Meade DSX Series How to Create Your Own Guided Tour, What you will need, Tour Modes, Comment Line

Models: DSX Series

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How to Create Your Own Guided Tour

When a Guided Tour is selected, Autostar slews your telescope to a predetermined list of objects and displays information about each object, such as type of object, constellation location, R.A. and Dec coordinates, and so forth. Autostar contains a few Guided Tours which are programmed at the factory. But it is also possible for an observer to create a custom Guided Tour.

A tour is basically an ASCII text file that contains a list of directions and descriptions. Each line of a tour is either a comment line, a command line, or a description.

What you will need:

A PC with text editor or word processing software installed (the tour must be saved as a "text only" or as a "MS-DOS text" file).

The Meade #505 Cable Connector Kit to download tour information to the Autostar handbox.

Tour Modes

The objects chosen for a tour list are selected from Autostar's database or by entering the object's RA and Dec coordinates. The tour is presented in one of two modes:

Automatic Mode: The title of an object appears on first line and descriptive text scrolls on line 2.

Interactive Mode: Tour name appears on the first line of the Autostar display and the name of the object displays on line 2. To display descriptive text in this mode, the user must press

ENTER.

Comment Line

Information in the Tour program that is not displayed, such as authorship, revision history, copyrights, etc. All comments begin with a "/" character in column 1 of the line. For example:

/Extreme Objects

/(c) 2000 Meade Instruments Corporation

Command Line

This line contains programming commands, including: RA and DEC coordinates, a title string, a description string, and a keyword.

RA: Enter the Right Ascension of an object in the following format: HH:MM:SS. Eg., 18:51:05

Dec: Enter the Declination of an object in the following format: DDdMMmSSs. Eg., – 06d16m00s

Title String: Text within a title string is displayed as the title of the object. A title string can contain up to 16 characters and must be surrounded by quotation marks. For example. "M64" or "My Favorite Star."

In Interactive Mode, the title string appears on line 2 until it is selected with the ENTER key. In Automatic Mode, or after Interactive Mode selection, the title string appears on line 1 while the description scrolls across line 2.

Keywords: Action to be performed during a tour. Autostar recognizes the following keywords:

TITLE

TEXT

USER

NGC

IC

SAO

MESSIER

CALDWELL

PLANET

MOON

SATELLITE

ASTEROID

COMET

LUNAR ECLIPSE

METEOR SHOWER

DEEP SKY

CONSTELLATION

STAR

LANDMARK

DEFINE

PICK ONE/PICK END

AUTO SLEW ON/OFF

#END

 

Description String: Description of an object. Must be surrounded by quotation marks. If the description is longer than one line, each line must end with a quotation mark and a hard return. Begin the next description line with a quotation mark.

If quotation marks are to be displayed in the on-screen description, use two quote marks at the beginning and end of the desired phrase. For example: "The Orion Nebula is considered ""awesome"" by many who view it."

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Meade DSX Series How to Create Your Own Guided Tour, What you will need, Tour Modes, Comment Line, Command Line

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.