IINNSSTTRRUUCCTTIIOONN MMAANNUUAALL
NNeexxSSttaarr 6600 .. NNeexxSSttaarr 8800 .. NNeexxSSttaarr 110022 .. NNeexxS
Sttaarr 111144 .. NNeexxSSttaarr 113300
TTAABBLLEE OOFF CCOONNTTEENNTTSS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
Warning ..........................................................................................................................................................................4
ASSEMBLY ......................................................................................................................................................................7
Assembling the NexStar .................................................................................................................................................7
Attaching the Hand Control Holder............................................................................................................................8
Attaching the Fork Arm to the Tripod......................................................................................................................... 8
Attaching the Telescope to the Fork Arm................................................................................................................... 8
The Star Diagonal....................................................................................................................................................... 8
The Eyepiece...............................................................................................................................................................9
Focusing...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
The Star Pointer Finderscope......................................................................................................................................9
Star Pointer Installation.............................................................................................................................................10
Star Pointer Operation............................................................................................................................................... 10
Attaching the Hand Control...................................................................................................................................... 11
Powering the NexStar............................................................................................................................................... 11
HAND CONTROL ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
The Hand Control ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
Hand Control Operation................................................................................................................................................ 13
Alignment Procedure................................................................................................................................................ 14
Sky Align..................................................................................................................................................................14
Auto Two-Star Align ................................................................................................................................................ 16
Two Star Alignment.................................................................................................................................................. 16
One-Star Align.......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Solar System Align................................................................................................................................................... 17
NexStar Re-Alignment.............................................................................................................................................. 18
Object Catalog.............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Selecting an Object................................................................................................................................................... 18
Slewing to an Object................................................................................................................................................. 19
Finding Planets .........................................................................................................................................................19
Tour Mode................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Constellation Tour .................................................................................................................................................... 19
Direction Buttons .............................................................................................................. ............................................ 20
Rate Button............................................................................................................................................................... 20
Set Up Procedures......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Tracking Mode.......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Tracking Rate............................................................................................................................................................ 21
View Time-Site......................................................................................................................................................... 21
User Defined Objects................................................................................................................................................ 21
Get RA/DEC.............................................................................................................................................................21
Goto R.A/Dec........................................................................................................................................................... 21
Identify...................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Scope Setup Features....................................................................................................................................................22
Anti-backlash............................................................................................................................................................22
Slew Limits...............................................................................................................................................................22
Filter Limits.............................................................................................................................................................. 22
Direction Buttons......................................................................................................................................................23
Goto Approach.......................................................................................................................................................... 23
Cordwrap .................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Utility Features ............................................................................................................................................................. 23
GPS On/Off...............................................................................................................................................................23
Light Control............................................................................................................................................................. 23
Factory Setting.......................................................................................................................................................... 23
Version...................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Get Alt-Az ................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Goto Alt-Az.............................................................................................................................................................. 23
Hibernate................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Sun Menu.................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Scrolling Menu ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
TELESCOPE BASICS................................................................................................................................................... 26
2
Focusing.................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Image Orientation..................................................................................................................................................... 26
Calculating Magnification.........................................................................................................................................26
Determining Field of View....................................................................................................................................... 27
General Observing Hints........................................................................................................................................... 27
CELESTIAL OBSERVING........................................................................................................................................... 28
Observing the Moon ................................................................................................................................................. 28
Lunar Observing Hints.............................................................................................................................................. 28
Observing the Planets................................................................................................................................................28
Planetary Observing Hints........................................................................................................................................28
Observing the Sun..................................................................................................................................................... 28
Solar Observing Hints............................................................................................................................................... 29
Observing Deep Sky Objects....................................................................................................................................29
Seeing Conditions..................................................................................................................................................... 29
Transparency............................................................................................................................................................. 29
Sky Illumination........................................................................................................................................................29
Seeing .......................................................................................................................................................................29
TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE...................................................................................................................................... 31
Care and Cleaning of the Optics................................................................................................................................... 31
Collimation................................................................................................................................................................... 31
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES....................................................................................................................................... 32
APPENDIX A - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................................34
APPENDIX B – GLOSSARY OF TERMS...................................................................................................................35
APPENDIX C – RS-232 CONNECTION .....................................................................................................................38
APPENDIX D – TIME ZONE MAPS...........................................................................................................................39
SKY MAPS...................................................................................................................................................................... 41
3
Congratulations on your purchase of the Celestron NexStar telescope! The NexStar ushers in a whole new generation of
computer automated technology. Simple and friendly to use, the NexStar is up and running after locating just three
bright celestial objects. It’s the perfect combination of power and portability. If you are new to astronomy, you may
wish to start off by using the NexStar's built-in Sky Tour feature, which commands the NexStar to find the most
interesting objects in the sky and automatically slews to each one. Or if you are more experienced , you will appreciate
the comprehensive database of over 4,000 objects, including customized lists of all the best deep-sky objects, planets
bright double stars. No matter at what level you are starting out, the NexStar will unfold for you and your friends all the
wonders of the Universe.
Some of the many standard features of the NexStar include:
• Incredible 4°/second slew speed.
• Fully enclosed motors and optical encoders for position location.
• Computerized hand controller with 4,000 object database.
• Storage for programmable user define d o bje cts; and
• Many other high performance features!
The NexStar’s deluxe features combined with Celestron’s legendary optical standards give amateur astronomers one of
the most sophisticated and easy to use telescopes available on the market today.
Take time to read through this manual before embarking on your journey through the Universe. It may take a few
observing sessions to become familiar with your NexStar, so you should keep this manual handy until you have fully
mastered your telescope’s operation. The NexStar hand control has built-in instructions to guide you through all the
alignment procedures needed to have the telescope up and running in minutes. Use this manual in conjunction with the
on-screen instructions provided by the hand control. The manual gives detailed information regarding each step as well
as needed reference material and helpful hints guaranteed to make your observing experience as simple and pleasurable
as possible.
Your NexStar telescope is designed to give you years of fun and rewarding observations. However, there are a few
things to consider before using your telescope that will ensure your safety and protect your equipment.
Warning
Never look directly at the sun with the naked eye or with a telescope (unless you have the proper solar filter).
Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
Never use your telescope to project an image of the sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the
telescope and any accessories attached to it.
Never use an eyepiece solar filter or a Herschel wedge. Internal heat build-up inside the telescope can cause these
devices to crack or break, allowing unfiltered sunlight to pass through to the eye.
Never leave the telescope unsupervised, either when children are present or adults who may not be familiar with the
correct operating procedures of your telescope
.
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7
3
5 6 8
1
14
13
12
10
=
1 Objective Lens 8 On/Off Switch
The NexStar SLT Refractor Telescope
(NexStar 60 Shown)
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2 Fork Arm 9 Focuser Knob
3 Battery Compartment 10 Star Diagonal
4 Hand Control 11 Eyepiece
5 Tripod 12 Star Pointer Finderscope (not shown)
6 Tripod Leg Extension Clamp 13 Dovetailed Mounting Clamp
7 Accessory Tray 14 Telescope Tube
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10
1
2
3
4
5 9
8
6
7
NexStar SLT Reflecting Telescope
(NexStar 114 Shown)
1 Eyepiece 7 Tripod Leg Extension Clamp
2 Secondary Mirror 8 Accessory Tray
3 Fork Arm 9 On/Off Switch
4 Battery Compartment 10 Collimation Adjustment Knobs
5 Tripod 11 Optical Tube
6 Hand Control 12 Star Pointer Finderscope
6
The NexStar comes partially assembled and can be operational in a matter of minutes. The NexStar is conveniently packaged in one
reusable shipping carton that contains the following accessories:
• 25mm and 9mm Eyepieces – 1¼"
• 1¼" Star Diagonal (NexStar 60, 80 & 102 only)
• Star Pointer Finderscope and Mounting Bracket
• Deluxe Accessory Tray
• The Sky™ Level 1 Astronomy Software
• NSOL Telescope Control Software
• NexStar Hand Control w/ Object Database
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Your NexStar comes in three major sections: the optical tube, the fork arm and the tripod. These sections can be attached in seconds
using the quick release coupling screw located under the tripod mounting platform and the dovetail mounting clamp located on the
inside of the fork arm. To begin, remove all of the accessories from their individual boxes. Remember to save all of the containers so
that they can be used to transport the telescope. Before attaching the visual accessories, the telescope tube should be mounted to its
tripod. First, install the accessory tray onto the tripod legs:
1. Remove the tripod from the box and spread the legs
apart until the center leg brace is fully extended.
2. Locate the accessory tray, and place it on top of the
tripod center support brace in between the tripod legs
(see figure 2-1)
3. Rotate the accessory tray so that the central hole in the
tray slides over the flange post in the center of the
support bracket.
4. Finally, rotate the tray so that the locking tabs slide
under the locking clips on support bracket. You will
here the tray snap into place.
It is a good idea to level the tripod and adjust the height of the tripod legs before attaching the fork arm and tube. Minor adjustments
can be made later. To adjust the height of the tripod legs:
1. Loosen the tripod leg locking bolt located on the side of each leg.
2. Slide the inner portion of each leg down 6" to 8" inches.
3. Adjust the tripod height until the bubble level on the tripod leg is centered.
4. Tighten the tripod locking bolts to hold each leg in place.
Flange Post
Locking
Clips
Locking Tabs
Figure 2-1
Bubble
Level
Figure 2-2
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The NexStar comes with a snap-on hand control holder that conveniently attach es to any of
the tripod legs. To attach the hand control holder simply position the holder with the square
plastic tab facing up and push against the tripod leg until it snaps in to place.
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With the tripod properly assembled, the telescope tube and fork arm can easily be attached
using the quick release coupling screw located underneath the tripod mounting platform:
1. Place the fork arm base inside the tripod mounting platform.
2. Thread the coupling screw into the hole at the bottom of the fork arm base and
hand tighten.
Figure 2-3
Coupling
Screw
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Figure 2-4
Fork Arm
Base
Tripod Mounting
Tripod Head
Platform
Your telescope optical tube has a built on dovetail mounting bar used to attach the tube to the fork arm. To attach the telescope tube:
1. Loosen the tube clamp tightening knob.
2. Slide the dovetail mounting bar of the telescope tube into the fork
Dovetail
Mounting Bar
arm clamp. Make sure that the logo on the side of the tube is right
side up when the tube is aligned with the fork arm.
3. Tighten the tube clamp knob by hand to secure the tube to the fork
arm.
Your NexStar is fully assembled and is ready to attach the accessories.
TThhee SSttaarr DDiiaaggoonnaall
(For 60, 80 and 102mm Models Only)
The star diagonal diverts the light at a right angle from the light path of the
telescope. For astronomical observing, this allows you to observe in
Tube Clamp
Tightening Knob
Figure 2-5
positions that are more comfortable than if you were to look straight
through. To attach the star diagonal:
1. Turn the thumbscrew on the eyepiece adapter at the end of the focuser barrel until it no longer extends into (i.e., obstructs) the inner
diameter of the focus barrel. Remove the protective dust cap from the focuser barrel.
2. Slide the chrome portion of the star diagonal into the eyepiece adapter.
3. Tighten the thumbscrew on the eyepiece adapter to hold the star diagonal in place.
8
p
If you wish to change the orientation of the star diagonal, loosen the thumbscrew on the eyepiece adapter until the star diagonal rotates
freely. Rotate the diagonal to the desired position and tighten the thumbscrew.
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The eyepiece, is the optical element that magnifies the image focused by the
telescope. The eyepiece fits either directly into the focuser (114mm and
130mm models) or into the star diagonal (60, 80, or 102mm models). To
install the eyepiece:
Eyepiece
Star Pointer
Findersco
For 60, 80, and 102mm models:
1. Loosen the thumbscrew on the star diagonal so it does not obstruct the inner
diameter of the eyepiece end of the diagonal. Remove the protective dust cap
from the star diagonal's barrel.
2. Slide the chrome portion of the low power 25mm eyepiece into the star
diagonal.
3. Tighten the thumbscrew to hold the eyepiece in place.
To remove the eyepiece, loosen the thumbscrew on the star diagonal and slide
the eyepiece out.
For 114 and 130mm models:
1. Loosen the thumb screw on the eyepiece adapter at the end of the focuser
barrel and remove the protective dust cap from the focuser barrel.
2. Slide the chrome portion of the low power 25mm eyepiece into the eyepiece
adapter.
3. Tighten the thumbscrew to hold the eyepiece in place.
To remove the eyepiece, loosen the thumbscrew on the eyepiece barrel and
slide the eyepiece out.
Eyepieces are commonly referred to by focal length and barrel diameter.
The focal length of each eyepiece is printed on the eyepiece barrel. The
longer the focal length (i.e., the larger the number) the lower the eyepiece
power or magnification; and the shorter the focal length (i.e., the smaller the
number) the higher the magnification. Generally, you will use low-tomoderate power when viewing. For more information on how to determine
power, see the section on “Calculating Magnification.”
Barrel diameter is the diameter of the barrel that slides into the star diagonal or focuser. The NexStar uses eyepieces with a standard
1-1/4" barrel diameter.
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To focus your telescope, simply turn either of the focus knobs at the eyepiece end of the optical tube (see figures 2-6 and 2.7). Turn
the focus knob until the image is sharp. Once sharp, turn the knob towards you to focus on an object that is closer than the one you
are currently observing. Turn the knob away from you to focus on a more distant object than the one you are currently observing.
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The Star Pointer is the quickest and easiest way to point your telescope exactly at a desired object in the sky. It's like having a laser
pointer that you can shine directly onto the night sky. The Star Pointer is a zero magnification pointing tool that uses a coated glass
window to superimpose the image of a small red dot onto the night sky. While keeping both eyes open when looking through the Star
Pointer, simply move your telescope until the red dot, seen through the Star Pointer, merges with the object as seen with your unaided
eye. The red dot is produced by a light-emitting diode (LED); it is not a laser beam and will not damage the glass window or your eye.
Star
Diagonal
Figure 2-6 – Visual accessories for the NexStar
60, 80 & 102 models
Star Pointer Eyepiece
Focuser
Eyepiece Adapter
Figure 2-7– Visual accessories for the
Focus Knob
Eyepiece Adapter
e
9
The Star Pointer comes equipped with a variable brightness control, two axes alignment control and mounting brackets. Before the
Star Pointer is ready to be used, it must be attached to the telescope tube and properly aligned:
Azimuth Adjustment Screw (Adjustment knob
located on opposite side)
On / OFF / Brightness
Switch
Glass Window
Altitude Adjustment
Knob
Battery
Mounting Screw
Figure 2-8 – The StarPointer Finderscope with Mounting Bracket
SSttaarr PPooiinntteerr IInnssttaallllaattiioonn
1. Slide the Star Pointer onto the dovetail mounting platform on top of the focuser assembly so that the sight tube is facing
towards the front of the tube.
2. Tighten the mounting screw to secure the Star Pointer in place.
Star Pointer Operation
The star pointer is powered by a long life 3-volt lithium battery (#CR2032) located underneath the front portion of the Star Pointer.
Like all finderscopes, the Star Pointer must be properly aligned with the main telescope before it can be used. This is a simple process
using the azimuth and altitude control knobs located on the side and bottom of the Star Pointer. The alignment procedure is best done
at night since the LED dot will be difficult to see during the day.
To align the Star Pointer finderscope:
1. Before using the StarPointer, you must first remove the protective plastic cover between the battery and the battery clip.
2. To turn on the Star Pointer, slide the On/Off switch to the 1 "On" position. To increase the brightness level of the red dot,
slide the switch to the 2 "On" position.
3. Locate a bright star or the Moon and center it in a low power eyepiece in the main telescope.
4. With both eyes open, look through the glass window at the alignment star.
5. If the Star Pointer is perfectly aligned, you will see the red LED dot overlap the alignment star. If the Star Pointer is not
aligned, take notice of where the red dot is relative to the bright star.
6. Without moving the main telescope, turn the Star Pointer's azimuth and altitude adjustment knobs until the red dot is
directly over the alignment star.
The Star Pointer is now ready to be used. Remember to always turn the power off after you have found an object. This will
extend the life of both the battery and the LED.
10
ON/Off Switch
Figure 2-9 – The NexStar SLT Outlets
Auxiliary Port
Hand
Control Port
12v Power
Outlet
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The NexStar SLT hand control has a phone jack type connector at the end of its cord. Plug the phone jack connector into the outlet at
the base of the telescope’s fork arm. Push the connector into the outlet until it clicks into place and place the hand control into its
holder as described previously in the Assembly section of the manual
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The NexStar SLT can be powered by 8 user supplied AA size alkaline batteries or an optional 12v AC adapter. To install batteries
into the NexStar:
1. Squeeze the tabs on both sides of the battery compartment cover while lifting upward.
2. Insert 8 AA batteries in to battery compartment holders.
3. Place the battery compartment cover over the batteries and push down until the cover snaps in place.
4. Flip the power switch to the “On” position. The light on the power button should come on.
In case of a loss of power, the optical tube can be moved by hand. However, when powered on, the telescope should always be
controlled via the hand control. The NexStar will lose its star alignment if moved by hand when powered on.
Figure 2-10 – Removing the Battery
Compartment Cover
11
TThhee HHaanndd CCoonnttrrooll
The NexStar SLT's hand controller is designed to give you instant access to all the functions the NexStar has to offer. With
automatic slewing to over 4,000 objects, and common sense menu descriptions, even a beginner can master its variety of
features in just a few observing sessions. Below is a brief description of the individual components of the NexStar SLT
hand controller
1. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Window: Has a dual-line, 16 character display screen that is backlit for comfortable
viewing of telescope information and scrolling text.
2. Align: Instructs the NexStar to use a selected star or object as an alignment position.
3. Direction Keys: Allows complete control of the NexStar in any direction. Use the direction keys to center objects in
the StarPointer finderscope and eyepiece.
4. Catalog Keys: The NexStar has a key on the hand control to allow direct access to each of the catalogs in its 4,000+
object database. The NexStar contains the following catalogs in its database:
:
Messier – Complete list of all Messier objects.
NGC – Many of the brightest deep sky objects from the Revised New General Catalog.
Caldwell – A combination of the best NGC and IC objects.
Planets - All 8 planets in our Solar System plus the Moon and Sun.
Stars – A compiled list of the brightest stars from the SAO catalog.
List – For quick access, all of the best and most popular objects in the NexStar database have been broken
down into lists based on their type and/or common name:
Named Stars
Named Objects
Double Stars
Variable Stars
Asterisms
Common name listing of the brightest stars in the sky.
Alphabetical listing of over 50 of the most popular deep
sky objects.
Alphabetical listing of the most visually stunning double,
triple and quadruple stars in the sky.
Select list of the brightest variable stars with the shortest
period of changing magnitude.
A unique list of some of the most recognizable star
patterns in the sky.
12
5. Info: Displays coordinates and useful information about objects selected from the NexStar database.
6. Tour: Activates the tour mode, which seeks out all the best objects for a given month and automatically slews the
NexStar to those objects.
7. Enter: Pressing Enter allows you to select any of the NexStar functions, accept entered parameters and slew the
telescope to displayed objects.
8. Undo: Undo will take you out of the current menu and display the previous level of the menu path. Press Undo
repeatedly to get back to a main menu or use it to erase data entered by mistake.
9. Menu: Displays the many setup and utilities functions such as tr acking rate and user defined objects and many others.
10. Scroll Keys: Used to scroll up and down within any of the menu lists. A double arrow symbol on the right side of the
LCD indicates that the scroll keys can be used to view additional information.
11. Rate: Instantly changes the rate of speed of the motors when the direction buttons are pressed.
12. RS-232 Jack: Allows use with a computer and software programs for point and click slewing capability.
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3
4
5
6
Figuurree 33--11
The NexStar Hand Control
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HHaanndd CCoonnttrrooll OOppeerraattiioonn
This section describes the basic hand control procedures needed to operate the NexStar. These procedures are grouped into
three categories: Alignment, Setup and Utilities. The alignment section deals with the initial telescope alignment as well as
finding objects in the sky; the setup section discusses changing parameters such as tracking mode and tracking rate; finally,
the last section reviews all of the utility functions such as adjusting the telescopes slew limits and backlash compensation.
13
AAlliiggnnmmeenntt PPrroocceedduurree
In order for the NexStar to accurately point to objects in the sky, it must first be aligned to known positions (stars) in the
sky. With this information, the telescope can create a model of the sky, which it uses to locate any object with known
coordinates. There are many ways to align the NexStar with the sky depending on what information the user is able to
provide: SkyAlign uses your current date, time and city to create an accurate model of the sky. Then the user can simply
point the telescope to any three bright celestial objects to accurately align the telescope with the sky. Auto Two-Star Align
will ask the user to choose and center the first alignment star, then the NexStar will automatically select and slew to a
second star for alignment. Two-Star Alignment requires the user to identify and manually slew the telescope to the two
alignment stars. One-Star Align is the same as Two-Star Align however only requires you to align to one known star.
Although not as accurate as the other alignment methods, One-Star Align is the quickest way to find and track bright planets
and objects in Altazimuth mode. Finally, Solar System Align will display a list of visible daytime objects (planets and the
moon) available to align the telescope. Each alignment method is discussed in detail below.
Definition
"Altazimuth" or "Alt-Az" refers to a type of mounting that allows a telescope to move in both altitude (up and down) and azimuth
(left and right) with respect to the ground. This is the simplest form of mounting in which the telescope is attached directly to a
tripod.
SSkkyy AAlliiggnn
Sky Align is the easiest way to get your NexStar aligned and ready to observe. Even if you do not know a single star in the
sky, the NexStar will have you aligned in minutes by asking for basic information like the date, time and location. Then you
simply need to aim the telescope to any three bright celestial objects in the sky. Since Sky Align requires no knowledge of
the night sky it is not necessary to know the name of the stars at which you are aiming. You may even select a planet or the
moon. The NexStar is then ready to start finding and tracking any of the objects in its 4,000+ object database. Before the
telescope is ready to be aligned, it should be set up in an outside location with all accessories (eyepiece, diagonal and
finderscope) attached and lens cover removed as described in the Assembly section of the manual. To begin Sky Align:
1. Power on the NexStar by flipping the switch located on the side of the fork arm, to the "on" position. Once turned
on the hand control display will say NexStar SLT. Press ENTER to choose Sky Align. Pressing the ALIGN key
will bypass the other alignment options and the scrolling text and automatically begins Sky Align.
2. Once Sky Align has been selected, the hand control will display “Enter if OK”, “Undo to edit” and “Saved Site”.
The bottom line of the LCD will display either the current time or the time when you last used the telescope. Since
this is your first time using the NexStar , press UNDO to enter current time/site information.
The hand control display will then ask for the following information:
Location - The NexStar will display a list of cities to choose from. Choose the city from the database that is closest to
your current observing site. The city you choose will be remembered in the hand controls memory so that
it will be automatically displayed the next time an alignment is done. Alternatively, if you know the exact
longitude and latitude of your observing site, it can be entered directly into the hand control and
remembered for future use as well. To choose a location city:
Use the Up and Down scroll keys to choose between City Database and Custom Site. City Database will allow
you to select the closest city to your observing site from a list of either international or U.S. location. Custom Site
allows you to enter the exact longitude and latitude of your observing site. Select City Database and press
ENTER.
The hand control will allow you to choose from either U.S. or international locations. For a listing of U.S.
locations by state and then by city, press ENTER while United States is displayed. For international locations,
use the Up or Down scroll key to select International and press ENTER.
Use the Up and Down Scroll buttons to choose your current state (or country if International locations was
selected) from the alphabetical listing and press ENTER.
Use the Up and Down Scroll buttons to choose the closest city to your location from the displayed list and press
ENTER.
14
Helpful
Hints
Time - Enter the current time for your area. You can enter either the local time (i.e. 8:00), or you can enter military
time (i.e. 20:00).
Select PM or AM. If military time was entered, the hand control will bypass this step.
Choose between Standard time or Daylight Savings time. Use the Up and Down scroll buttons (10) to toggle
between options.
Select the time zone that you are observing from. Again, use the Up and Down buttons (10) to scroll through the
choices. For time zone information, refer to the Time Zone map in the appendix of this manual.
Date - Enter the month, day and year of your observing session. The display will read: mm/dd/yy.
• If the wrong information has been input into the hand control, the UNDO button will act as a backspace allowing
the user to re-enter information.
• The next time that your NexStar is aligned, the hand control will automatically display the last location (either a
city or longitude/latitude) that was entered. Press ENTER to accept these parameters if they still apply. Pressing
the UNDO button will allow you to go back and select a new city location or longitude/latitude.
3. Use the arrow buttons on the hand control to slew (move) the telescope towards any bright celestial object in the
sky. Align the object with the red dot of the finderscope and press ENTER.
4. If the finderscope has been properly aligned with the telescope tube, the alignment star should now be visible
inside the field of view of the eyepiece. The hand control will ask that you center the bright alignment star in the
center of the eyepiece and press the ALIGN button. This will accept the star as the first alignment position. (There
is no need to adjust the slewing rate of the motors after each alignment step. The NexStar automatically selects the
best slewing rate for aligning objects in both the finderscope and the eyepiece).
5. For the second alignment object, choose a bright star or planet as far as possible from the first alignment object.
Once again use the arrow button to center the object in the finderscope and press ENTER. Then once centered in
the eyepiece press the ALIGN button.
6. Repeat the process for the third alignment star. When the telescope has been aligned to the final stars, the display
will read "Match Confirmed". Press UNDO to display the names of the three bright objects you aligned
to, or press ENTER to accept these three objects for alignment. You are now ready to find your first object.
Tips for Using Sky Align
Remember the following alignment guidelines to make using Sky Align as simple and accurate as possible.
• Be sure to level the tripod before you begin alignment. The time/site information along with a level tripod will
help the telescope better predict the available bright stars and planets that are above the horizon.
• Remember to select alignment stars that are as far apart in the sky as possible. For best results make sure that the
third alignment star does not lie in a straight line between the first two stars. This may result in a failed alignment.
• Don’t worry about confusing planets for stars when selecting alignment objects. SkyAlign works with the four
brightest planets (Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars) as well as the Moon. In addition to the planets, the hand
control has over 80 bright alignment stars to choose from (down to 2.5 magnitude).
• Rarely SkyAlign will not be able to determine what three alignment objects were centered. This sometime
happens when a bright planet or the Moon passes near one of the brighter stars. In situations like these it is best to
try to avoid aligning to either object if possible.
• Be sure to center the objects with the same final movements as the direction of the GoTo Approach. For example,
if the scope normally finishes a GoTo with the front of the scope moving right and up, you should center all three
alignment objects in the eyepiece using the right and up arrow buttons (the up/down arrows reverse at slew rates
of 6 or lower). Approaching the star from this direction when looking through the eyepiece will eliminate much of
the backlash between the gears and assure the most accurate alignment possible.
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