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Meade DS-114AT instruction manual Autostar Features, #494 Autostar Handbox

Models: DS-114AT

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AUTOSTAR FEATURES

Control of the DS-114AT Series Telescopes is through the operation of the #494 Autostar handbox. Nearly all functions of the telescope can be operated with just a few pushes of Autostar’s buttons. Some of the major features of Autostar are:

■Automatically move the telescope to any of the 1400 objects stored in the database or manually enter the astronomical coordinates of any celestial object.

■Take a guided tour of the best celestial objects to view on any given night of the year.

■Access a glossary of astronomical terms.

■Calculate which eyepiece to use for optimum view- ing of a celestial object.

Autostar has soft-touch keys and the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is backlit with a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) for easy viewing in the dark.

NOTE: Autostar does not require batteries; the telescope’s batteries supply power to Autostar.

Fig. 2: #494 Autostar Handbox.

TIP: When a mes- sage is scrolling across the display, press and hold the Up Arrow key to increase the scrolling speed or press and hold the Down Arrow key to decrease the scrolling speed.

DEFINITION: Throughout this man- ual, you will notice the term "Alt/Az." Alt/Az is frequently used to refer to Altitude (vertical) and Azimuth (horizontal). Alt/Az is just one of many methods used by amateur astronomers to help locate stars in the night sky.

2-Line LCD: Displays Autostar menu and help information.

•Top line: Displays the menu or category name.

•Bottom line: Displays a menu option or information about a subject.

ENTER Key: When an option is displayed, press ENTER to enable the choice. When a menu is displayed, press ENTER to access the next menu or data level in the Autostar database. ENTER is similar to the RETURN key on a computer. See MOVING THROUGH AUTOSTAR'S MENUS, page 15 and MENUS AND MENU OPTIONS, page 22.

NOTE: If ENTER is pressed for two seconds or more and then released, Autostar emits a beep and “ENTER to Sync” is displayed. If the "ENTER to Sync" feature is accessed by mistake, press MODE to return to the previous screen. See HIGH PRECISION, page 26, for more details about this feature.

MODE Key: When a menu is displayed, press MODE to return to the previous menu or data level in the Autostar database. MODE is similar to the ESCAPE key on a computer.

NOTE: Pressing MODE while in the “Select Item” level moves Autostar to the top-

most screen: “Select Item: Object.”

NOTE: If MODE is pressed and held for two seconds or more, the following infor- mation is then available using the Scroll keys (6 and 7, Fig. 2):

•Right Ascension and Declination (astronomical) coordinates

•Altitude (vertical) and Azimuth (horizontal) coordinates

•Local Time and Local Sidereal Time (LST)

•Timer and Alarm Status

Press MODE again to return to the previous menu.

GO TO Key: Moves the telescope to the currently selected object. While the telescope is moving, the operation may be aborted at any time by pressing any key except GO TO. Pressing GO TO again resumes the operation.

The GO TO key also allows you to perform a "spiral search." A spiral search is useful when the telescope is commanded to go to an object, but that object is not visible in the eyepiece after the telescope finishes its search. (This sometimes occurs during the alignment pro- cedure.) Press GO TO when the slew is finished and the telescope starts slewing in a spi- ral pattern at a very slow speed around the search area. Look through the eyepiece and when the object does become visible, press MODE to stop the spiral search. Then use the Arrow keys to center the object.

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Meade DS-114AT instruction manual Autostar Features, #494 Autostar Handbox
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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.