Instruction manual

INDEX
AutoStar #497 HANDBOX
28
AUTOSTAR #497 MENU OPTIONS
28
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 is powered up, enter the correct date and time –
no alignment is required. Pressing ENTER causes the
telescope to move to its pre-determined Park position.
Once parked, the screen prompts to turn off power.
Important Note: When the “Park Scope” option is
chosen and the display prompts you to turn off the
telescope’s power, AutoStar is unable to be returned to
operation without turning the power off and then back
on.
Cord Wrap, when set to “On”, moves the telescope in
such a way as to prevent the cords and cables attached
to your telescope assembly from getting wound around
the assembly and tangled as the telescope slews to
objects. “Off” is the default setting.
Setup Menu
The Setup menu’s primary function is to align the
telescope. However, there are numerous other features
available within the Setup menu, including:
Date changes the date used by AutoStar. This function
is useful 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 26.
Time changes the time entered into AutoStar. Setting
the correct time is critical for AutoStar to properly
calculate locations and events. Time may be set to
24-hour mode (military time) 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 to by
different names in various areas of the world. Check
local time to verify.
Telescope accesses the several options, including:
• Model: Allows you to select the telescope
model 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.
• Az Percent: The Az (Azimuth) Percent allows
you to change the azimuth backlash, i.e., the
way the Arrow keys move the telescope along
the azimuth (horizontal) axis. If you enter a
value near 100, the telescope tube responds
more quickly (it responds immediately at 100%)
as you hold down an Arrow key and also slews
(moves) the tube more quickly. If you enter
a value near 0, it takes longer for the tube to
respond as you hold down an Arrow key and
also slews the tube more slowly. Experiment
with this option. Try changing the percent value
until you get a “feel” for the Arrow keys that is
comfortable for you.
• Alt Percent: The Alt (Altitude) Percent operates
identical to the Az Percent option (see above),
but allows you to change the altitude backlash,
i.e., the way the Arrow keys move the telescope
when moving along the altitude (vertical) axis.
• Train Drive: Trains the Altitude and Azimuth
motors to locate objects with more precision.
If you are experiencing any problems with
pointing accuracy, follow the procedure
described in APPENDIX A: TRAINING THE
DRIVE, page 44, to insure accurate pointing
and tracking.
• Tracking Rate: Changes the speed at which
the telescope tracks targets in the sky.
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 the
Moon over long observing sessions.
c. Custom: Allows entry of user-defi ned tracking