9
Many groups hold regularly scheduled star par- ties at which you can observe with many differ- ent telescopes and examine other pieces of astronomical equipment. Magazines such as Sky & Telescope and Astronomy print schedules for many popular star parties around the United States and Canada.
Often, club members are excellent astrophotog- raphers. Not only will you be able to study examples of their art, but you may even be able to pick up some “tricks of the trade” to try out on your DS-114AT telescope.
At club meetings, you will meet other astronomy enthusiasts with whom you will be able to share your discoveries. Clubs are an excellent way to learn more about observing the sky, to find out where the best observing sites are, and to com- pare notes about telescopes, eyepieces, filters, tripods, and so forth.
A fun way to learn more about astronomy is to join an astronomy club. Check your local news- paper, school, library, or telescope dealer to find out if there’s a club in your area.
Join an Astronomy Club
Attend a Star Party
, Scroll Keys: Access options of the menu displayed on the top line of the screen. Options within the menu are displayed, one at a time, on the second line. Press the Scroll keys to move through the options. Press and hold a Scroll key to move quickly through the options, or to change scroll speeds of text.
The Scroll keys also scroll through the letters of the alphabet and numerical digits.
Tip: When a message is scrolling across the display, press and hold the Up Scroll key to increase the scrolling speed, or press and hold the Down Scroll key to decrease the scrolling speed.
NOTE: The Scroll Down key and the Down Arrow key move forward through the alphabet & digits (A to Z, 0 to 9). The Scroll Up key and the Up Arrow key move backward (Z to A, 9 to 0). Common symbols are also available in the list.
Speed/? Key: Press the Speed/? key to cycle through the nine slew speeds that move the telescope. Each time the Speed/? key is briefly pressed, the current speed will be shown for about two seconds on the display.
The Speed/? key also accesses the "Help" file. "Help" provides on-screen information for whatever task is currently active.
NOTE: Pressing the Speed/? key very briefly changes the slew speed. Holding down the Speed/? key longer (one to two seconds) accesses the Help function.
If you have a question about an Autostar operation (e.g., INITIALIZA- TION, ALIGNMENT, etc.), hold down the Speed/? key and follow the direc-
tions that scroll on the second line of the LCD screen. When a word appears in [brackets], press ENTER to access the Autostar Glossary. A definition or more detailed information is displayed. Press MODE to return to the scrolling Autostar Help display.
When satisfied with the Help provided, press MODE to return to the original screen and continue with the chosen procedure.
Coil Cord: Plug the Autostar coil cord into the HBX port (C, Fig. 1b) of the computer control panel.
Arrow Keys: Move the telescope in a specific direction (up, down, left, and right), at any one of nine different slew speeds.
The Arrow Keys can also be used to scroll through the letters of the alphabet and numeri- cal digits. The Down Arrow key starts with the letter "A" and the Up Arrow key starts with the digit "9." The Left and Right Arrow keys moves the cursor left and right across the LCD display.

Want to learn more about

slew speeds?

See page 14.

Page 8 Page 10
Page 9
Image 9
Meade DS-114AT instruction manual Slew speeds?
Page 8 Page 10

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.
Top Page Image Contents