10.Select City: The next screen asks for the city closest to the observing site. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the database of cities (listed alphabetically). Press ENTER when the correct city appears on screen.

11.Select Model Number: The next screen asks for the telescope model. Use the scroll keys to locate your telescope model number. Press ENTER when your model number displays.

12.Initialization Complete: System initialization is complete and the screen reads "Align: Easy."

Training the Drive

After you initialize Autostar for the first time you need to train the drives of the telescope. Training the drive allows the telescope to point accurately at astronomical objects. Perform this procedure every 3 to 6 months to maintain the highest level of pointing accuracy.

1.Verify that Autostar initialization is complete.

2.Press MODE until "Select Item: Object" displays.

3.Press the Scroll Up key once. "Select Item: Setup" displays.

4.Press ENTER to access the Setup menu. "Setup: Align" displays.

5.Press either Scroll key several times until "Setup: Telescope" displays.

6.Press ENTER to access the Telescope menu. "Telescope: Telescope Model" displays.

7.Press either Scroll key several times until "Telescope: Train Drive" displays.

8.Press ENTER. "Train Drive: Az Train" displays. The next four steps are the prodedure for training the Az or horizontal drive.

9.Press ENTER. "Drive Setup" and a scrolling message displays. The scrolling message asks you to center a terrestrial object in the eyepiece. Use a terrestrial object, such as a telephone pole or lamp post, as your reference object. Press ENTER after reading the message.

10."Center reference object" displays. Center the object ONLY using the Arrow keys and then press ENTER.

11. "Slewing" displays and the telescopes moves left. "Press → until it is centered" displays. Bring the reference object back to the center of the eyepiece using ONLY the Right Arrow key. When the reference object is centered, press ENTER.

Important Note: If you overshoot the center of the eyepiece as you perform the "press [Arrow key] until it is centered" steps (steps 11, 12, 16, 17), you must start this procedure over again. ONLY use the prompted Arrow key to center the reference object. For example, if the display reads ""Press ← (Left Arrow key) until it is cen- tered," do not use the Right Arrow key to return to the center of the eyepiece if you overshoot the center. If you do overshoot, press Mode until "Select Item: Object" displays and begin the procedure again.

12. "Slewing" displays and the telescopes moves right. "Press ← until it is centered" displays. Bring the reference object back to the center of the eyepiece using ONLY the Left Arrow key. When the reference object is centered, press ENTER.

13."Train Drive: Az Train" displays again. Press the Scroll Down key once. "Train Drive: Alt Train" displays. The next four steps are the prodedure for training the Alt or vertical drive.

14.Press Enter. "Drive Setup" and a scrolling message displays. The scrolling message once again asks you to center a terrestrial object in the eyepiece. Press ENTER after reading the message.

15."Center reference object" displays. Center the object using ONLY the Arrow keys and then press ENTER.

16."Slewing" displays and the telescopes moves down. "Press ↑ until it is centered" displays. Bring the reference object back to the center of the eyepiece using ONLY the Up Arrow key. When the reference object is centered, press ENTER.

17."Slewing" displays and the telescopes moves up. "Press ↓ until it is centered" displays. Bring the reference object back to the center of the eyepiece using ONLY the Up Arrow key. When the reference object is centered, press ENTER.

18.Drive training is now complete. Press MODE to exit the Train Drive menus.

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Meade DS-114AT instruction manual Training the Drive
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DS-114AT specifications

The Meade DS-114AT is a popular entry-level telescope that combines user-friendliness with impressive optical performance, making it an excellent choice for budding astronomers and hobbyists. With its robust design and advanced features, the DS-114AT offers a gateway to the wonders of the cosmos, whether you’re observing the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, or distant star clusters.

One of the standout features of the Meade DS-114AT is its 114 mm (4.5-inch) diameter aperture. This sizable opening allows for greater light-gathering capability, resulting in brighter images and improved visibility of celestial objects. The telescope is equipped with a 900 mm focal length, providing a good balance that allows for both wide-field viewing and detailed observations of planets and lunar features.

The DS-114AT utilizes high-quality optics featuring a parabolic mirror design. This design minimizes spherical aberration, ensuring crisp images of astronomical targets. The telescope is also equipped with a fully coated optical system that enhances light transmission and reduces glare, providing clearer images compared to other telescopes in its class.

Portability is another significant advantage of the Meade DS-114AT. Its lightweight and compact design allows for easy transportation, making it ideal for backyard stargazing or trips to darker skies. The telescope comes with a sturdy yet lightweight altazimuth mount that facilitates smooth movement, allowing users to easily locate and track celestial objects.

The Meade DS-114AT also features a user-friendly electronic control system, including an automated GoTo functionality that aids in navigating the night sky. With a simple push of a button, users can precisely locate thousands of celestial objects, making the telescope accessible for beginners who may not yet be familiar with star maps and constellations.

Additionally, the telescope includes two eyepieces, a 9 mm and a 25 mm, allowing for various magnifications to suit different viewing preferences. The optical finder scope aids in quick alignment, ensuring a hassle-free observing experience.

In summary, the Meade DS-114AT stands out as a versatile, user-friendly telescope that provides excellent optical performance and advanced features. Its combination of a sizable aperture, high-quality optics, portability, and automated features make it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the universe, whether for casual observations or more serious astronomical pursuits. With this telescope, the night sky is truly within reach.
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