Instruction Manual®

Autostar #494 Computer Controller

Meade Instruments Corporation

QUICK START GUIDECOMPUTER CONTROLHBXWARNING: Never use Autostar to move a telescope to look at the Sun! Looking at or near
the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye. Eye damage is often painless, so there
is no warning to the observer that damage has occurred
until it is too late. Do not point a telescope or its viewfinder at or near the Sun. Do not look through a telescope or
its viewfinder as it is moving. Children should always
have adult supervision while observing.

AZ

ALT

AUX

WARNINGLOOKING AT OR NEAR

12v

12v

HBX

Fig. 1: DS computer control panel 12v
and HBX connector ports.

To connect Autostar to your telescope: Remove the telescope from its packaging. Attach the
viewfinder (if necessary) and insert an eyepiece into thetelescope focuser. See your telescope instruction manual for detailed assembly information.


Tighten the telescope’s vertical and horizontal locks.
Plug Autostar’s coil cord into the computer control panel
Handbox (HBX) port (Fig. 1). Make sure the telescope's
motor assemblies are plugged into the proper ports.



Plug the power cord into the 12V connector (Fig. 1).
A warning not to look at the Sun then scrolls across the
Autostar display. Press the key prompted by Autostar toindicate you have read and understood the message.



Press the ENTER key (2, Fig. 3) repeatedly until"Country/State" appears on the Autostar display. (Ignore
the prompts for the time, date, and daylight saving.
These functions will be covered later in this manual.)-2-

Fig. 2: Sun Warning on the
Autostar LCD display.



Use the Scroll keys (6 and 7, Fig. 3) to cycle throughthe list of countries, states, and provinces. Press
ENTER (2, Fig. 3) when the desired location appearson the Autostar display.



Autostar then prompts you to enter the city nearest to
the observing site. Use the Scroll keys (6 and 7, Fig. 3)
to cycle through the list of cities. Press ENTER (2, Fig.
3) when the desired city appears on the display.



Autostar then prompts you to enter your telescopemodel. Use the Scroll keys (6 and 7, Fig. 3) to cycle
through the list of models. Press ENTER (2, Fig. 3)
when your telescope model appears on the display.

The display then reads "Align: Easy." You now can use
Autostar's Arrow keys (5, Fig. 3) to move the telescope
to observe. Practice using the Arrow keys to slew
(move) the telescope up, down, left, and right.



Sight along the side of the telescope’s main tube or use
the viewfinder to locate objects. Practice using the
Autostar Arrow keys to center objects in the telescope’s
field of view and also practice using the telescope’s
focus knob to bring objects into focus.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Quick Start Guide
Autostar Features
Getting Started
Assembly Instructions
Manual Observation Using Arrow Keys
Using Autostar's GO TO Capability
Moving through Autostar's Menus
Initializing Autostar
Autostar Navigation
Training the Drive
Alignment
Easy Two-Star Alignment
Which One's the Alignment Star
Two-Star ALT/AZ Alignment
One-Star ALT/AZ Alignment
Go To Saturn
Using the Guided Tour
Slew Speeds
Autostar Menus
Object Menu
To Observe a Satellite
Event Menu
Glossary Menu
Utilities Menu
Setup Menu
To Track an Object Automatically
General Maintenance
Meade Customer Service
Specifications: Autostar
Optional Accessories
Appendix A: Entering R.A. and Dec Coordinates

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The Autostar #494 Handbox is compatible with the Meade® DS (Digital
Electronic Telescope) series. Please refer to your telescope’s instruction
manual for information specific to your telescope model.
® The name “Meade,” the Meade logo, and “Autostar” are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent Office and in principal countries throughout theworld. All rights reserved.
© 2000 Meade Instruments Corporation.

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Key to Fig. 3

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Screen(2-lines, 16 characters each line)

ENTER Key

MODE KeyGO TO Key

Arrow Keys (Up, Down, Left, and Right)

Scroll Up KeyScroll Down Key

1

4

2

5

3

Speed/? (Speed/Help) Key
Coil Cord

8

6

7

9

Fig. 3: Autostar #494 Features.

-4- MODE Key: Returns to the previous menu or data level

AUTOSTAR FEATURES
Control of nearly every telescope function is accomplishedwith just a few pushes of Autostar's keys. Autostar has softtouch keys designed to have a positive feel. The LCD(Liquid Crystal Display) is backlit with a red LED (Light
Emitting Diode) for easy viewing in the dark. The backlit display, key arrangement, and sequential database make
Autostar extremely user-friendly.

in the Autostar database until the top level (“Select Item”) is
reached. The MODE key is similar to the EXIT key on acomputer.
NOTE: Pressing MODE while in the Select Itemlevel moves Autostar to the topmost screen:"Select Item: Object."
NOTE: If MODE is pressed and held for two seconds or more, the following information is thenavailable using the Scroll keys (6 and 7, Fig. 3):

Refer to Fig. 3 for the positions of the following keys.

 2-Line LCD Display: Provides a visual interface
between Autostar and the telescope.

• Azimuth (horizontal) and Altitude (vertical)
coordinates• Local Time and Local Sidereal Time (LST)• Timer and Alarm Status

Top line: Lists the primary category or menu item.
Bottom line: Contains a menu option, or information aboutan object or subject, depending on which function is being
performed.

 GO TO Key: Slews (moves) the telescope to the coordinates of the currently selected object. While the telescope isslewing, the operation may be aborted at any time by pressing any key except GO TO. Pressing GO TO again resumes
the slew to the object.

 ENTER Key: Accesses, in a sequential manner, the next
menu or data level in the Autostar database (see“AUTOSTAR NAVIGATION,” page 11). The ENTER key issimilar to the RETURN key on a computer.

 Arrow Keys: Slew the telescope in a specific direction

NOTE: If ENTER is pressed for two seconds ormore and then released, Autostar emits a beepand “ENTER to Sync” is displayed. "ENTER to
Sync" is relevant only after the telescope has
been aligned and is pointing at an object. If the"ENTER to Sync" feature is accessed by mistake,press MODE to return to the previous screen. See"HIGH PRECISION," page 25.

(up, down, left, and right), at any one of nine different
speeds (see “SLEW SPEEDS,” page 18). The following
functions are also available with the Arrow keys:
-5-

Data Entry: Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to Scroll
through the letters of the alphabet and numerical digits.
The Down Arrow key starts with the letter "A" and the
Up Arrow key starts with the digit "9." The Left and Right

Arrow keys are used to move the blinking cursor left
and right across the LCD display.
Alt/Az alignment: Use the Up and Down Arrow keys tomove the telescope vertically up and down. The Left
Arrow key rotates the telescope horizontally counterclockwise, while the Right Arrow key rotates it clockwise.
NOTE: Throughout this manual, you will notice
the term "Alt/Az." Alt/Az is frequently used torefer to Altitude or vertical and Azimuth or horizontal. Alt/Az is just one of many methods usedby amateur astronomers to help locate stars in
the night sky.

the Speed/? key is pressed briefly, the current slew speed
displays. See “SLEW SPEEDS,” page 18.
The Speed/? key also accesses the "Help" file. "Help"provides on-screen information on how to accomplish
whatever task is currently active.
TIP: Pressing the Speed/? key very briefly
changes the slew speed. Holding down the
Speed/? key longer (one to two seconds)
accesses the Help function.
Hold down the Speed/? key and then follow the
prompts on the display to access details of Autostar
functions in the Help feature. The Help system isessentially an on-screen instruction manual.

  Scroll Keys: Access database options within aselected menu. The menu is displayed on the first line of
the screen. Options within the menu are displayed, one ata time, on the second line. Press the Scroll keys to movethrough the options. Press and hold one of the Scroll keys
to move quickly through the options.

If you have a question about an Autostar operation,e.g., INITIALIZATION, ALIGNMENT, etc., hold down
the Speed/? key and follow the directions that scroll on
the second line of the LCD screen. When a word
appears in [brackets], press ENTER to access the
Autostar Glossary. A definition or more detailed information is displayed. Press MODE to return to the scrolling Autostar Help display.

The Scroll keys also scroll through the letters of the alphabet and numerical digits.
NOTE: The Scroll Down key and the Down Arrowkey move forward through the alphabet & digits (Ato Z, 0-9) and the Scroll Up key and the Up Arrowkey move backward (9-0, Z to A).
Speed/? Key: Pressing the Speed/? key cycles throughthe nine slew speeds that move the telescope. Each time

When satisfied with the Help provided, press MODE toreturn to the original screen and continue with the chosen procedure.
Coil Cord: Plug into the Handbox (HBX) port of thecomputer control panel of the telescope.

-6-

GETTING STARTED
Control of your DS telescope is through the operation of thestandard-equipment #494 Autostar. Nearly all functions of
the telescope are accomplished with just a few pushes ofAutostar’s buttons. Some of the major features of Autostarare: Autostar #494 handbox
 Instruction manual
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONSPower for Autostar is supplied through the telescope. No
internal batteries are required. See the telescope instruction manual for details.

To attach Autostar to a telescope:
1. If necessary, remove the power cord from the 12v portof the computer control panel (Fig. 1, page 2).
2. Plug Autostar into the HBX port of the computer control
panel (Fig. 1 page 2). Make sure the telescope's motor
assemblies are plugged into the proper ports. See yourtelescope instruction manual for detailed assembly
information.
3. Plug the power cord back into the 12v port of the computer control panel.

Automatically move the telescope to any of the morethan 1400 objects stored in the database or manuallyenter the astronomical coordinates of any celestial
object.
 Take a guided tour of the best celestial objects to view
on any given night of the year.
 Download the latest satellite data and software revisions
directly
from
the
Meade
website(www.meade.com). (Requires optional #506
AstroFinder™ Software and Cable Connector Kit. See“OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 30.)
 Access a glossary of astronomical terms.
 Calculate which eyepiece to use for optimum viewingof a celestial object.
 Mount the telescope in the “Alt/Az” mode (Altitude Azimuth, or vertical - horizontal) for fully automatic
tracking of celestial objects
PARTS LISTING
Autostar comes completely assembled. When first opening
the packing box, note the following parts:

MANUAL OBSERVATION USING THE ARROW KEYS
1. After Autostar's cord is plugged into the HBX port and thepower cord is plugged into the 12v port, a copyright message lights on the Autostar LCD display (1, Fig. 3).
2. A message warning not to look at the Sun scrolls
across the display. Press the key prompted by Autostar
to acknowledge that the Sun warning has been readand understood.
3. Press the ENTER key (2, Fig. 3) repeatedly until"Country/State" appears on the display. (Ignore theprompts requesting Date, Time, and Daylight Saving –these functions will be explained later in the manual.)-7-

4. Use the Scroll keys (6 and 7, Fig. 3) to cycle through thelist of countries, states, and provinces (listed alphabetically). Press ENTER when the desired location displays.

USING AUTOSTAR'S GO TO CAPABILITY
This section describes how to make observations using various Autostar features and menus. But before you can use
Autostar's GO TO capabilities, you must first:
Initialize Autostar

Align the telescopePress ENTER (2, Fig. 3) to go deeper into Autostar's
menu levels.

Press MODE (3, Fig. 3) to move back toward the top
menu level.

Press the Scroll keys (6 and 7, Fig. 3) to move up anddown through the options available for each level.

Press the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 3) to enter characters anddigits.
INITIALIZING AUTOSTARThis section describes how to initialize Autostar.
Initialization is a procedure that enables Autostar to operatecorrectly. When you first use Autostar, it doesn't yet "know"
the location of the observing site or the time or date of theobservation session. During the Initialization procedure, youwill enter this information. Autostar then uses the information to calculate the location of celestial objects and to moveyour telescope correctly for various operations.

7. Press the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 3) to slew (move) the telescope up, down, right, or left. You can slew (move) thetelescope at different speeds.







TIP: If you go past the "Align: Easy" (or any othermenu display you wish to select), press MODE
(3, Fig. 3) to return to the previous display(s).

Learn how Autostar's keys move through the menus

Train the drive Select "Align: Easy" from Autostar's menus
MOVING THROUGH AUTOSTAR’S MENUS
Autostar's menus are organized for quick and easy navigation:

5. Autostar then prompts you to enter the nearest city tothe observing site. Use the Scroll keys to cycle throughthe list of cities. Press ENTER when the desired city displays.
6. Autostar then prompts you to enter the telescope model
you are using. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through thelist of models. Press ENTER when your telescopemodel displays. "Align: Easy" displays. You now canuse Autostar's Arrow keys to move the telescope toobserve.



NOTE: You will enter the Time and Date at the
beginning of each observing session, but you will
only enter your location and Telescope Model the-8-first time you use Autostar or after performing a
Reset. Fig. 4 depicts an example of an Autostar
Initialization procedure.

(00) Meade (1.0)
AUTOSTAR
Initializing. . .

ENTER

ENTER

Enter Time:
08:00:00PM (default)

Country/State
AFGHANISTAN
Multiple
Presses

1 (1X)WARNINGLOOKING AT . . .
Press theappropriate
key
Getting Started
For a Detailed...

(1X)
1 (3X)Country/StateCALIFORNIA
ENTER

(1X)
4 (4X)ENTER

Enter Date:
01-Jan-2000

Nearest City
ALAMEDA NAS
Multiple
Presses

7 (7X)PM (default)

2 (2X)(1X)
6 (5X)

1. Plug Autostar's cord into the HBX port and plug thepower cord into the 12v port as previously described.
Make sure the motor assemblies are plugged into theproper ports (see your telescope's instruction manualfor details). Also make sure that the telescope's horizontal and vertical locks are tight (see the telescope instruction manual).
2. The Autostar handbox is now activated and a copyrightmessage displays briefly.
3. Autostar takes a few moments to prepare the systemand then "beeps."
4. A message displays that warns not to look at the Sun.
Press the key prompted by Autostar to signify that you
have read and understood the message.
5. The Getting Started menu displays a scrolling message
with two choices:a. Hold down the Speed/? key (8, Fig. 3) for information on Autostar functions and controls. When finished, press MODE (3, Fig. 3) to exit Help and toreturn to the Getting Started procedure, or,b. Press ENTER (2, Fig. 3) to bypass the Help tutorial and continue with initialization.
6. The telescope tests the motors by slewing a short distance vertically and horizontally (this test only occurs
the first time you use Autostar).

Nearest City
IRVINEENTEREnter Time:
11:47:00PM
ENTER

Telescope Model(Model Number)(1X)
Mar (2X)

Multiple
PressesDaylight Savings>NO

Telescope Model(Your Model Number)2000 (4X)
2001 (1X)
Enter Date:
26-Mar-2001

ENTER

Parameters in this example:
Date:
March 26, 2001
Time:
11:47 PM
Location: Irvine, California

Setup
Align

NOTE: If the telescope does not move, ormoves in only one axis, check that the verticaland horizontal locks are tight (see your telescope instruction manual for details).

Fig. 4: Example of Initialization Procedure.

-9-7. Autostar then prompts you to enter the current date.
a. To enter numbers, press either the Up or Down
Arrow key (5, Fig. 3) to scroll through numbers 0
through 9. After the desired number is displayed,
use the Right Arrow key (5, Fig. 3) to move the cursor from one number to the next in the day display(or use to Left Arrow key to move in the other direction across the display, if necessary).
b. Use the Right Arrow key (5, Fig. 3) to move the cursor to the month. Use the Scroll keys (6 and 7, Fig.
3) to cycle through the list of months. When thecurrent month is displayed, use the Right Arrow (5,Fig. 3) to move the cursor to the year.
c. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to enter all four
digits of the current year. Use the Right Arrow key(5, Fig. 3) to move the cursor from one number tothe next.
d. Press ENTER (2, Fig. 3) when the entire date has
been entered.

TIP: When multiple choices are available withina menu option, the option that is currently selected is usually displayed first and highlighted by aright pointing arrow (>).
9. Autostar then prompts you to enter the status of
Daylight Savings Time. Press one of the Scroll keys toswitch between the YES/NO settings. Select thedesired setting by pressing ENTER.
NOTE: Daylight Savings Time may be referred toby different names in various areas of the world.
10. Autostar then prompts you to enter the Country or State(listed alphabetically) of the observing site. If you havepreviously entered the Country/State and City of yourobserving site and your Telescope Model Number (asdescribed in "MANUAL OBSERVATION USING THE
ARROW KEYS," page 7), go to step 11. If you have notyet entered this information, perform the following
steps:

8. Autostar then prompts you to enter the current time.
Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to enter digits andthe Right and Left Arrow keys move the cursor acrossthe screen as described in the previous step. Enter thecurrent time (use a "0" for the first digit if less than 10).
Use the Up Arrow key to scroll through "AM," "PM," or"blank." The "blank" option selects the 24-hour (i.e.,
military time) clock. Then press ENTER to start theclock.
-10-

a. Autostar prompts you to enter the Country or State(listed alphabetically) of your observing site. Use
the Scroll keys to cycle through the list of countries,
states, and provinces. Press ENTER when thedesired location displays.
b. Autostar then prompts you to enter the city nearest
to your observing site. Use the Scroll keys to cycle
through the list of cities. Press ENTER when thecorrect city displays.

c.

Autostar then prompts you to choose your telescope model number. Use the Scroll keys to cycle
through the list of telescope models. Press ENTER
when your telescope model number displays.

OBJECT
Select from over 1400 database objects andpress GO TO to move the telescope automatically to theobject and place it in the telescopic field of view.
SETUP
Quick, easy alignment
permits all telescope
operations with only
a 2-minute setup.

NOTE: Autostar only prompts you to enter
Country/State, City, and Telescope Model
Number the first time it is activated. These
prompts do not appear again, unless you reset
Autostar (see "RESET," page 26).

Select Item:
Setup
UTILITIES
Calculate eyepiecemagnifications; set the
timer for an observing
session; or survey user
landmarks in 30-second
intervals.
Select Item:
Utilities

However, if you change your geographic location, you can change the location information byusing the Site option of the Setup menu. See"SITE," page 26, for detailed information.
If you use Autostar with another DS model telescope, you can change the model number information using the "Telescope Model" option of the
Setup menu. See page 25. Also see"CALIBRATE MOTOR," page 25.
11. System initialization is complete
and the display reads "Align:
Easy." Proceed to "AUTOSTARNAVIGATION" for general information about Autostar before
training the drive and aligning thetelescope.

ObjectEvent
Guided Tours
Glossary
Utilities
Setup

Fig. 5: Menus are set
in a loop.

GLOSSARY
Discover the world of astronomy
by alphabetically accessing
astronomical terms.

Select Item:
ObjectThe Universe of

Autostar

Select Item:
Event
EVENT
Access the time ofan astronomical
event, such as therising or setting
times of the Moon.
Select Item:
Guided Tour

Select Item:
Glossary

GUIDED TOUR
Journey through theuniverse as Autostar
escorts you to thebest celestial objects
at your location.

Fig. 6: Autostar Universe.

AUTOSTAR NAVIGATION
Figs. 5 and 6 depict the six primary categories listed in the"Select Item" menu of Autostar. See “MOVING WITHINAUTOSTAR” to learn how to access these categories.
It is important to understand that menu selections are set ina loop (Fig. 5). This means that pressing the Scroll Down
key (7, Fig. 1) cycles down through all the available options
within a given category, then returns to the first option. The
Scroll Up key (6, Fig. 1) cycles up through the options in the
opposite order. Note that this capability is a quick way to get
to an option that is near the bottom of the list. The following
example demonstrates this capability.
-11-

Example:
To navigate to the "Select Item: Setup" menu option whenthe "Select Item: Object" menu is displayed:

NOTE: To perform an accurate calculation,
Autostar must be properly initialized with the current date, time, and location of the observing site.

1. Press the Scroll Down key four times or the Scroll Up
key once.

If you have not yet entered the current date, time
and/or location information of your observing site,
see “INITIALIZING AUTOSTAR,” page 8, before
proceeding with this exercise.

Autostar's LCD display presents two lines of information.
The top line shows the current menu level. The second line
displays an option which may be selected within that menu
level. Some options are choices that select the next menu
level down. The Scroll keys move up and down within thelist of available options, showing one option at a time.
When the desired option is displayed on the second line,press the ENTER key to choose that option and move
down one menu level.

1. Press MODE repeatedly until the "Select Item: Object"displays.
2. Press the Scroll Down key once. "Select Item: Event"displays.
3. Press ENTER to select "Event" and to move down amenu level. "Event: Sunrise" displays.
4. Press the Scroll Down key once. "Event: Sunset" displays.

Press the MODE key to leave a level.
IMPORTANT NOTE: No matter how many levels into
Autostar are traveled, each press of the MODE key moves
up a level, until "Select Item," is reached. Once in the"Select Item" level, press MODE to return to the topmost
level, "Select Item: Object."
AUTOSTAR NAVIGATION EXERCISE
To demonstrate how the Autostar menu structure works, thefollowing exercise calculates the Sunset time so an evening
observing session can be planned.

5. Press ENTER to select the "Sunset" option.
6. Autostar calculates the Sunset time based on the current date, time, and location. Autostar then displays thethe time of Sunset.
7. Press MODE once to move back up through theAutostar levels. The first level up is "Event."
8. Press MODE again to move up another level. This is
the top menu level, "Select Item."
9. Press MODE again to return to the starting point of"Select Item: Object."
10. Proceed with “TRAINING THE DRIVE.”

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1

2

Verify that AUTOSTARINITIALIZATION iscomplete.

Telescope
7
1
Telescope Model
Multiple presses.

Press MODE until
Select Item is displayed.

Select Item
Object3

Press the Scroll
Up key once.

Select Item
Setup

4

Access the Setup

ENTER menu.

Telescope
Train Drive

Choose the Train

95Multiple presses.

Setup
Telescope

6

Access the
ENTER Telescope menu.

12

Scope slews left.
Bring target backto center using
ENTER the Right Arrow key.

Press < until it
is centered

13

Scope slews right.
Bring target backto center using
ENTER the Left Arrow key.

AzimuthENTER (horizontal)
training.

Setup
Align

Press > until it
is centered

8

ENTER Drive option.

Train Drive
Az. Train

NOTE: Use a terrestrial object, such as a telephone pole or lamp post, to train the drive.
Repeat this exercise once every 3 to 6 months tomaintain the highest level of telescope pointing
accuracy.

Drive Setup
For this op. . .

Train Drive
Az. Train

10

Reminder to
ENTER use terrestrial
target.

Train Drive
Alt. Train

Center reference
11
object.

ENTER (vertical)

ENTER

Center target
using Arrow
keys.

14

Menu returns to
Az. training.

15

Center target

ENTER using Arrow
keys.

v

TRAINING THE DRIVE
Perform this procedure the first time power is applied or after
performing a Reset.

Press until it
is centered18

Scope slews down.
Bring target backto center using
ENTER the Up Arrow key.

Press v until it
is centered

19

Scope slews up.
Bring target backto center using
ENTER the Down Arrowkey.

Train Drive
Az. Train
MODE

20

Multiple presses.

Altitude

Select Item
Objecttraining.

Drive Setup
For this op. . .

16

Reminder to
ENTER use terrestrial
target.

Center reference
17
object.

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21

ALIGNMENTAs the Earth rotates beneath the night sky, the stars appear
to move from East to West. The speed at which the stars
move is called the sidereal rate.
If the telescope is aligned, the motor drive is designed tomove the telescope at the sidereal rate so that it automatically tracks the stars. Tracking keeps an object centered in
the telescope’s eyepiece and makes it easier to locate
other objects.
Autostar offers three methods of alignment: Easy Two-Star,
One-Star Alt/AZ, and Two-Star Alt/AZ. In Easy Two-Staralignment, Autostar automatically picks two alignment stars
to align upon from its database. This method is recommended for first-time observers. One-Star Alt/AZ Alignment
and Two-Star Alt/AZ Alignment allow the observer tochoose the alignment stars from Autostar’s database during
the alignment procedure.
The term "Alt/Az" is frequently used to refer to the Altitude
or vertical and Azimuth or horizontal movements of yourtelescope. Other terms to describe a telescope's movement
may be used with telescopes that have different types ofmounts.
EASY TWO-STAR ALIGNMENT
The fastest and easiest way to start observing with
Autostar's GO TO capabilities is to perform an Easy TwoStar Alignment.

Autostar automatically picks two stars from its database for
the Easy Two-Star Alignment procedure. During the Easy
Alignment procedure, Autostar slews the telescope to thefirst alignment star. The user is asked to verify that the telescope is pointed at the chosen star and then prompted tocenter the star in the eyepiece. The process is repeatedwith a second star to complete the alignment.
NOTE: Before aligning the telescope, first verify
that “INITIALIZING AUTOSTAR,” page 8, hasbeen performed. See “MOVING THROUGH
AUTOSTAR’S MENUS,” page 8, for a descriptionof how Autostar’s keys operate.
Easy Two-Star Alignment Procedure:
1. Sun Warning: Press the key prompted by Autostar to
acknowledge that the warning was read and understood.
2. Getting Started: Press ENTER to continue, or the
Speed/? key to access the Autostar Help tutorial. Press
MODE to leave the tutorial at any time.
3. Enter Date: If you have not already done so, enter thecurrent date, then press ENTER.
4. Enter Time: If you have not already done so, enter thecurrent time. Select "AM," "PM," or 24-hour clock(blank). Then press ENTER.
5. Daylight Savings: If you have not already done so,select “Yes” or “No,” then press ENTER.

-14-6. Select Alignment: “Align: Easy” displays. Press
ENTER.

scope is pointing. Press ENTER. Repeat procedure forthe second alignment star.

7. Set Home Position: Autostar then prompts you to set
the telescope in the "Alt/Az" Alignment home position(Altitude-Azimuth or vertical-horizontal).

NOTE: Autostar locates alignment stars basedon the date, time, and location entered during
Initialization. Alignment stars may change fromnight to night, and hour to hour. All that isrequired from the observer is to center theselected stars in the eyepiece using the Arrowkeys when prompted.

To set your telescope in the "Alt/Az" home position:
 Level the optical tube and the tripod base so thatthey are parallel (horizontal) to the ground. See Fig. 8a.
 Tighten the horizontal and vertical locks to a "firm feel" only.
 Physically move the telescope so that it points North.
Learn the position of Polaris (Fig. 8b), the North star, or
use a small pocket compass, to determine which direction is North.
 Press ENTER.
8. Star Alignment: Autostar then chooses two stars toalign upon. When the telescope slews to the first starfor alignment, it may not appear in the field of view inthe eyepiece. Use theArrow keys to move thetelescope until the staris visible and centered N
in the eyepiece. The
alignment star shouldbe easily recognizedand be the brightest
star in the area of thesky where the teleFig. 8a: DS Home Position.

TIP: Another method to find the alignment star if
it does not appear in the eyepiece is to performa "spiral search." If the alignment star is not
visible in the eyepiece when the telescope finishes its search, press GO TO and the telescope
starts slewing in a spiral pattern at a very slow
speed around the search area. Look through theeyepiece and when the object becomes visible,
press MODE to stop the spiral search. Use theArrow keys to center the object.

Little Dipper

Big Dipper

Fig. 8b: Locating Polaris.

-15-

PolarisCassiopeia

WHICH ONE’S THE ALIGNMENT STAR?
If Autostar has chosen an alignment star that you are unfamiliar with, how can you be sure if the star in your eyepieceis really the alignment star?

4. Press ENTER. Repeat procedure for the second alignment star. The telescope is aligned and you are now
ready to use Autostar's GO TO capabilities for a nightof observing.

The rule of thumb is that an alignment star is usually thebrightest star in that area of the sky. When you view analignment star in an eyepiece, it will standout dramaticallyfrom the rest of the stars in that portion of the sky.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not use Polaris as analignment star. Choose stars for alignment thatare as far apart as possible.

If you have an obstruction, such as a tree or a building
blocking your view of the alignment star, or if you have any
doubts at all about the star that has been chosen, no problem. Just press the Scroll Down key and Autostar finds
another star to align upon.

ONE-STAR ALT/AZ ALIGNMENTOne-Star Alignment also requires some knowledge of thenight sky. Autostar provides a database of bright stars.
One-Star Alignment is identical to Two-Star Alt/Az:
Alignment (see “TWO-STAR ALT/AZ ALIGNMENT,” above),
except only one star from this database is chosen by theobserver for alignment.

TWO-STAR ALT/AZ ALIGNMENT
Another method of alignment, Two-Star Alignment,
requires some knowledge of the night sky. Autostar provides a database of bright stars and allows the observer tochoose two stars from the database for alignment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The accuracy of One-Star
Alt/Az Alignment, unlike the Two-Star Alignment
procedures, depends on how well the observer
levels the telescope and how close to North thetelescope is pointed when setting the Home
Position (Fig. 12). Because the Two-Star
Alignments use two stars to align upon, they are
more precise than One-Star Alignment.

1. Perform steps 1 through 8 as described in the "EASY
TWO-STAR ALIGNMENT," page 14.
2 . Autostar displays a database of stars for the observer
to choose from. Use the Scroll keys to scroll to a starthat you wish to align upon. Select a star that you caneasily locate in the night sky.
3. Press ENTER. The telescope slews to the star foralignment. Use the Arrow keys to move the telescope
until the star is visible and centered in the eyepiece.

GO TO SATURN
After alignment, the motor drive begins operating and thetelescope is ready for a night of viewing. Objects in the eyepiece should maintain their position (i.e., the telescopetracks the object) even though the Earth is rotating beneaththe stars.

-16-

IMPORTANT NOTE: Once aligned, only use the
GO TO or Arrow keys to move the telescope. Do
not loosen the horizontal and vertical locks of thetelescope, or move the tripod manually, or alignment will be lost.
This exercise demonstrates how to select an object forviewing from Autostar’s database. This example demonstrates how to select Saturn.
NOTE: Saturn is not visible the entire year andyou may need to choose another object from
Autostar's database; however, the procedure, as
described below, remains the same.
1

may have chosen); i.e., Saturn remains centered in theeyepiece. If an object is observed in the telescope without
using Autostar's GO TO or automatic tracking capabilities(see "TO TRACK AN OBJECT AUTOMATICALLY," page25), the object gradually drifts out of the field of view dueto the Earth's rotation.
USING THE GUIDED TOUR
This example demonstrates using “Tonight’s Best” GuidedTour.
1. After observing Saturn, press MODE twice so that“Select Item: Object” displays again.

After the telescope is aligned, “Select Item: Object” displays. (If “Select Item: Object” is not currently displayed,press MODE repeatedly until it displays.) Press
ENTER.

2. Press the Scroll Down key twice. “Select Item: Guided
Tour” displays.
3. Press ENTER. “Guided Tour: Tonight’s Best” displays.
Press ENTER.
NOTE: If you wish to try other Guided Tours,
press the Scroll Down key to scroll through othertour choices. When the tour you wish to selectdisplays, press ENTER.

2. “Object: Solar System” displays. Press ENTER.
3. “Solar System: Mercury” displays. Keep pressing theScroll Down key until “Solar System: Saturn” displays.
4. Press ENTER. “Calculating” displays. Then “Saturn”
and a set of coordinates displays. Saturn’s (and otherplanets’) coordinates change throughout the year.

4. “Tonight’s Best: Searching...” displays. After calculating,“Tonight’s Best: Jupiter” displays.

5. Press GO TO. “Saturn: Slewing...” displays and the telescope slews until it finds Saturn. You may need to use theArrow keys to center Saturn precisely in the eyepiece.
Autostar then automatically slews (moves) the telescopeso that it "tracks" Saturn (or whatever other object you-17-

NOTE: Different objects may be displayed on atour list on any given night.
Press ENTER and then use the Scroll keys to display
information about the object. Press Mode to exit the
information display. Press GO TO to move the telescope to the object.

5. Press MODE to return to the Tour list. Press the Scroll
keys to scroll through the list. Press ENTER when you
find the next object you wish to observe.
6. Press MODE and hold for two seconds to leave the
Guided Tour menu.
SLEW SPEEDS
Autostar has nine slew speeds that are directly proportional to the sidereal rate and have been calculated to accomplish specific functions. Pressing the Speed/? key briefly
changes the slew speed, which is shown for about two seconds on Autostar’s display.
NOTE: Pressing the Speed/? key very briefly changes
the slew speed. Holding down the Speed/? key longer(one to two seconds) accesses the Help function.
The nine available speeds are:Speed 1 = Max = 1200 x sidereal(300 arc-min/sec or 5°/sec)
Speed 2 = 2° = 480 x sidereal(120 arc-min/sec or 2°/sec)
Speed 3 = 1° = 240 x sidereal(60 arc-min/sec or 1°/sec)
Speed 4 = 0.5° = 120 x sidereal(30 arc-min/sec or 0.5°/sec)
Speed 5 = 64x = 64 x sidereal(16 arc-min/sec or 0.27°/sec)

Speed 6 = 32x = 32 x sidereal(8 arc-min/sec or 0.13°/sec)
Speed 7 = 16x = 16 x sidereal(4 arc-min/sec or 0.067°/sec)
Speed 8 = 8x = 8 x sidereal(2 arc-min/sec or 0.033°/sec)
Speed 9 = 2x = 2 x sidereal(0.5 arc-min/sec or 0.008°/sec)
Speed 1: Moves the telescope quickly from one point in thesky to another
Speeds 2 or 3: Best used for rough centering of an object
in the eyepiece.
Speeds 4, 5, or 6: Enables centering an object in the fieldof a low-to-moderate power eyepiece, such as the standard
MA 25mm.
Speeds 7, 8, or 9: Best used for fine centering of an object
in the field of view of a high power eyepiece, such as thestandard MA 9mm or higher powers.

-18-

AUTOSTAR MENUS
Select Item:
ObjectSolar System
Mercury
Etc.
Moon
Asteroids
CometsConstellations
Andromeda
Etc.
Deep Sky
Named Object
Galaxies
NebulaePlanetary Neb.
Etc.
Star
Named
SAO Catalog
DoubleEtc.
Satellite
SelectAdd
Delete
Edit
User Objects
SelectAdd
DeleteEdit
Landmarks
SelectAdd
DeleteIdentify

Select Item:
Event
SunriseSunsetMoonriseMoonsetMoon Phases
Next Full Moon
Next New Moon
Next 1st Qtr
Next 3rd Qtr
Meteor Showers
Quadrantids
LyridsEta Aquarids
Delta Aquarids
Perseids
Orionids
Taurids
Leonids
Geminids
UrsidsSolar Eclipses
Lunar Eclipses
Min. of Algol
Autumn Equinox
Vernal Equinox
Winter SolsticeSummer Solstice

Select Item:
Guided Tour

Select Item:
Glossary

Tour Objects

A...
Accretion Disk
Etc.

Tonight's BestHow Far is Far
A Star's Life

B...
C...
D...
E...
F...
G...
H...
I...
J...
K...
L...
M...
N...
O...
P...
Q...
R...
S...
T...
U...
V...
W...
X...
Y...
Z...

Fig. 9: The Autostar Menu Structure.

-19-

Select Item:
Utilities
Timer
Set
Start & Stop
Alarm
Set
On & OffEyepiece Calc.
Field of View
Magnification
Suggest
Display Options
Sun Warning
Getting Started
Brightness Adj.
Contrast Adj.
Battery Alarm
Landmark Survey
Sleep Scope
Park Scope

Select Item:
Setup
Align
Easy
One Star
Two Star
Date
Time
Daylight Saving
TelescopeTele. Model
Focal Length
Az/Alt Ratio
Train Drive
Tracking Rate
Reverse L/R
Reverse Up/Dn
Calibrate Motor
High Precision
Targets
Astronomical
Terrestrial
Site
SelectAdd
DeleteEdit
Owner Info
Download
Statistics
ResetOBJECT MENU
Almost all observing with Autostar is performed using the
Object menu category. (NOTE: Exceptions include Guided
Tour and Landmark Survey.) See “GO TO SATURN,” page16, for an example of observing using the Object menu. Alsosee “USING THE GUIDED TOUR,” page 17.
Many Autostar menu categories contain databases. An
Autostar database is a list of viewable objects, such asstars, planets, comets, nebulae and so forth. When one ofthese objects is selected, Autostar moves your telescope (ifproperly aligned) and points it at the selected object.
The Object Menu options include:
Solar System is a database of the eight planets (Earth is
not included) in order out from the Sun, followed by theMoon, asteroids, and comets.
Constellation is a database of all 88 Northern andSouthern Hemisphere constellations. When this menu
option is chosen and a constellation name appears on thefirst line of the screen, press GO TO once to change thesecond line to the name of the brightest star in the constellation. Press GO TO a second time to slew the telescope tothat star. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the list of stars
in the constellation, from brightest to dimmest.

Star is a database of stars listed in different categories suchas named, double, variable, or nearby.
Satellite is a database of Earth-orbiting objects such as theInternational Space Station, the Hubble Space Telescope,
Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, and geosynchronous orbit satellites.
To Observe a Satellite:
1. Choose a satellite from the Select menu, then press
ENTER. Autostar scans its database to find if that satellite is expected to pass overhead within the next 6
hours.
2. If a satellite is expected, use the Scroll keys to accessa list of data about the pass, including acquisition time,location, etc.
3. At the end of the list is "Alarm." Press ENTER and
Autostar automatically sets the alarm to sound several
minutes before the scheduled appearance. You may
return to regular observations until the alarm goes off.
4. When the alarm goes off, return to the Satellite menu
and press a Scroll key until the desired satellite is on
the top line of the display.
5

Deep Sky is a database of objects outside our Solar
System such as nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, andquasars.

-20-

Press GO TO. Autostar slews the telescope to where
the satellite should appear. The motor drive stops and acountdown starts.
NOTE: If the scheduled appearance positionof the satellite is obstructed (i.e., by a building,tree, or hill), press ENTER and Autostar starts
to move the telescope along the expectedsatellite track. When the track clears theobstruction, press ENTER again to pause thetelescope, then continue with this procedure.
6. With about 20 seconds left on the countdown timer,
start watching through the telescope viewfinder (oreyepiece if your telescope does not have an viewfinder) for the satellite to enter the field of view.
7. When the satellite enters the viewfinder field of view,press ENTER. The telescope starts to track with thesatellite.
8. Use the Autostar Arrow keys to center the object in the
viewfinder, then look through the eyepiece to view theobject.
Satellite orbits change and new satellites (including theSpace Shuttle) are launched. Visit the Meade web site(www.meade.com) approximately once a month to get
updated information and instructions on how to download
this data to Autostar. If orbital parameters are more than
one month old, the satellite pass may not happen at thetime predicted by Autostar. Requires optional #506
AstroFinder™ Software and Cable Connector Kit. See“OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 30.
NOTE: Satellite observing is an exciting challenge. Most satellites are in low orbit, travelling at approximately 17,500 mph. When visible, they move quickly across the sky and are

only in the field of view for a few minutes,
requiring Autostar to slew the telescope rapidly. Best viewing is near Sunrise or Sunset
when the sky is still dark. Viewing in the middle of the night can be problematic because
the satellite may pass overhead, but not be
visible as it is in the Earth's shadow.
User Objects allows the user to define and store in memory deep-sky objects of specific interest that are not currently in the Autostar database. See "Appendix A" for more
information.
Landmarks stores the location of terrestrial points of interest in the permanent Autostar database.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To use the Landmark function, the telescope must be located and aligned
exactly as when the landmark was added to the
database.


Select: To select a Landmark already in the database(see "Add" below), choose the "Select" option andscroll through the list. Press ENTER to select a
Landmark, then press GO TO and the telescope slews
to the object.
 Add: To add a Landmark, choose the "Add" option.
Enter a name for the Landmark. Locate and center theLandmark in the eyepiece, then press ENTER.
Identify is an exciting feature for an observer who wants toscan the night sky and start exploring. After the telescope-21-

has been properly aligned, use the Autostar Arrow keys tomove about in the sky. Then follow this procedure:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Only use the Arrow keys tomove the telescope during the Identify procedure. Do not loosen the telescope locks or movethe base or alignment is lost.

Moonrise and Moonset calculates the time that the Moonrises or sets on the current date. Find rise and set times forother dates by entering a new date into the “Setup: Date”
menu. See "DATE," page 24.
Moon Phases displays the date and time of the next Full,
New, 1st Quarter, and 3rd Quarter Moon.

1. When a desired object is visible in the eyepiece, keeppressing MODE until the “Select Item: Object” menu isdisplayed. Press ENTER to select this menu.

Meteor Showers provides information on upcoming meteor
showers, such as the Perseids, the Leonids, etc. Also lists
the dates of the showers and when they reach maximum.

2. Scroll through the Object menu options until the“Object: Identify” screen appears.

NOTE: Meteors are fast moving objects that coverlarge areas of the sky and are usually best
observed with the naked eye.

3. Press ENTER. Autostar searches the database for theidentity of the object being observed.
4. If the telescope is not directly on an Autostar databaseobject, the nearest database object is located and displayed on the screen. Press GO TO and the telescope
slews to that object.
EVENT MENUThe Event menu provides access to dates and times ofastronomical events. The Event database includes:
Sunrise and Sunset calculates the time that the Sun rises
or sets on the current date. Find rise and set times for otherdates by entering a new date into the “Setup: Date” menu.
See "DATE," page 24.

Solar Eclipse lists upcoming Solar Eclipses, including thedate and type (total, annular, or partial) of eclipse, and thelocation and time of the first and last contacts of the Moon's
shadow. Use the Scroll Up and Down keys to display theavailable data. Remember, never use a telescope to look at
the Sun! See “WARNING!” page 2.
Lunar Eclipse lists upcoming Lunar Eclipses, including thedate and type (total, partial, penumbral) of eclipse. Use theScroll Up and Down keys to display the available data.
Min. (Minimum) of Algol is the minimum brightness of thedramatic eclipsing binary star system, Algol. It is relatively
close at a distance of 100 light years. Every 2.8 days during a 10-hour period, Algol undergoes a major change inapparent magnitude as one of the two stars passes behind-22-the other. The combined magnitude of the two stars thus
dips from +2.1 to a minimum of +3.4 halfway through theeclipse as the second star is hidden. Autostar calculates
minimum magnitude time at mid-eclipse.

Timer selects a countdown timer. This feature is useful for
functions such as astrophotography and tracking satellites.
See “TO OBSERVE A SATELLITE,” page 20. To use theTimer, press ENTER, then choose “Set” or “Start/Stop”.

Autumn and Vernal Equinox calculates the time and dateof the fall or spring equinox of the current year.



Set: Enter the time to be counted down, in hours, minutes, and seconds, then press ENTER.

Winter and Summer Solstice calculates the time and dateof the winter or summer solstice of the current year.

Start/Stop: Activates the timer set previously. Use theScroll keys to toggle between ON and OFF. When ON
is displayed, press ENTER to activate the timer. Whenthe timer runs out, four beeps sound and the timer isdeactivated.

GLOSSARY MENUThe Glossary menu provides an alphabetical listing of definitions and descriptions for common astronomical terms
and Autostar functions. Access directly through the
Glossary menu or through hypertext words embedded in
Autostar. A hypertext word is any word in [brackets], usually found when using the Autostar Help function or whenreading a scrolling message such as a description of a planet or star. Press ENTER whenever a hypertext word is on
screen and Autostar goes to the glossary entry for thatword.
To access directly from the Glossary menu, use the Scroll
keys to scroll through the alphabet. Press ENTER on thedesired letter. Scroll to the desired entry and then press
ENTER to read the description.
UTILITIES MENUThe Utilities menu provides access to several extra features
within Autostar, including a countdown timer and an alarm.
The Utilities functions include:

Alarm selects a time for an alarm signal as a reminder. To
use the Alarm, press ENTER, then choose "Set" or"Start/Stop."

Set: Enter the time of day for the alarm to sound, inhours, minutes, and seconds, then press ENTER.
 Start/Stop: Activates the alarm set previously. Use theScroll keys to toggle between ON and OFF. When ON
is displayed, press ENTER to activate the alarm. Whenthe alarm time arrives, Autostar beeps. Press ENTER todeactivate the alarm.
Eyepiece Calc calculates information about an eyepiece forthe specific telescope to which Autostar is connected.
-23-

Field of View: Scroll through a list of available eyepieces. When an eyepiece is selected, the field of viewis calculated.

Magnification: Scroll through a list of available eyepieces. When an eyepiece is selected, the magnification is calculated.



Suggest: Autostar calculates and suggests the best
eyepiece for viewing, based on the telescope and theobject being viewed.
Display Options enables or disables Autostar’s two initialdisplays. If both displays are disabled, Autostar begins with
the Date display.


Sun Warning: Turns the “Sun Warning” message on oroff.



Getting Started: Turns the “Getting Started” message
on or off.
Brightness Adj: Adjusts the brightness of the display using
the Scroll keys. When complete, press ENTER.

Sleep Scope is a power saving option that shuts down
Autostar and the telescope without forgetting its alignment.
With "Sleep Scope" selected, press ENTER to activate the
Sleep function. Autostar goes dark, but the internal clock
keeps running. Press any key, except ENTER, to re-activate Autostar and the telescope.
Park Scope is designed for a telescope that is not moved
between observing sessions. Align the telescope one time,then use this function to park the telescope. Next time it ispowered up, enter the correct date and time – no alignmentis required. Pressing ENTER causes the telescope to moveto its pre-determined Park position. Once parked, thescreen prompts to turn off power.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When the "Park Scope"
option is chosen and the display prompts you toturn off the telescope's power, Autostar is unable
to be returned to operation without turning thepower off and then back on.

Contrast Adj: Adjusts the contrast of the display using theScroll keys. When complete, press ENTER.
NOTE: This feature is usually only required invery cold weather.
Landmark Survey automatically slews the telescope to all
user-defined landmarks with a short pause at each location.
Press ENTER to start the survey. While a slew is inprogress, press any key to skip that object and go to thenext landmark on the list. To observe a landmark for alonger period, press MODE when paused on the object tostop the survey. Press ENTER to restart the survey at thefirst object on the list. See "LANDMARK," page 21.

SETUP MENUThe Setup menu’s primary function is to align the telescope(see "ALIGNMENT," page 14). However, there are numerous other features available within the Setup menu, including:
Date changes the date used by Autostar. This function isuseful to check events in the past or future. For example,
set the Date menu for a day three months in the future.
Then check the "Select Item: Event" menu for the Sunset
time on that date. See “EVENT MENU,” page 22.

-24-

a. Sidereal: The default setting for Autostar; sidereal
rate is the standard rate at which stars move from
East to West across the sky due to the rotation of
the Earth.
b. Lunar: Choose this option to properly track theMoon over long observing sessions.
c. Custom: Allows entry of user-defined tracking
rates.

Time changes the time entered into Autostar. Setting thecorrect time is critical for Autostar to properly calculate locations and events. Time may be set to 24-hour mode (militarytime) by selecting the "blank" option which follows the "AM"and "PM" options.
Daylight Saving is used to enable or disable Daylight
Savings time.
NOTE: Daylight Savings Time may be referred toby different names in various areas of the world.
Check local time to verify.



Telescope accesses the several options, including:







Telescope Model: Selects the model of telescope connected to Autostar.
Focal Length: Displays the focal length of the selected
telescope.
Az Ratio and Alt Ratio: The Az (Azimuth) ratio and Alt(Altitude) ratio refers to the gears of the telescope's
motors. Do not alter these numbers.
Train Drive: Trains the Altitude and Azimuth motors tolocate objects with more precision.
If you are experiencing any problems with pointing
accuracy, or performed a Reset, follow the proceduredescribed in “TRAINING THE DRIVE,” page 13, toinsure accurate pointing and tracking.
Tracking Rate: Changes the speed at which the telescope tracks targets in the sky.






-25-

Reverse L/R: Reverses the functions of the Left andRight Arrow keys (i.e., the Right key moves the telescope to the left).
Reverse UP/DOWN: Reverses the functions of the Up
and Down Arrow keys (i.e., the Up key moves the telescope down).
Calibrate Motor: If the telescope motors appear tohave a problem, use this option to retest the motors
before performing a Reset. This option is also used if an
Autostar unit is moved between telescopes, to match
Autostar to the new telescope. To calibrate the motors,
select this option and press ENTER.
High Precision: If High Precision is turned on, whenlooking for a faint celestial object (i.e., a nebula orgalaxy), Autostar first slews to a nearby bright star anddisplays "ENTER to Sync." Center the star in the eyepiece, then press ENTER. At that point the telescope
has a high precision alignment to that part of the sky
and it then slews to the object that was originally
requested.

Targets switches between Astronomical targets andTerrestrial targets. If "Astronomical" is selected, the telescope tracking motor is activated and any object you
observe will remain centered in the eyepiece. If "Terrestrial"is selected, the tracking motor is turned off.
To track an object automatically: Set the telescope in the
Alt/Az home position (see "EASY TWO-STAR ALIGNMENTPROCEDURE," step #8, page 15), locate an object you
wish to observe using the Arrow keys (see page 7), andcenter the object in the eyepiece. Then select "Targets:
Astronomical" and press ENTER. Autostar then automatically slews (moves) the telescope to keep the object centered in the eyepiece. Note that it may take the tracking
motors several several seconds to begin tracking and you
may need to center the chosen object in the eyepieceagain.
Site provides access to several options including:

Select: Displays the currently selected observing site.
Use the Scroll keys to cycle through all available sites(see "Add" below). Press ENTER when the site you
wish to select displays. Use this option when you moveto a different geographic location.



Add: Allows you to add new observing sites to the
database (up to six sites may be stored). Scroll throughthe list of Countries/States. Press ENTER when thesite you wish to add displays. Then choose the desired
city in the same manner.

Delete: Deletes a stored site from the database.

Time Zone
Atlantic
Eastern
Central

Shift-4 Hours-5 Hours-6 Hours

Time Zone
MountainPacific
HawaiiShift-7 Hours-8 Hours-10 Hours

Edit: Edits a selected site, including: the name, latitude, longitude, and time zone. Time Zone refers to theGreenwich Mean Time (GMT) time zone shift. Users
West of Greenwich, England use “-” hours, East ofGreenwich use “+” hours. For the United States, lookup the time zone shift in table above.
NOTE: Autostar compensates for daylight savings time, if selected. See “Setup Menu: Daylight
Saving,” page 25.

Owner Info accesses the owner information menu, including:Name: Users may enter both their first and last names
using the Up and Down Arrow keys to cycle through thealphabet. Use the Right and Left Arrow keys to movethrough the text. Press ENTER when the entry is complete.

Address: Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to enter
your street address, city, state, and zip code. Press
ENTER when the entry is complete.
Download transfers information from a personal computeror another Autostar. During the operation, the warning“Downloading Do Not Turn Off” appears. (Requires optional #506 AstroFinder™ Software and Cable Connector Kit.
See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 30.)

-26-

Statistics provides basic statistical data about Autostar,including:Characters Free: Shows how much room is available
in user-defined object memory.

Version: Shows the current version of the Autostar
software.
Reset completely resets Autostar. Autostar requires initialization again after a Reset before proceeding with observations. See “INITIALIZING AUTOSTAR,” page 8. You alsoneed to perform “TRAINING THE DRIVE,” page 13.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Autostar is a precision electronic instrument designed toyield a lifetime of rewarding observations. Given the careand respect due any precision instrument, Autostar rarely, if
ever, requires factory servicing or maintenance.
Maintenance guidelines include:

Do not leave Autostar inside a sealed car on a warm
day; excessive ambient temperatures can damage theelectronic circuitry.

When not connected to a telescope, be sure to store
Autostar and the coil cord in a cool dry place, and insuch a way as to prevent damage (i.e., in its original
packing box).

TROUBLESHOOTINGNOTE: See the telescope instruction manual for
additional troubleshooting ideas.
The following suggestions may be helpful if there are difficulties with the operation of the Autostar Computer
Controller:
The Autostar screen does not display any information:
 Verify that the coil cord is firmly connected to the computer control panel's HBX port (Fig. 1).


Verify that the telescope batteries are installed correctly and that they have sufficient charge.
Autostar is beeping: The Timer or Alarm function may have been activated(see "Timer" and "Alarm").
Autostar does not slew to the correct object: The telescope mount may not be stable (if mountedwith Alt/Az One Star alignment) or the mount has been
moved after alignment. Verify the stability and orientation of the telescope and mount, then re-align the telescope (see “ALIGNMENT,” page 14).
The connectors on the end of the coil cord are fairly
rugged and should yield years of use under normal circumstances. Take care when storing the cord so thatthe connectors do not become crushed or abraded.
-27-

The motors may not be properly calibrated. Re-calibrate the motors by choosing the "Select Item: Setup"
menu, then scroll to the Telescope option. Press
ENTER to choose "Telescope," then scroll to "Calibrate
Motors." Press ENTER again and the screen displays"Testing Motors." Re-align the telescope and attempt toobserve. If the problem persists, a Reset may be nessary.

MEADE CUSTOMER SERVICE
If you have a question concerning Autostar, contact the
Meade Instruments Customer Service Department at:

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIESSee your telescope manual for a complete listing of allaccessories.

Telephone: 1-800-62-MEADE
Fax: (949) 451-1460#506 AstroFinder™ Software and Cable Connector Kit:
Displays more than 10,000 celestial wonders – galaxies,
nebulae, star clusters, stars, and planets – on your PC,
enabling even the beginner to locate and identify objects toobserve with the telescope or to print out star charts for use
in observing sessions. Operates with any Windows™based personal computer. The Cable Connector Kit permits
connection of a DS telescope, Autostar, and PC, for downloading of new software to Autostar or for updating of Earthsatellite or other celestial object positions. This kit is included with each AstroFinder Software package.

Customer Service hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, PacificTime, Monday through Friday. In the unlikely event that the
Autostar requires factory servicing or repairs, write or callthe Meade Customer Service Department first, before
returning Autostar to the factory, giving full particulars as tothe nature 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 returnof the telescope to the factory.
AUTOSTAR SPECIFICATIONS
Processor......................................68HC11, 8MHz
Flash Memory ..............................512KB, reloadable
Display ..........................................2 line, 16 character LCD
Backlight ......................................Red LED
Coil Cord ......................................24"
AUTOSTAR DIMENSIONS
Length ..........................................14.2cm (5.60")
Width (LCD end) ..........................78.0cm (3.08")
Width (Connector end)..................53.5cm (2.10")
Depth ............................................23.5cm (0.93")
Autostar net weight ......................0.169kg (0.35 lbs.)-28-

Fig. 10. AstroFinder SoftwareAPPENDIX A: ENTERING R.A. AND DEC COORDINATES
Although Autostar's database contains more than 1400
objects (stars, nebulae, planets, etc.) that you can observe,
you may eventually want to view objects that are not part ofthe database. Autostar provides a feature that allows you toenter an object's R.A and Dec coordinates in the "User:
Objects" option of Autostar's Object menu and then automatically slews the telescope to the user-entered coordinates.

2. After the telescope is aligned, "Select Item: Object" displays. (If necessary, use the Scroll keys to scroll
through the menus, as previously described, to find thisoption.) Press ENTER.

In order to use this menu option, you first need to look up
the R.A and Dec coordinates of the object or objects you
wish to observe. Check out your local library, computer
store or bookstore for astronomy books, CD Roms, or magazines (such as Sky & Telescope or Astronomy), to findcoordinates of celestial objects. A list of the coordinates of
14 common stars are printed at the end of this manual; see"STAR LOCATOR," page 30.

5. "Name" displays on the top line and a blinking cursor
on the second line. Use the Arrow keys (as previously
described) to enter the name of the object you wish to
add to the database. When you are finished, press
ENTER.

The objects/coordinates you enter become part of your own
permanent database, called "User Objects." You may use
this menu to view these object as often as you like, but theobjects' coordinates just need to be entered once.
To enter coordinates of an object into the "User:
Objects" option of the Object menu:
1. Make sure Autostar has been initialized (see "INITIALIZING AUTOSTAR," page 8) and the telescope has
been aligned and set to the Alt/Az home alignment
position (see "EASY TWO-STAR ALIGNMENT," page
14).

3. "Object: Solar System" displays. Keep pressing theScroll Up key until "Object: User Object" displays andpress ENTER.
4. "User Object: Select" displays. Press the Scroll Down
key once. "User Object: Add" displays. Press ENTER.

6. "Right Asc.: +00.00.0" displays. Use the Arrow keys toenter the digits for the Right Ascension coordinate ofyour object. If necessary, use the Scroll Keys to change"+" to "-." When you are finished, press ENTER.
7. "Declination: +00°.00'" displays. Use the Arrow keys toenter the digits for the Declination coordinate of yourobject. If necessary, use the Scroll Keys to change "+"to "-." When you are finished, press ENTER.
8. Autostar then prompts you to enter the Size of theobject. This step is optional. Use the Arrow keys toenter this information, if so desired, and press ENTER
to go to the next display. If you do not wish to enter thisinformation, simply press ENTER.

-29-

9. Autostar then prompts you to enter the Magnitude of
the object. This step is also optional. Use the Arrowkeys to enter this information, if so desired, and press
ENTER to go to the next display. "User Object: Add"
displays again.
To GO TO a user-entered object:
1. With "User Object: Add" displayed, press the Scroll Up
key once. "User Object: Select" displays. Press
ENTER.
2. Use the Scroll keys (if necessary) to scroll to thedesired object. Press ENTER.

3. The name of the object and the Right Ascension and
Declination coordinates display.
4. Press GO TO and the telescope slews to the object.
STAR LOCATOR
The chart below lists bright stars with their R.A. and Dec
coordinates, along with the Northern Hemisphere season
when these stars are prominent in the night sky. This list
aids the observer to find alignment stars at various times ofthe year. For example, if it is a midsummer evening in the
Northern Hemisphere, Deneb in the constellation Cygnus,
is an excellent alignment star, while Betelgeuse is not
because it is in the winter constellation Orion and thus,
below the horizon.

SeasonStar Name

Constellation

R.A.

Dec

SpringSpringSpringArcturus
Regulus
Spica

BootesLeo
Virgo

14h16m10h09m13h25m19° 11"
11° 58"-11° 10"

SummerSummerSummerSummerVega
Deneb
AltairAntares

Lyra
CygnusAquilaScorpius

18h37m20h41m
19h51m16h30m38° 47"45° 17"08° 52"-26° 26"

Fall
Fall
Fall

Markab
Fomalhaut
Mira

Pegasus
Pisces Austrinus
Cetus

23h05m22h58m02h19m15° 12"-29° 38"-02° 58"

Winter
Winter
Winter
WinterRigel
Betelgeuse
SiriusAldebaran

Orion
Orion
Canis Major
Taurus05h15m05h55m06h45m04h35m-08° 12"07° 25"-16° 43"16° 31"-30-

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