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DEFINITION:
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 infor-
mation, such as the
current time and date,
and observation loca-
tion. Autostar uses this
information to precisely
calculate the location of
celestial objects (such
as stars and planets)
and to move your tele-
scope correctly for
various operations.
17
The "Alt/Az" Home Position
1. Loosen the telescope’s Altitude lock (see Figs. 16 and 17, also see Fig 1b).
2. Make sure the tripod base (15, Fig. 1a) is level. Level the optical tube by lining up 0° on
the Altitude setting circle (Fig. 17) with the triangular pointer.
3. Tighten the Altitude lock (B, Fig. 1b) to a firm feel only.
4. Loosen the tripod base lock knob (16, Fig. 1a) and turn the telescope horizontally until it
points North. See
LOCATING THE CELESTIAL POLE, page 40 for more information.
5. Tighten the tripod base lock knob (16, Fig. 1a). Press ENTER.
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 (see
RESET, page 29).
1. Secure Locks - Make sure that the Altitude Lock (B, Fig. 1a) and tripod base lock knob (16,
Fig. 1a) are secured.
2. Connect Autostar - Verify that Autostar is properly connected to your telescope. See
HOW
TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE,
page 11.
3. Turn on Power - Flip the telescope power switch to the ON position.
The Autostar screen activates and a copyright message displays briefly, followed by a short
beep. Then Autostar takes a few moments to start up the system.
4. Sun Warning - A message displays that warns you 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.
5. Getting Started - The Getting Started menu displays a scrolling message. Press ENTER
(2, Fig. 2) to bypass the Help tutorial and continue with initialization.
6. Enter Date - Autostar then requests the current date. Use the Number keys (6, Fig. 2) to
enter the digits for the date. Use the Right Arrow key (5, Fig. 2) to move from one number
to the next in the day display, and also to move to the month. Then, use the Scroll keys (7,
Fig. 2) to cycle through the list of months.
When the
current month is displayed, use the Right Arrow (5, Fig. 2) to move to the year.
Use the Number keys to enter all four digits of the current year. Press ENTER when the
date has been entered.
7. Enter Time - Autostar then requests the current time. Use the Number keys to enter the
digits for the time. (Use a "0" for the first digit if less than 10.) Use the Right (or Left) Arrow
key to move from one number to the next. Press either the Up or Down Arrow keys (5, Fig.
2) to scroll to "AM" or "PM." Press ENTER to start the clock.
Note: If you press ENTER with neither AM or PM displayed, the clock displays the
time in a 24-hour (military time) format.
8. Daylight Savings Time - 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.
NOTE: When multiple choices are available within a menu option, the current option
is usually displayed first and highlighted by a right pointing Arrow (>).
Fig. 16: Alt/Az Home Position.
North
Pointer to
0° on the
Altitude
Setting Circle
Level
Base.
Fig. 17: Altitude lock and set-
ting circle.