Attaching the Hand Control

The NexStar GT hand control has a phone jack type connector at the end of its cord. Plug the phone jack connector into the outlet at the base of the telescope’s fork arm. Push the connector into the outlet until it clicks into place and place the hand control into its holder as described previously in the Assembly section of the manual.

 

 

 

Power Outlet

 

 

 

Hand

Control

 

 

 

 

Outlet

 

 

Battery

 

 

 

Pack

 

 

 

 

Figure 3-1 – The NexStar GT Outlets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Powering the NexStar

 

The NexStar GT can be powered by the supplied battery pack or an optional 12v AC adapter. The power pack requires 8 user

 

supplied AA size alkaline batteries. To power the NexStar, insert the batteries into the battery pack and plug the round post into

 

the 12v outlet located on the side of the fork arm. Once the battery pack is plugged in, the NexStar will power on and the red

Note

backlight on the hand control display will come on.

 

In case of a loss of power, the optical tube can be moved by hand. However, when powered on, the telescope should always be

 

controlled via the hand control. The NexStar will lose its star alignment if moved by hand when powered on.

The Hand Control

The NexStar GT's hand controller is designed to give you instant access to all the functions the NexStar has to offer. With automatic slewing to over 4,000 objects, and common sense menu descriptions, even a beginner can master its variety of features in just a few observing sessions. Below is a brief description of the individual components of the NexStar GT hand controller:

1.Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Window: Has a dual-line, 16 character display screen that is backlit for comfortable viewing of telescope information and scrolling text.

2.Align: Instructs the NexStar to use a selected star or object as an alignment position.

3.Direction Keys: Allows complete control of the NexStar in any direction. Use the direction keys to center objects in the StarPointer finderscope and eyepiece.

4.Catalog Keys: The NexStar has a key on the hand control to allow direct access to each of the catalogs in its 4,000+ object database. The NexStar contains the following catalogs in its database:

Messier – Complete list of all Messier objects.

NGC – Many of the brightest deep sky objects from the Revised New General Catalog. Caldwell – A combination of the best NGC and IC objects.

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Celestron 80GTL manual Attaching the Hand Control, Outlet Battery Pack, Powering the NexStar

80GTL specifications

The Celestron 80GTL is a powerful and compact telescope designed for both amateur astronomers and experienced stargazers. It combines modern technology with user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the night sky. With its 80mm aperture, the 80GTL captures enough light to reveal a variety of celestial objects, from the moon’s craters to distant galaxies.

One of the standout characteristics of the Celestron 80GTL is its innovative Altazimuth mount. This mount provides smooth and precise movements in both horizontal and vertical directions, allowing users to easily track celestial objects as they move across the sky. The setup is quick and straightforward, making it ideal for beginners who may be intimidated by more complex mounts.

The telescope is equipped with Celestron’s StarScope system, which includes a computer-controlled GoTo mount. This feature allows users to automatically locate and track over 40,000 celestial objects with the push of a button. The included hand controller is intuitive and easy to navigate, giving users instant access to stars, planets, and deep-sky objects. This technology not only enhances the viewing experience but also helps novice astronomers learn about the universe with guided tours through the night sky.

Another notable feature of the Celestron 80GTL is its sturdy construction and lightweight design. Made from high-quality materials, it boasts durability while remaining portable for easy transport. Weighing just under 10 pounds, this telescope can be taken on camping trips or excursions, allowing users to enjoy astronomy in various locations.

Additionally, users will appreciate the 80GTL’s fully coated glass optics which provide excellent image quality and contrast. The included 25mm and 10mm eyepieces offer different magnifications, catering to diverse viewing preferences. Whether observing the rings of Saturn or the detail of lunar landscapes, the 80GTL promises clear and sharp images.

In summary, the Celestron 80GTL is a highly capable telescope, combining an accessible design with advanced technologies. Its user-friendly GoTo mount, quality optics, and lightweight build make it an exceptional option for anyone wishing to delve into the wonders of the cosmos, ensuring both enjoyment and education in the field of astronomy.