![GETTING STARTEDz](/images/new-backgrounds/101935/10193513x1.webp)
GETTING STARTEDz | 7 |
Indicator Lights (2, Fig. 6): Four red LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are used to indicate the current slew speed.
any dew that might have collected during the observing session has evaporated prior to replacing the dust cap.
With the
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Fast
Medium
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Objects viewed through the eyepiece are correctly oriented up-
Moderate6
Slow
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Fig.6: Electronic Controller. (1) Arrow Keys; (2) Indicator Lights; (3) SPEED Key; (4) Coil Cord; (5) MODEKey;
(6) OUT Key; (7) IN Key.
NOTE: For purposes of this manual, the lights are identified as 1 through 4, with 1 being the top light and 4 the bottom light.
eyepiece (see
For the ultimate viewing experience, become familiar with the features of your ETX telescope and the functions of the Electronic Controller. Upon completing this chapter make first observations of a simple land object several hundred yards in the distance— perhaps a telephone pole or a building. Locate objects first in the viewfinder before viewing them in the main telescope (see Aligning the Viewfinder, page 8). Practice focusing on the object using the focus knob (9, Fig. 1) and centering the object in the eyepiece using the Electronic Controller arrows keys (1, Fig. 6).
Observing with the Electronic Controller
With the Electronic Controller in the factory
Indicator Light Key
The procedures in this manual identify the status of the four indicator lights in a box to the left of the appro- priate step. They are de- picted as on, blinking, or off, depending on the mode at that point.
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Light 3 |
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Light 4 |
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permit pushbutton movements (slewing) of the telescope. To move the telescope using the Electronic Controller:
1. | Set the telescope on a level and stable surface, or mount to |
| the Meade #883 Deluxe Field Tripod (see OPTIONAL |
| ACCESSORIES, page 17). |
2. | Insert a |
| eyepiece holder (4, Fig. 1) and tighten the eyepiece |
| thumbscrew (3, Fig. 1). |
3. | Tighten the vertical and horizontal locks (6 and 10, Fig. 1). |
SPEED Key (3, Fig. 6): The SPEED key is used to change the speed at which the telescope slews when the arrow keys are pressed. Each press of the SPEED key changes the slew speed to the next slower setting. If the controller is already on the slowest slew speed (light 4), pressing the SPEED key cycles back to the highest speed (light 1). Slew speeds are signified by the indicator lights (2, Fig. 6).
Fast
Medium
Moderate
Slow
MODE Key (5, Fig. 6): Pressing and holding the MODE key puts the Electronic Controller into the Mode function (see Electronic Controller Modes, page 11).
OUT Key (6, Fig. 6): The OUT key is used in conjunction with the optional #1244
IN Key (7, Fig. 6): The IN key is used in conjunction with the optional Electric Focuser to move the focus point inward.
First Observations
Unthread the metal dust cap from the front lens of the telescope (counterclockwise), and the ETX may now be used for terrestrial (land) observing.
NOTE:The dust cap should be replaced after each observing session and the power turned off to the telescope. Verify that
4. | Verify that the power switch (1, Fig. 5) on the telescope’s |
| computer control panel is OFF. |
5. | Plug in the Electronic Controller coil cord (4, Fig. 6) to the |
| HBXport (3, Fig. 5) on the computer control panel. |
6. Flip the power switch to ON. The power indicator light (5, Fig. 5) on the computer control panel comes on and all four Electronic Controller indicator lights (2, Fig. 6) blink rapidly.
7. Press any key on the Electronic Controller and the telescope slews momentarily in the vertical and horizontal directions to test the motors.
8.When the test is complete, light 1 comes on steady;
lights 2, 3, and 4 turn off.
9.Use the four arrow keys (1, Fig. 6) to slew the telescope to the desired object. To change the slew speed, press the SPEED key.
10.
Observing Tip: If the Electronic Controller has previously been placed in the polar mode (see Electronic Controller Modes, page 11) and Alt/Az operation is desired, flip the telescope power switch to OFF and perform steps 6, 7, and 8 above. The telescope is now in the Alt/Az mode. This procedure does not work if one of the mode screws has been removed (see Using the Mode Screws, page 11).