures possible, whether in the backyard or at a dark-sky site.

In summary, the Meade DS-2000 combines solid construction, user-friendly features, and advanced technology, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in exploring the night sky. With its impressive optics, reliable tracking capabilities, and enhanced portability, the DS-2000 series provides an enjoyable and rewarding astronomical experience.
Top Page Image Contents