Meade DS-114AT instruction manual One of the most beautiful celes- tial sights, Saturn

Page 19
19
The rule of thumb is that an alignment star is usually the brightest star in that area of the sky. When you view an alignment star in an eyepiece, it stands out dramatically from the rest of the stars in that portion of the sky.
If you have an obstruction, such as a tree or a building blocking your view of the alignment star, or if you have any doubts at all about the star that has been chosen, no problem. Just press the Scroll Down key and Autostar will find another star to align upon.
If Autostar has chosen an alignment star with which you are unfamiliar, how can you be sure if the star in your eyepiece is really the alignment star?
Which One’s the Alignment Star?
This example demonstrates using “Tonight’s Best” Guided Tour.
1. After observing Saturn, press MODE twice so that “Select Item: Object” displays again.
2. Press the Scroll Down key twice. “Select Item: Guided Tour” displays.
3. Press ENTER. “Guided Tour: Tonight’s Best” displays. Press ENTER.
NOTE: If you wish to try out other Guided Tours, press the Scroll Down key to scroll through other tour choices. When the tour you wish to select displays, press
ENTER.
4. “Tonight’s Best: Searching...” displays. After calculating, “Tonight’s Best: Jupiter” displays. NOTE: Different objects may be displayed on a tour list on any given night.
Press ENTER to display information about the object. Press GO TO to move
the telescope to the object. 5. Press MODE to return to the Tour list.
Press the Scroll keys to scroll through the list. Press ENTER when you find the next object you wish to observe.
6. Press and hold down MODE for two seconds to exit the Guided Tour menu.
Go To Saturn
After performing the Easy Align procedure, the motor drive begins operating and the telescope is aligned for a night of viewing. Objects in the eyepiece should maintain their position even though the Earth is rotating beneath the stars.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Once aligned, only use GO TO or the Arrow keys to move the telescope. Do not loosen the Alt and Az locks (22 and 19, Fig. 1), or move the base manually, or alignment will be lost.
This exercise shows how to select a celestial object (Saturn) for viewing from Autostar’s database.
NOTE: Saturn is not always visible and you may need to choose another object from Autostar's Object database; however, the procedure, as described below, remains the same—just choose a different object in step 3.
1 After the telescope is aligned, “Select Item: Object” displays. Press ENTER.
2. “Object: Solar System” displays. Press ENTER.
3. “Solar System: Mercury” displays. Keep pressing the Scroll Down key until “Solar System: Saturn” displays.
4. Press ENTER. “Calculating” displays. Then “Saturn” and a set of coordinates displays. Note that Saturn’s (and other planets’) coordinates may change throughout the year.
5. Press GO TO. “Saturn: Slewing...” displays and the telescope slews until it finds Saturn. You may need to use the Arrow keys to center Saturn precisely in the eyepiece. Autostar then automatically moves the telescope so that it "tracks" Saturn (or whatever other object you may have chosen); i.e., Saturn remains centered in the eyepiece.
Take a Guided Tour

Fig. 21: One of the most beautiful celes- tial sights, Saturn.

Page 18 Page 20
Image 19
Page 18 Page 20
Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Reflecting Telescope Contents Stand the tripod and orient the cradle rings QUICK-START GuideRemove the optical tube and tripod from the gift- box Remove the optical tube from the mountSight along the tube Adjust tripodAttach and balance the optical tube Insert the eyepieceLED Computer Control Panel b Telescope Features#494 Autostar Handbox Autostar FeaturesSlew speeds? Getting Started How to Assemble Your TelescopePacking List Some Notes About the Dual-Motor System Focusing the ViewfinderViewfinder Barlow Lens Choosing an EyepieceAligning the Viewfinder Terrestrial Observing Observing Using Autostars Arrow KeysObserving Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyTracking an Object Automatically Slew SpeedsObserve the Moon Astronomical ObservingMoving Through Autostar’s Menus Alt/Az Home PositionInitializing Autostar Training the Drive How to Easy Align Your Telescope Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureEasy Two-Star Align One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne of the most beautiful celes- tial sights, Saturn Autostar Navigation Exercise Basic Autostar OperationEntering Numbers and Text into Autostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageNavigating 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 Deep-Sky Objects Objects in SpaceMoon PlanetsPage 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.
Top Page Image Contents