Meade DS-2000 Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature, Easy Two-Star Align

IMPORTANT NOTE: Autostar requests the Country/State, City, and Telescope Model infor- mation only the first time Autostar is activat- ed. If you wish to change this information, use the "Site" and "Telescope Model" options in the Setup menu. See pages 27 and 26 for more infor- mation.

IMPORTANT NOTE: While performing the automatic tracking pro- cedure, only use the Arrow keys to move the telescope. Once the tel- escope has been set in the Alt/Az home posi- tion, do not loosen the telescope locks (10 and 26, Fig. 1), or move the base manually, or align- ment will be lost.

10.Select City - The next screen asks for the city (listed alphabetically) closest to the observ- ing site. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the database of cities. 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."

Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature

In this example, the Autostar Arrow keys are used to find a star, and then Autostar's tracking capability automatically keeps the star centered in your telescope's eyepiece.

1.Set in Home Position - Level the optical tube and point it North. Make sure that the Dec. Lock (9, Fig. 1) and tripod base lock knob (26, Fig. 1) are secured as described previously.

2.Connect Autostar - Verify that Autostar is properly connected to your telescope. See “HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE,” page 11.

3.Turn On Power - Flip the telescope power switch to the ON position.

The Autostar display activates and a copyright message appears briefly, followed by a short beep. Then Autostar takes a few moments to start up the system.

4.Sun Warning - A message displays that warns not to look at the Sun. At the end of this message, press the key prompted by Autostar to signify that the message has been read and understood.

5.Enter Date and Time - Enter these values as previously described.

6.Select Setup: Align Option - Press MODE (2, Fig. 2). "Setup: Align" displays.

7.Select Setup: Targets Option - Press the Scroll Down key repeatedly until "Setup: Targets" displays. Press ENTER (2, Fig. 2).

8.Select Targets: Astronomical Option - "Targets: Terrestrial" displays. Press either of the

Scroll keys once (6 or 7, Fig. 2). "Targets: Astronomical" now displays.

9.Locate a Bright Star - Use the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 2) to locate a bright star in the night sky. Use the viewfinder (15, Fig. 1) to help line up on the star. You may choose any unob- structed, bright star for the purposes of this example. Use Autostar's Arrow keys to center the star in the eyepiece.

10.To Start Tracking - Once the star is centered, press ENTER to select "Astronomical." The telescope's tracking motors then engage. It may take the tracking motors several seconds to begin tracking. When they do, it may be necessary to once again center the star in the eyepiece. The tracking motors will then keep the star you have chosen in the center of the eyepiece.

If you wish to track another star, use the Arrow keys to slew the telescope to the star. Center the star. The tracking motors will then keep that star in the center of the eyepiece.

11.To Stop Tracking - Press ENTER. "Setup: Targets" displays. Press ENTER. "Targets:

Astronomical" now displays. Press either of the Scroll keys once. "Targets: Terrestrial" dis- plays. Press ENTER. Tracking is now turned off.

Easy (Two-Star) Align

The fastest and easiest way to locate objects with Autostar's GO TO capabilities is to use Easy Align.

Autostar automatically picks two stars from its database for the Easy Align procedure. During this procedure, Autostar slews the telescope to a first alignment star. The user is asked to ver- ify that the telescope is pointed at the chosen star and then prompted to center the star in the eyepiece. The process is repeated with a second star to complete the alignment.

NOTE: Before aligning the telescope, first verify that INITIALIZING AUTOSTAR, page 17, has been performed. See MOVING THROUGH AUTOSTAR’S MENUS, page 17, if you wish to learn how to operate Autostar’s keys.

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