Definition: Initialization is a procedure that makes sure that AutoStar operates correctly. When you first use AutoStar, it doesn't yet know where the observation location site is. AutoStar also needs to know the time and date, which is set at the factory and may also be reset using Meade’s optional Atomic Clock Update Module accessory.
AutoStar uses this information (along with detecting tilt, level and North) to precisely calculate the location of celestial objects (such as stars and planets) and to move your telescope correctly for various operations.
Note:
Throughout this manual, you will notice the term "alt/az." Alt/az is frequently used to refer to altitude (vertical) and azimuth (horizontal). Alt/az is just one of many methods used by amateur astronomers to help locate stars in the night sky.
Another method of alignment is called “Equatorial ” (also known as “Polar”). To learn more about equatorial alignment, see page 50.
Fig. 22: The vertical lock.
Fig. 23: The horizontal lock.
Initializing AutoStar for the First Time
This section describes how to initialize AutoStar. Perform this procedure the first time you use AutoStar or after performing a Reset (see RESET, page 28).
AutoStar will ask you to choose your observing location and your telescope’s model number from the list it displays.You will be prompted to enter this information only the first time you use AutoStar. If you wish to change your location information (or if AutoStar does not ask you for this information information the first time that you use it), go to the Site option of the Setup Menu to select your location. See pages 27 and 29 for more information.
1.Tighten the vertical and horizontal locks (6, Fig. 1b and 9, Fig. 1a) if necessary.
2.Make sure that AutoStar is connected to the HBX port (C, Fig. 2) of the telescope’s computer control panel.
3.Flip the telescope power switch (A, Fig. 2) to the ON position.
The AutoStar screen displays a copyright message, followed by a short beep. Then AutoStar takes a few moments to start up the system.
4.A message displays that warns not to look at the Sun. At the end of this message, press the key prompted by AutoStar to signify that the message has been read and understood.
5.The Getting Started menu displays a scrolling message. Press ENTER (2, Fig. 4) to bypass the Help tutorial and continue with initialization.
6.AutoStar then displays: “Location Option:
you to choose how you wish to enter the location of your observing site: you can enter your zip code or choose the site from a list of countries, states and cities.
Press the number key “1” if you wish to enter by zip code. Then enter the five digits of the zip code of your observing site and press ENTER.
Press the number key “2” if you wish to select your observing site from a list of country, states and cities. First, use a Scroll key to cycle through the list of coun- tries and states (listed alphabetically). Press ENTER when the correct location displays. Next, use a Scroll key to cycle through the list of cities (also listed alpha- betically). Press ENTER when the closest city displays.
7.AutoStar then requests the telescope model number. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the database of models. Press ENTER when your model number dis- plays.
8.System initialization is complete and the screen reads "Align: Automatic."
Automatic Alignment
After initializing, AutoStar will automatically align your telescope for you. AutoStar is in the alt/az mode (see the margin Note to the left) by default the first time you power it on, so you do not need to select this mode. If you wish to align your telescope in the equatorial (polar) mode, see EQUATORIAL ALIGNMENT, page 50.
During automatic alignment, you will be asked to set the telescope in the home position. Then AutoStar will automatically detect the level position and the tilt of your telescope, and also detects North (note that the telescope may not be pointing North after it does so).
After finding North, AutoStar picks two stars from its database. AutoStar moves the telescope to the first alignment star and the user is asked to center the star in the eyepiece. The process is then repeated with a second star to complete the alignment. The following explains in detail how to perform the alt/az automatic alignment procedure.
How to perform the Automatic Alignment procedure
1.Set Home Position: AutoStar then prompts you to set the telescope in the Alt/Az Alignment home position. To set your telescope in the Alt/Az home position when using the Automatic Alignment menu:
•If necessary, tighten the telescope’s vertical lock (6, Fig. 1b).
•Unlock the horizontal lock (9, Fig. 1a). This will allow you to rotate the telescope tube and fork arm assembly.
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