Meade DS-114AT Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature, Easy Two-Star Align

Page 17

IMPORTANT

NOTE:

Autostar requests the Country/State, City, and Telescope Model information only the first time Autostar is activat- ed. If you wish to change this informa- tion, use the "Site" and "Telescope Model" options in the Setup menu. See page 26 for more information.

IMPORTANT

NOTE:

While performing the automatic track- ing procedure, use ONLY the Arrow keys to move the telescope. Once the telescope has been set in the Alt/Az home position, do not loosen the az and alt locks (19 and 22, Fig. 1), or move the base man- ually, or alignment will be lost.

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 Alt lock (22, Fig. 1) and Az lock (19, 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 10.

3.Supply Power: Plug the battery pack into the 12V port.

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 (3, Fig. 2). "Setup: Align" displays.

7.Select Setup: Targets Option: Press the Scroll Down key (7, Fig. 2) 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 (5, Fig. 1) to help line up on the star. You may choose any unobstruct- ed, bright star for the purposes of this excercise. 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 the Easy Align menu option.

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 15, has been performed. See MOVING THROUGH AUTOSTAR’S MENUS, page 15, if you wish to learn how to operate Autostar’s keys.

How to Easy Align Your Telescope

If you have just applied power to Autostar, perform steps 1 through 5. If you have already per- formed the initialization procedure, go to step 6.

1.Sun Warning - Press the key prompted by Autostar to accept.

2.Getting Started - Press ENTER to continue.

3.Enter Date - Enter the current date as previously described, then press ENTER.

4.Enter Time - Enter the current time as previously described. Select "AM," "PM," or 24-hour clock (blank). Then press ENTER.

17

Image 17
Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Reflecting Telescope Contents Remove the optical tube and tripod from the gift- box QUICK-START GuideRemove the optical tube from the mount Stand the tripod and orient the cradle ringsAttach and balance the optical tube Adjust tripodInsert the eyepiece Sight along the tubeLED Computer Control Panel b Telescope Features#494 Autostar Handbox Autostar FeaturesSlew 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 Observing Using Autostars Arrow KeysObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Terrestrial ObservingObserve the Moon Slew SpeedsAstronomical Observing 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 One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne of the most beautiful celes- tial sights, Saturn Autostar Navigation Exercise Basic Autostar OperationNavigating Autostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageEntering Numbers and Text into Autostar Object Menu Menus and Menu OptionsObserving Considerations Event MenuUtilities Menu Glossary MenuSurf the Web Setup MenuPage Menu Daylight SAVING, Collimation Caring for Your TelescopePage DS-114AT SpecificationsMeade Customer Service Optional AccessoriesLocating the Celestial Pole Appendix aTo GO to a user-entered object Using Autostar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseObserving Satellites Appendix CSky & Telescope Moon Objects in SpacePlanets 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.