NOTE:

Do not look through the telescope's eye- piece or viewfinder while it is rapidly moving. Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

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.

Slew Speeds

Autostar has nine slew speeds that are directly proportional to the sidereal rate (see TO TRACK AN OBJECT AUTOMATICALLY below for a definition of "sidereal rate") and have been calculat- ed to accomplish specific functions. Pressing the SPEED/? key changes the slew speed, which is shown for about two seconds on Autostar’s display.

The nine available speeds are:

Speed 1

=

2x =

2 x sidereal (0.5 arc-min/sec or 0.008°/sec)

Speed 2

=

8x =

8 x sidereal (2 arc-min/sec or 0.033°/sec)

Speed 3

=

16x

=

16

x sidereal (4 arc-min/sec or 0.067°/sec)

Speed 4

=

32x

=

32

x sidereal (8 arc-min/sec or 0.13°/sec)

Speed 5

=

64x

=

64

x sidereal (16 arc-min/sec or 0.27°/sec)

Speed 6

=

0.5° =

120

x sidereal (30 arc-min/sec or 0.5°/sec)

Speed 7

=

1°/s =

240

x sidereal (60 arc-min/sec or 1°/sec)

Speed 8

=

2°/s =

480

x sidereal (120 arc-min/sec or 2°/sec)

Speed 9

=

Max =

(Maximum speed possible, dependent on battery power)

Speeds 1, 2, or 3: Best used for fine centering of an object in the field of view of a higher power eyepiece, such as a 12mm or a 9mm eyepiece.

Speeds 4, 5, or 6: Enables centering an object in the field of a low-to-moderate power eye- piece, such as a standard 25mm eyepiece.

Speeds 7 or 8: Best used for rough centering of an object in the eyepiece.

Speed 9: Moves the telescope quickly from one point in the sky to another.

Observe the Moon

Point your telescope at the Moon (note that the Moon is not visible every night) and practice using the Arrow keys and the slew speeds to view different features. The Moon contains many interesting features, including craters, mountain ranges, and fault lines. The best time to view the Moon is during its crescent or half phase. Sunlight strikes the Moon at an angle during these periods and adds a depth to the view. No shadows are seen during a full Moon, causing the overly bright surface to appear flat and rather uninteresting. Consider the use of a neutral den- sity Moon filter when observing the Moon. Not only does it cut down the Moon's bright glare, but it also enhances contrast, providing a more dramatic image.

Astronomical Observing

Used as an astronomical instrument, your telescope has many optical and electromechanical capabilities. It is in astronomical applications where the high level of optical performance is readily visible. The range of observable astronomical objects is, with minor qualification, limit- ed only by the observer’s motivation.

To Track an Object Automatically

As the Earth rotates beneath the night sky, the stars appear to move from East to West. The speed at which the stars move is called the sidereal rate. You can setup your telescope to move at the sidereal rate so that it automatically "tracks" the stars and other objects in the night sky. If the telescope is not tracking an astronomical object, the object will drift out of the eyepiece field of view. The tracking function automatically keeps an object more or less centered in the telescope’s eyepiece.

To automatically track objects, you must first set the telescope in the home position, then ini- tialize Autostar, and finally select "Targets: Astronomical" from the Autostar Setup menu. You must also learn how the Autostar keypad operates in order to move through the Autostar menus.

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Meade DS-2000 instruction manual Slew Speeds, Observe the Moon, Astronomical Observing, To Track an Object Automatically

DS-2000 specifications

The Meade DS-2000 is a versatile and user-friendly telescope that caters to both beginners and seasoned astronomers alike. Known for its exceptional performance and ease of use, the DS-2000 series has become a popular choice among amateur stargazers. This telescope features a robust design coupled with advanced technologies that enhance the overall observing experience.

One of the standout features of the Meade DS-2000 is its sturdy mount, which provides stability during observations. This stability is crucial for clearer and more detailed views of celestial objects, as it minimizes vibrations and shakes that can occur while tracking objects across the night sky. The telescope typically comes with an adjustable aluminum tripod to further enhance stability and can handle varying weights and instruments.

The DS-2000 series utilizes an electronically controlled altazimuth mount, allowing users to easily navigate the sky with its automatic tracking capabilities. This intuitive design ensures that even novice astronomers can locate and follow astronomical objects with minimal effort. The built-in computer control allows users to access a database of thousands of celestial bodies, making it easy to select targets for viewing.

In terms of optics, the Meade DS-2000 features high-quality glass optics with multi-coated lenses. This ensures superior light transmission and contrast, resulting in bright, clear images of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects. The telescope typically offers a range of apertures, making it suitable for various observing preferences and conditions.

Furthermore, the Meade DS-2000 is often equipped with a 9mm or 25mm eyepiece, enabling users to achieve magnifications adequate for observing different types of celestial phenomena. The addition of a built-in red-dot finder makes it easier to aim and locate objects in the night sky.

Portability is another significant characteristic of the DS-2000 series. Its lightweight design allows astronomers to transport it easily to different observing locations, making spontaneous stargazing adventures possible, whether in the backyard or at a dark-sky site.

In summary, the Meade DS-2000 combines solid construction, user-friendly features, and advanced technology, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in exploring the night sky. With its impressive optics, reliable tracking capabilities, and enhanced portability, the DS-2000 series provides an enjoyable and rewarding astronomical experience.