The AutoStar Computer Controller provides control of virtually every telescope function within a compact handbox. AutoStar has soft-touch keys designed to have a positive feel. The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is backlit with a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) for easy viewing in the dark. The backlit display, key arrangement, and sequential database make AutoStar extremely user friendly.

2-Line LCD Display: Provides an interface between AutoStar and the telescope.

•Top line: Lists the primary category or menu item.

•Bottom line: Contains a menu option or information about an object or subject, depending on which function is being performed.

ENTER Key:Accesses, in a sequential manner, the next menu or data level in the AutoStar database. See MOVING THROUGH AUTOSTAR’S MENUS, page 10.

NOTE: If ENTER is pressed for two seconds or more and then released, AutoStar emits a beep and “ENTER to Sync” is displayed. “ENTER to Sync” is relevant only after the telescope has been aligned and is pointing at an object. If the “ENTER to Sync” feature is accessed by mistake, press MODE to return to the previous screen. See High Precision, page 29, for more details about this feature.

MODE Key: Returns to the previous menu or data level in the AutoStar database until the top level, “Select Item” is reached. The MODE key is similar to the ESCAPE key on a computer.

Note: Pressing MODE while in the “Select Item” level moves AutoStar to the topmost screen: “Select Item: Object”.

If MODE is pressed and held for two seconds or more, information about the telescope’s status displays. When the status displays, press one of the Scroll keys (Pg. 19, Fig. 5, 7) to display the following information:

•Right Ascension and Declination (astronomical) coordinates

•Altitude (vertical) and Azimuth (horizontal) coordinates

•Date

•Site coordinates

•Local Time and Local Sidereal Time (LST)

•Timer and Alarm Status

•Battery status

Press MODE again to return to the previous menu.

GO TO Key: Slews (moves) the telescope to the coordinates of the currently selected object. While the telescope is slewing, the operation may be aborted at any time by pressing any key except GO TO. Pressing GO TO again resumes the slew to the object.

Arrow Keys: Slew the telescope in a specific direction (up, down, left, and right), at any one of nine different speeds. Speed selection is explained in “SLEW SPEEDS”, below. The following functions are also available with the Arrow keys:

•Moves the telescope – Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move the telescope vertically up and down. The Left Arrow key rotates the telescope horizontally counterclockwise, while the Right Arrow key rotates it clockwise.

•Data entry – When the scope is prompting for user entered data, use the Up and Down Arrow keys to scroll through the letters of the alphabet and numerical digits. The Down Arrow key starts with the letter “A” and the Up Arrow key starts with the digit “9.” The Left and Right Arrow keys are used to move the blinking cursor left and right across the LCD display.

Number Keys: Input digits 0 - 9 and changes the slew speeds (see Slew Speeds, see below). The “0” key also turns on and off the red utility light on the top of the handbox.

Slew Speeds

LT Series has nine slew speeds that are directly proportional to the sidereal rate (the rate at which stars appear to drift across the sky) and have been calculated to accomplish specific functions. Pressing a Number key changes the slew speed, which is shown for about two seconds on AutoStar’s display.

To change the speed, press the

AUTOAutotarSTAR#497HANDBOX

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Meade LT ACF Series, LT SC Series, LT Series instruction manual Slew Speeds
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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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