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AutoStar #497 HANDBOX
43
Inspecting the Optics
A Note About the “Flashlight Test”: If a fl ashlight or
other high-intensity light source is pointed down the
main telescope tube, the view (depending upon the
observer’s line of sight and the angle of the light) may
reveal what appears to be scratches, dark or bright
spots, or just generally uneven coatings, giving the
appearance of poor quality optics. These effects are
only seen when a high intensity light is transmitted
through lenses or refl ected off the mirrors, and can be
seen on any high quality optical system, including giant
research telescopes.
The optical quality of a telescope cannot be judged by
the “fl ashlight test;” the true test of optical quality can
only be conducted through careful star testing.
Gauging the Movement of
the Telescope
A common complaint of many fi rst-time telescope
owners is that they cannot see the telescope “move”
when the motor drive is engaged. If fact, when the
batteries are installed, the power is on, the telescope
is moving. However, the movement is at the same
speed as the hour hand of a 24-hour clock; as such,
the movement is diffi cult to discern visually.
To check the movement of your telescope, look at an
astronomical object through the telescope’s eyepiece
with the telescope polar aligned and with the motor
drive on. If the object remains stationary in the fi eld
of view, your telescope is operating properly. If not,
check to ensure that “Astronomical” is selected in the
“Targets” option of the setup menu.
Updating Your LT Series Firmware
Meade is constantly refi ning and improving the operating
fi rmware that controls our computerized telescopes and
we even add new features and capabilities from time to
time. Your new LT Series shipped with the most current
fi rmware at the time of manufacture, but there may
well be a new version available through the AutoStar
Updated program supplied on the AutoStar Suite DVD
supplied with your telescope. The Updater goes online
to the Meade web site and checks to see if there is a
newer version available and can download it directly
to the telescope using the #505 Cable Connector Kit.
See the instruction sheet included with the kit for more
information.
MAINTENANCE
43
If you have a question concerning your LT Series
telescope, call the Meade Instruments Customer
Service Department at (800) 626-3233. Customer
Service hours are 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Pacifi c Time,
Monday through Friday. In the unlikely event that
the LT Series requires factory servicing or repairs,
before returning the telescope to the factory, write
or call the Meade Customer Service Department
to provide an explanation of the problem, as well as
your name, address and daytime telephone number.
The great majority of servicing issues can be resolved
by telephone, avoiding return of the telescope to
the factory.
CUSTOMER
SERVICE