BASIC AUTOSTAR OPERATION

Important Note: Some models are equipped with an Electronic Controller handbox, rather than the Autostar Handbox. The following sections (BASIC

AUTOSTAR OPERATION, AUTOSTAR MENUS, AND USEFUL AUTOSTAR

PROCEDURES), are rele- vant only to models equipped with the Autostar handbox and do not apply to the EC mod- els. For more information about the EC handbox, see APPENDIX D: EC HANDBOX, page 62.

SETUP MENU Easy alignment

permits all telescope operations with only

a quick 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 database objects and press

 

 

 

 

GO TO to move the telescope

 

 

 

 

automatically to an object.

 

 

 

 

Select Item:

 

MEADE

 

 

Event

 

EVENT MENU

The Universe of

Display the time 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. 19: Menus set in a loop.

Setup

Align

Date

Time

Daylight Saving Telescope Targets

etc.

Fig. 20: Menu options dis- play 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. 18: The Autostar Universe.The six primary categories listed in the Select Item menu of Autostar.

It is important to understand that menu selections are set in a loop (Fig. 19). This means that pressing the Scroll Down key (7, Fig. 2) cycles down through all the available options within a given category, then returns to the first option. The Scroll Up key (7, Fig. 2) 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 five times or the Scroll Up key once.

The screen in Fig. 20 displays two lines of information. The top line shows the current menu level. The second line displays an option which may be selected within that menu level. Some options are choices that select the next menu level down. The Scroll keys move up and down within the list of available options, showing one option at a time.

When the desired option is displayed on the second line, press the ENTER key to choose that option and move down one menu level.

Press the MODE key to leave a level; e.g., the wrong menu option is chosen.

Important Note: No matter how many levels into Autostar are traveled, each press of the MODE key moves up a level, until the top level, "Select Item," is reached. Once in the Select Item level, 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 calcu- lates Sunset time so an evening observing session can be planned.

Note: Before proceeding with this exercise, Autostar must be properly ini- tialized and aligned (see pages 19 and 21).

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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Image 23
Meade LXD75 instruction manual Autostar Navigation Exercise, To Calculate Sunset time

LXD75 specifications

The Meade LXD75 series represents a remarkable range of telescopes designed for both amateur astronomers and advanced users seeking high-quality performance at an affordable price. Known for its robust construction and innovative technology, the LXD75 aims to provide a user-friendly experience while catering to the demands of stargazers looking for sophistication in their equipment.

One of the main features of the LXD75 is its advanced German equatorial mount, which provides exceptional stability and tracking accuracy. This mount is equipped with dual-axis servo motors facilitating smooth movements, making it easy to locate and follow celestial objects. The LXD75 also includes a built-in autostar system featuring a database of over 30,000 celestial objects, allowing users to effortlessly navigate the night sky with a push of a button.

The LXD75 series includes several models, each with different optical configurations to suit the preferences of various users. The telescopes come with either an achromatic refractor or Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design, providing clear and bright images. The Schmidt-Cassegrain models offer a compact design with a fast focal ratio, making them excellent for both astrophotography and visual observation.

In terms of build, the Meade LXD75 features high-quality optics with multi-coated lenses, reducing glare and enhancing light transmission. This results in sharper and brighter images, making it easier to observe delicate details on planets, the moon, and deep-sky objects. The telescope tubes are crafted from durable materials, ensuring longevity and resilience against the elements.

Another characteristic worth noting is the ease of setup and operation. The LXD75 mount comes equipped with adjustable legs and can be easily assembled, requiring minimal tools. The intuitive control system also features a user-friendly interface, allowing both novices and experienced astronomers to operate the telescope with confidence.

For astrophotography enthusiasts, the LXD75 provides excellent support, with a wide range of accessories available to enhance imaging capabilities. The mount can accommodate various cameras, providing flexibility for capturing stunning astronomical photographs.

In summary, the Meade LXD75 series delivers a robust combination of features, technologies, and characteristics designed to meet the needs of both amateur and advanced astronomers. With its reliable mount, quality optics, and ease of use, the LXD75 ensures that stargazers can enjoy the wonders of the universe with clarity and precision.