Celestron 8i manual Direction Buttons, Rate Button, Setup Procedures

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Direction Buttons

The NexStar has four direction buttons (3) in the center of the hand control which control the telescope's motion in altitude (up and down) and azimuth (left and right). The telescope can be controlled at nine different speed rates.

Rate Button

Pressing the RATE key (11) allows you to instantly change the speed rate of the motors from high speed slew rate to precise guiding rate or anywhere in between. Each rate corresponds to a number on the hand controller key pad. The number 9 is the fastest rate (6º per second, depending on power source) and is used for slewing between objects and locating alignment stars. The number 1 on the hand control is the slowest rate (1x sidereal) and can be used for accurate centering of objects in the eyepiece and photographic guiding. To change the speed rate of the motors:

•Press the RATE key on the hand control. The LCD will display the current speed rate.

•Press the number on the hand control that corresponds to the desired speed. The number will appear in the upper-right corner of the LCD display to indicate that the rate has been changed.

The hand control has a "double button" feature that allows you to instantly speed up the motors without having to choose a speed rate. To use this feature, simply press the arrow button that corresponds to the direction that you want to move the telescope. While holding that button down, press the opposite directional button. This will increase the slew rate to the maximum slew rate.

When pressing the Up and Down arrow buttons in the slower slew rates (6 and lower) the motors will move the telescope in the opposite direction than the faster slew rates (7 thru 9). This is done so that an object will move in the appropriate direction when looking into the eyepiece (i.e. pressing the Up arrow button will move the star up in the field of view of the eyepiece). However, if any of the slower slew rates (rate 6 and below) are used to center an object in the finderscope, you may need to press the opposite directional button to make the telescope move in the correct direction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

= 1x (sidereal)

6

= 128x

2

= 2x

7

= 1.5º / sec

3

= 8x

8

=

3º / sec

4

=

16x

9

=

6º / sec

5

=

64x

 

 

 

Nine available slew speeds

Setup Procedures

The NexStar contains many user defined setup functions designed to give the user control over the telescope's many advanced features. All of the setup and utility features can be accessed by pressing the MENU key and scrolling through the options:

Tracking Mode This allows you to change the way the telescope tracks depending on the type of mount being used to support the telescope. The NexStar has three different tracking modes:

Alt-AzThis is the default tracking rate and is used when the telescope is placed on a flat surface or tripod without the use of an equatorial wedge. The telescope must be aligned with two stars before it can track in altazimuth (Alt-Az).

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Contents Page Hand Control Operation Alignment Procedures Care and Cleaning of the Optics Collimation Page NexStar 8i SE StarPointer Finderscope Eyepiece Diagonal Visual Back Appendix C Longitude Latitude Assembling the NexStar Mounting the Telescope to the TripodPowering the NexStar Hand ControlStar Diagonal Star Pointer Installation EyepieceStar Pointer Finderscope Star Pointer Operation NexStar Computerized Hand Control Hand Control Operation Double StarsAlignment Procedures Auto Two-Star AlignTwo Star Alignment NexStar Re-Alignment Object CatalogEQ North / EQ South Alignment Selecting an ObjectTour Mode Finding PlanetsSlewing to an Object Setup Procedures Direction ButtonsRate Button Page Scope Setup Features MenuUtility Features Helpful Hint NexStar Ready Image Orientation Focusing Calculating MagnificationDetermining Field of View General Observing Hints Celestial Coordinate System Motion of the Stars Polar Alignment with optional Wedge Wedge AlignFinding the North Celestial Pole Observing the Sun Observing the MoonObserving the Planets Lunar Observing HintsTransparency Observing Deep Sky ObjectsSeeing Conditions Sky IlluminationPage Short Exposure Prime Focus Photography Eyepiece Projection FullLong Exposure Prime Focus Photography Planet ISO Moon Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter SaturnPage Metering Terrestrial PhotographyCCD Imaging Reducing VibrationCare and Cleaning of the Optics CollimationCollimated telescope Should appear Symmetrical with Page Adapter, Car Battery #18769 Page Page Appendix a Technical Specifications Page Appendix B Glossary of Terms Trillion km 5.87 X 1 trillion mi Right Ascension RA Appendix C Longitudes Latitudes Georgia Minnesota Rhode Island Canada Appendix D RS-232 Connection Communication ProtocolAppendix E Maps of Time Zones Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Celestron TWO Year Warranty

8i specifications

The Celestron 8i is a highly regarded telescope that has made a significant impact in the world of amateur astronomy, renowned for its performance, advanced features, and user-friendly design. Part of Celestron's Advanced Series, the 8i model boasts an impressive 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system, which combines the advantages of a large aperture with a compact design. This allows enthusiasts to explore celestial objects with greater clarity, providing bright, sharp images of planets, star clusters, and nebulae.

One of the standout features of the Celestron 8i is its Fast Star capability, which allows for rapid imaging of celestial objects. Coupled with its advanced StarBright XLT coatings, this system enhances light transmission and increases contrast, resulting in a more vivid and detailed observation experience. This combination makes it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced astronomers who seek high-quality visuals of deep-sky objects.

The telescope's computer-controlled GoTo mount simplifies the process of locating and tracking celestial objects. With the push of a button, users can easily access a database containing over 40,000 astronomical objects, allowing for an effortless stargazing experience. The Celestron 8i also features an intuitive hand controller that enables users to customize their observations and seamlessly navigate the night sky.

The Celestron 8i is designed for portability, despite its robust optical performance. Weighing in at around 45 pounds, it is relatively easy to transport to different observing locations. The telescope's sturdy construction ensures stability while providing ease of setup, facilitating a hassle-free stargazing experience.

In terms of accessories, the 8i comes equipped with a 25mm eyepiece, offering a moderate magnification that is perfect for a variety of targets. Additionally, users can expand their observing capabilities with optional eyepieces, filters, and focal reducers, catering to both visual and astrophotography pursuits.

Overall, the Celestron 8i stands out as a versatile and powerful telescope that meets the needs of amateur astronomers at various skill levels. With its advanced features, superior optics, and impressive usability, the 8i offers a unique and rewarding experience under the night sky. Whether for planetary observation or deep-sky exploration, the Celestron 8i remains a top choice for astronomy enthusiasts.
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