Observe A Star Using Automatic Tracking; Automatic Alignment - Meade LX90 Instruction Manual

Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature
NOTE:
In this example, the AutoStar Arrow keys are used to find a star, and then AutoStar's tracking
AutoStar requests the
capability automatically keeps the star centered in your telescope's eyepiece.
Zip Code or the
Country/State, City,
1.
and Telescope Model
2.
information only the
first time AutoStar is
activated. If you wish
3.
to change this
information, use the
"Site" and "Telescope
Model" options in the
4.
Setup menu. See
page 30 for more
5.
information.
6.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
7.
While performing the
automatic tracking
procedure, only use
8.
the Arrow keys to
move the telescope.
Once the telescope
has been set in the
Alt/Az home position,
do not loosen the
telescope locks (6
and 9, Fig. 1), or
move the base
9.
manually, or alignment
will be lost.

Automatic Alignment

IMPORTANT NOTE:
After initializing, AutoStar will automatically align your telescope for you. AutoStar is in the alt/az
The "Telescope: Mount"
mode (see the margin Note to the left) by default the first time you power it on, so you do not
option of the Setup
need to select this mode. If you wish to align your telescope in the equatorial (polar) mode, see
menu is set to "Alt/Az" as
the default alignment by
"
EQUATORIAL ALIGNMENT
the factory.The example
During automatic alignment, AutoStar automatically detects the level position and the tilt of your
presented in this section
telescope, and also determines North (note that the telescope may not be pointing North
assumes that you are
while it does so).
performing an alignment
procedure for the first
After determining North, AutoStar picks two stars from its database. AutoStar moves the
time with your telescope
telescope to the first alignment star and the user is asked to center the star in the
and therefore, the
eyepiece. The process is then repeated with a second star to complete the alignment. The
"Telescope: Mount"
option does not need to following explains in detail how to perform the alt/az automatic alignment procedure.
be selected. For
How to perform the Automatic Alignment procedure
information on equatorial
(Polar) alignment, see
1.
"APPENDIX A," page 46.
2.
3 . Star Alignment: Next, AutoStar continues to move the telescope (you don't need to press
Make sure that the Dec and R.A. locks (6 and 9, Fig. 1) are secured as described above.
Verify that AutoStar is properly connected to your telescope. See "HOW TO ASSEMBLE
YOUR TELESCOPE," page 13.
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.
A message displays that warns not to look at the Sun. At the end of this message, press
the key prompted by AutoStar to signify that the message has been read and understood.
Press ENTER (2, Fig. 2) repeatedly until "Setup: Align" displays.
Press the Scroll Down key repeatedly until "Setup: Targets" displays. Press ENTER
(2, Fig. 2).
"Targets: Terrestrial" displays. Press one of the Scroll keys once (7, Fig. 2). "Targets:
Astronomical" now displays.
Use the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 2) to locate a bright star in the night sky. Use SmartFinder
(15, Fig. 1) and /or the viewfinder (1, Fig. 20) to help line up on the star. You may choose
any unobstructed, bright star for the purposes of this example. Use AutoStar's Arrow keys
to center the star in the eyepiece. Once the star is centered, press ENTER to select
"Astronomical." The telescope's tracking motors then engage. It may take the tracking
motors several seconds to begin tracking. When they do, it may be necessary to once
again center the star in the eyepiece. The tracking motors will then keep the star you have
chosen in the center of the eyepiece.
Press and hold the ENTER key for a few seconds and then release to stop tracking. You
may repeat the procedure to locate another star or object using the Arrow keys. Then press
ENTER to re-engage the tracking motors.
," page 46.
No Home Position: AutoStar displays a message that prompts users of some telescope
models to set their telescopes in the home position. However, the LX-90 has no home
position, so you may start alignment with your telescope in any position you wish.
Level, Tilt and Find North: Next your telescope begins to move. AutoStar moves your
telescope so that it can calculate the level position and tilt of your telescope, and also
calculate the location of True North. While it is performing these functions, the following
messages will appear on AutoStar's display: "Calc Level," "Calc North" and "Calc Tilt."
Note: During this step in the procedure, the telescope may not become level or
actually point to North. AutoStar is merely moving the telescope about so that it can
calculate these positions.
any buttons) in order
display a name of a star and the word "Slewing" as it moves to the first star. It will then
prompt you to center the star.
to choose two stars
19
for alignment. AutoStar will