Manual Operation of the Telescope Using AutoStar's Arrow Keys

You may also observe land and astronomical objects using AutoStar's Arrow keys.

If you have not already done so, prepare your telescope following the steps described in TELESCOPE ASSEMBLY, page 13. Next, flip the On/Off Switch (C, Fig. 1b) on the computer con- trol panel to the ON position. The copyright message lights on AutoStar’s display. Press the Speed/? key (7, Fig. 5) to accept the Sun warning. The "Getting Started" message displays. Keep pressing the ENTER key until "Country/State" appears on the display. (Ignore the prompts requesting "Date" and "Time" for now – these functions will be explained later in the manual).

Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the database of countries/states. Press ENTER when your location displays. Next, use the Scroll keys to scroll to the nearest city to your observing site and press ENTER. Next, use the Scroll keys to scroll to your telescope model and press ENTER. The display then reads "Setup: Align."

You can now use the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 5) to slew (move) the telescope up, down, right, or left. To change the telescope’s slew speed, briefly press the Speed/? key (7, Fig. 5). Each press decreases the slew speed down one level, and then cycles back to the fastest speed. See page 15 for more information.

Tighten (to a "firm feel" only, do not overtighten) the vertical and horizontal locks (13 and 14, Fig. 1). Sight along the side of the telescope’s main tube to locate an object and practice using the AutoStar’s Arrow keys to center the object in the telescope’s field of view. Use the tele- scope’s focus knob (15, Fig. 1) to bring the object into focus.

This procedure demonstrates just a very small part of AutoStar's capabilities. In the next section of this manual, you will begin to learn how to make use of AutoStar's extensive and powerful fea- tures.

Slew Speeds

AutoStar has nine slew speeds that are directly proportional to the sidereal rate (this is the speed at which stars move) and have been calculated to accomplish specific functions. Pressing the SPEED/? key changes the slew speed, which is then shown for about two seconds on AutoStar’s display.

The nine available speeds are:

N

Speed 1

=

2x =

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

N

Speed 2

=

8x =

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

N

Speed 3

=

16x

=

16

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

N

Speed 4

=

32x

=

32

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

N

Speed 5

=

64x

=

64

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

N

Speed 6

=

0.5° =

120

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

N

Speed 7

=

1°/s =

240

x sidereal (60 arc-min/sec or 1°/sec)

N

Speed 8

=

2°/s =

480

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

N

Speed 9

=

Max =

(Maximum speed possible, dependent on battery power)

Speeds 1, 2, or 3: Best used for fine centering of an object in the field of view of a higher power eyepiece, such as a 12mm or a 9mm eyepiece.

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

Speeds 7 or 8: Best used for rough centering of an object in the eyepiece.

Speed 9: Moves the telescope quickly from one point in the sky to another.

15

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Meade ETX-80AT-TC instruction manual Manual Operation of the Telescope Using AutoStars Arrow Keys, Slew Speeds
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ETX-80AT-TC specifications

The Meade ETX-80AT-TC is a sophisticated yet user-friendly telescope that caters to both novice astronomers and seasoned stargazers. This compact telescope is particularly praised for its portability, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to explore the night sky without the burden of heavy equipment.

One of the standout features of the ETX-80AT-TC is its 80mm aperture, which delivers impressive light-gathering capabilities. This allows users to observe a wide range of celestial objects, from the craters on the Moon to distant galaxies. The telescope’s Achromatic refractor design minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring sharp and clear images across the field of view.

The Meade ETX-80AT-TC is equipped with the AutoStar computer control system, which enhances the observational experience significantly. This technology allows users to locate and track thousands of celestial objects with ease. With a simple push of a button, the telescope can automatically find and track planets, stars, and deep-sky objects, making it perfect for those who are new to astronomy and may find manual navigation challenging.

Additionally, the telescope features a built-in Solar System tour that animates a journey through the solar system, providing educational insights about the celestial bodies in our neighborhood. It is operated via a user-friendly handheld controller with a numeric keypad and an LCD display, making navigation intuitive even for beginners.

The ETX-80AT-TC also includes a durable and lightweight design, with an integrated tabletop tripod for stable viewing. It can be easily set up and taken down, allowing for spontaneous stargazing adventures. The telescope is compatible with various Meade accessories, including additional eyepieces and filters, which further enhance the observing experience.

In terms of mechanics, the ETX-80AT-TC boasts smooth, slow-motion manual controls for fine adjustments and a flip mirror for easy switching between visual and photographic modes. Whether capturing breathtaking astrophotos or enjoying the stars visually, this telescope delivers versatility and quality.

Overall, the Meade ETX-80AT-TC stands out with its thoughtful combination of features, technology, and portability, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the night sky. Whether you are a budding astronomer or a more experienced enthusiast, this telescope provides ample opportunities for wonder and discovery under the stars.
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