Slew Speeds
AutoStar has nine slew speeds that are directly proportional to the sidereal rate (this is the speed at which stars move) and have been calculated to accomplish specific functions. Pressing the SPEED/? key changes the slew speed, which is then shown for about two sec- onds on AutoStar’s display.
The nine available speeds are: |
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Number Key 1 | = | 1x | = | 1 | x sidereal (0.25 |
Number Key 2 | = | 2x | = | 2 | x sidereal (0.5 |
Number Key 3 | = | 8x | = | 8 | x sidereal (2 |
Number Key 4 | = | 16x | = | 16 | x sidereal (4 |
Number Key 5 | = | 64x | = | 64 | x sidereal (16 |
Number Key 6 | = | 128x | = | 30 | |
Number Key 7 | = | 1.0° = | 60 | ||
Number Key 8 | = | 1.5° = | 90 | ||
Number Key 9 | = | Max = | approx. 4.5°/sec | ||
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
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.
DS-2000 TIPS
Which One’s the
Alignment Star?
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?
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.
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