Meade ETX-70AT instruction manual Menu Daylight Saving

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IMPORTANT NOTE: While performing the automatic tracking pro- cedure, only use the Arrow keys to move the telescope. Once the telescope has been set in the Alt/Az home position, do not loosen the telescope locks (6 and 9, Fig. 1), or move the base manually, or alignment will be lost.

Time Zone

Shift

Atlantic

-4 Hours

Eastern

-5 Hours

Central

-6 Hours

Mountain

-7 Hours

Pacific

-8 Hours

Hawaii

-10 Hours

 

 

Table 1: Time Zone Shift.

NOTE:

The Download function requires the optional #506 Astrofinder Software and Cable Connector Kit. See the instruction sheet included with the kit for more information on how to download. Also see “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 25.

Train Drive: Trains the altitude and azimuth motors to locate objects with more precision.

If you are experiencing any problems with pointing accuracy, follow the procedure described in “APPENDIX D: TRAINING THE DRIVE,” page 35, to insure accurate point- ing and tracking.

Tracking Rate: Changes the speed at which the telescope tracks targets in the sky.

a.Sidereal: The default setting for Autostar; sidereal rate is the standard rate at which stars move from East to West across the sky due to the rotation of the Earth.

b.Lunar: Choose this option to properly track the Moon over long observing sessions.

c.Custom: Allows entry of user-defined tracking rates.

Reverse L/R: Reverses the functions of the Left and Right Arrow keys (i.e., the Right key moves the telescope to the left).

Reverse UP/DOWN: Reverses the functions of the Up and Down Arrow keys (i.e., the Up key moves the telescope down).

Calibrate Motor: If the telescope motors appear to have a problem, use this option to retest the motors before doing a Reset. This option is also used if an Autostar unit is moved between telescopes to match Autostar to the telescope.

High Precision: If High Precision is turned on, when looking for a faint celestial object (i.e.,

anebula or galaxy), Autostar first slews to a nearby bright star and displays "ENTER to Sync." Center the star in the eyepiece, then press ENTER. At that point the telescope has

ahigh precision alignment to that part of the sky and it then slews to the object that was originally requested.

Targets switches between Astronomical targets and Terrestrial targets. If Astronomical targets are selected, the telescope tracking motor is activated and objects you're observing will remain centered in the eyepiece. If Terrestrial targets are selected, the tracking motor is turned off.

To track an object automatically, set the telescope in the Alt/Az home position (see "EASY TWO-STAR ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE, step #8", page 14), locate an object you wish to observe using Autostar's Arrow keys (see page 11), and center the object in the eyepiece. Then scroll to the "Targets: Astronomical" menu display and press ENTER. Autostar then automati- cally slews (moves) the telescope to keep the object centered in the eyepiece.

Site provides access to several options including:

Select: Displays the currently selected observing site and and also allows you to select other sites you have entered into a user-defined database (see "Add" below). Use the Scroll keys to cycle through all available sites in this database. Press ENTER when the site you wish to select displays. Use this option when you move to a different geographic location.

NOTE: Only the site that is entered during Initialization (see page 16) will be dis- played until other sites are entered with the "Add" option.

Add: Allows you to add a new observing site to the database (up to six sites may be stored). Scroll through the list of Countries/States. Press ENTER when the site you wish to add displays. Then choose the desired city in the same manner.

Delete: Deletes a stored site from the database.

Edit: Edits a selected site, including: the name, latitude, longitude, and time zone. Time Zone refers to the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) time zone shift. Users West of Greenwich, England use “-” hours, East of Greenwich use “+” hours. For the United States, look up the time zone shift in Table 1.

NOTE: Autostar compensates for daylight savings time, if selected. See “Setup

Menu: Daylight Saving,” page 19.

Owner Info accesses the owner information menu, including:

Name: Users may enter both their first and last names using the Up and Down Arrow keys to cycle through the alphabet. Use the Right and Left Arrow keys to move through the text. Press ENTER when the entry is complete.

Address: Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to enter your street address, city, state, and zip code. Press ENTER when the entry is complete.

Download transfers information from a personal computer or another Autostar. During the operation, the warning “Downloading Do Not Turn Off” appears.

Statistics provides basic statistical data about Autostar, including:

Characters Free: Shows how much room is available in user-defined object memory.

Version: Shows the current version of the Autostar software.

Reset completely resets Autostar. Autostar requires initialization again after a Reset before pro- ceeding with observations. See “INITIALIZING AUTOSTAR,” page 12. You also need to per- form “TRAINING THE DRIVE,” page 35.

20 Autostar Menus

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Contents If you wish to observe using Autostar’s databases, go to QUICK-START GuideTelescope Features ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT TelescopeETX Your Personal Window to the Universe Computer Control Panel Flip mirror control in the up positionAutostar Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonAutostar Features Join an Astronomy Club Attend a Star Party Parts Listing How to Assemble Your TelescopeGetting Started Choosing an EyepieceManual Operation of the Telescope Using Autostars Arrow Keys Manual Operation of the Telescope without AutostarMoving Through Autostar’s Menus Initializing AutostarAutostar Operation Autostar Navigation ExerciseTo Calculate Sunset time Easy Two-Star Alignment ProcedureEasy Two-Star Alignment Go To Saturn Using the Guided TourObserving Exercises Object Menu Autostar MenusComplete Autostar Menu Structure Event Menu Glossary Menu Utilities MenuSetup Menu Surf the WebMenu Daylight Saving, Advanced Features Slew Speeds Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Observing a Satellite Photography with the ETXInstrument across the two slots and turn coun Few tips on photography with the ETX-60AT or ETX-70ATOptional Accessories Astrofinder Software#882 Standard Field Tripod set in Alt/Az Configuration Maintenance and Servicing General MaintenanceStorage and Transport Inspecting the OpticsTroubleshooting Unable to see an image through the eyepieceMeade Customer Service ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT SpecificationsAutostar Dimensions ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications contdAutostar Specifications Celestial Coordinates Appendix a Equatorial Polar AlignmentPolar Alignment Autostar Polar Alignment Easy Polar AlignmentOne-Star Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentAppendix B Using Autostar to Enter R.A. and DEC Coordinates To GO to a user-entered objectAppendix C Helpful Charts Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldCity State Latitude City Country LatitudeAppendix D Training the Drive Further StudyAppendix E Initialization Example EnterBasic Astronomy Autostar GlossaryObjects in Space MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsStar Locator Season Star Name Constellation DecMeade Instruments Corporation

ETX-70AT specifications

The Meade ETX-70AT is a compact, portable telescope that caters to both amateur astronomers and educational purposes. This telescope is part of the renowned ETX series, known for its innovative features and user-friendly design. With an aperture of 70mm, the ETX-70AT is designed to provide clear, bright images of celestial objects, making it an ideal choice for novice astronomers eager to explore the night sky.

One of the standout features of the ETX-70AT is its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design. This design combines a Maksutov corrector plate with a compact cassegrain layout, allowing for a shorter tube length while still providing excellent optical performance. As a result, users can easily transport the telescope to various observing locations without compromising on image quality.

The telescope boasts a focal length of 350mm, which offers a wide field of view, allowing observers to comfortably locate and track celestial phenomena. The ETX-70AT comes equipped with a built-in electronic control system known as the Audio Star, featuring a database of over 30,000 celestial objects. This system not only makes it easier for users to locate specific targets but also enhances the overall observing experience by providing informative audio commentary about different astronomical objects.

Another notable characteristic is its lightweight design, weighing in at just around 5 lbs. This portability factor makes it an excellent choice for stargazers who prefer to travel or hike to optimal viewing locations. The telescope is mounted on an adjustable and stable aluminum tripods, providing a solid foundation for viewing.

The Meade ETX-70AT also includes a variety of accessories, including two eyepieces (26mm and 9.7mm), a finder scope to help users aim accurately, and a variety of optional filters to enhance viewing contrast and clarity. Furthermore, the telescope supports direct connection to a computer for astrophotography, enabling enthusiasts to capture their astronomical observations digitally.

In summary, the Meade ETX-70AT is an exceptional entry-level telescope that combines portability, advanced technology, and ease of use. With its powerful optics, automated features, and impressive accessory offerings, it serves as an excellent tool for any individual or educational institution looking to delve into the wonders of astronomy.