Celestron C100ED-R, C80ED-R manual Alignment Procedures, Startup Procedure

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Mount Calibration
After an Auto Align is successfully completed, the hand control will display the message, Calibrating...
This automatic calibration routine is necessary to calculate and compensates for "cone" error inherent in all German equatorial mounts. Cone error is the inaccuracy that results from the optical tube not being exactly perpendicular to the mounts declination axis as well as various other inaccuracies such as backlash in the mounts gears. The telescope is able to automatically determine the cone error value by always using alignment stars on both sides of the Meridian (see Figure 3-2). Mechanical errors can be reduced further by always centering alignment stars using the up and right arrow buttons as described in the Pointing Accuracy box below.

Alignment Procedures

In order for the telescope to accurately point to objects in the sky, it must first be aligned to three 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. There are many ways to align your telescope with the sky depending on what information the user is able to provide: Auto Align allows the telescope to select three stars and uses the entered time/location information to align the telescope; Auto Three Star Align involves the same process as Auto Align, however it allows the user to select which star to use to align the telescope. Quick-Alignwill ask you to input all the same information as you would for the Auto Align procedure. However, instead of slewing to the alignment stars for centering and alignment, the telescope bypasses this step and simply models the sky based on the information given. Finally, Last Alignment restores your last saved star alignment and switch position. Last Alignment also serves as a good safeguard in case the telescope should lose power.

Startup Procedure

Before any of the described alignments are performed, the telescope mount needs to be positioned so that the index marks are aligned on both the right ascension and declination axes (see Fig 2-8).

First index its switch position so that each axis has an equal amount of travel to move in either direction. Once the index position has been set, the hand control will display the last entered date and time information stored in the hand control. Once the telescope is powered on:

1. Press ENTER begin the alignment process.

2. The hand control will ask the user to set the mount to its index position. Move the telescope mount, either manually or with the hand control, so that the index marked in both R.A. and Dec are aligned (see Fig 2-8). Press Enter to continue.

3. The hand control will then display the last entered local time, date, time zone, longitude and latitude.

• Use the Up/Down keys (10) to view the current parameters.

• Press ENTER to accept the current parameters.

• Press UNDO to enter current date and time information into the hand control. The following information will be displayed:

Time - Enter the current local time for your area. You can enter either the local time (i.e. 08:00), or you can enter military time (i.e. 20:00 ).

• Select PM or AM. If military time was entered, the hand control will bypass this step.

• Choose between Standard time or Daylight Savings time. Use the Up and Down scroll buttons

(10) to toggle between options.

•Select the time zone that you are observing from. Again, use the Up and Down buttons (10) to scroll through the choices. Refer to Time Zone map in Appendix for more information.

Date - Enter the month, day and year of your observing session.

•Finally, you must enter the longitude and latitude of the location of your observing site. Use the table in Appendix C to locate the closest longitude and latitude for your current observing location and enter those numbers when asked in the hand control, pressing ENTER after each entry. Remember to select "West" for longitudes in North America and "North" for latitudes in the North Hemisphere. For international cities, the correct hemisphere is indicated in the Appendix listings.

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Contents Advanced Series Advanced Series GT Introduction Care and Cleaning of the Optics Page Advanced GT Series Attaching the Equatorial Mount Setting up the TripodAttaching the Center Leg Brace Installing the Counterweight BarFor Non-GT Models Only Installing the CounterweightAttaching the Hand Control Holder Advanced GT Models Only Attaching the Telescope Tube to the Mount Optical Tube Installing the FinderscopeBalancing the Tube in R.A Installing the EyepiecesBalancing the Telescope in DEC Adjusting the MountAttaching the Declination Cable For GT Models Only Adjusting the Mount in AltitudeAdjusting the Mount in Azimuth Powering the Telescope Advanced GT Hand Control Double Stars Hand Control OperationStartup Procedure Alignment ProceduresAuto Three-Star Align Auto AlignRe-Alignment Quick-AlignLast Alignment Selecting an Object Object CatalogSlewing to an Object Finding PlanetsConstellation Tour Tour ModeDirection Buttons Rate ButtonSetup Procedures Identify Precise GoTo Scope Setup FeaturesObserving Tip Helpful Hint Utility Features Helpful Hint Advanced GT Image Orientation Calculating Magnification FocusingAligning the Finderscope General Observing Hints Determining Field of ViewCelestial Coordinate System Motion of the Stars Pointing at Polaris Definition Finding the North Celestial PoleDeclination Drift Method of Polar Alignment Lunar Observing Hints Observing the MoonObserving the Planets Observing the SunObserving Deep Sky Objects Solar Observing HintsSeeing Conditions TransparencyPage Piggyback Short Exposure Prime Focus Photography Reducing Vibration Terrestrial PhotographyMetering Auto Guiding Care and Cleaning of the Optics Page Page Appendix a Technical Specifications Appendix B Glossary of Terms Page Eclipsing or obscuring the brightness of the star Appendix C Longitudes Latitudes Georgia Minnesota Rhode Island Canada Appendix D RS-232 Connection Additional RS232 Commands Appendix E Maps of Time Zones Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Celestron TWO Year Warranty

C100ED-R, C80ED-R specifications

Celestron, a renowned name in the field of astronomy, has built a reputation for producing high-quality telescopes that are accessible to both amateur and professional astronomers alike. Among their impressive lineup are the Celestron C100ED-R and C80ED-R telescopes, both of which are crafted to enhance the observational experience through advanced optics and user-friendly features.

The Celestron C100ED-R, a 100mm refractor telescope, stands out for its premium extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, which delivers exceptional color correction and sharpness. This ED technology minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring clearer and more colorful celestial images. The telescope boasts a focal length of 900mm, resulting in a focal ratio of f/9. This combination allows for high magnification capabilities while maintaining a wide field of view, perfect for observing both planetary details and deep-sky objects. The robust, yet lightweight design of the C100ED-R makes it highly portable, allowing for convenient stargazing sessions.

On the other hand, the C80ED-R is a 80mm refractor telescope that combines portability with performance. With its 600mm focal length and f/7.5 focal ratio, the C80ED-R is ideal for wide-field observations, making it easy to explore star clusters and large nebulae. Like its larger counterpart, the C80ED-R features ED glass, which prevents color distortion, allowing for clear and crisp images. The compact design is perfect for those who wish to travel or set up in tight spaces, ensuring that astronomy remains accessible.

Both telescopes are equipped with high-quality multi-coated optics that enhance light transmission, resulting in brighter images. Celestron's user-friendly mounting systems allow for smooth tracking of celestial objects, making it easier to follow objects as they move across the night sky. Additionally, these telescopes come with a variety of accessories, including premium eyepieces that enhance the viewing experience, and sturdy tripods that provide stable support during observations.

In summary, both the Celestron C100ED-R and C80ED-R offer exceptional features that cater to a variety of observing needs. With advanced ED optics, high-quality construction, and portability, they are ideal choices for aspiring astronomers looking to explore the wonders of the universe. Whether you're interested in planetary observation or deep-sky exploration, Celestron's C100ED-R and C80ED-R will not disappoint.
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