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Meade ETX series AutoStar User Manual

Meade ETX series AutoStar
60 pages
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Instruction Manual
ETX
®
Premier Edition Telescope Series
AutoStar
®
— LNT
— SmartFinder
Premium ETX_without 105.qxd 1/27/09 12:33 PM Page 1
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Meade ETX series AutoStar Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandMeade
ModelETX series AutoStar
CategoryTelescope
LanguageEnglish

Summary

QUICK-START GUIDE

Initial Setup and Power

Installs batteries, connects AutoStar, and powers on the telescope.

Eyepiece Installation and Locks

Installs the eyepiece and secures the telescope using lock knobs.

AutoStar Initialization Process

Guides through initial AutoStar prompts for location and telescope model.

Manual Telescope Movement and Focusing

Explains using arrow keys for slewing and the focus knob.

TELESCOPE FEATURES

Component Identification and Function

Identifies and describes key telescope parts with diagrams and their functions.

MEADE ETX Telescope Overview

Telescope Controls and Key Components

Describes essential telescope controls like eyepiece, focus knob, and locks.

Astronomical Terminology

Alt/Az, RA, and Dec. Definitions

Explains altazimuth and equatorial coordinate system terms.

AUTOSTAR FEATURES AND HANDBOX

AutoStar Handbox Overview

Describes the AutoStar handbox, its display, and primary functions.

Understanding AutoStar Controls

Key AutoStar Buttons and Navigation

Explains the function of ENTER, MODE, GO TO, and arrow keys for navigation.

SmartFinder Red Dot Settings

Details how to adjust the blink rate and intensity of the SmartFinder.

AutoStar Key Functions and Ports

Navigation and Input Keys

Explains arrow, number, and scroll keys for menu interaction.

Special Features and Connectivity

Describes the '?' help key, RS232 port, coil cord, and utility light.

GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR TELESCOPE

Parts Listing and Identification

Lists and identifies the components included in the telescope package.

Assembling the Telescope and Tripod

Provides step-by-step instructions for setting up the tripod and mounting the telescope.

Completing Assembly and SmartFinder Setup

Final Assembly Steps

Details installing the eyepiece and connecting power/handbox.

Using the SmartFinder

Explains how to turn on and adjust the SmartFinder's red dot.

Aligning the SmartFinder

SmartFinder Alignment Procedure

Describes the physical alignment process for the SmartFinder.

Choosing and Using Eyepieces

Understanding Magnification Calculation

Explains focal length, magnification, and how to calculate power.

Manual Telescope Operation

Manual Pointing and Focusing

Details how to move and focus the telescope manually.

Terrestrial Viewing Tips

Provides advice for observing terrestrial objects.

Observing with AutoStar Arrow Keys

Explains using the hand controller for telescope movement.

AutoStar Slew Speeds and Observing Modes

Understanding Slew Speed Settings

Explains the nine available slew speeds and their applications.

Astronomical Observing Techniques

Discusses observing the Moon and automatic tracking.

Navigating AutoStar Menus

Outlines how to move through AutoStar's menu system.

Automatic Alignment Procedure

Setting Up for Automatic Alignment

Covers powering on, location input, and setting the home position.

Completing the Alignment Process

Details centering alignment stars and successful alignment confirmation.

Guided Tour and Object Selection

Using the Guided Tour Feature

Explains how to select and use pre-programmed guided tours.

Performing a "Go To" Object Selection

Demonstrates selecting Saturn as an example object.

AutoStar Initialization and Tracking

Initializing AutoStar Settings

Guides through entering date, time, location, and telescope model.

Automatic Star Tracking

Explains how the telescope automatically tracks objects after alignment.

AUTOSTAR OPERATION AND MENUS

Understanding AutoStar Menu Structure

Explains the loop structure and navigation of menus.

AutoStar Navigation Exercise: Sunset Time

Provides a practical example of using menus to calculate sunset time.

Advanced Menu Navigation and Data Entry

Entering Data into AutoStar

Details how to input numbers and text using the handbox.

Efficient Menu Navigation Techniques

Summarizes methods for moving through AutoStar's menus.

Complete AutoStar Menu Tree

Object, Event, Guided Tour, Glossary Menus

Lists options for celestial objects, events, tours, and glossary entries.

Utilities and Setup Menu Options

Covers maintenance, configuration, and system settings.

Using the Object Menu

Selecting Celestial Objects

Explains how to choose objects from the database for viewing.

Exploring Object Categories

Details types of objects available, including User Objects and Landmarks.

Browse, Event, and Glossary Menus

Using the Browse Feature for Object Search

Explains how to search the database using parameters.

Accessing Astronomical Event Information

Details the types of events available in the Event menu.

Understanding the Glossary Menu

Describes how to find definitions and explanations of terms.

Utilities Menu Functions

Timer, Alarm, and Display Settings

Covers setting timers, alarms, and adjusting display brightness/contrast.

Eyepiece Calculation and Landmark Survey

Explains tools for selecting eyepieces and performing landmark surveys.

Telescope Setup and Configuration

Telescope Power Saving and Parking

Describes Sleep Scope, Park Scope, and Cord Wrap options.

Configuring Telescope Settings

Details setting date, time, daylight saving, and telescope model/parameters.

Advanced Telescope Setup Options

Drive and Sensor Calibration

Explains tracking rates, sensor calibration, and motor calibration.

Precision Alignment and Site Configuration

Covers high precision alignment, target modes, and site settings.

Managing Observing Sites and AutoStar Data

Adding, Editing, and Deleting Sites

Details how to manage custom observing locations.

AutoStar Data Management

Covers owner info, downloads, cloning, statistics, and resetting AutoStar.

Advanced AutoStar Operations

Adding and Editing Observing Sites

Provides detailed procedures for managing custom observation sites.

Custom Object Entry and Satellite Observation

Adding Objects to the User Database

Guides on entering coordinates for objects not in the default database.

Observing Satellite Passes

Explains how to track and observe satellite passes.

Creating Custom Guided Tours

Guided Tour Creation Process

Details the requirements and steps for creating personalized guided tours.

Guided Tour Command Language

Tour Command Line Formats

Explains the syntax for RA, Dec, Title, Keywords, and Description strings.

Writing Custom Tour Commands

Details specific commands for creating tours, including TITLE, TEXT, and USER.

Accessing Database Objects in Tours

Commands for Specific Object Types

Lists commands for accessing NGC, IC, SAO, Messier, planets, moon, etc.

Tour Commands and Landmark Management

STAR, LANDMARK, and PICK ONE/END Commands

Describes commands for accessing stars, landmarks, and creating lists.

Downloading and Managing Landmarks

Covers downloading tours and storing terrestrial landmarks.

Landmark Database Operations

Adding, Selecting, and Surveying Landmarks

Details procedures for managing and using the landmark database.

Checking AutoStar Memory and Object Identification

Explains how to check memory and use the Identify feature.

Advanced Alignment Methods

Identifying Objects with AutoStar

Describes how to use the "Identify" feature to find information about celestial objects.

Performing Two-Star Alt/Az and Easy Alignment

Guides on manual alignment procedures using bright stars.

Alternative Alignment and Drive Training

One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Procedure

Details the process for performing a one-star alignment.

Smart Drive Training for Periodic Error Correction

Explains how to perform PEC training for improved tracking.

PEC Management and Database Browsing

PEC Update and Erase Options

Covers updating and erasing periodic error correction data.

Using the Browse Feature to Search Objects

Details how to search the database using various parameters.

Photography with the ETX Telescope

Photography Setup with a 35mm Camera

Explains the required T-Adapter and mounting formats for 35mm cameras.

Photography Tips and Digital Camera Use

General Photography Tips

Offers advice on stability, focus, shutter speed, and observing conditions.

Digital Camera Astrophotography Considerations

Discusses using digital cameras for astronomy, including challenges and tips.

Meade AutoStar Suite for Imaging

Using AutoStar Suite Software

Explains the capabilities of Meade's imaging software for telescopes.

Optional Accessories (Part 1)

Cables and Eyepieces

Lists connection kits and various eyepieces with their magnifications.

Barlow Lenses and T-Adapters

Describes accessories for increasing magnification and for photography.

Optional Accessories (Part 2)

Viewing Aids and Cases

Lists erecting prisms, carrying cases, and power accessories.

Focusing, Tripods, and Imagers

Describes electric focusers, advanced tripods, illuminated eyepieces, and imagers.

Telescope Maintenance Guide

Cleaning Telescope Optics

Provides instructions for cleaning the telescope's lenses and mirrors.

Storage, Transport, and Inspection

Storing and Transporting the Telescope

Offers guidance on proper storage and safe transport of the instrument.

Inspecting Telescope Optics

Explains the "Flashlight Test" for evaluating optical quality.

Troubleshooting Common Issues (Page 45)

Power, Responsiveness, Image, and Movement Problems

Addresses issues with power, AutoStar response, viewing images, and telescope movement.

Troubleshooting Common Issues (Part 2)

SmartFinder and Slew Speed Issues

Addresses problems with SmartFinder alignment and slew speed adjustment.

Image Quality and Movement Problems

Provides solutions for unfocused images, movement issues, and reversed terrestrial views.

ETX-90PE Astro Telescope Specifications

Optical and Mechanical Specifications

Details optical design, dimensions, materials, and weight of the ETX-90PE.

ETX-125PE Astro Telescope Specifications

Optical and Mechanical Specifications

Details optical design, dimensions, materials, and weight of the ETX-125PE.

AutoStar Specifications and Dimensions

AutoStar Hardware and Software Details

Lists specifications for the AutoStar controller, including processor, memory, and display.

AutoStar Controller Dimensions and Weight

Provides physical measurements and weight of the AutoStar handbox.

Equatorial (Polar) Alignment Introduction

Understanding Equatorial Alignment Concepts

Introduces polar alignment and its purpose.

Celestial Coordinate System Explained

Details Right Ascension and Declination for object location.

Equatorial Mounting Procedures

Assembling the Equatorial Mount

Guides on setting up the tripod and attaching the telescope for polar alignment.

Tracking Celestial Objects in Polar Mode

Explains how to enable and use tracking with a polar-mounted telescope.

AutoStar Polar Alignment Methods

Easy, One-Star, and Two-Star Polar Alignment

Describes the different methods for performing polar alignment using AutoStar.

Locating the North Celestial Pole

Provides guidance on finding Polaris for alignment purposes.

Using Setting Circles for Object Location

Declination Setting Circle Usage

Details how to use and calibrate the Declination setting circle.

Right Ascension Setting Circle Usage

Explains how to use and calibrate the Right Ascension setting circle.

Latitude Chart for Polar Alignment

City Latitude Reference List

Provides a chart of city latitudes to aid in polar alignment setup.

Training the Telescope Drive

Drive Training Procedure Steps

Outlines the detailed steps for training the telescope's drive motors for accuracy.

Suggested Astronomy Study Topics

Lists topics for further learning about astronomy and related subjects.

Changing the LNT Module Battery

LNT Module Battery Replacement Procedure

Provides step-by-step instructions for replacing the LNT module's battery.

Basic Astronomy Concepts

Introduction to Astronomy and Galileo's Discoveries

Provides historical context and the importance of telescopes in astronomy.

Observing the Moon

Details how to observe the Moon and its features.

Observing Planets and Deep-Sky Objects

Planetary Observation Guide

Describes how to observe Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

Exploring Deep-Sky Objects

Explains stars, nebulae, open clusters, constellations, and galaxies.

Meade Limited Warranty Information

Warranty Coverage and Requirements

Outlines the terms, conditions, and RGA procedure for warranty claims.

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