Time Zone

Shift

Atlantic

-4 Hours

Eastern

-5 Hours

Central

-6 Hours

Mountain

-7

Hours

Pacific

-8

Hours

Alaska

-9

Hours

Hawaii

-10

Hours

Table 1: Time Zone Shift.

USEFUL AUTOSTAR PROCEDURES

Before trying out the examples in this section, familiarize yourself with the basic oper- ations of Autostar described earlier in this manual. The following examples assume that you have a basic knowledge of Autostar and understand how to scroll to a desired menu or menu option, and how to enter numbers and text. It also assumes that you have initialized and aligned your telescope.

Adding Observing Sites

If you plan to observe using Autostar at different geographic locations, you can store up to six observation sites in Autostar's memory to help simplify your telescope setup. Perform these procedures using the Site options (Add, Select, Delete, Edit) of the Setup menu.

To Add a Site to the user-defined site list:

In this example, you will choose a city and add it to the database list. You will then select the site to enable it.

1.Navigate to the "Setup: Site" menu. Press ENTER,

2.Scroll through the options until "Site: Add" displays. Press ENTER.

3.Scroll through the list of countries/states. Press ENTER when the country/state you wish to add displays.

4.Scroll through the list of cities. Press ENTER when the city you wish to add dis- plays. The Site is now added to the database. You may add 5 sites using this method (the sixth site is the site you added during the manual initialization process).

5.To choose a site, navigate to "Setup: Select." Press ENTER. Scroll through the list of sites. When the desired site displays, press ENTER.

To Edit a Site

In this procedure, you will enter a location that is not available in the Autostar data- base by editing data of a nearby site. You will edit the location's name, latitude. lon- gitude and the time zone shift. You will then select the site to enable it.

You will need to know the latitude and longitude of your location to perform this pro- cedure.

1.Using the Add option, choose a site on the list that is closest to your observing site and press ENTER so that the site is added to your observing sites list. Choosing a site already on the list (as opposed to using the "Custom" feature) makes it easier to edit, as the "Time Zone" value may not need to be changed.

2.Scroll to "Site: Edit" and press ENTER. "Edit: Name" displays. Press ENTER.

3.The name of the site you have just entered to your list displays; if it does not, scroll to the site.

4.Using the Arrow keys, change the name of the site so that it now reads the name of your observing location. Press ENTER. "Edit: Name" displays again.

5.Press the Scroll Down key and "Edit: Latitude" displays. Press ENTER.

6.Using the Number Keys, enter the latitude of your observing site and then press ENTER. "Edit: Latitude" displays again.

7.Press the Scroll Down key and "Edit: Longitude" displays. Press ENTER.

8.Using the Number Keys, enter the longitude of your observing site and then press ENTER. "Edit: Longitude" displays again.

9.Press the Scroll Down key and "Edit: Time Zone" displays. Press ENTER. (If the site you chose from the list in step 1 has the same Time Zone as the site you are editing, just press ENTER again to go on to the next step.) "Time Zone" refers to the Greenwich Time Zone shift. Users West of Greenwich, use "-" hours (one hour per time zone) and users East of Greenwich use "+" hours. For the United States, look up the shift in TABLE 1, at the left.

10.After entering the shift, press ENTER. "Edit Time Zone" displays.

32

Page 32
Image 32
Meade LXD 75-Series instruction manual Adding Observing Sites, To Add a Site to the user-defined site list, To Edit a Site

LXD 75-Series specifications

The Meade LXD 75-Series telescopes represent a significant advancement in amateur astronomy technology, combining ease of use with professional-grade features. Designed for both novice and experienced astronomers, the LXD 75-Series offers sophisticated tracking capabilities and a range of optical tube assemblies, making it a versatile choice for stargazers.

One of the most notable features of the LXD 75-Series is its advanced German equatorial mount, which provides precise tracking of celestial objects. This mount is equipped with digital setting circles and a built-in autoguider port, allowing users to take long-exposure astrophotography without the hassle of manual adjustments. The telescope's mount is designed to be sturdy yet lightweight, enhancing portability for backyard observations or remote excursions.

The optical tube assemblies available in the LXD 75-Series include both refractor and reflector designs, allowing astronomers to choose according to their preferences. Refractors provide crisp, high-contrast images ideal for planetary observations, while reflectors excel in deep-sky viewing, revealing the nuances of nebulae and galaxy structures. The series typically offers apertures ranging from 6 to 10 inches, giving users the flexibility to select a model that best suits their observational needs.

Another feature that stands out in the LXD 75-Series is its user-friendly GoTo system. This system utilizes a database containing thousands of celestial objects and employs sophisticated software to navigate the night sky effortlessly. With a simple push of a button, users can locate and track objects, making the stargazing experience more engaging and less intimidating for beginners.

The LXD 75-Series also emphasizes durability and ease of assembly. The telescopes are designed for quick setup, with intuitive components that make it easy to get started in minutes. Additionally, the quality of craftsmanship ensures longevity, which is vital for a reliable observational tool.

In conclusion, the Meade LXD 75-Series stands out for its combination of advanced technologies and user-centric designs. With powerful tracking capabilities, versatile optical options, and an easy-to-use GoTo system, these telescopes cater to the diverse needs of astronomical enthusiasts. Whether for casual observation or serious astrophotography, the LXD 75-Series proves to be a stellar option for those looking to explore the wonders of the universe.