Celestron NexStar GPS Instruction Manual
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Celestron NexStar GPS Instruction Manual

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Summary of Contents for Celestron NexStar GPS

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    INTRODUCTION ....................................4 ......................................4 ARNING QUICK SETUP ..................................... 5 ASSEMBLY......................................8 ................................8 SSEMBLING THE Setting Up The Tripod ..................................8 Adjusting the Tripod Height ................................9 Vibration Suppression Pads................................9 Attaching the NexStar to the Tripod ............................. 10 Attaching the Hand Control................................
  • Page 3 The Celestial Coordinate System ..............................28 Motion of the Stars ..................................29 Polar Alignment (with optional Wedge) ............................30 Calibrating Level..................................30 EQ Alignment Procedure ................................. 30 Finding the North Celestial Pole ..............................31 Latitude Scale Polar Alignment Method ..........................32 Pointing at Polaris Method of Polar Alignment........................

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Congratulations on your purchase of the Celestron NexStar GPS telescope! The NexStar GPS ushers in the next generation of computer automated telescopes. The NexStar GPS series, for the first time ever in a commercial telescope, uses GPS (Global Positioning System) technology to take the guesswork and effort out of aligning and finding celestial objects in the sky.

  • Page 5: Quick Setup

    Carrying Center Leg Handle Brace Tripod Head Carrying Handle Tension Knob Mounting Extension Bolt Drive Base Clamp Positioning With the tripod set up outside, lift the telescope by the Place the center leg brace between the tripod legs carrying handle on each fork arm and carefully lower it tighten the tension knob so that the brace onto the tripod head.
  • Page 6 12v DC On/Off Power Once powered on, the NexStar will display Switch NexStar GPS NexStar GPS NexStar GPS NexStar GPS , press ENTER to select GPS alignment. The NexStar will automatically find its North and Level position and retrieve information Plug-in the supplied 12v AC adapter into the outlet from the GPS satellites.
  • Page 7 Figure 2 – The NexStar GPS Control Panel (see below) Optical Tube Focus Knob Schmidt Corrector Lens Star Diagonal Hand Control Eyepiece Fork Arm Finderscope Carrying Handle Finderscope Adjustment Screw Tripod CONTROL PANEL Auxiliary Port 2 PC Interface Port 12v Output Jack...

  • Page 8: Assembly

    For maximum rigidity, the Celestron Heavy Duty Tripod has a leg support bracket. This bracket fits snugly against the tripod legs, increasing stability while reducing vibration and flexure. However, the tripod is shipped with each arm of the leg support bracket in between the legs so the tripod legs can collapse.

  • Page 9: Adjusting The Tripod Height

    Tripod Head Central Column Leg Support Bracket Tension Knob Leg Clamp Figure 3-1 A A A A d d d d j j j j u u u u s s s s t t t t i i i i n n n n g g g g t t t t...

  • Page 10: Attaching The Nexstar To The Tripod

    A A A A t t t t t t t t a a a a c c c c h h h h i i i i n n n n g g g g t t t t h h h h e e e e N N N N...

  • Page 11: Adjusting The Clutches

    The NexStar GPS has a dual axis clutch system. This allows you to move the telescope manually even when the telescope is not powered on. However, both clutches need to be tightened down for the telescope to be aligned for "goto" use. Any manual movement of the telescope will invalidate your telescope's alignment.

  • Page 12: The Finderscope

    The NexStar GPS comes with a 9x50 finderscope which has an 5.8° field-of-view. The specifications for a finderscope stand for the magnification and the aperture, in millimeters, of the scope. So, a 9x50 finder magnifies objects nine times and has a...

  • Page 13: Aligning The Finderscope

    The NexStar can be powered by the supplied 12v AC adapter or optional car battery adapter (see Optional Accessories section in the back of this manual). Use only the AC adapter supplied by Celestron. Using any other adapter may damage the electronics and will void your manufacturer's warranty.

  • Page 14: Hand Control

    The NexStar has a removable hand controller built into the side of the fork arm designed to give you instant access to all the functions the NexStar has to offer. With automatic slewing to over 40,000 objects, and common sense menu descriptions, even a beginner can master its variety of features in just a few observing sessions.

  • Page 15: Hand Control Operation

    Earth with an accuracy of a few meters and calculates universal time down to the second. After quickly making all these calculations and automatically entering the information for you, the NexStar GPS orients itself with the...
  • Page 16 Power on the NexStar by flipping the switch located on the A Few Words on GPS: bottom portion of the drive base, to the "on" position. Once turned on the hand control display will say NexStar GPS NexStar GPS. NexStar GPS...

  • Page 17: Auto-Align

    Auto-Align Alternatively, if you are observing at a location where it is difficult to establish a link with the proper satellites, AutoAlign will allow the user to input the necessary information needed to align the telescope. After choosing AutoAlign and moving the telescope into the north and level position, the NexStar will ask you to input first the date and time information then it will ask for your location.

  • Page 18: Quick-Align

    The SELECT STAR 1 SELECT STAR 1 SELECT STAR 1 SELECT STAR 1 message will appear in the top row of the display. Use the Up and Down scroll keys (10) to select the star you wish to use for the first alignment star. Press ENTER. NexStar then asks you to center in the eyepiece the alignment star you selected.

  • Page 19: Object Catalog

    The display will then ask you which alignment star you want to replace. Use the UP and Down scroll keys to select the alignment star to be replaced. It is usually best to replace the star closest to the new object. This will space out your alignment stars across the sky. Press ALIGN to make the change.

  • Page 20: Tour Mode

    T T T T o o o o u u u u r r r r M M M M o o o o d d d d e e e e T T T T o o o o u u u u r r r r M M M M...

  • Page 21: Tracking Rate

    Alt-Az This is the default tracking rate and is used when the telescope is placed on a flat surface or tripod without the use of an equatorial wedge. The telescope must be aligned with two stars before it can track in altazimuth (Alt-Az).

  • Page 22: Get Ra/Dec

    desired object is centered in the eyepiece, simply scroll to the "Save Sky Obj" Save Sky Obj" Save Sky Obj" Save Sky Obj" command and press ENTER. The display will ask you to enter a number between 1-25 to identify the object. Press ENTER again to save this object to the database.

  • Page 23: Slew Limits

    To set the anti-backlash value, scroll down to the anti-backlash option and press ENTER. Enter a value from 0-100 for both azimuth and altitude and press ENTER after each one to save these values. NexStar will remember these values and use them each time it is turned on until they are changed.
  • Page 24 N exS tar R eady M ENU A LIG NM ENT LIST T R ACK ING G PS ALIG N M E NT N A M E D S T A R N A M E D O B J E C T D O U B L E S T A R M ODE S E A R C H IN G ..

  • Page 25: Telescope Basics

    A telescope is an instrument that collects and focuses light. The nature of the optical design determines how the light is focused. Some telescopes, known as refractors, use lenses. Other telescopes, known as reflectors, use mirrors. The Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system (or Schmidt-Cass for short) uses a combination of mirrors and lenses and is referred to as a compound or catadioptric telescope.

  • Page 26: Focusing

    .66° by 52.5. This produces a linear field width of 34.7 feet at a distance of one thousand yards. The apparent field of each eyepiece that Celestron manufactures is found in the Celestron Accessory Catalog...

  • Page 27: General Observing Hints

    G G G G e e e e n n n n e e e e r r r r a a a a l l l l O O O O b b b b s s s s e e e e r r r r v v v v...

  • Page 28: Astronomy Basics

    Up to this point, this manual covered the assembly and basic operation of your NexStar telescope. However, to understand your telescope more thoroughly, you need to know a little about the night sky. This section deals with observational astronomy in general and includes information on the night sky and polar alignment. T T T T h h h h e e e e...

  • Page 29: Motion Of The Stars

    M M M M o o o o t t t t i i i i o o o o n n n n o o o o f f f f t t t t h h h h e e e e S S S S t t t t...

  • Page 30: Polar Alignment (With Optional Wedge)

    The following is an starts at the North celestial pole and ends at the South overview of the polar alignment procedure for the NexStar GPS: celestial pole and passes through the zenith. If you are...

  • Page 31: Finding The North Celestial Pole

    With the NexStar set up outside and attached to an equatorial wedge, rotate the tripod so that the fork arms are pointed towards north (see figure 6-3). Power on the telescope and scroll through the alignment choices until EQ North Align (or South for the southern hemisphere) is displayed and press ENTER.

  • Page 32: Latitude Scale Polar Alignment Method

    Figure 6-6 The two stars in the front of the bowl of the Big Dipper point to Polaris which is less than one degree from the true (north) celestial pole. Cassiopeia, the “W” shaped constellation, is on the opposite side of the pole from the Big Dipper. The North Celestial Pole (N.C.P.) is marked by the “+”...

  • Page 33: Declination Drift Method Of Polar Alignment

    Remember, while polar aligning, do NOT move the telescope in R.A. or DEC. You do not want to move the telescope itself, but the polar axis. The telescope is used simply to see where the polar axis is pointing. You adjust the telescope by moving the wedge and/or tripod. Once Polaris is in the finder it should also be centered in the telescope.

  • Page 34: Celestial Observing

    See the "Seeing Conditions" section later in this section. • To increase contrast and bring out detail on the planetary surface, try using Celestron eyepiece filters.

  • Page 35: Observing The Sun

    O O O O b b b b s s s s e e e e r r r r v v v v i i i i n n n n g g g g t t t t h h h h e e e e S S S S...

  • Page 36: Seeing

    polluted areas by blocking unwanted light while transmitting light from certain deep sky objects. You can, on the other hand, observe planets and stars from light polluted areas or when the Moon is out. S S S S e e e e e e e e i i i i n n n n...

  • Page 37: Celestial Photography

    Short exposure prime focus photography is the best way to begin recording celestial objects. It is done with the camera attached to the telescope without an eyepiece or camera lens in place. To attach your camera you need the Celestron T- Adapter (#93633-A) and a T-Ring for your specific camera (i.e., Minolta, Nikon, Pentax, etc.).

  • Page 38: Eyepiece Projection

    Center the Moon in the field of your NexStar telescope. Focus the telescope by turning the focus knob until the image is sharp. Set the shutter speed to the appropriate setting (see table below). Trip the shutter using a cable release. Advance the film and repeat the process.

  • Page 39: Long Exposure Prime Focus Photography

    To accomplish this you need a guiding ocular with an illuminated reticle to monitor your guide star. For this purpose, Celestron offers the Micro Guide Eyepiece (#94171) Here is a brief summary of the technique.

  • Page 40: Periodic Error Correction (Pec)

    Polar align the telescope using an optional equatorial wedge. To polar align the NexStar you must select EQ North Align (or EO South Align) from the alignment options. For more information on polar aligning, see the Polar Alignment section earlier in the manual. Remove all visual accessories.

  • Page 41: Terrestrial Photography

    Note: When recording PEC only the photo guide rates (rates 1 and 2) will be operational. This eliminates the possibility of moving the telescope suddenly while recording. To begin recording the drive's periodic error, press the MENU button and select PEC from the Utilities menu. Use the Up/Down scroll buttons to display the Record option and press ENTER.

  • Page 42: Metering

    Fastar Lens Assembly Option – Using your NEXSTAR GPS telescope at f/2 with optional Fastar Lens Assembly The NexStar GPS telescope is equipped with a removable secondary mirror that allows you to convert your f/10 telescope into an f/2 imaging system capable of exposure times 25 times shorter than those needed with a f/10 system! With the optional Fastar lens assembly you can easily convert your Fastar compatible telescope to f/2 prime focus use in a matter of seconds.
  • Page 43 The NexStar 8 has a focal length of 80 inches and a diameter of 8 inches, also making it an f/10 optical system. When the secondary is removed and the CCD camera is placed at the Fastar position, the system becomes f/2, this is a unique feature to some Celestron telescopes (see figures below). Fastar L ens Assem bl...

  • Page 44: Fastar F/2 Imaging

    exposure time needed about 25 times shorter than at f/10, the field of view 5 times larger and the object size 1/5 compared to that of f/10. (see Table below) Telescope Standard With Reducer/Corrector With Fastar Lens Model Cassegrain f/10 f/6.3 Accessory f/2 NexStar 8 GPS...

  • Page 45: Auto Guiding

    Auto Guiding The NexStar GPS has a designated auto guiding port for use with a CCD autoguider. The diagram below may be useful when connecting the CCD camera cable to the NexStar and calibrating the autoguider. Note that the four outputs are active-low, with internal pull-ups and are capable of sinking 25 mA DC.

  • Page 46: Telescope Maintenance

    This will prevent contaminants from entering the optical tube. Internal adjustments and cleaning should be done only by the Celestron repair department. If your telescope is in need of internal cleaning, please call the factory for a return authorization number and price quote.
  • Page 47 Figure 9-2 -- Even though the star pattern appears the same on both sides of focus, they are asymmetric. The dark obstruction is skewed off to the left side of the diffraction pattern indicating poor collimation. To accomplish this, you need to tighten the secondary collimation screw(s) that move the star across the field toward the direction of the skewed light.

  • Page 48: Optional Accessories

    Celestron offers SMA eyepieces in 1-1/4" sizes in the following focal lengths: 6mm, 10mm, 12mm, 17mm and 25mm.
  • Page 49 Planisphere (#93720) - A simple and inexpensive tool for all levels of observers, from naked eye viewers to users of highly sophisticated telescopes. The Celestron Planisphere makes it easy to locate stars for observing and is a great planet finder as well.
  • Page 50 Sky Maps (#93722) - Celestron Sky Maps are the ideal teaching guide for learning the night sky. You wouldn’t set off on a road trip without a road map, and you don’t need to try to navigate the night sky without a map either. Even if you already know your way around the major constellations, these maps can help you locate all kinds of fascinating objects.

  • Page 51: Appendix A - Technical Specifications

    Appendix A - Technical Specifications Optical Specification NexStar 8 GPS NexStar 11 GPS Design Schmidt-Cassegrain Catadioptric Schmidt-Cassegrain Catadioptric Aperture 8" (203.2mm) 11" (279mm) Focal Length 2032mm 2800mm F/ratio of the Optical System Primary Mirror: Material Fine Annealed Pyrex Fine Annealed Pyrex Coatings Starbright Coatings - 5 step multi-layer process Starbright Coatings - 5 step multi-layer...

  • Page 52: Appendix B - Glossary Of Terms

    Appendix B - Glossary of Terms Absolute magnitude The apparent magnitude that a star would have if it were observed from a standard distance of 10 parsecs, or 32.6 light-years. The absolute magnitude of the Sun is 4.8. at a distance of 10 parsecs, it would just be visible on Earth on a clear moonless night away from surface light.
  • Page 53 Jovian Planets Any of the four gas giant planets that are at a greater distance form the sun than the terrestrial planets. Kuiper Belt A region beyond the orbit of Neptune extending to about 1000 AU which is a source of many short period comets.
  • Page 54 telescope at this rate. The rate is 15 arc seconds per second or 15 degrees per hour. Terminator The boundary line between the light and dark portion of the moon or a planet. Universe The totality of astronomical things, events, relations and energies capable of being described objectively.

  • Page 55: Appendix C - Longitudes And Latitudes

    LONGITUDE LATITUDE LONGITUDE LATITUDE LONGITUDE LATITUDE degrees degrees degrees degrees degrees degrees ALABAMA Blythe 43.2 37.2 Shelter Cove Anniston 34.8 Burbank 22.2 Siskiyou 28.2 46.8 Auburn 26.4 40.2 Campo 28.2 37.2 Stockton Birmingham 34.2 Carlsbad 16.8 Superior Val 19.8 Centreville Castle AFB 34.2 22.8...
  • Page 56 LONGITUDE LATITUDE LONGITUDE LATITUDE LONGITUDE LATITUDE degrees degrees degrees degrees degrees degrees Melbourne 37.8 Glenview 49.2 Grand Isle 10.8 Miami 16.8 49.2 High Island Naples Kankakee Houma 34.2 Nasa Shuttle 40.8 37.2 Macomb 39.6 31.2 Intercoastal 43.8 Orlando 19.2 25.8 Marion Lafayette Panama City...
  • Page 57 LONGITUDE LATITUDE LONGITUDE LATITUDE LONGITUDE LATITUDE degrees degrees degrees degrees degrees degrees NEBRASKA Wurtsmith Santa Fe 37.2 Ypsilanti 31.8 13.8 Ainsworth 58.8 34.8 Silver City 10.2 37.8 MINNESOTA Alliance Socorro Albert Lea 22.2 40.8 Beatrice 19.2 Taos 34.2 25.2 Alexandria 22.8 52.2 Broken Bow...
  • Page 58 LONGITUDE LATITUDE LONGITUDE LATITUDE LONGITUDE LATITUDE degrees degrees degrees degrees degrees degrees OKLAHOMA Myrtle Beach 55.8 40.8 San Angelo 22.2 Altus AFB 16.2 40.2 Shaw AFB 28.2 58.2 San Antonio 28.2 31.8 Ardmore Spartanburg 57.6 55.2 Sanderson 25.2 10.2 Bartlesville SOUTH DAKOTA South Brazos 52.2...
  • Page 59 LONGITUDE LATITUDE LONGITUDE LATITUDE LONGITUDE LATITUDE degrees degrees degrees degrees degrees degrees Walla Walla 16.8 WISCONSIN WYOMING Wenatchee Appleton 31.2 Big Piney 34.2 Whidbey Is Eau Claire 28.8 52.2 Casper 28.2 55.2 Yakima 31.8 34.2 Green Bay 28.8 Cheyenne 49.2 WEST VIRGINIA Janesville 37.2...

  • Page 60: Appendix D - Rs-232 Connection

    RS-232 cable (see Optional Accessories section of manual). Once connected, the NexStar can be controlled using popular astronomy software programs. Communication Protocol: NexStar GPS communicates at 9600 bits/sec, No parity and a stop bit. All angles are communicated with 16 bit angle and communicated using ASCII hexadecimal. Description...

  • Page 61: Appendix E - Maps Of Time Zones

    APPENDIX E – MAPS OF TIME ZONES...

  • Page 69: Observational Data Sheet

    Observational Data Sheet Yearly Meteor Showers Shower Date Peak Hourly Rate Quadrantids Jan 01-Jan 05 4-Jan 60-200 Lyrids Apr 16-Apr 25 21-Apr pi-Puppids Apr 15-Apr 28 23-Apr Var. eta-Aquarids Apr 19-May 28 5-May June Bootids Jun 26-Jul 02 27-Jun Var. July Phoenicids Jul 10-Jul 16 13-Jul...

  • Page 70: Warranty

    CELESTRON ONE YEAR WARRANTY Celestron International (CI) warrants this telescope to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year. CI will repair or replace such product or part thereof which, upon inspection by CI, is found to be defective in materials or workmanship.
  • Page 71 Celestron International 2835 Columbia Street Torrance, CA 90503 Tel. (310) 328-9560 Fax. (310) 212-5835 Web site at http//www.celestron.com Copyright 2001 Celestron International All rights reserved. (Products or instructions may change without notice or obligation.) -INST Item # 11052 $10.00 10-01...

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