Meade DS-2000 instruction manual Appendix C, Observing Satellites

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APPENDIX C

Observing Satellites

In this procedure, you will prepare your telescope to observe a satellite pass.

1.Go to the "Object: Satellite" menu option and press ENTER.

2.Use the Scroll keys to scroll through the list of satellites.

3.Select a satellite from the list and press ENTER.

4."Calculating...." and then "Tracking..." displays. If the satellite is going to make a pass, "Located" displays.

5.Use the Scroll keys to display data about the pass: aos – acquisition of signal and los – loss of signal. If you subtract the aos from the los, you can calculate how long the satellite will be visible. Location information also displays.

6."Alarm" displays after the location information. Press ENTER and Autostar automatically sets the alarm to sound a minute before the satellite's scheduled appearance. You may return to regular observations until the alarm goes off.

7.When the alarm goes off, return to the Satellite menu and press a Scroll key until the desired satellite is on the top line of the display.

8.Press GO TO. Autostar slews the telescope to where the satellite should appear. The motor drive stops and a countdown is displayed.

NOTE: If the scheduled appearance position of the satellite is obstructed (i.e., by a building, tree, or hill), press ENTER and Autostar starts to move the telescope along the expected satellite track. When the track clears the obstruction, press ENTER again to pause the telescope, then continue with this procedure.

9.With about 20 seconds left on the countdown timer, start watching through the telescope viewfinder for the satellite to enter the field of view.

10.When the satellite enters the viewfinder field of view, press ENTER. The telescope starts to track with the satellite.

11.Use the Autostar Arrow keys to center the object in the viewfinder, then look through the eyepiece to view the object.

Satellite orbits change and new satellites (including the Space Shuttle) are launched. Visit the Meade website (www.meade.com) approximately once a month to get updated information and instructions on how to download this data to Autostar. If orbital parameters are more than one month old, the satellite pass may not happen at the time predicted by Autostar. Downloading requires the optional #506 AstroFinder™ Software and Cable Connector Kit. See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 29.

NOTE: Satellite observing is an exciting challenge. Most satellites are in low orbit, travelling at approximately 17,500 mph. When visible, they move quickly across the sky and are only in the field of view for a few minutes, requiring Autostar to slew the telescope rapidly. Best viewing is near Sunrise or Sunset when the sky is still dark. Viewing in the middle of the night can be problematic because the satellite may pass overhead, but not be visible as it is in the Earth's shadow.

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Refracting Telescope Contents QUICK-START Guide 7bF Inset a Dec. Setting Computer Control Panel Fig. Ic Telescope Features#494 Autostar Handbox DS-2000 Tips Autostar FeaturesSecure the tripod turn the tripod lock knob Getting Started How to Assemble Your TelescopePacking List Viewfinder Focusing the 5 x 24mm ViewfinderAligning the Viewfinder Focusing the 6 x 30mm ViewfinderBarlow Lens Choosing an EyepieceObserving Observing Using Autostars Arrow KeysObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Terrestrial ObservingObserve the Moon Slew SpeedsAstronomical Observing To Track an Object AutomaticallyMoving Through Autostar’s Menus Alt/Az Home PositionInitializing Autostar Easy Two-Star Align Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureAlignment Star? How to Easy Align Your TelescopeOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentGo To Saturn Take a Guided TourAutostar Navigation Exercise Basic Autostar OperationEntering Numbers and Text into Autostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageNavigating Autostar Object Menu Menus and Menu OptionsEvent Menu Utilities Menu Glossary MenuSetup Menu Page Menu Daylight SAVING, Optional Accessories Collimation Caring for Your TelescopePage Meade Customer Service DS-2060 SpecificationsDS-2114S Celestial Coordinates Appendix aLocating the Celestial Pole Appendix B Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseTo GO to a user-entered object Observing Satellites Appendix CTraining the Drive Appendix DElectronic Controller DS-2000EC Users Only Appendix ESlew Speeds Autostar Glossary Basic AstronomyObjects in Space MoonDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsPage 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.
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