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Captions for Cover
1. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Screen - A 2 line, 16 character
each line, information screen. Brightness and contrast of the
screen is adjustable.
2. ENTER Key - Completes a data entry or selects an Autostar
function.
3. MODE Key - Exits the current function and returns to the
previous menu. Press MODE instead of ENTER to void any
data input or feature selection. Pressing MODE for more than
2 seconds displays telescope status.
4. GO TO Key - Moves the telescope to selected objects or
coordinates.
5. Arrow Keys - Moves the telescope in any of four directions.
When data is entered, the arrow keys move the screen cursor.
6. Number Keys - Enters numeric data. When not used to enter
data, the number keys select telescope motor speeds (1 is
slowest, 9 is fastest).
7. “0” Key - Enters data or turns the Utility Light on and off.
8. Scroll Up Key - Views menu options one entry at a time.
During a moving message, this key increases message speed.
9. Scroll Down Key -Views menu options one entry at a time.
During a moving message, this key decreases message speed.
10. Help (“?”) Key - Access the Autostar Help function.
11. Coil Cord Port - Connects the coil cord (13) to Autostar.
12. Serial Port - RS-232 cable port to Autostar.
13. Coil Cord - Connects between Autostar and the telescope.
14. Utility Light - Illuminates objects such as a watch or star chart.
Pressing the “0” key turns the utility light on and off.
NOTE: All number references in this manual are to the Autostar
Computer Controller shown on the front cover.
Introduction
This manual describes applications of the Autostar Computer
Controller with various models of Meade telescopes:
ETX-90EC: Refer to the manual included with the ETX-90EC for
instructions on the basic operation of the telescope, including usage
of the standard-equipment Electronic Controller (EC).
DS-telescopes (e.g., DS-60, DS-70, etc.): (a) Refer to the manual
included with each of these models for instructions on the basic
operation of the telescope. (b) If you purchased a DS-model which
includes the #492 Dual-Motor Electronic Control System, then
interchange the Electronic Controller (EC) of the #492 System with
the Autostar Computer Controller and follow the instructions in this
manual. The Autostar handbox plugs into the same “HBX” connector
on the telescope as the EC handbox. (c) If your DS-model did not
originally include the #492 System, and you are now adding the
complete #493 Autostar Computer Control System (including motors
on both axes) to your telescope, then read the enclosed manual
(“Meade #493 Autostar Computer Control System”) first, before
reading this manual.
Autostar assists the observer with a large variety of features,
including:
• Control the movement of the telescope to locate terrestrial and
astronomical objects.
• Catalog of events (e.g., Moon phases, meteor showers, etc.).
WARNING: 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.
