Explorations and Perspectives on Meade's Autostar and Audiostar Control Systems

Explorations and Perspectives on Meade's Autostar and Audiostar Control Systems

**Meade's AutoStar and AudioStar GoTo Systems Simplify Stargazing**

Meade's AutoStar and AudioStar GoTo systems are revolutionary computerised telescope control systems designed to make celestial exploration easier and more accessible for amateur astronomers. These systems, which are integrated with Meade mounts, offer precise GoTo functionality and user-friendly control, allowing users to effortlessly locate and track a vast array of celestial objects.

**Key Features**

The AutoStar Control System is a versatile tool that enables GoTo functionality, allowing users to select any celestial object from its extensive database, and the telescope will automatically move to and track the object. In addition to object positioning, the system offers additional functionality such as customised tracking and alignment procedures. The AutoStar system is often provided as an external hand controller, like the Meade #497 AutoStar hand box for ETX models. It is compatible with various Meade telescopes, including the ETX-90, ETX-105, and ETX-125 series.

The AudioStar GoTo System is an enhanced version of the AutoStar, featuring a built-in speaker that provides audible information about the objects targeted and the current telescope status. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners, as it offers both visual and audio feedback for easy use.

**Operational Steps**

1. **Setup and Alignment** - Mount the telescope securely and power the system on. - Input initial setup data, such as date, time, and location. - Perform a star alignment process, usually involving pointing the telescope at one or more bright stars as guided by the hand controller. This calibrates the system to the current sky position.

2. **Object Selection** - Use the keypad/controller interface to choose objects from the onboard database, including planets, stars, galaxies, and nebulae. - Alternatively, objects can be selected by name, catalog number, or object type.

3. **GoTo Slewing and Tracking** - The controller commands the motors to slew the telescope to the chosen object. - Once centred, the system automatically tracks the object to compensate for Earth's rotation, keeping it centred in the eyepiece or camera.

4. **Additional Features** - Some AutoStar controllers support custom tours, programming, and can handle advanced astrophotography tasks by controlling the mount's motors precisely. - Updates and enhanced control may be possible using wireless options like the APPSTAR for cable-free operation and compatibility with mobile devices and desktop computers.

In conclusion, Meade's AutoStar and AudioStar GoTo systems offer automated, user-friendly control of telescope pointing and tracking, leveraging programmable alignment and extensive object databases to assist amateur astronomers in easily finding and observing celestial objects. The Audiostar is the only one among them with sound capabilities on the hand controller, while the Autostar system also has an eyepiece calculator to determine magnification based on the focal length of the eyepiece. The systems can point to targets in the sky even if there are no visible stars due to light pollution, and once aligned, they can find and track targets entered on the handset.

1. With Meade's AutoStar system, beginners can effortlessly explore deep sky objects as it automatically moves the telescope to the selected celestial object, offering precision and ease.
2. The AutoStar Control System, used as an external hand controller, is compatible with a variety of Meade telescopes, making astronomy more accessible even with advanced models.
3. For an enhanced user experience, Meade's AudioStar GoTo system provides audible information about objects and telescope status, ideal for beginners who prefer audio feedback.
4. Amateur astronomers can enjoy solar exploration with Meade telescopes, as the systems also cater to solar observations, expanding the field of view in space-and-astronomy.
5. To minimize the effects of light pollution, advanced telescope gadgets like Meade's AutoStar and AudioStar GoTo systems can accurately locate targets even when visibility is low.
6. Technology integration in astronomy has been revolutionized with smart-home devices such as Meade's AutoStar and AudioStar GoTo systems, simplifying the stargazing process for both beginner and advanced astronomers.
7. In the realm of astrophotography, Meade's AutoStar and AudioStar GoTo systems demonstrate their versatility by supporting advanced functions, allowing users to handle complex astrophotography tasks with precision and control.

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