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page 16
Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature
In this example, Starfinder's Arrow keys are used to find a star, and then Starfinder's
tracking capability automatically keeps the star centered in your telescope's eyepiece.
1. If you have just completed Lesson 5, Starfinder's display now reads "Align: One
Star." Go to Step 2.
If you have not used Starfinder yet or have just plugged it into the HBX port,
perform the procedure described in "ACTIVATE THE ARROW KEYS," page 14.
Then go to Step 2 of this procedure.
If you have been using Starfinder to perform other functions and the display does
not read "Align: One Star," follow these steps:
a. Press MODE (3, Fig. 13) repeatedly until "Select Item: Object" displays.
b. Press the Scroll Up key (6, Fig. 13) once. "Select Item: Setup" displays.
c. Press ENTER (2, Fig. 13). "Setup: Align" displays. Go to Step 3.
2. Press MODE (3, Fig. 13). "Setup: Align" displays.
3. Press the Scroll Down key repeatedly until "Setup: Targets" displays. Press
ENTER (2, Fig. 13).
4. "Targets: Terrestrial" displays. Press one of the Scroll keys once (6 or 7, Fig. 13).
"Targets: Astronomical" now displays.
5. If you have not already done so, Polar align your telescope as described on page
15.
6. Use the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 13) to locate a bright star in the night sky. Use the
viewfinder to help line up on the star. You may choose any unobstructed, bright
star for the purposes of this example. Use Starfinder'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.
7. Press and hold the ENTER key for a few seconds and then release to stop
tracking. You may repeat the procedure, if so desired, to locate another star or
object using the Arrow keys. Then press ENTER to re-engage the tracking motors.
LESSON 7: Using Starfinder's GO TO Capabilities
This lesson describes how to make observations using various Starfinder features and
menus. But before you can use Starfinder's GO TO capabilities, you must first:
• Learn how Starfinder's keys move through the menus
• Initialize Starfinder
• Train the drive
• Polar align the telescope, if you have not already done so (see Lesson 6)
• Select "Align: One Star" from Starfinder's menus
Moving Through Starfinder’s Menus
Starfinder's menus are organized for quick and easy navigation.
• Press ENTER to go deeper into Starfinder 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.