Moving Through AutoStar’s Menus

The AutoStar database is organized in levels for quick and easy navigation.

•Press ENTER to go deeper into AutoStar’s menu levels.

•Press MODE to move back toward the top menu level.

•Press the Scroll keys to move up and down through the options available for each level.

•Press the Arrow keys to enter characters and digits.

The Arrow keys are also used to move the telescope.

Initializing AutoStar

This section describes how to initialize AutoStar. Perform this procedure the first time you use AutoStar or after performing a RESET (see “RESET” page 30).

1.Verify that AutoStar is properly connected to your telescope. See “Getting Started” page 5.

2.Turn the telescope power switch to the ON position.

The AutoStar beeps and the display screen is activated. Then AutoStar takes a few moments to start up the system.

3.“Press 0 to Align or Mode for Menu” displays. Press 0 to align your telescope using the “Easy Align” method, see “Easy (Two-Star) Align” on page 11. To skip the alignment process and access the AutoStar menus, press the Mode key.

4.The telescope then tests the motor function of the telescope by moving in the horizontal and vertical directions.

5.Set Your Location or Zip Code: The Location screen displays. This screen asks you if you wish to choose either the zip code of your observing location or the location (i.e., entering the city and state or country of your observing location). Press “1” to select the zip code option or “2” to enter the city and state.

Note: The location settings (country/state/province and city, or zip code) are only asked for the first time you turn on the control panel. If you wish to

change this setting later on, use the Site menu. See SITE, page 34 for more information.

a. If you chose the zip code option, the left most “0” is highlighted. Use the Number keys to enter the digits. As you enter a digit, the next digit to the right will be highlighted. Enter the next digit. Repeat this process until all 5 digits of your zip code are entered. Press ENTER.

b.If you chose the location option, the next screen asks for the country or state/province (listed alphabetically) of the observing site.

c.Use the Scroll keys to scroll through the list of countries, states, and provinces. Press ENTER when the correct location displays.

d.The next screen asks for the city (listed alphabetically) closest to the observing site. Use the Scroll keys to scroll through the list of cities. Press ENTER when the correct city appears on screen.

6.The next screen requests the status of Daylight Savings Time. If Daylight Savings Time is active, press the “1” key. If Daylight Savings Time is not active, press the “2” key.

Note: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by a different name in various areas of the world.

7.AutoStar then asks for the Telescope Model. Using the scroll keys (Pg. 19, Fig. 5, 7) on the AutoStar locate the model of your telescope and press enter.

8.Now enter the current date, then press

ENTER.

9.Enter the current time. Select “AM,” “PM,” or 24-hour clock (blank). Then press ENTER.

10.System initialization is now complete and Autostar enters into the Easy Alignment routine. The Autostar display now reads “North Method, 1=True 2= Compass”. See “Easy (Two-Star) Alignment” for performing an alignment on the night sky. If you do not wish to begin an alignment on the night sky, press the MODE key to exit to the main AutoStar menu.

AutoStarLIGNING#497THE LTHANDBOXSERIES

INDEX

 

10

 

 

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Meade LT Series, LT SC Series, LT ACF Series instruction manual Moving Through AutoStar’s Menus, Initializing AutoStar
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LT Series, LT ACF Series, LT SC Series specifications

The Meade LT SC Series, LT ACF Series, and LT Series telescopes are designed to meet the diverse needs of amateur astronomers and astrophotographers alike. Each of these series caters to various levels of experience while incorporating advanced features and technologies that enhance observational stability and image quality.

The Meade LT SC Series, featuring the advanced Schmidt-Cassegrain design, excels in versatility. This series includes different aperture sizes, allowing users to view celestial objects ranging from the moon to distant galaxies. The telescopes come equipped with an AudioStar hand controller that provides a database of over 30,000 celestial objects, enabling users to easily locate and track their subjects. The built-in GPS feature facilitates effortless alignment by automatically determining the user’s location and time.

In contrast, the LT ACF Series showcases Meade's innovative Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics. This design minimizes coma and field curvature, providing sharp, crisp images across a wider field of view. Ideal for astrophotography, this series is enhanced by features like a fast focal ratio for better imaging of dim objects and a robust construction that ensures stability during use. The LT ACF telescopes also support advanced imaging techniques, allowing users to capture stunning images of deep-sky objects while minimizing aberrations.

The classic LT Series remains a favorite among beginners. Known for its straightforward setup and usability, this series is designed with a lightweight and portable frame. The LT Series telescope is equipped with an altazimuth mount, making it user-friendly for quick observations. The simplicity allows new astronomers to start observing with minimal technical knowledge. Additionally, these telescopes support a variety of accessories such as smartphone adapters, making it easy for users to capture their observations.

All three series incorporate Meade's proprietary StarLock technology in certain models, which facilitates automated tracking. This feature frees astronomers from the complexities of manual tracking, allowing them to focus more on the experience of observing celestial wonders.

In summary, the Meade LT SC Series, LT ACF Series, and LT Series deliver exceptional optical performance and user-friendly features, making them suitable for a wide range of astronomy enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned astrophotographer or a novice sky-watcher, Meade's telescopes provide the technology and capabilities needed to explore the universe.
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