Time Zone

Shift

Atlantic

-4 Hours

Eastern

-5 Hours

Central

-6 Hours

Mountain

-7 Hours

Pacific

-8 Hours

Hawaii

-10 Hours

 

 

Table 1: Time Zone Shift.

Tracking Rate: Changes the speed at which the telescope tracks targets in the sky.

a.Sidereal: The default setting for Autostar; sidereal rate is the standard rate at which stars move from East to West across the sky due to the rotation of the Earth.

b.Lunar: Choose this option to properly track the Moon over long observing sessions.

c.Custom: Allows entry of user-defined tracking rates.

Reverse L/R: Reverses the functions of the Left and Right Arrow keys (i.e., the Right key moves the telescope to the left).

Reverse UP/DOWN: Reverses the functions of the Up and Down Arrow keys (i.e., the Up key moves the telescope down).

Calibrate Motor: If the telescope motors appear to have a problem, use this option to retest the motors before performing a Reset. This option is also used if an Autostar unit is moved between telescopes, to match Autostar to the new telescope. To calibrate the motors, select this option and press ENTER.

High Precision: If High Precision is turned on, when looking for a faint celestial object (i.e.,

anebula or galaxy), Autostar first slews to a nearby bright star and displays "ENTER to Sync." Center the star in the eyepiece, then press ENTER. At that point the telescope has

ahigh precision alignment to that part of the sky and it then slews to the object that was originally requested.

Targets switches between Astronomical targets and Terrestrial targets. If "Astronomical" is selected, the telescope tracking motor is activated and any object you observe will remain centered in the eyepiece. If "Terrestrial" is selected, the tracking motor is turned off. To learn how to track an object automatically, see page 18.

Site provides access to several options including:

Select: Displays the currently selected observing site. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through all available sites (see ADD below). Press ENTER when the site you wish to select displays. Use this option when you move to a different geographic location.

Add: Allows you to add new observing sites to the database (up to six sites may be stored). Scroll through the list of Countries/States. Press ENTER when the site you wish to add displays. Then choose the desired city in the same manner.

Delete: Deletes a stored site from the database.

Edit: Edits a selected site, including: the name, latitude, longitude, and time zone. Time Zone refers to the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) time zone shift. Users West of Greenwich, England use “-” hours, East of Greenwich use “+” hours. For the United States, look up the time zone shift in table above.

NOTE: Autostar compensates for daylight savings time, if selected. See SETUP

MENU: DAYLIGHT SAVING, page 27.

Owner Info accesses the owner information menu, including:

Name: Users may enter both their first and last names using the Up and Down Arrow keys to cycle through the alphabet. Use the Right and Left Arrow keys to move through the text. Press ENTER when the entry is complete.

Address: Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to enter your street address, city, state, and zip code. Press ENTER when the entry is complete.

Download transfers information from a personal computer or another Autostar. During the operation, the warning “Downloading Do Not Turn Off” appears.

NOTE: The Download function requires the optional #505 Astrofinder Software and Cable Connector Kit. See the instruction sheet included with the kit for more information on how to download. Also see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 37.

Clone uploads information from one Autostar handbox to another. Three options are available:

Catalogs: Sends only user-defined object information, such as new satellite orbits or comet data to another Autostar handbox.

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Meade DSX Series instruction manual Menu Daylight SAVING

DSX Series specifications

The Meade DSX Series telescopes are designed to offer enthusiasts and newcomers an engaging astronomical experience. Combining user-friendly features with advanced technology, this series makes stargazing both accessible and enjoyable.

One of the standout characteristics of the DSX Series is its portable design. Lightweight and compact, these telescopes can be easily transported to various observation sites. This mobility is essential for amateur astronomers who wish to explore the night sky away from light pollution. The telescopes can be set up quickly, making them a great option for impromptu stargazing sessions.

The DSX Series features a computerized mount, integrating the latest GoTo technology. With this advanced system, users can effortlessly locate and track celestial objects. Simply input a desired target, and the telescope's automated system will move to point directly at it. This feature significantly enhances the stargazing experience, eliminating the often tedious task of manually finding stars, planets, and other phenomena.

The optical quality of the Meade DSX telescopes is another key highlight. Sporting high-quality glass optics, they deliver clear and bright images of celestial objects. The series includes various models designed for different levels of observation, from the casual stargazer to those interested in deep-sky observation. Each model provides excellent light-gathering capabilities, allowing users to see beyond the obvious, uncovering the beauty of distant galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters.

In addition to its impressive optical system, the DSX Series also features a straightforward intuitive control panel. This user-centered design assists beginners in navigating settings and options with ease. Moreover, the included software helps data recording and object identification, further enriching the learning experience.

Finally, Meade's commitment to durability and quality ensures that the DSX Series is built to last. With robust materials and thoughtful engineering, these telescopes can withstand outdoor conditions, providing reliable functionality for years to come.

In summary, the Meade DSX Series stands out with its portable design, advanced GoTo technology, high-quality optics, user-friendly controls, and durable construction, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the universe. Whether you are an experienced astronomer or just starting your celestial journey, the DSX Series offers an outstanding platform for exploration and discovery.