Celestron NexStar HC manual Hand Control Operation, Alignment Procedure

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Messier – Complete list of all Messier objects.

NGC – Complete list of all the deep-sky objects in the Revised New General Catalog. Caldwell – A combination of the best NGC and IC objects.

Planets - All 8 planets in our Solar System plus the Sun and moon. Stars – A compiled list of the brightest stars from the SAO catalog.

List – For quick access, all of the best and most popular objects in the NexStar database have been broken down into lists based on their type and/or common name:

Alignment Stars

Common name listing of the brightest stars in the sky.

Named Objects

Alphabetical listing of over 50 of the most popular deep

 

sky objects.

Double Stars

Numeric-alphabetical listing of the most visually stunning

 

double, triple and quadruple stars in the sky.

Variable Stars

Select list of the brightest variable stars with the shortest

 

period of changing magnitude.

Asterisms

A unique list of some of the most recognizable star

 

patterns in the sky.

5.Info: Displays coordinates and useful information about objects selected from the NexStar database.

6.Tour: Activates the tour mode, which seeks out all the best objects for a given month and automatically slews the NexStar to those objects.

7.Enter: Pressing Enter allows you to selects any of the NexStar functions and accept entered parameters.

8.Undo: Undo will take you out of the current menu and display the previous level of the menu path. Press Undo repeatedly to get back to a main menu or use it to erase data entered by mistake.

9.Menu: Displays the many setup and utilities functions such as tracking rate and user defined objects and many others.

10.Scroll Keys: Used to scroll up and down within any of the menu lists. Using these keys will scroll through those sub-menus.

11.Rate: Instantly changes the rate of speed of the motors when the direction buttons are pressed.

12.RS-232 Jack: Allows you to interface with a computer and control the NexStar remotely.

Hand Control Operation

This section describes the basic hand control procedures needed to operate the NexStar. These procedures are grouped into three categories: Alignment, Setup and Utilities. The alignment section deals with the initial telescope alignment as well as finding objects in the sky; the setup section discusses changing parameters such as tracking mode and tracking rate; finally, the last section reviews all of the utilities functions such as cordwrap and backlash compensation.

The first time that the NexStar is used, it will request information to help identify the model of telescope. Once initialized (powered on), the hand control will display the message Select Model. Use the Up and Down menu keys (10) to scroll through the different NexStar models. Press ENTER when your NexStar model is displayed on the hand control. This information will be retained for future use and will not be displayed again. Note: your hand control may have been pre set at the factory to operate with your NexStar model. If so, there will be an addendum packaged with the hand control. If your hand control has been pre-set, the display will read NexStar Ready – Custom, and you can simply press ENTER and continue to follow the Auto Align procedures below.

Alignment Procedure

In order for the NexStar to accurately point to objects in the sky, it must first be aligned to two known positions (stars) in the sky. With this information, the telescope can create a model of the sky, which it uses to locate any object with known coordinates.

Auto-Align

Auto-Align is the easiest way to get the NexStar aligned and ready to observe. Even if you do not know a single star in the sky, the NexStar will align itself by guiding the user through the alignment procedure by asking for basic information about the date, time and location. The NexStar will then automatically choose two stars for alignment and roughly center the stars in the field of view of the Star Pointer. Before the telescope is ready to be aligned, it should be set up in an outside location

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Contents Page Celestial Coordinate System Telescope Maintenance Some of the many standard features of the NexStar include Flip Mirror Focuser Knob Direction Buttons Page Powering the NexStar Assembling the NexStarHand Control EyepieceEyepieceStarPointer Diagonal Flip Mirror Control Focuser KnobStar Pointer Finderscope Star Pointer Finderscope with Mounting BracketPage Hand Control Utility Features Rate ButtonGuideStar Software NexStar Hand Control Alignment Procedure Hand Control OperationEnter Object Catalog Selecting an ObjectSlewing to an Object More InformationDirection Buttons Tour ModeObserving Tip Setup Procedures User Objects Utility Features HelpfulNexStar Ready Image Orientation Calculating Magnification FocusingDetermining Field of View General Observing Hints Celestial Coordinate System Celestial sphere seen from the outside showing R.A. and DECMotion of the Stars Polar Alignment with optional Wedge DefinitionPhotography with the NexStar Attaching a Camera to the NexStarFinding the North Celestial Pole Observing the Moon Observing the PlanetsObserving the Sun Observing Deep Sky ObjectsSeeing Conditions TransparencySeeing Care and Cleaning of the Optics Super Modified Achromatic SMA Eyepieces 11/4 Page Page Appendix a Technical Specifications Appendix B Glossary of Terms Page Page Appendix C Maps of Time Zones Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Celestron ONE Year Warranty Page Addendum to Nexstar Telescope Manual

NexStar HC specifications

The Celestron NexStar Hand Controller (HC) is an advanced control unit designed to enhance the astronomical observation experience for both novice and experienced stargazers. This innovative device is an integral part of the NexStar telescope series and offers a range of features that simplify the process of locating celestial objects.

One of the main features of the NexStar HC is its user-friendly interface. The controller is equipped with a large, illuminated LCD screen that displays essential information clearly, even in low-light conditions. The layout is intuitive, allowing users to quickly familiarize themselves with its functions. The keypad includes dedicated buttons for common tasks, making it easy to navigate the expansive database of celestial objects.

The NexStar HC boasts an impressive database containing over 40,000 celestial objects, making it a powerful tool for astrophotography and observational astronomy. Users can access planets, stars, galaxies, and nebulae at the touch of a button. The built-in database allows for precise and efficient locating of objects, significantly reducing the time spent searching the night sky.

One of the standout technologies featured in the NexStar Hand Controller is the GoTo functionality. This advanced tracking technology enables the telescope to automatically locate and track celestial objects with high precision. By entering the desired object into the controller, users can allow the telescope to autonomously adjust its position, providing a hassle-free experience.

Additionally, the NexStar HC supports various alignment methods, including SkyAlign, AutoAlign, and One-Star Align. These alignment techniques assist in calibrating the telescope for optimal tracking and positioning. The SkyAlign method, in particular, allows users to point the telescope at any three bright stars, and the HC will calculate the telescope's location in relation to those stars, making alignment accessible even for beginners.

The NexStar Hand Controller is also compatible with Celestron’s StarSense technology, enabling automatic alignment using a smartphone. This feature allows users to refine their observations seamlessly and provides a modern twist to traditional stargazing methods.

Other notable characteristics include programmable go-to tracking speeds and the ability to save user-defined locations. The controller’s ergonomic design ensures comfort during long observing sessions, while the robust build quality guarantees durability.

In summary, the Celestron NexStar Hand Controller combines a wealth of features and cutting-edge technologies to enhance the stargazing experience. Its user-friendly interface, extensive database, versatile alignment methods, and compatibility with advanced tracking systems make it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the night sky.
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