Page 3 - CONTENTS; Never use a Meade; Looking at or near the Sun will; Use care to install batteries in
3 CONTENTS WARNING! Never use a Meade ® Telescope to look at the Sun! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage toyour eye. Eye damage is often painless, sothere is no warning to the observer that damage has occurred until it is too late. Donot point the telescope or its ...
Page 4 - Setting up the Tripod; Caution; Loosen the vertical lock; If you wish to attach the accessory tray to the; Remove the dust cover
4 QUICK-START GUIDE Setting up the Tripod 1. Open the tripod: Remove the tripod from the giftbox and stand vertically. Gently pull the legs apart to a fully openposition. Turn the center tripod lock knob to secure andstabilize the tripod. Tighten to a firm feel. Caution : Make sure you loosen the tr...
Page 5 - Sight along the top of the optical tube.
5 Observe You can now use the AutoStar Arrow keys to move the tele-scope up, down, right, or left. To change the speed at whichthe telescope moves (sometimes called the slew speed),briefly press the Speed/? key. Each press decreases theslew speed down one level, and then will cycle back to thefastes...
Page 6 - TELESCOPE FEATURES
6 Fig. 1 : The ETX-80AT Telescope. TELESCOPE FEATURES 1. Eyepiece2. Eyepiece holder thumbscrew3. 90° Eyepiece holder4. Rear Cell Port5. Flip mirror control (inset)6. Flip Barlow 7. Battery compartment 8. Fork arms9. Optical tube 10. Objective lens cell11. Base/Holes for tripod bolts12. Dust cap13. V...
Page 7 - A B C D
7 Fig. 2 : The AutoStar Handbox (see page 10). Fig. 1c : The battery compartment. Fig. 1b : The computer control panel: A - HBX port; B - LED; C - On/Off;D - AUX port. Fig. 3 : The tripod. h 1^ A B C D 2) 1* 2! 2@ 2# 2% 1( 2$ 18. AutoStar 19. Bubble level compass20. Tripod base21. Adjustable legs22....
Page 8 - ETX: Your Personal Window to the Universe; ). The weight of the objective lens could cause the tube to swing
8 Fig. 4a: Flip mirror control in the “up”position. Fig. 4b: Flip mirror control in the “down”position. ETX: Your Personal Window to the Universe The Meade ETX-80AT is an extremely versatile, high-resolution telescope with features similarto those once available only with larger and more specialized...
Page 9 - AutoStar with attached cord:
9 1% Focus Knob : Moves the telescope’s objective lens ( 10, Fig. 1 ) in a finely-controlled motion to focus an image. The ETX-80AT telescope can be focused on objects from a distance ofabout 17 ft. to infinity. Rotate the focus knob clockwise to focus on distant objects, andcounterclockwise to focu...
Page 10 - Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button; al #506 AstroFinderTM Software and Cable Connector Kit. See; AUTOSTAR FEATURES
10 Fig. 5: #494 AutoStar Handbox. Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Control of the ETX-80AT is through the operation of the standard-equipment #494 AutoStar.Nearly all functions of the telescope are accomplished with just a few pushes of AutoStar’s but-tons. Some of the major features o...
Page 11 - ENTER Key; MODE Key; NOTE; GO TO Key
11 The AutoStar Computer Controller provides control of virtually every telescope function withina compact handbox. AutoStar has soft-touch 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 thedark. The backlit...
Page 12 - TIPS; FOR BEGINNERS; Join an Astronomy Club
12 H Speed/? Key : Pressing the Speed/? key cycles through the nine slew speeds that move the telescope. Each time the Speed/? key is pressed briefly, the current slew speed isshown for about two seconds on the display. See SLEW SPEEDS, page 15. The Speed/? key also accesses the "Help" file....
Page 13 - GETTING STARTED
13 Parts Listing Getting the telescope ready for first observations requires only a few minutes. When first open-ing the packing box, note carefully the following parts: • The ETX Astro Telescope with fork mount system, built-in flip barlow. • #882 Standard Field Tripod with carry case • Accessory t...
Page 14 - Accept the Sun Warning:; Choosing an Eyepiece; Manual Operation of the Telescope without AutoStar
14 8. Plug in the handbox: Make sure that the computer control panel power switch is in the OFF position. Remove AutoStar from the packing materials and plug it into the HBX port. Flip the Power Switch on the computer control panel to the ON position. The copyrightmessage lights on AutoStar’s LCD di...
Page 16 - Turn on the control panel:
16 NOTE: AutoStar requests theCountry/State, City,and Telescope Modelinformation only thefirst time AutoStar isactivated. If you wishto change this informa-tion, use the "Site" and"Telescope Model"options in the Setupmenu. The device that sup-plies the Time andDate is preset at the O...
Page 17 - Set Your Location or Zip Code:; The Location screen displays. This screen asks you if you; System initialization is complete; . The Easy Alignment feature begins automatically after
17 7. Set Your Location or Zip Code: The Location screen displays. This screen asks you if you wish to choose either the zip code of your observing location or the location ( i.e., entering the city and state or country of your observing location). Press Up to select the zip codeoption or down to en...
Page 18 - Easy Alignment; Select Alignment; The GO TO key also allows you to perform a; Go To Saturn; IMPORTANT NOTE
18 Easy Alignment After you initialize the system, AutoStar displays “Easy Align.” The fastest and easiest way tostart observing with AutoStar is with Easy Alignment. During Easy Alignment, AutoStar automatically picks two alignment stars from its database ofcelestial objects. It will then slew the ...
Page 19 - Using the Guided Tour; This is the perfect time to use Autostar’s “Guided Tour.”; Which One’s the Alignment
19 4. Press ENTER. “Calculating” displays. Then “Saturn” and a set of coordinates displays.Saturn’s (and other planets’) coordinates change throughout the year. 5. Press GO TO. “Saturn: Slewing...” displays and the telescope slews until it finds Saturn. Youmay need to use the Arrow keys to center Sa...
Page 20 - AUTOSTAR MENUS
20 AUTOSTAR MENUS T o night's Best H o w F ar is F ar A Star's Lif e D o wnloaded T ours U s er-created T ours Solar System M e rcur y Etc . M o on A s teroids C omets C onstellations A n dromeda Etc . Dee p S k y N amed Obj ect G ala x ies N e b ulae M e ssier Etc . Star N amed S A O C atalog D o u...
Page 21 - No matter how many levels into AutoStar are traveled, each; AutoStar Navigation Exercise; AUTOSTAR OPERATION; Autostar
21 It is important to understand that menu selections are set in a loop ( Fig. 19 ) . This means that pressing the Scroll Down key ( 6, Fig. 5 ) cycles down through all the available options within a given category, then returns to the first option. The Scroll Up key ( 6, Fig. 5 ) cycles up through ...
Page 22 - To Calculate Sunset time:; Entering Numbers and Text into Autostar; To enter numbers and text:; Navigating Autostar; When multiple
22 To Calculate Sunset time: 1. Press the MODE key several times, until “Select Item: Object” is displayed. 2. Press the Scroll Down key once to display the “Event” option in the “Select Item” menu. 3. Press the ENTER key to choose the "Event" option and move down a level. "Event:Sunrise...
Page 23 - Object Menu; Exceptions include Guided Tour and Landmark Survey.); database; Only use the Arrow keys to move the telescope during the
23 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 , page 18, for an example of observing using the Object menu. Also see TAKE A GUIDED TOUR , page 19. Many Autostar menu categor...
Page 24 - Event Menu; Glossary Menu; hypertext word; Utilities Menu
24 Event Menu The Event menu provides access to dates and times of astronomical events. The Event data-base includes: Sunrise and Sunset calculates the time that the Sun rises or sets on the current date. Find rise and set times for other dates by entering a new date into the “Setup: Date” menu. See...
Page 25 - This feature is usually only required in very cold weather.; Setup Menu
25 Timer selects a countdown timer. This feature is useful for functions such as astrophotography and tracking satellites. See OBSERVING SATELLITES , page 29. To use the Timer, press ENTER, then choose “Set” or “Start/Stop." N Set : Enter the time to be counted down, in hours, minutes, and secon...
Page 26 - Surf the Web
26 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 24. Time changes the ...
Page 27 - Autostar compensates for daylight savings time, if selected. See; To update AutoStar’s database from a computer, use the optional #506
27 N Quiet Slew : Sets the maximum slew rate to 1.5° for quieter operation. N Max Elevation : Allows you to enter a value in degrees that sets a limit as to how far the optical tube can swing upward during a programmed slew. (Note that it does not preventyou from performing a manual slew past this l...
Page 28 - Loosen the telescope’s vertical lock (; ADVANCED FEATURES
28 Terrestrial Observing The ETX-80AT makes an excellent high-resolution, terrestrial (land) telescope. Viewing terres-trial objects requires looking along the Earth's surface through heat waves. These heat wavesoften cause degradation of image quality. Low power eyepieces, like the MA 25mm eyepiece...
Page 29 - Perform steps 1 through 8; as described in the; . Align to the first star; . AutoStar then displays a database of stars for the observer to; Press ENTER; Observing a Satellite
29 Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. AutoStar provides a database ofbright stars and two stars from this database are chosen by the observer for alignment. 1. Perform steps 1 through 8 as described in the EASY ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE , page 18. 2 . Al...
Page 30 - ) approximately once a month to get updated information and; Digital Photography with the ETX; Some tips for better photos:; Photography with Meade’s AutoStar SuiteTM; appear. The motor drive stops and a countdown starts.
30 8. Use the Arrow keys to center the object in the eyepiece to view the object. Satellite orbitschange and new satellites (including the Space Shuttle) are launched. Visit the Meadewebsite ( www.meade.com ) approximately once a month to get updated information and instructions on how to download t...
Page 32 - #506 AstroFinderTM Software and Cable Connector Kit:; For higher or lower magnifications, Meade 4-element
32 Fig 27: #827 Right-Angle Viewfinder. A wide assortment of professional Meade accessories are available for the ETX-80AT. Meadeaccessories greatly extend many important applications to the telescope, from low-power,wide-field terrestrial viewing to high-power lunar and planetary observing. The pre...
Page 33 - General Maintenance; Do not; Storage and Transport; Inspecting the Optics; If a flashlight or other high-intensity light source is point-; MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
33 General Maintenance The ETX-80AT telescope is a precision optical instrument designed to yield a lifetime of reward-ing applications. Given the care and respect due any precision instrument, your telescope willrarely require factory servicing or maintenance. Maintenance guidelines include: 1. Avo...
Page 34 - Troubleshooting; Still unable to see an image through the eyepiece:; Images through the eyepiece appear unfocused or distorted:
34 Troubleshooting The following suggestions may be helpful with operation of the ETX-80AT. The power indicator light on the telescope does not come on or there is no responsewhen pressing AutoStar Arrow keys: • Verify that the Computer Control Panel power switch ( C, Fig. 1b ) is in the ON position...
Page 35 - Meade Customer Service; Telephone; ETX-80AT Specifications; Materials; AutoStar Specifications; Processor; AutoStar Dimensions
35 Meade Customer Service If you have a question concerning your ETX-80AT, contact the Meade Instruments CustomerService Department at: Telephone : (800) 626-3233 Customer Service hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. In theunlikely event that the ETX requires factory se...
Page 36 - Press GO TO and the telescope slews to the object.
36 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 of the database.AutoStar provides a feature that allows you to enter an object's R.A and Dec coordinates in the"User: Obj...
Page 37 - Polar Alignment; in place of the digital setting circles; Celestial Coordinates; ) is that point in the sky where an extension of the Earth’s axis; Right Ascension
37 Polar Alignment The great majority of ETX-80AT owners will find itunnecessary ever to Polar align the telescope. Withthese ETX telescope models the standard-equip-ment Autostar controller allows the telescope to beused in the altazimuth (Alt/Az) orientation for allobserving purpose. This section ...
Page 38 - You may also enter an object's; Locating the Celestial Pole; For almost all astronomical observing requirements, approx-; Autostar Polar Alignment; Intermediate to Advanced; One-Star Polar Alignment; Two-Star Polar Alignment; See; In order to
38 e.g., the Declination of the North Celestial Pole is +90°, with Declination South of the celestial equatorindicated with a “–” sign, e.g., the Declination of the South Celestial Pole is –90°. Any point on the celes-tial equator itself which, for example, passes through the constellations Orion, V...
Page 39 - APPENDIX C: HELPFUL CHARTS
39 UNITED STATESCity State Latitude Albuquerque New Mexico 35° N Anchorage Alaska 61° N Atlanta Georgia 34° N Boston Massachusetts 42° N Chicago Illinois 42° N Cleveland Ohio 41° N Dallas Texas 33° N Denver Colorado 40° N Detroit Michigan 42° N Honolulu Hawaii 21° N Jackson Mississippi 32° N Kansas ...
Page 40 - APPENDIX D: TRAINING THE DRIVE
40 Train the telescope motors using AutoStar. Perform this procedure after RESET or if you are experiencing any point-ing accuracy problems. Figure 33 depicts the complete Drive Training procedure. Note: Use a terrestrial object, such as a telephone pole or lamp post, to train the drive. Complete th...
Page 41 - AutoStar Glossary; Objects in Space; APPENDIX E: BASIC ASTRONOMY
41 In the early 17th century, Italian Scientist Galileo, using a crude telescope considerably small-er than the ETX-80AT, turned it to look towards the sky instead of distant trees and mountains.What he saw, and what he realized about what he saw, forever changed the way mankindthought of the univer...
Page 44 - MEADE LIMITED WARRANTY
Part no . 14-6882-00 07/00 (800) 626-3233 www.meade.com MEADE LIMITED WARRANTY Every Meade telescope, spotting scope, and telescope accessory is warranted by Meade Instruments Corporation (“Meade”)to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE YEAR from the date of original p...
