The Autostar Computer Controller offers automatic dual-axis GO TO function at 5 degrees per second to any of more than 14,000 database objects, including deep-space objects (galaxies, diffuse nebulae, planetary nebulae, star clusters--any object from the original IC, NGC, and Caldwell catalogs, as well as all 110 Messier objects); 900 stars (including double stars, variable stars, SAO stars); the eight major planets from Mercury to Pluto; 26 of the brightest asteroids; 15 periodic comets; 50 earth-orbiting satellites including the International Space Station; plus user-defined objects and the centroids of all 88 constellations. Select any of these objects, press GO TO, and the telescope automatically slews to the object, placing it in the telescopic field. The Autostar provides automatic GO TO function to any object of known right ascension (R.A.) and declination (Dec.).
The Autostar gives digital readouts of telescope position (continuously in R.A. and Dec.), menu options, glossary, and utility functions.
The Autostar offers precise sidereal-rate tracking in either altazimuth or equatorial modes. For altazimuth tracking, set the telescope on its drive base and perform a quick, easy alignment.
The Autostar provides 9-speed dual-axis operation--pushbutton operation of the telescope on both axes, simultaneously, at any speed from two times sidereal to 5 degrees per second.
The Autostar includes an RS-232 serial port for operation of the telescope through a personal computer, using Meade Epoch 2000sk sky software or other astronomical software.
The Autostar also comes with over 20 other menu options, including guided tours, major event menus, user-defined terrestrial objects, and much more.
