Celestron 8i manual Scope Setup Features, Menu

Page 20

To replace the contents of any of the user defined objects, simply save a new object using one of the existing identification numbers; NexStar will replace the previous user defined object with the current one.

Get RA/DEC - Displays the right ascension and declination for the current position of the telescope.

Goto R.A/ Dec - Allows you to input a specific R.A. and declination and slew to it.

Observing

Tip!

Scope Setup Features

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Setup Time-Site- Allows the user to customize the NexStar display by

 

 

MENU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

changing time and location parameters (such as time zone and daylight savings).

 

 

SCOPE SETUP

 

 

Anti-backlash– All mechanical gears have a certain amount of backlash or play

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SETUP TIME-SITE

 

between the gears. This play is evident by how long it takes for a star to move in the

 

 

 

 

 

eyepiece when the hand control arrow buttons are pressed (especially when

 

 

 

 

ANTI-BACKLASH

 

 

 

 

 

 

changing directions). The NexStar's anti-backlash features allows the user to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AZM POSITIVE

 

compensate for backlash by inputting a value which quickly rewinds

the motors just

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

enough to reduce the play between gears. The amount of compensation needed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AZM NEGATIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

depends on the slewing rate selected; the slower the slewing rate the longer it will

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALT POSITIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

take for the star to appear to move in the eyepiece. Therefore, the

anti-backlash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALT NEGATIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SLEW LIMITS

 

compensation will have to be set higher. You will need to experiment with different

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

values; a value between 20 and 50 is usually best for most visual observing,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SLEW ALT MAX

 

whereas a higher value may be necessary for photographic guiding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SLEW ALT MIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To set the anti-backlash value, scroll down to the anti-backlash option and press

 

 

 

 

 

FILTER LIMITS

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENTER. Enter a value from 0-99 for both azimuth and altitude and press ENTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALTMAX IN LIST

 

after each one to save these values. NexStar will remember these values and use

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

them each time it is turned on until they are changed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALTMIN IN LIST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIRECTION BUTTONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slew Limits – Sets the limits in altitude that the telescope can slew without

 

 

 

 

GOTO APPROACH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

displaying a warning message. By default the slew limits are set to 0º to 90º and will

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AZM APPROACH

 

only display a warning message if an object is below the horizon.

However, the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALT APPROACH

 

slew limits can be customized depending on your needs. For example, if you have

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUTOGUIDE RATES

 

certain photographic accessories attached to your telescope preventing it from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pointing straight-up, you can set the maximum altitude limit to

read 80º, thus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AZM RATE

 

preventing the telescope from pointing to any objects that are greater than 80º in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALT RATE

 

altitude without warning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CORDWRAP

 

Filter Limits – When an alignment is complete, the NexStar automatically knows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UTILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

which celestial objects are above the horizon. As a result, when scrolling through

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the database lists (or selecting the Tour function), the NexStar hand control will

 

 

 

 

GPS ON/OFF*

 

display only those objects that are known to be above the horizon when you are

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEDGE ALIGN

 

observing. You can customize the object database by selecting altitude limits that

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIGHT CONTROL

 

are appropriate for your location and situation. For example, if you are observing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FACTORY SETTING

 

 

 

 

 

 

from a mountainous location where the horizon is partially obscured, you can set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

your minimum altitude limit to read +20º. This will make sure that the hand control

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRESS UNDO

 

only displays objects that are higher in altitude than 20º. If you manually enter an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRESS "0"

 

object that is below the horizon using the numeric keypad, the hand control will

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VERSION

 

display a warning message before slewing to the object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GET ALT-AZ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to explore the entire object database, set the maximum altitude limit to

 

 

 

 

GOTO ATL-AZ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HIBERNATE

 

90º and the minimum limit to –90º. This will display every object in the database

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Indicates features that require

 

lists regardless of whether it is visible in the sky from your location.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the use of the optional CN16 GPS

 

Direction Buttons The direction a star moves in the eyepiece varies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

accessory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

depending on the accessories being used. This can create confusion when guiding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on a star using an off-axis guider versus a straight through guide scope. To compensate for this, the direction of

 

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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 TripodStar Diagonal Powering the NexStarHand Control Star Pointer Finderscope Star Pointer InstallationEyepiece Star Pointer Operation NexStar Computerized Hand Control Hand Control Operation Double StarsAlignment Procedures Auto Two-Star AlignTwo Star Alignment Object Catalog EQ North / EQ South AlignmentNexStar Re-Alignment Selecting an ObjectSlewing to an Object Tour ModeFinding Planets Rate Button Setup ProceduresDirection Buttons Page Scope Setup Features MenuUtility Features Helpful Hint NexStar Ready Image Orientation Determining Field of View FocusingCalculating Magnification General Observing Hints Celestial Coordinate System Motion of the Stars Polar Alignment with optional Wedge Wedge AlignFinding the North Celestial Pole Observing the Moon Observing the PlanetsObserving the Sun Lunar Observing HintsObserving Deep Sky Objects Seeing ConditionsTransparency Sky IlluminationPage Short Exposure Prime Focus Photography Eyepiece Projection FullLong Exposure Prime Focus Photography Planet ISO Moon Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter SaturnPage Terrestrial Photography CCD ImagingMetering 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.