Tip:
When multiple choices are available within a menu option, the current option is usually displayed first and highlighted by a right point- ing arrow (>).
Definition: Initialization is a proce- dure that ensures that Autostar operates correctly. When you first use Autostar, it doesn't yet know where the observa- tion location site is or the time or date of the obser- vation session.
You will enter information, such as the current time and date, and observation location.
Autostar uses this informa- tion to precisely calculate the location of celestial objects (such as stars and planets) and to automati- cally move your telescope correctly for various opera- tions.
Moving Through Autostar’s Menus (Autostar Models Only)
Autostar's menus are organized for quick and easy navigation.
■Press ENTER (2, Fig. 2) to go deeper into Autostar menu levels.
■Press MODE (3, Fig. 2) to move back toward the top menu level.
■Press the Scroll keys (7, Fig. 2) to move up and down through the options avail- able for each menu level.
■Press the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 2) to enter characters.
■Press the Number keys (6, Fig. 2) to enter digits.
Initializing Autostar (Autostar Models Only)
This exercise describes how to initialize Autostar.
Note: Normally, you will enter the Time and Date at the beginning of each observing session, but you will only perform the full Initialization proce- dure (i.e., entering the Location information and selecting the model num- ber as well as entering the Time and Date) the first time you use Autostar or after performing a Reset.
1.Make sure that the telescope is assembled correctly, and that the batteries are installed as described previously.
2.Make sure the On/Off switch (D, Fig. 1e) is in the Off position. Plug Autostar's cord into the HBX port (A, Fig. 1e), as previously described. Push the On/Off switch to the On position.
3.A copyright message lights on Autostar’s LCD display and a message warning not to look at the Sun scrolls across the display. Press the key prompted by Autostar to acknowledge the message has been read and understood.
4.The Getting Started menu displays a scrolling message with two choices:
a.Press and hold down the ? key (8, Fig. 2) for about 2 seconds for informa- tion on Autostar functions and controls. When finished, press MODE (3, Fig. 2) to exit Help, or,
b.Press ENTER (2, Fig. 2) to bypass the Help tutorial and continue with Initialization.
5.Autostar prompts you to enter the current date:
a.Press the Numbers keys (6, Fig. 2) to enter numbers 0 through 9. After the desired number is displayed, use the Right Arrow key (5, Fig. 2) to move the cursor from one number to the next in the day display (or use the Left Arrow key to move in the other direction across the display, if necessary).
b.Use the Right Arrow key (5, Fig. 2) to move the cursor to the month. Use the Scroll keys (7, Fig. 2) to cycle through the list of months. When the current month is displayed, use the Right Arrow (5, Fig. 2) to move the cursor to the year.
c.Use Number keys (6, Fig. 2) to enter all four digits of the current year. Use the Right Arrow key (5, Fig. 2) to move the cursor from one number to the next.
d.Press ENTER (2, Fig. 2) when the entire date has been entered.
6.Autostar then prompts you to enter the current time. Use the Number keys to enter digits. The Right and Left Arrow keys move the cursor across the screen as described in the previous step. Enter the current time (use a "0" for the first digit if less than 10). Use the Up Arrow key (7, Fig. 2) to scroll through "AM," "PM,'" or "blank." The "blank" option (screen displays neither AM nor PM) selects the
7.Autostar then prompts you to enter the status of Daylight Savings Time. Press one of the Scroll keys to toggle between the YES/NO settings. Select the desired setting by pressing ENTER.
Note: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by a different name in various areas of the world.
8.If you have previously entered the Country/State and City of your observing site (as described in ACTIVATE THE ARROW KEYS, page 16), go to step 9. If you have not entered this information, perform the following steps:
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