Use the Setup menu to perform many of the features that apply to the set up of your telescope, such as training the drive, selecting terrestrial or astronomical modes, changing observing site information.
Sleep Scope is a power saving option that shuts down AutoStar and the telescope without forgetting its alignment. With "Sleep Scope" selected, press ENTER to activate the Sleep function. AutoStar goes dark, but the internal clock keeps running. Press any key, except ENTER, to
Park Scope is designed for a telescope that is not moved between observing ses- sions. Align the telescope one time, then use this function to park the telescope. Next time it is powered up, pressing ENTER and the telescope moves to its
IMPORTANT NOTE: When the "Park Scope" option is chosen and the display prompts you to turn off the telescope's power, AutoStar is unable to be returned to operation without turning the power off and then back on.
Cord Wrap, when set to "On," moves the telescope in such a way as to prevent the cords and cables attached to your telescope assembly from getting wound around the assembly and tangled as the telescope slews to objects. "Off" is the default setting.
Setup Menu
The Setup menu’s primary function is to align the telescope (see AUTOMATIC ALIGN- MENT, page 17). However, there are numerous other features available within the Setup menu, including:
Date changes the date used by AutoStar. This function is useful to check events in the past or future. For example, set the Date menu for a day three months in the future. Then check the "Select Item: Event" menu for the Sunset time on that date. See EVENT MENU, page 24.
Time changes the time entered into AutoStar. Setting the correct time is critical for AutoStar to properly calculate locations and events. Time may be set to
Daylight Saving is used to enable or disable Daylight Savings time.
NOTE: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by different names in various areas of the world. Check local time to verify.
Telescope accesses the several options, including:
JModel: Allows you to select the telescope model connected to AutoStar.
JFocal Length: Displays the focal length of the selected telescope.
JAz/RA Ratio and Alt/Dec Ratio: The ratios refers to the gears of the telescope's motors. Do not alter these numbers.
JAz/RA Percent: The Az (Azimuth)/RA (Right Ascension) Percent allows you to adjust the amount of azimuth backlash taken out by AutoStar. Azimuth backlash is the way the Arrow keys move the telescope along the azimuth (horizontal) axis. If you enter a value near 100, the telescope tube responds more quickly (it responds immediately at 100%) as you hold down an Arrow key and also slews (moves) the tube more quickly. If you enter a value near 0, it takes longer for the tube to respond as you hold down an Arrow key and also slews the tube more slowly. Experiment with this option. Try changing the percent value until you get a "feel" for the Arrow keys that is comfortable for you.
JAlt/Dec Percent: The Alt (Altitude)/Dec (Declination) Percent operates identical to the Az/RA Percent option (see above), but allows you to adjust the altitude backlash, i.e., the way the Arrow keys move the telescope when moving along the altitude (vertical) axis.
JTrain Drive: Trains the Altitude and Azimuth motors to locate objects with more precision.
The first time you use your telescope or if you are experiencing any problems with pointing accuracy, follow the procedure described in APPENDIX C: TRAINING THE DRIVE, page 55, to insure accurate pointing and tracking.
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