Celestron NexStar HC manual Addendum to Nexstar Telescope Manual

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ADDENDUM TO NEXSTAR 4

TELESCOPE MANUAL

This document contains useful information about your NexStar 4 telescope that may not have been included in your instruction manual at the time of printing. Listed below is information regarding the utility features described under the hand control section of the manual. Please refer to this addendum when using your NexStar 4 hand control.

Demo and Approach Length - These features are only used at the factory as diagnostic tools for quality control purposes and although they may appear on the hand control display they can not be accessed by the user.

Light Control – This feature allows some NexStar models to turn off both the red key pad light and LCD display for daytime use and to help preserve your night vision. This feature is not activated on the NexStar 4 model.

Model Select – The first time the NexStar is powered on, the hand control display allows you to select your NexStar from a list of different models. If for some reason the incorrect model was selected, the Model Select utility feature allows you to reset the hand control to its factory default settings.

The Model Select feature has a Custom option that allows you to enter the exact encoder-gear ratio for your individual NexStar model. For best possible pointing accuracy, this numeric gear ratio should be entered into the hand control should you ever need to re-select the telescope model. To enter the custom encoder-gear ratio for your NexStar model, follow the steps below:

1.When the hand control is turned-on, the display will read NexStar Ready, press the UNDO button to by-pass the AutoAlign procedure.

2.Press the MENU button and use the Up and Down scroll keys until Model Select is displayed on the screen, and press ENTER.

3.Use the Up and Down scroll keys to select Custom and press ENTER.

4.The display will read Azm = ??????? . For the NexStar 4 model, enter the number 1059334 and press ENTER. Now enter the same number for altitude as you did for azimuth, Alt = 1059334 and press ENTER.

5.The hand control will now say Recycle Power. Re-start the power to the telescope to save the changes.

The telescope will now recognize your NexStar model as long as the custom setting is not changed.

Celestron International Technical Support Department 2835 Columbia Street Torrance, CA 90503 310-328-9560

310-212-5835 Fax

Monday – Friday 8am-4pm PST

11-00

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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 Assembling the NexStar Powering the NexStarEyepiece Hand ControlEyepieceStarPointer Diagonal Flip Mirror Control Focuser KnobStar Pointer Finderscope with Mounting Bracket Star Pointer FinderscopePage Hand Control Rate Button Utility FeaturesGuideStar Software NexStar Hand Control Hand Control Operation Alignment ProcedureEnter Selecting an Object Object CatalogSlewing to an Object More InformationObserving Tip Tour ModeDirection Buttons Setup Procedures User Objects Helpful Utility FeaturesNexStar Ready Image Orientation Determining Field of View FocusingCalculating Magnification General Observing Hints Celestial sphere seen from the outside showing R.A. and DEC Celestial Coordinate SystemMotion of the Stars Definition Polar Alignment with optional WedgeAttaching a Camera to the NexStar Photography with the NexStarFinding the North Celestial Pole Observing the Planets Observing the MoonObserving Deep Sky Objects Observing the SunSeeing 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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