Fig. 14: Alt/Az Two-Star Alignment.

Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Two-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. Autostar provides a database of bright stars and two stars from this database are chosen by the observer for alignment.

1.Perform steps 1 through 8 as described in the "EASY TWO-STAR ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE," page 14.

2 . Align to the first star. Autostar then displays a database of stars for the observer to choose from. Use the Scroll keys to scroll to a star that you wish to align upon. Select a star that you can easily locate in the night sky.

3.Press ENTER. The telescope slews to the star for alignment. Use the Arrow keys to move the telescope until the star is visible and centered in the eyepiece.

4.Press ENTER. Repeat procedure for the second alignment star. The telescope is aligned and you are now ready to use Autostar's GO TO capabilities for a night of observing.

Fig. 15: Alt/Az One-Star

Alignment.

One-Star Alt/Az Alignment

Level: Intermediate

One-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. Autostar provides a database of bright stars. One-Star Alignment is identical to Two-Star Alt/Az: Alignment (see “TWO-STAR ALT/AZ ALIGNMENT,” above), except only one star from this database is chosen by the observ- er for alignment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The accuracy of One-Star Alt/Az Alignment, unlike the Two- Star Alt/Az Alignment procedure, depends on how well the observer levels the tel- escope and how close to North the telescope is pointed when setting the Home Position (Fig. 12). Because Two-Star Alignment uses two stars to align upon, it is more precise than One-Star Alignment.

Slew Speeds:

Autostar has nine slew speeds that are directly proportional to the sidereal rate and have been calculated to accomplish specific functions. Pressing the Speed/? key briefly changes the slew speed, which is shown for about two seconds on Autostar’s display.

NOTE: Pressing the Speed/? key very briefly changes the slew speed. Holding down the Speed/? key longer (one to two seconds) accesses the Help function.

The nine available speeds are:

Speed 1

=

5°

=

1200 x sidereal (300 arc-min/sec or 5°/sec)

Speed 2

=

2°

=

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

Speed 3

=

1°

=

240 x sidereal (60 arc-min/sec or 1°/sec)

Speed 4

=

0.5°

=

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

Speed 5

=

64x

=

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

Speed 6

=

32x

=

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

Speed 7

=

16x

=

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

Speed 8

=

8x

=

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

Speed 9

=

2x

=

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

Speed 1: Moves the telescope quickly from one point in the sky to another

Speeds 2 or 3: Best used for rough centering of an object in the eyepiece.

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

Speeds 7, 8, or 9: Best used for fine centering of an object in the field of view of a high power eyepiece, such as the standard MA 9mm or higher powers.

22 Advanced Features

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Meade ETX-70AT instruction manual Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment, One-Star Alt/Az Alignment, Slew Speeds
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ETX-70AT specifications

The Meade ETX-70AT is a compact, portable telescope that caters to both amateur astronomers and educational purposes. This telescope is part of the renowned ETX series, known for its innovative features and user-friendly design. With an aperture of 70mm, the ETX-70AT is designed to provide clear, bright images of celestial objects, making it an ideal choice for novice astronomers eager to explore the night sky.

One of the standout features of the ETX-70AT is its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design. This design combines a Maksutov corrector plate with a compact cassegrain layout, allowing for a shorter tube length while still providing excellent optical performance. As a result, users can easily transport the telescope to various observing locations without compromising on image quality.

The telescope boasts a focal length of 350mm, which offers a wide field of view, allowing observers to comfortably locate and track celestial phenomena. The ETX-70AT comes equipped with a built-in electronic control system known as the Audio Star, featuring a database of over 30,000 celestial objects. This system not only makes it easier for users to locate specific targets but also enhances the overall observing experience by providing informative audio commentary about different astronomical objects.

Another notable characteristic is its lightweight design, weighing in at just around 5 lbs. This portability factor makes it an excellent choice for stargazers who prefer to travel or hike to optimal viewing locations. The telescope is mounted on an adjustable and stable aluminum tripods, providing a solid foundation for viewing.

The Meade ETX-70AT also includes a variety of accessories, including two eyepieces (26mm and 9.7mm), a finder scope to help users aim accurately, and a variety of optional filters to enhance viewing contrast and clarity. Furthermore, the telescope supports direct connection to a computer for astrophotography, enabling enthusiasts to capture their astronomical observations digitally.

In summary, the Meade ETX-70AT is an exceptional entry-level telescope that combines portability, advanced technology, and ease of use. With its powerful optics, automated features, and impressive accessory offerings, it serves as an excellent tool for any individual or educational institution looking to delve into the wonders of astronomy.
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