Meade ETX-70AT User Manual
Instruction Manual
ETX-60AT Astro Telescope with Autostar Hand Controller
ETX-70AT Astro Telescope with Autostar Hand Controller
Meade Instruments Corporation
WARNING!
Never use a Meade®ETX®Astro
Telescope to look at the Sun!
near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye. Eye damage is
often painless, so there is no warning to the
observer that damage has occurred until it is
too late. Do not point the telescope or its
viewfinder at or near the Sun. Do not look
through the telescope or its viewfinder as it is
moving.
Children should always have adult
supervision while observing.
CAUTION: Use care to install batteries in
the orientation indicated by illustration in the
battery slots of the battery holder. Follow
battery manufacturer's precautions. Do not
install batteries backwards or mix new and
used batteries. Do not mix battery types. If
these precautions are not followed, batteries
may explode, catch fire, or leak. Improperly
installed batteries void your Meade warranty.
If you are anxious to use your telescope
for the first time,
read the QUICK-START
GUIDE on page 3.
® The name “Meade,” the Meade logo, and “ETX” are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent Office and in principal
countries throughout the world. All rights reserved.
Design: Automated Telescope - Patent No. D417881
© 2000 Meade Instruments Corporation.
Looking at or
CONTENTS
Quick-Start Guide .......................................................... 3
Telescope Features ...................................................... 4
Autostar Features .......................................................... 7
Getting Started ..............................................................10
Parts Listing ..............................................................10
How to Assemble Your Telescope ............................10
Choosing an Eyepiece..............................................10
Manual Operation Without Using Autostar................11
Manual Operation Using Autostar's Arrow Keys ......11
Moving Through Autostar’s Menus ..........................12
Initializing Autostar ....................................................12
Autostar Operation ........................................................13
Autostar Navigation Exercise....................................13
Easy Two-Star Alignment ..........................................14
Observing Exercises ......................................................15
Go To Saturn ............................................................15
Using the Guided Tour ..............................................15
Autostar Menus ..............................................................16
Complete Autostar Menu Structure ..........................16
Objects Menu............................................................16
Event Menu ..............................................................17
Glossary Menu..........................................................18
Utilities Menu ............................................................18
Setup Menu ..............................................................19
Advanced Features ........................................................21
Terrestrial and Astronomical Observing ....................21
Sidereal Rate ............................................................21
Alignment (Mount) ....................................................21
Alt/Az Alignment ..................................................21
Alt/Az Home Position ....................................21
Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment..............................21
One-Star Alt/Az Alignment ............................21
Slew Speeds........................................................22
Observing a Satellite ..........................................23
Photography with the ETX ..................................23
Optional Accessories......................................................25
Maintenance and Servicing ............................................27
Storage and Transport ........................................27
Inspecting the Optics ..........................................27
Troubleshooting ..................................................28
Meade Customer Service....................................29
Specifications ......................................................29
Appendix A: Equatorial (Polar) Alignment ......................31
Appendix B: Using Autostar to Enter Coordinates ........33
Appendix C: Helpful Charts............................................34
Appendix D: Training the Drive ......................................35
Appendix E: Initialization Example ................................36
Basic Astronomy ............................................................37
Roadmap to the Stars ....................................................39
QUICK-START GUIDE
5
6
A
B
C
1
2
3
4
A
C
D
B
A
1. Take the ETX from its packaging and place it on a
sturdy surface. Remove the cover from the battery compartment (
top of the drive base and carefully lift the 9v connector and the battery holder from the compartment. Insert six AA-size batteries into the battery
holder, oriented as shown on the battery holder.
Connect the 9v connector plug (A) to the connector (B) on the battery holder. Return the battery
holder to the battery compartment. Replace the
cover. See page 10 for more information.
20, Fig. 1, page 4) located on
B
Slew Speed:
Slow
.
.
.
Medium
.
.
.
Fast
4. Press the Speed/? key (C) to accept the Sun
warning. Keep pressing the ENTER key (A) until
"Country/State" appears on the display. (Ignore
the prompts requesting "Date" and "Time" for now
– these functions will be explained later). Use the
Scroll keys (D) to cycle through the lists of
Country/States, Cities, and Telescope Models.
Press ENTER (A) when the correct information for
each prompt displays. The display then reads
"Setup: Align." See page 11 for more information.
You can now use the Arrow keys (B) to slew
(move) the telescope up, down, right, or left. To
change the telescope’s slew speed, briefly press
the Speed/? key (C). Each press decreases the
slew speed down one level, and then will cycle
back to the fastest speed.
A
2. Make sure that the computer control panel power
switch is in the OFF position. Remove Autostar
18, Fig. 1) from the packing materials and plug it
(
into the HBX port (A).
A
3. Flip the Power Switch (A) on the computer control
panel to the ON position. The copyright message
lights on Autostar’s LCD display.
5.
Tighten (to a "firm feel" only, do not overtighten) the
vertical and horizontal locks (6, 9, Fig. 1).
5 for more information. Remove the dust cover
from the end of the telescope tube. Place the MA
25mm eyepiece (A) into the eyepiece holder on
the telescope and tighten the attachment thumbscrew (B) to a "firm feel" only. Make sure that the
flip-mirror control (C) is in the “up” position. See
page 6, for more information.
6. Sight along the side of the telescope’s main tube
to locate an object. Practice using the Autostar’s
Arrow keys to center an object in the telescope’s
field of view. Use the telescope’s focus knob (
Fig. 1) to bring the object into focus.
If you wish to observe using Autostar’s
databases, go to
Page 14 to learn how to perform an Easy Two-Star Alignment;
Page 15 for some practice observing exercises;
Page 16 to
learn about Autostar’s menus and databases.
:
See page
8,
Quick Start Guide 3
TELESCOPE FEATURES
1
21774519673
15
1416131112818910
20
A
BDC
(opposite side)
(on top of base,
not shown)
(not shown)
Fig. 1: The ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT Telescope.
4 Telescope Features
Except for the lens
123
456
789
diameter, the
Meade ETX-60AT
and the ETX-70AT
are identical; all
procedures and
descriptions in this
manual apply to
both telescopes.
CAUTION:
Using products other
than standard
Meade accessories
may cause damage
to the telescope’s
internal electronics
and may void the
Meade warranty.
ETX:Your Personal Window to the Universe
The Meade ETX-60AT and the ETX-70AT are extremely versatile, high-resolution telescopes
with features similar to those once available only with larger and more specialized imaging systems. With pushbutton controls, automatic tracking of celestial objects, and software downloading capability, an ETX telescope may be all the telescope ever required by many terrestrial and astronomical observers.
Your ETX telescope reveals nature in an ever-expanding level of detail. Observe the feather
structure of an eagle from 50 yards or study the rings of the planet Saturn from a distance of
800 million miles. Focus beyond the Solar System and observe majestic nebulae, ancient star
clusters, remote galaxies, and even stars recently discovered to have planets orbiting about
them. Meade ETX telescopes are instruments fully capable of growing with your interest and
are ideal for both the casual observer and serious astronomer alike.
Eyepiece -
in place with thumbscrew (
Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew - Tightens the eyepiece in place. Tighten to a "firm feel"
only.
90° Eyepiece Holder - Holds the eyepiece upright for easy viewing.
Optical Tube - The main optical component that gathers the light from distant objects and
brings this light to a focus for examination with the eyepiece.
Movable Objective Lens Cell - This component contains the telescope’s lenses. The
focus knob (8, Fig. 1) moves the cell for precise image focus.
Vertical Lock - Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. Turning the vertical lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely rotated by hand
about the vertical axis. Turning the vertical lock clockwise (to a "firm feel" only) prevents
the telescope from being moved manually, but engages the vertical motor drive for
Autostar operation.
Place the MA 25mm eyepiece into the 90° Eyepiece Holder (3, Fig. 1) and tighten
2, Fig.1).
NOTE: The vertical lock knob (6, Fig. 1) is a knurled knob located on the fork arm
to the right of the focus knob (8, Fig. 1). Mounted beneath the knob is a circular
scale with no numbers. Do not confuse this scale with the Dec setting circle
17, Fig. 1) on the opposite fork arm which has a numbered scale used to locate
(
astronomical objects.
CAUTION: When loosening the vertical lock, be sure to support the objective lens
5, Fig.1). The weight of the objective lens could cause the tube to swing down-
cell (
ward suddenly and damage the telescope.
Fork Arms - Hold the optical tube in place.
Focus Knob -
Moves the telescope’s objective lens (5, Fig. 1) in a finely-controlled motion
to achieve precise image focus. The ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT telescopes can be focused
on objects from a distance of about 17 ft. to infinity. Rotate the focus knob clockwise to
focus on distant objects, and counterclockwise to focus on nearby objects.
Horizontal Lock - Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the telescope. Turning the
horizontal lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope, enabling it to be freely rotated by
hand about the horizontal axis. Turning the horizontal lock clockwise prevents the telescope from being rotated manually, but engages the horizontal motor drive for Autostar
operation.
Telescope Features 5
Computer Control Panel
161718
192014
15
111213
10
A. Handbox (HBX) Port - Plug the Autostar coil cord (9, Fig. 3) into this port.
B. LED - The red power indicator light illuminates when power is supplied to
the Autostar handbox and to the telescope’s motor drive.
C. ON/OFF Switch - Turns the Computer Control Panel and Autostar ON or OFF.
Fig. 2a: Flip mirror
control in the “up”
position.
D. Auxiliary (AUX) Port -
Provides connection for current and future Meade accessories, such as the Meade “AstroFinder Software with Cable Connector Kit,” which
allows you to control your ETX from a PC. See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,”
page 25.
Base Housing - Supports the telescope for placement on a flat, level surface, such as
a tabletop or optional tripod. See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 25.
Holes for Optional Tripod (not shown, on the bottom plate) - See your tripod’s instruction sheet for mounting information.
Right Ascension (R.A.) Setting Circle - See "APPENDIX A," page 31, for detailed information.
Cellback containing Flip-Mirror and Flip-Mirror Control Knob - ETX telescopes
include an internal mirror. With the flip-mirror control in the “up” position, as shown in Fig.
, light is diverted to the eyepiece. With the flip-mirror control in the “down” position, as
2a
shown in Fig. 2b, light proceeds straight out the photo port for photography. See
“PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE ETX,” page 23.
NOTE: The flip-mirror control is in the “up” position when the control is vertical
(perpendicular to the telescope tube). To place the flip-mirror in the “down” position, turn the control counterclockwise until it stops.
Photo Port - Attach any 35mm camera with a removable lens to this port using an
optional #64ST T-Adapter or attach the #933 Erecting Prism for correctly oriented images
through the eyepiece. See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 25.
Declination (Dec) Setting Circle (on left fork arm) - See "APPENDIX A," page 31, for
detailed information.
Fig. 2b: Flip mirror
control in the “down”
position.
6 Telescope Features
Autostar with attached coil cord - See page 7 for a description of Autostar’s features.
Dust Cap - Unthread the dust cap counterclockwise from the front lens of the telescope.
NOTE: The dust cap should be replaced after each observing session and the
power turned off to the telescope. Verify that any dew that might have collected
during the observing session has evaporated prior to replacing the dust cap.
Battery Compartment - Install batteries in this compartment. See page 10 for more
information.
1
2
5
4
3
6
8
7
9
AUTOSTAR FEATURES
Fig. 3: #494 Autostar Handbox.
Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button
Control of the ETX-60AT and the ETX-70AT is through the operation of the standard-equipment
#494 Autostar. Nearly all functions of the telescope are accomplished with just a few pushes of
Autostar’s buttons. Some of the major features of Autostar are:
• Automatically move the telescope to any of the 1400 objects stored in the database or
manually enter the astronomical coordinates of any celestial object.
• Take a guided tour of the best celestial objects to view on any given night of the year.
• Download the latest satellite data and software revisions directly from the Meade website
www.meade.com) and share software with other Autostar enthusiasts. (Requires option-
(
al #506 AstroFinder™ Software and Cable Connector Kit. See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 25.)
• Access a glossary of astronomical terms.
• Calculate which eyepiece to use for optimum viewing of a celestial object.
• Mount the telescope in the “Alt/Az” mode (Altitude - Azimuth, or vertical - horizontal) for
fully automatic tracking of celestial objects using a flat, level surface, such as a tabletop,
or the optional #882 Standard Field Tripod. (See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 25.)
Autostar Features 7
The Autostar Computer Controller provides control of virtually every telescope function within
1
2
345
a compact handbox. Autostar has soft-touch keys designed to have a positive feel. The LCD
(Liquid Crystal Display) is backlit with a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) for easy viewing in the
dark. The backlit display, key arrangement, and sequential database make Autostar extremely
user friendly.
NOTE: Autostar does not require batteries; the telescope’s batteries supply power
to Autostar.
2-Line LCD Display - Provides an interface between Autostar and the telescope.
Top line: Lists the primary category or menu item.
•
• Bottom line: Contains a menu option or information about an object or subject,
depending on which function is being performed.
ENTER Key - Accesses, in a sequential manner, the next menu or data level in the
Autostar database. See “MOVING THROUGH AUTOSTAR'S MENUS,” page 12 and
“AUTOSTAR’S MENUS,” page 16.
NOTE: If ENTER is pressed for two seconds or more and then released, Autostar
emits a beep and “ENTER to Sync” is displayed. "ENTER to Sync" is relevant only
after the telescope has been aligned and is pointing at an object. If the "ENTER to
Sync" feature is accessed by mistake, press MODE to return to the previous
screen. See “HIGH PRECISION,” page 20, for more details about this feature.
MODE Key - Returns to the previous menu or data level in the Autostar database until the
top level, “Select Item," is reached. The MODE key is similar to the ESCAPE key on a computer.
NOTE: Pressing MODE while in the “Select Item” level moves Autostar to the topmost screen: “Select Item: Object.”
NOTE:
Throughout this manual, you will notice
the term "Alt/Az."
Alt/Az is frequently
used to refer to altitude or horizontal
and azimuth or vertical. Alt/Az is just one
of many methods
used by amateur
astronomers to help
locate stars in the
night sky.
NOTE: If MODE is pressed and held for two seconds or more, the following information is then available using the Scroll keys (6 and 7, Fig. 3):
• Right Ascension and Declination (astronomical) coordinates (see "APPENDIX A")
• Altitude (vertical) and Azimuth (horizontal) coordinates
• Local Time and Local Sidereal Time (LST)
• Timer and Alarm Status
Press MODE again to return to the previous menu.
GO TO Key - Slews (moves) the telescope to the coordinates of the currently selected
object. While the telescope is slewing, the operation may be aborted at any time by pressing any key except GO TO. Pressing GO TO again resumes the slew to the object.
Arrow Keys - Slew the telescope in a specific direction (up, down, left, and right), at any
one of nine different speeds. Speed selection is explained in “SLEW SPEEDS,” page 22.
The following functions are also available with the Arrow keys:
• Data Entry - Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to scroll through the letters of
the alphabet and numerical digits. The Down Arrow key starts with the letter "A"
and the Up Arrow key starts with the digit "9." The Left and Right Arrow keys are
used to move the blinking cursor left and right across the LCD display.
Alt/Az Alignment - Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move the telescope
•
vertically up and down. The Left Arrow key rotates the telescope horizontally
counterclockwise, while the Right Arrow key rotates it clockwise.
8 Autostar Features
6
789
TIPS
FOR BEGINNERS
Scroll Keys - Accesses database options within a selected menu. The menu is displayed
on the first line of the screen. Options within the menu are displayed, one at a time, on the
second line. Press the Scroll keys to move through the options. Press and hold a Scroll
key to move quickly through the options.
The Scroll keys also scroll through the letters of the alphabet and numerical digits.
NOTE: The Scroll Down key and the Down Arrow key move forward through the
alphabet & digits (A to Z, 0 to 9). The Scroll Up key and the Up Arrow key move
backward (Z to A, 9 to 0). Common symbols are also available in the list.
Speed/? Key - Pressing the Speed/? key cycles through the nine slew speeds that move
the telescope. Each time the Speed/? key is pressed briefly, the current slew speed is
shown for about two seconds on the display. See “SLEW SPEEDS,” page 22.
The Speed/? key also accesses the "Help" file. "Help" provides on-screen information on
how to accomplish whatever task is currently active.
NOTE: Pressing the Speed/? key very briefly changes the slew speed. Holding
down the Speed/? key longer (one to two seconds) accesses the Help function.
Hold down the Speed/? key and then follow the prompts on the display to access details
of Autostar functions in the Help feature. The Help system is essentially an on-screen
instruction manual.
If you have a question about an Autostar operation,
e.g., INITIALIZATION, ALIGNMENT,
etc., hold down the Speed/? key and follow the directions that scroll on the second line of
the LCD screen. When a word appears in [brackets], press ENTER to access the Autostar
Glossary. A definition or more detailed information is displayed. Press MODE to return to
the scrolling Autostar Help display.
When satisfied with the Help provided, press MODE to return to the original screen and
continue with the chosen procedure.
Coil Cord - Plug the Autostar coil
cord into the HBX port (10A, Fig. 1)
of the computer control panel of the
telescope.
Join an Astronomy Club
Attend a Star Party
One of the fun ways to learn about astronomy is to
join an astronomy club. Check your local newspaper, school, library, or telescope dealer/store to find
out if there’s a club in your area.
At club meetings, you will meet other astronomy
enthusiasts with whom you will be able to share
your discoveries. Clubs are an excellent way to
learn more about observing the sky, to find out
where the best observing sites are, and to compare
notes about telescopes, eyepieces, filters, tripods,
and so forth.
Often, club members are excellent astrophotographers. Not only will you be able to see examples of
their art, but you may even be able to pick up some
“tricks of the trade” to try out on your ETX telescope. See page 23 for more information about
photography with the ETX.
Many groups also hold regularly scheduled Star
Parties at which you can check out and observe
with many different telescopes and other pieces of
astronomical equipment. Magazines such as
Telescope and Astronomy print schedules for many
popular Star Parties around the United States and
Canada.
Sky &
Autostar Features 9
2
1
3
Fig. 4: View of the
scope
showing six AA-size
batteries mounted inside the
battery compartment:
(1) Battery Compartment
(2) Battery Holder
(3) 9v Connector
(4) Battery Holder Connector
ETX tele-
GETTING STARTED
Parts Listing
Getting the telescope ready for first observations requires only a few minutes. When first opening the packing box, note carefully the following parts:
• The ETX Astro Telescope with fork mount system.
• #494 Autostar handbox with attached coil cord.
• MA 25mm and MA 9mm eyepieces, each packed in a plastic storage container.
• Hex-wrench, packed with the instruction manual. See “GENERAL MAINTENANCE,”
page 27.
How to Assemble Your Telescope
Assembly of the ETX telescope requires only six AA-size (user-supplied) batteries and a few, simple steps:
1. The telescope’s battery compartment (
the battery compartment by lifting the release latch and pulling it away from the drive base.
2. Remove the battery holder from the compartment and carefully lift the 9v connector out
from the compartment. Take care not to accidentally detach the wires of the battery connector from the base. Whenever you replace the batteries, to safeguard the wires, dis-
4
connect the 9v connector from the battery holder before removing the batteries.
3. Insert six AA-size batteries into the battery holder, oriented as shown on the diagram on
the battery slots of the battery holder. Insert the center battery on each side last for easier installation. Connect the 9v connector plug to the battery holder. Carefully replace the
battery holder back into the battery compartment. Replace the cover.
CAUTION: Use care to install batteries as indicated by the battery compartment.
Follow battery manufacturer's precautions. Do not install batteries backwards or
mix new and used batteries. Do not mix battery types. If these precautions are not
followed, batteries may explode, catch fire, or leak. Improperly installed batteries
void your Meade warranty. Always remove the batteries if they are not to be used
for a long period of time.
1, Fig. 4) is located on top of the drive base. Open
Fig.5: MA 25mm and
MA 9mm eyepieces.
4. Be certain that the power switch on the computer control panel (10C, Fig. 1) is in the OFF
position. Plug the coil cord of the Autostar Controller into the HBX port (10A, Fig. 1).
NOTE: Autostar does not require batteries; the telescope’s batteries supply power
to Autostar.
5. Remove the MA 25mm eyepiece (1, Fig. 1) from its container and place it in the eyepiece
holder (3, Fig. 1). Tighten the thumbscrew (2, Fig. 1) to a "firm feel" only. Unscrew the dust
cover counterclockwise to remove it from the telescope.
Basic assembly of the telescope is now complete.
Choosing an Eyepiece
A telescope’s eyepiece magnifies the image formed by the telescope’s main optics. Each eyepiece has a focal length, expressed in millimeters, or “mm.” The smaller the focal length, the
higher the magnification. For example, an eyepiece with a focal length of 9mm has a higher
magnification than an eyepiece with a focal length of 25mm.
Your telescope comes supplied with two standard eyepieces. The MA 25mm eyepiece gives a
wide, comfortable field of view with high image resolution, while the MA 9mm eyepiece provides a smaller field of view but higher magnification when seeing conditions permit.
Low power eyepieces offer a wide field of view, bright, high-contrast images, and eye relief during long observing sessions. To find an object with a telescope, always start with a low power
eyepiece such as the MA 25mm. When the object is located and centered in the eyepiece, you
may wish to switch to a higher power eyepiece to enlarge the image as much as practical for
prevailing seeing conditions.
NOTE: Seeing conditions vary widely from night-to-night and site-to-site.Turbulence
in the air, even on an apparently clear night, can distort images. If an image
appears fuzzy and ill-defined, back off to a lower power eyepiece for a more wellresolved image (
Fig. 7a and 7b).
10 Getting Started
TIPS
FOR BEGINNERS
NOTE:
For a list of magnification ratings of the eyepieces available for
the ETX-60AT and
ETX-70AT telescopes,
see "OPTIONAL
ACCESSORIES,"
page 25.
Fig. 6: Autostar's Arrow
keys.
NOTE:
Autostar requests the
Country/State, City,
and Telescope Model
information only the
first time Autostar is
activated. If you wish to
change this information, use the "Site" and
"Telescope Model"
options in the Setup
menu.
The power, or magnification of a telescope is determined by the focal length of the telescope
and the focal length of the eyepiece being used. To calculate eyepiece power, divide the telescope's focal length by the eyepiece's focal length.
E.g., a 25mm eyepiece is used with the
ETX-60AT. The focal length of the ETX-60AT is 350mm (see "SPECIFICATIONS," page 29).
Eyepiece Power =
Telescope Focal Length 350mm
Eyepiece Focal Length 25mm
=
= 14X
The eyepiece power, or magnification is therefore 14x.
Manual Operation of the Telescope without Autostar
If you wish to observe a distant land object, such as a mountain top or a bird, you can observe
by merely pointing the telescope and looking through the eyepiece. Set the telescope on a table
top or tripod, loosen the horizontal and vertical locks (
6 and 9, Fig. 1), and turn the telescope
towards the object you wish to observe. Sight along the top of the tube until you find the object.
When the object appears in the eyepiece, focus the image using the by turning the focus knob
(
8, Fig. 1). Rotate the knob clockwise to focus on distant objects and counterclockwise to focus
on nearby objects.
You can also observe stars and objects in the night sky using this method, but note that objects
begin to slowly drift across the eyepiece field. This motion is caused by the rotation of the Earth.
As you become familiar with Autostar operation, you can counteract the drift using the automatic tracking feature in the Setup menu (see "TO TRACK AN OBJECT AUTOMATICALLY,"
page 20), or by using Autostar's GO TO capabilities (see "GO TO SATURN," page 15).
Manual Operation of the Telescope Using Autostar's Arrow Keys
You may also observe land and astronomical objects using Autostar's Arrow keys.
If you have not already done so, prepare your telescope following the steps described in "HOW
TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE," page 10. Next, flip the On/Off Switch (
computer control panel to the ON position. The copyright message lights on Autostar’s display.
Press the Speed/? key (
8, Fig. 3) to accept the Sun warning. The "Getting Started" message
displays. Keep pressing the ENTER key (A) until "Country/State" appears on the display.
(Ignore the prompts requesting "Date" and "Time" for now – these functions will be explained
later in the manual).
Use the Scroll keys (D) to cycle through
the database of countries/states. Press
ENTER (A) when your location displays.
Next, use the Scroll keys (D) to scroll to
the nearest city to your observing site
and press ENTER. Next, use the Scroll
keys (D) to scroll to your telescope
model and press ENTER. The display
then reads "Setup: Align."
You can now use the Arrow keys (5, Fig.
3) to slew (move) the telescope up,
down, right, or left. To change the telescope’s slew speed, briefly press the
Speed/? key (8, Fig. 3). Each press
decreases the slew speed down one
level, and then cycles back to the fastest
speed. See page 22 for more information.
Tighten (to a "firm feel" only, do not overtighten) the vertical and horizontal locks
(
6 and 9, Fig. 1). Sight along the side of
the telescope’s main tube to locate an
object and practice using the Autostar’s
Arrow keys to center the object in the
Can you ever have too much power? If the type of
power you’re referring to is eyepiece magnification,
yes, you can! The most common mistake of the
beginning observer is to “overpower” his or her telescope by using high magnifications which the telescope’s aperture and atmospheric conditions can
not reasonably support. Keep in mind that a smaller, but bright and well-resolved image is far superior to one that is larger, but dim and poorly resolved
(see below). Powers above 110X should be
employed only under the steadiest atmospheric
conditions.
Autostar can calculate the best eyepiece for you to
use. Try out the “Eyepiece Calc” feature in the
Utilities menu.
Most observers should have three or four additional eyepieces to achieve the full range of reasonable
magnifications possible with the ETX telescopes.
See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 25.
Too Much Power?
telescope’s field of view. Use the telescope’s focus knob (
8, Fig. 1) to bring
the object into focus.
This procedure demonstrates just a very
small part of Autostar's capabilities. In the
next section of this manual, you will begin
to learn how to make use of Autostar's
extensive and powerful features.
Fig. 7a & b: Jupiter; example of too much magnification.
10, Fig. 1) on the
Getting Started 11
Initialization is a procedure that ensures
that Autostar operates correctly. When
you first use Autostar,
it doesn't yet know
where the observation location site is or
the time or date of
the observation session.
During the procedure,
you will enter information, such as the
current time and date,
observation location,
and telescope model.
Autostar uses this
information to precisely calculate the
location of celestial
objects (such as stars
and planets) and how
to move your telescope correctly for
various operations.
Moving Through Autostar’s Menus
The Autostar database is organized in levels for quick and easy navigation.
• Press ENTER to go deeper into Autostar's menu levels.
• Press MODE to move back toward the top menu level.
• Press the Scroll keys to move up and down through the options available for
each level.
• Press the Arrow keys to enter characters and digits.
The Arrow keys are also used to move the telescope.
Initializing Autostar
This section describes how to initialize Autostar. Perform this procedure the first time you use
Autostar or after performing a RESET. An example of this procedure is presented in
"APPENDIX E," page 36.
1. Make sure that the vertical and horizontal locks (
on page 5.
2. Verify that Autostar is properly connected to your telescope. See “HOW
YOUR TELESCOPE,”
3. Flip the telescope power switch to the ON position.
The Autostar screen is activated and a copyright message displays briefly, followed by a
short beep. Then Autostar takes a few moments to start up the system.
4. A message displays that warns not to look at the Sun. At the end of this message, press
the Speed/? key to signify that the message has been read and understood.
5. The Getting Started menu displays a scrolling message with two choices:
a. Hold down the Speed/? key (
When finished, press MODE (
cedure, or,
b. Press ENTER (
6. Autostar then requests the current date. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys (
enter the digits for the date. Use the Right Arrow key (
to the next in the day display, and also to move to the month. Then, use the Scroll keys (
and 7, Fig. 3
When the
Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to enter all four digits of the current year. Press ENTER
when the date has been entered.
7. Autostar then requests the current time. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to enter the
time. (Use a "0" for the first digit if less than 10.
from one number to the next. Press one of the Arrow keys (
"PM." If you select the "blank" choice that follows "AM" and "PM," the clock displays time
in a 24-hour (military time) format. Then, press ENTER to start the clock.
NOTE: When multiple choices are available within a menu option, the current option
is usually displayed first and highlighted by a right pointing Arrow (>).
) to cycle through the list of months.
current month is displayed, use the Right Arrow (5, Fig. 3) to move to the year.
page 10.
8, Fig. 3) for information on Autostar functions and controls.
3, Fig.3) to exit Help and to return to the Getting Started pro-
2, Fig. 3) to bypass the Help tutorial and continue with initialization.
6 and 9, Fig. 1) are secured as described
TO ASSEMBLE
5, Fig. 3) to
5, Fig. 3) to move from one number
) Use the Right (or Left) Arrow key to move
5, Fig. 3) to scroll to "AM" or
6
12 Getting Started
8. The next screen requests the status of Daylight Savings Time. Pressing a Scroll key toggles 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.
9. The next screen asks for the Country or State (listed alphabetically) of the observing site.
Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the database of countries, states, and provinces.
Press ENTER when the correct location displays.
10. The next screen asks for the city (listed alphabetically) closest to the observing site. Use
the Scroll keys to cycle through the database of cities. Press ENTER when the correct city
appears on screen.
11. The next screen asks for the telescope model. Use the Scroll keys to locate ETX-60 or
ETX-70. Press ENTER to select the appropriate model.
12. System initialization is complete and the screen reads "Setup: Align".
Loading...