Meade ETX-70AT instruction manual Appendix D Training the Drive, Further Study

Page 35

APPENDIX D: TRAINING THE DRIVE

Train the telescope motors using Autostar. Perform this procedure after RESET or if you are experiencing any point- ing accuracy problems. Figure 30 depicts the complete Drive Training procedure.

NOTE: Use a terrestrial object, such as a telephone pole or lamp post, to train the drive. Complete this exercise once every 3 to 6 months to maintain the highest level of telescope pointing accuracy.

1Verify that AUTOSTAR INITIALIZATION is complete.

2Press MODE until Select Item is displayed.

Select Item

 

Press

> until it 12

 

 

is centered

 

 

 

Scope slews left.

 

 

Bring target back

 

 

to center using

ENTER

the Right Arrow key.

TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

Further Study....

This manual gives only the briefest introduction to astronomy. If you are interested in pursuing further

Object

3

studies in astronomy, a few topics are suggested

below that are worth reading up on. Try looking up

some of these topics in Autostar’s glossary.

Also included below is a small sampling of books, magazines, and organizations that you might find

Press the scroll up key once.

Select Item

is centered

13

 

Scope slews right.

Bring target back

to center using

Setup

4

ENTER

the Left Arrow key.

ENTER

Access the Setup

menu.

Train Drive

Az. Train

14

Setup

5

Align

Multiple presses.

Setup 6

Telescope

 

Access the

ENTER

Telescope menu.

Telescope 71 Telescope Model

Multiple presses.

Telescope

8

Train Drive

ENTER

Choose the Train

Drive option.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Train Drive

9

 

Az. Train

 

 

 

EN

TER

Azimuth

 

 

(horizontal)

 

 

 

 

 

training.

 

 

 

 

 

Drive Setup

10

 

For this op. . .

 

EN

TER

Reminder to

use terrestrial

 

 

 

 

 

 

target.

 

 

 

 

 

Center reference

11

 

object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Center target

ENTER

using Arrow

keys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Menu returns to Az. training.

Train Drive

15

Alt. Train

 

ENTER

Altitude

 

 

 

(vertical)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drive Setup

16

 

 

 

 

For this op. . .

 

 

EN

TER

Reminder to

use terrestrial

 

 

 

 

 

 

target.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Center reference

17

 

 

 

object

 

 

 

 

ENTER

Center target

using Arrow

 

 

 

 

 

 

keys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press

>

until it

18

 

 

 

is centered

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scope slews down.

 

 

 

Bring target back

ENTER

to center using

the Up Arrow key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press

> until it

19

 

 

 

is centered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scope slews up.

 

 

 

Bring target back

EN

TER

to center using

the Down Arrow key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Train Drive

20

 

 

 

 

Az. Train

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MODE

Multiple presses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select Item

21

 

 

 

Object

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 30: Training the Drive Procedure.

helpful.

Topics

1.How is a star born? How does a solar system form?

2.How is the distance to a star measured? What is a light year?

3.What is red shift and blue shift?

4.How are the craters on our Moon formed? How old is the Moon and Earth? How old is the Sun?

5.What is a black hole? A quasar? A neutron star?

6.What are stars made of? Why are stars differ- ent colors? What is a white dwarf? A red giant?

7.What is a nova? A supernova?

8.What are comets? Asteroids? Meteors? Meteor showers? Where do they come from?

9.What is a planetary nebula? A globular cluster?

10.What is the Big Bang? Is the universe expand- ing or contracting, or does it always remain the same?

Books

1.The Guide to Amateur Astronomy by Jack Newton and Philip Teece

2.The Sky: A User’s Guide by David Levy

3.Turn Left at Orion by Guy Consolmagno & Dan Davis

4.Astrophotography for the Amateur by Michael Covington

Magazines

1.Sky & Telescope

Box 9111, Belmont, MA 02178

2.Astronomy

Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187

Organizations:

1.Astronomical League Executive Secretary

5675 Real del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88012

2.The Astronomical Society of the Pacific

390 Ashton Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112

3.The Planetary Society

65 North Catalina Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106

Appendix D 35

Page 34 Page 36
Image 35
Page 34 Page 36
Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Contents QUICK-START Guide If you wish to observe using Autostar’s databases, go toETX-60AT and ETX-70AT Telescope Telescope FeaturesETX Your Personal Window to the Universe Flip mirror control in the up position Computer Control PanelTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar FeaturesAutostar Features Join an Astronomy Club Attend a Star Party Choosing an Eyepiece Parts ListingHow to Assemble Your Telescope Getting StartedManual Operation of the Telescope without Autostar Manual Operation of the Telescope Using Autostars Arrow KeysInitializing Autostar Moving Through Autostar’s MenusAutostar Navigation Exercise Autostar OperationTo 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 Utilities Menu Glossary MenuSurf the Web Setup MenuMenu Daylight Saving, Advanced Features Slew Speeds Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Photography with the ETX Observing a SatelliteFew tips on photography with the ETX-60AT or ETX-70AT Instrument across the two slots and turn counAstrofinder Software Optional Accessories#882 Standard Field Tripod set in Alt/Az Configuration Inspecting the Optics Maintenance and ServicingGeneral Maintenance Storage and TransportUnable to see an image through the eyepiece TroubleshootingETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications Meade Customer ServiceAutostar Dimensions ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications contdAutostar Specifications Celestial Coordinates Appendix a Equatorial Polar AlignmentPolar Alignment Two-Star Polar Alignment Autostar Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment One-Star Polar AlignmentTo GO to a user-entered object Appendix B Using Autostar to Enter R.A. and DEC CoordinatesCity Country Latitude Appendix C Helpful ChartsLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City State LatitudeFurther Study Appendix D Training the DriveEnter Appendix E Initialization ExampleMoon Basic AstronomyAutostar Glossary Objects in SpaceDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsSeason Star Name Constellation Dec Star LocatorMeade 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.
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