NOTE:

Throughout this man- ual, you will notice the term "Alt/Az." Alt/Az is frequently used to refer to alti- tude or vertical and azimuth or horizontal. Alt/Az is just one of many methods used by amateur astronomers to help locate stars in the night sky.

The Autostar Computer Controller provides control of virtually every telescope function within a compact handbox. Autostar has soft-touch keys designed to have a positive feel. The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is backlit with a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) for easy viewing in the dark. The backlit display, key arrangement, and sequential database make Autostar extremely user friendly.

NOTE: Autostar does not require batteries; the telescope’s batteries supply power to Autostar.

12-Line LCD Display - Provides an interface between Autostar and the telescope.

•Top line: Lists the primary category or menu item.

•Bottom line: Contains a menu option or information about an object or subject, depending on which function is being performed.

2ENTER Key - Accesses, in a sequential manner, the next menu or data level in the Autostar database. See “MOVING THROUGH AUTOSTAR'S MENUS,” page 12 and “AUTOSTAR’S MENUS,” page 16.

NOTE: If ENTER is pressed for two seconds or more and then released, Autostar emits a beep and “ENTER to Sync” is displayed. "ENTER to Sync" is relevant only after the telescope has been aligned and is pointing at an object. If the "ENTER to Sync" feature is accessed by mistake, press MODE to return to the previous screen. See “HIGH PRECISION,” page 20, for more details about this feature.

3MODE Key - Returns to the previous menu or data level in the Autostar database until the top level, “Select Item," is reached. The MODE key is similar to the ESCAPE key on a com- puter.

NOTE: Pressing MODE while in the “Select Item” level moves Autostar to the top-

most screen: “Select Item: Object.”

NOTE: If MODE is pressed and held for two seconds or more, the following infor- mation is then available using the Scroll keys (6 and 7, Fig. 3):

•Right Ascension and Declination (astronomical) coordinates (see "APPENDIX A")

•Altitude (vertical) and Azimuth (horizontal) coordinates

•Local Time and Local Sidereal Time (LST)

•Timer and Alarm Status

Press MODE again to return to the previous menu.

4GO TO Key - Slews (moves) the telescope to the coordinates of the currently selected object. While the telescope is slewing, the operation may be aborted at any time by press- ing any key except GO TO. Pressing GO TO again resumes the slew to the object.

5Arrow Keys - Slew the telescope in a specific direction (up, down, left, and right), at any one of nine different speeds. Speed selection is explained in “SLEW SPEEDS,” page 22. The following functions are also available with the Arrow keys:

•Data Entry - Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to scroll through the letters of the alphabet and numerical 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 are used to move the blinking cursor left and right across the LCD display.

•Alt/Az Alignment - Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move the telescope vertically up and down. The Left Arrow key rotates the telescope horizontally counterclockwise, while the Right Arrow key rotates it clockwise.

8 Autostar Features

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Meade ETX-60AT instruction manual Autostar Features
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ETX-60AT specifications

The Meade ETX-60AT is a compact, portable telescope designed for amateur astronomers and budding astrophotographers. Known for its ease of use and exceptional optical performance, the ETX-60AT combines innovative technologies with user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for stargazers of all skill levels.

One of the standout characteristics of the ETX-60AT is its 60mm aperture, which allows for impressive light-gathering capabilities. This telescope is equipped with a high-quality Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design that delivers sharp, clear images with minimal distortion. The multi-coated optics enhance light transmission, ensuring brighter images with better color fidelity, which is essential for planetary and deep-sky observations.

The telescope boasts a lightweight and compact design, making it highly portable for on-the-go astronomy. Weighing only about 4.5 pounds, the ETX-60AT comes with a sturdy, adjustable tripod that provides stable support during observation. The telescope is also equipped with a unique fork mount that includes Meade's AutoStar technology, allowing for automatic tracking of celestial objects. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it simplifies the process of locating and tracking stars and planets.

Meade’s AutoStar system is a highlight of the ETX-60AT, featuring a database with thousands of celestial objects. This intelligent computer control allows users to simply input the desired object, and the telescope will automatically position itself accordingly. The intuitive hand controller enhances the viewing experience by offering guided tours of the night sky, enabling users to discover and appreciate various astronomical wonders, from the moon and planets to distant galaxies and star clusters.

The ETX-60AT also includes a diagonal mirror, which provides comfortable viewing angles and helps in locating objects above the horizon with ease. The telescope comes with a variety of eyepieces, enhancing versatility and giving users options for different magnifications based on their observing needs.

In addition to its impressive optical and technological features, the Meade ETX-60AT is built with durability in mind. The telescope's construction withstands environmental challenges, allowing users to explore the night sky in a range of conditions.

Overall, the Meade ETX-60AT offers an outstanding balance of performance, portability, and user-friendliness, making it a perfect introductory telescope for amateur astronomers. Whether you are a seasoned observer or just starting your journey into astronomy, the ETX-60AT provides a reliable platform for exploring the universe.
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