Meade DS-114AT instruction manual Slew Speeds, Observe the Moon, Astronomical Observing

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WARNING:

Do not look through the telescope's eye- piece or viewfinder while it is rapidly moving. Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

Level the opti- cal tube

North

Fig. 18: Alt/Az Home Position.

5.The Arrow keys are now activated. Press the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 2) to slew (move) the tel- escope up, down, right, or left.

6.Press the SPEED/? key (8, Fig. 2) to change the telescope’s slew speed. See SLEW SPEEDS, below, for more information.

7.Use the viewfinder (5, Fig. 1) to locate an object and practice using the Autostar’s Arrow keys to center the object in the telescope eyepiece's field of view.

8.Use the telescope’s focus knob (1, Fig. 1) to bring the object into focus.

Slew Speeds

Autostar has nine slew speeds that are directly proportional to the sidereal rate (see TRACKING AN OBJECT AUTOMATICALLY below for a definition of "sidereal rate") and have been calculat- ed to accomplish specific functions. Pressing the SPEED/? key changes the slew speed, which is shown for about two seconds on Autostar’s display.

The nine available speeds are:

 

 

Speed 1

=

2x

=

2 x sidereal (0.5 arc-min/sec or 0.008°/sec)

Speed 2

=

8x

=

8 x sidereal (2 arc-min/sec or 0.033°/sec)

Speed 3

=

16x

=

16

x sidereal (4 arc-min/sec or 0.067°/sec)

Speed 4

=

32x

=

32

x sidereal (8 arc-min/sec or 0.13°/sec)

Speed 5

=

64x

=

64

x sidereal (16 arc-min/sec or 0.27°/sec)

Speed 6

=

0.5° =

120

x sidereal (30 arc-min/sec or 0.5°/sec)

Speed 7

=

1°/s =

240

x sidereal (60 arc-min/sec or 1°/sec)

Speed 8

=

2°/s =

480

x sidereal (120 arc-min/sec or 2°/sec)

Speed 9

=

Max =

(Maximum speed possible, dependent on battery power)

Speeds 1, 2, or 3: Best used for fine centering of an object in the field of view of a higher power eyepiece, such as a 12mm or a 9mm eyepiece.

Speeds 4, 5, or 6: Enables centering an object in the field of a low-to-moderate power eye- piece, such as a standard 25mm eyepiece.

Speeds 7 or 8: Best used for rough centering of an object in the eyepiece.

Speed 9: Moves the telescope quickly from one point in the sky to another.

Observe the Moon

Point your telescope at the Moon (note that the Moon is not visible every night) and practice using the Arrow keys and the slew speeds to view different features. The Moon contains many interesting features, including craters, mountain ranges, and fault lines. The best time to view the Moon is during its crescent or half phase. Sunlight strikes the Moon at an angle during these periods and adds a depth to the view. No shadows are seen during a full Moon, causing the overly bright surface to appear flat and rather uninteresting. Consider the use of a neutral den- sity Moon filter when observing the Moon. Not only does it cut down the Moon's bright glare, but it also enhances contrast, providing a more dramatic image.

Astronomical Observing

Used as an astronomical instrument, your telescope has many optical and electromechanical capabilities. It is in astronomical applications where the high level of optical performance is readily visible. The range of observable astronomical objects is, with minor qualification, limit- ed only by the observer’s motivation.

Tracking an Object Automatically

As the Earth rotates beneath the night sky, the stars appear to move from East to West. The speed at which the stars move is called the sidereal rate. You can set up your telescope to move at the sidereal rate so that it automatically "tracks" the stars and other objects in the night sky. If the telescope is not tracking an astronomical object, the object will drift out of the eye- piece field of view. The tracking function automatically keeps an object more or less centered in the telescope’s eyepiece.

To automatically track objects, you must first set the telescope in the home position, then ini- tialize Autostar, train the drive, and finally select "Targets: Astronomical" from the Autostar Setup menu. You must also learn how the Autostar keypad operates in order to move through the Autostar menus.

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Reflecting Telescope Contents Remove the optical tube from the mount QUICK-START GuideRemove the optical tube and tripod from the gift- box Stand the tripod and orient the cradle ringsInsert the eyepiece Adjust tripodAttach and balance the optical tube Sight along the tubeLED Telescope Features Computer Control Panel bAutostar Features #494 Autostar HandboxSlew speeds? Packing List How to Assemble Your TelescopeGetting Started Viewfinder Focusing the ViewfinderSome Notes About the Dual-Motor System Aligning the Viewfinder Choosing an EyepieceBarlow Lens Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually Observing Using Autostars Arrow KeysObserving Terrestrial ObservingAstronomical Observing Slew SpeedsObserve the Moon Tracking an Object AutomaticallyInitializing Autostar Alt/Az Home PositionMoving Through Autostar’s Menus Training the Drive Easy Two-Star Align Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureHow to Easy Align Your Telescope Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne of the most beautiful celes- tial sights, Saturn Basic Autostar Operation Autostar Navigation ExerciseNavigating Autostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageEntering Numbers and Text into Autostar Menus and Menu Options Object MenuEvent Menu Observing ConsiderationsGlossary Menu Utilities MenuSetup Menu Surf the WebPage Menu Daylight SAVING, Caring for Your Telescope CollimationPage Specifications DS-114ATOptional Accessories Meade Customer ServiceAppendix a Locating the Celestial PoleUsing Autostar to Find Objects Not in the Database To GO to a user-entered objectAppendix C Observing SatellitesSky & Telescope Planets Objects in SpaceMoon Deep-Sky ObjectsPage Meade Instruments Corporation

DS-114AT specifications

The Meade DS-114AT is a popular entry-level telescope that combines user-friendliness with impressive optical performance, making it an excellent choice for budding astronomers and hobbyists. With its robust design and advanced features, the DS-114AT offers a gateway to the wonders of the cosmos, whether you’re observing the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, or distant star clusters.

One of the standout features of the Meade DS-114AT is its 114 mm (4.5-inch) diameter aperture. This sizable opening allows for greater light-gathering capability, resulting in brighter images and improved visibility of celestial objects. The telescope is equipped with a 900 mm focal length, providing a good balance that allows for both wide-field viewing and detailed observations of planets and lunar features.

The DS-114AT utilizes high-quality optics featuring a parabolic mirror design. This design minimizes spherical aberration, ensuring crisp images of astronomical targets. The telescope is also equipped with a fully coated optical system that enhances light transmission and reduces glare, providing clearer images compared to other telescopes in its class.

Portability is another significant advantage of the Meade DS-114AT. Its lightweight and compact design allows for easy transportation, making it ideal for backyard stargazing or trips to darker skies. The telescope comes with a sturdy yet lightweight altazimuth mount that facilitates smooth movement, allowing users to easily locate and track celestial objects.

The Meade DS-114AT also features a user-friendly electronic control system, including an automated GoTo functionality that aids in navigating the night sky. With a simple push of a button, users can precisely locate thousands of celestial objects, making the telescope accessible for beginners who may not yet be familiar with star maps and constellations.

Additionally, the telescope includes two eyepieces, a 9 mm and a 25 mm, allowing for various magnifications to suit different viewing preferences. The optical finder scope aids in quick alignment, ensuring a hassle-free observing experience.

In summary, the Meade DS-114AT stands out as a versatile, user-friendly telescope that provides excellent optical performance and advanced features. Its combination of a sizable aperture, high-quality optics, portability, and automated features make it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the universe, whether for casual observations or more serious astronomical pursuits. With this telescope, the night sky is truly within reach.