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11
i ? Key: Press to access the "Help" file. "Help" provides on-screen information on
how to accomplish whatever task is currently active.
Press the ? 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, ALIGN-
MENT, etc., press the ? key and follow the directions that scroll on the
second line. When satisfied with the Help provided, press MODE to return to the
original screen and continue with the chosen procedure.
j RS232 Port: Plug in optional cable to download the latest satellite data and
software revisions directly from the Meade website (
www.meade.com). You can
also share software with other Autostar enthusiasts or control your telescope
remotely from your PC. (Requires optional #505 AstroFinder™ Software and
Cable Connector Kit. See
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 43.)
1) Coil Cord Port/Coil Cord: Plug one end of the supplied Autostar coil cord into
this port located at the bottom of the handbox and the other end into the HBX port
of the Computer Control Panel.
1! Light/0 Key: Press to turn on Utility light (12, Fig. 4).
1@ Utility Light: Use this built-in red light to illuminate star charts and accessories
without disturbing your eye's adaptation to darkness. Press "0" to turn the light on
and off.
ETX TIPS
Join an Astronomy Club, Attend a Star Party
One of the best ways to increase your knowledge of 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 with your
ETX telescope. See page 40 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 Sky & Telescope and Astronomy print schedules for many popular
Star Parties around the United States and Canada.