AUTOSTAR OPERATION

SETUP MENU

Automatic alignment permits all telescope

operations with only minimal setup.

Select Item:

Setup

UTILITIES MENU Calculate eyepiece magnifications;

set timer alerts; create your own landmark survey.

Select Item:

Utilities

GLOSSARY

What is an elliptical galaxy? How far away is the Sun? Expand your knowledge of astronomy by displaying terms

and definitions, and other information.

Select Item:

 

 

OBJECT MENU

 

 

Want to see Mars? The Orion nebula?

 

Object

 

 

 

 

 

The Andromeda galaxy? Select from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

over 30,000 objects and press

 

 

 

 

GO TO to move the telescope

 

 

 

 

automatically to an object.

 

 

 

 

Select Item:

 

 

 

 

Event

 

 

 

EVENT MENU

 

 

 

Display the time of

The Universe of

past, present and future

Autostar

astronomical events,

 

 

 

such as Moon phases

 

 

 

 

 

 

or meteor showers.

 

 

 

Select Item:

 

 

 

Guided Tour

 

 

 

GUIDED TOUR

 

 

 

Autostar escorts you

 

 

 

 

 

 

on a tour of tonight's

Select Item:

best celestial objects

at your viewing location.

 

Glossary

 

 

Object

Event

Guided Tours

Glossary

Utilities

Setup

Fig. 27a: Menus set in a loop.

Setup

Align

Date

Time

Daylight Saving Telescope Targets

etc.

Fig. 27b: Menu options display on the second line. Use the Scroll keys to move up or down through the list of options. Press ENTER to select the desired option.

Fig. 26: The AutoStar Universe: The six primary categories listed in the Select menu.

It is important to understand that menu selections are set in a loop (Fig. 27a). This means that pressing the Scroll Down key cycles down through all the available options within a given category, then returns to the first option. The Scroll Up key cycles up through the options in the opposite order. Note that this capability is a quick way to get to an option that is near the bottom of the list. The following example demonstrates this capability.

Example:

To navigate to the “Select Item: Setup” menu option when the “Select Item: Object” menu is displayed:

1.Press the Scroll Down key four times or the Scroll Up key once.

The screen in Fig. 27b shows two lines of information in the AutoStar display. The top line shows the current menu level. The second line displays an option which may be selected. Some options are submenus that offer more choices. The Scroll keys move up and down within the list of available options, showing one option at a time.

When an option is displayed on the second line, press the ENTER key to choose that option.

Press the MODE key to return back to the last menu. This can be useful to exit a menu or if the wrong menu option is chosen.

IMPORTANT NOTE: No matter how many levels into AutoStar are trav- eled, each press of the MODE key moves up a level, until the top level, "Select Item," is reached. Once Select Item displays, press MODE to return to the topmost level, "Select Item: Object."

AutoStar Navigation Exercise

To demonstrate how the AutoStar menu structure works, the following exercise calculates Sunset time so an evening observing session can be planned.

NOTE: To perform an accurate calculation, AutoStar MUST be properly initialized with the location of the observing site. See INITIALIZING AUTOSTAR, page 17, before proceeding with this exercise.

To Calculate Sunset time:

1.Press the MODE key several times, until “Select Item: Object” is displayed.

2.Press the Scroll Down key once to display the “Event” option in the “Select Item” menu.

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Meade ETX-90PE instruction manual Autostar Operation, AutoStar Navigation Exercise, To Calculate Sunset time

ETX-90PE specifications

The Meade ETX-90PE is a well-regarded telescope that combines portability and performance, making it a popular choice among both amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers. Its compact design and advanced features make it an ideal instrument for those who seek to explore the night sky with ease.

At the heart of the ETX-90PE is its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, which utilizes a spherical primary mirror and a corrector lens to deliver exceptional image quality. With a focal length of 1250mm and a 90mm aperture, it strikes a balance between light-gathering ability and magnification, allowing users to observe celestial objects such as planets, star clusters, and distant galaxies in remarkable detail. The telescope's focal ratio of f/13.9 provides crisp and sharp views, making it particularly well-suited for planetary observation.

One of the standout features of the ETX-90PE is its Electronic Control System (ECS), which allows for easy and intuitive operation. The telescope is equipped with a built-in AutoStar Computerized GoTo mount, enabling users to locate and track over 30,000 celestial objects with just a few simple commands. With automatic alignment features, even beginners can get started quickly, making the wonders of the universe accessible to everyone.

Portability is a key characteristic of the Meade ETX-90PE. Weighing in at a mere 12.5 pounds, it can be easily transported to dark sky locations. Its compact design not only translates to ease of transport but also means it can be stored conveniently when not in use. The included sturdy aluminum tripod provides stable support, even during extended observation sessions.

The ETX-90PE further enhances the user experience with its high-quality accessories. It comes with a set of eyepieces, including a 26mm Super Plössl and a 9.7mm Plössl, allowing for various magnifications to suit different observing preferences. The telescope also features a built-in flip mirror, allowing for easier viewing through both the eyepiece and a camera, making astrophotography more accessible.

Additionally, the ETX-90PE is designed with user comfort in mind. The telescope offers adjustable slow-motion controls for fine-tuning views and an optical finder scope to help locate objects before zooming in. With robust construction, excellent optics, and a range of advanced features, the Meade ETX-90PE stands out as a versatile, high-quality telescope for both casual observers and serious astronomers alike. Its combination of technology and user-friendly functions makes it an enduring favorite for anyone looking to embark on a journey through the cosmos.