Celestron NexStar 114 User manual

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IN NS ST TR RU UC CT TI IO ON N M MA AN NU UA AL L
N
Ne ex xS St ta ar r 6 60 0 . . N Ne ex xS St ta ar r 8 80 0 . . N Ne ex xS St ta ar r 1 11 14 4 . . N Ne ex xS St ta ar r 1 13 30 0

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T
TA AB BL LE E O OF F C CO ON NT TE EN NT TS S
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................................4
Warning...........................................................................................................................................................................4
QUICK SETUP...................................................................................................................................................................5
ASSEMBLY.....................................................................................................................................................................10
Assembling the NexStar................................................................................................................................................11
Attaching the Telescope to the Tripod.......................................................................................................................12
The Star Diagonal......................................................................................................................................................12
The Eyepiece .............................................................................................................................................................13
Focusing ....................................................................................................................................................................13
The Star Pointer Finderscope ....................................................................................................................................13
Star Pointer Installation .........................................................................................................................................14
Star Pointer Operation ...........................................................................................................................................15
HAND CONTROL ..........................................................................................................................................................16
Attaching the Hand Control.......................................................................................................................................16
Powering the NexStar................................................................................................................................................16
The Hand Control......................................................................................................................................................16
Hand Control Operation ................................................................................................................................................18
Alignment Procedure.................................................................................................................................................18
Auto-Align ................................................................................................................................................................18
Two Star Alignment ..................................................................................................................................................19
Quick-Align...............................................................................................................................................................20
NexStar Re-Alignment ..............................................................................................................................................20
Object Catalog...............................................................................................................................................................21
Selecting an Object....................................................................................................................................................21
Slewing to an Object .................................................................................................................................................21
Tour Mode.................................................................................................................................................................21
Direction Buttons ..........................................................................................................................................................22
Rate Button................................................................................................................................................................22
Set Up Procedures .........................................................................................................................................................22
Tracking Mode ..........................................................................................................................................................22
Tracking Rate ............................................................................................................................................................23
View Time-Site .....................................................................................................................................................23
Sidereal Time ........................................................................................................................................................23
Filter Limits...........................................................................................................................................................23
RS-232...................................................................................................................................................................23
User Defined Objects ............................................................................................................................................23
Get RA/DEC .............................................................................................................................................................24
Get Alt-Az.................................................................................................................................................................24
Goto R.A/Dec............................................................................................................................................................24
Goto Alt-Az...............................................................................................................................................................24
Utility Features..............................................................................................................................................................24
Steup Time-Site.....................................................................................................................................................24
Anti-backlash ........................................................................................................................................................24
Slew Limits ...........................................................................................................................................................25
Direction Buttons ..................................................................................................................................................25
Light Control .........................................................................................................................................................25
Select Model..........................................................................................................................................................25
TELESCOPE BASICS....................................................................................................................................................27
Focusing ....................................................................................................................................................................27
Image Orientation......................................................................................................................................................27
Calculating Magnification .........................................................................................................................................27
Determining Field of View........................................................................................................................................28
General Observing Hints ...........................................................................................................................................28
CELESTIAL OBSERVING ...........................................................................................................................................29
Observing the Moon..............................................................................................................................................29
Lunar Observing Hints ..........................................................................................................................................29
Observing the Planets............................................................................................................................................29
Planetary Observing Hints.....................................................................................................................................29
Observing the Sun .................................................................................................................................................29

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Solar Observing Hints ...........................................................................................................................................30
Observing Deep Sky Objects.................................................................................................................................30
Seeing Conditions..................................................................................................................................................30
Transparency .........................................................................................................................................................30
Sky Illumination....................................................................................................................................................30
Seeing....................................................................................................................................................................30
TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE.......................................................................................................................................32
Care and Cleaning of the Optics....................................................................................................................................32
Collimation....................................................................................................................................................................32
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................................................................33
APPENDIX A - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................35
APPENDIX B – GLOSSARY OF TERMS ...................................................................................................................36
APPENDIX C – RS 232 CONNECTION ......................................................................................................................39
Communication Protocol:......................................................................................................................................39
APPENDIX D – TIME ZONE MAPS ...........................................................................................................................40
SKY MAPS ......................................................................................................................................................................42

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Congratulations on your purchase of the Celestron NexStar! The NexStar ushers in a whole new generation of computer
automated technology. Simple and friendly to use, the NexStar is up and running after locating just two alignment stars.
It’s the perfect combination of power and portability. If you are new to astronomy, you may wish to start off by using
the NexStar's built-in Sky Tour feature, which commands the NexStar to find the most interesting objects in the sky and
automatically slews to each one. Or if you are an experienced amateur, you will appreciate the comprehensive database
of over 4,000 objects, including customized lists of all the best deep-sky objects, bright double stars and variable stars.
No matter at what level you are starting out, the NexStar will unfold for you and your friends all the wonders of the
Universe.
Some of the many standard features of the NexStar include:
• Incredible 4°/second slew speed.
• Fully enclosed motors and optical encoders for position location.
• Computerized hand controller with 4,000 object database.
• Storage for programmable user defined objects; and
• Many other high performance features!
The NexStar’s deluxe features combined with Celestron’s legendary optical standards give amateur astronomers one of
the most sophisticated and easy to use telescopes available on the market today.
Take time to read through this manual before embarking on your journey through the Universe. It may take a few
observing sessions to become familiar with your NexStar, so you should keep this manual handy until you have fully
mastered your telescope’s operation. The NexStar hand control has built-in instructions to guide you through all the
alignment procedures needed to have the telescope up and running in minutes. Use this manual in conjunction with the
on-screen instructions provided by the hand control. The manual gives detailed information regarding each step as well
as needed reference material and helpful hints guaranteed to make your observing experience as simple and pleasurable
as possible.
Your NexStar telescope is designed to give you years of fun and rewarding observations. However, there are a few
things to consider before using your telescope that will ensure your safety and protect your equipment.
Warning
Y Never look directly at the sun with the naked eye or with a telescope (unless you have the proper solar filter).
Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
Y Never use your telescope to project an image of the sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the
telescope and any accessories attached to it.
Y Never use an eyepiece solar filter or a Herschel wedge. Internal heat build-up inside the telescope can cause these
devices to crack or break, allowing unfiltered sunlight to pass through to the eye.
Y Never leave the telescope unsupervised, either when children are present or adults who may not be familiar with the
correct operating procedures of your telescope.

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2
1
3
Fork Arm
Base
Tripod Head
Couplin
g
Screw
A) Remove the NexStar from its packaging. Spread the
tripod legs apart until the center leg brace is fully
extended and attach the accessory tray. B) Extend the
tripod legs to the desired height. C) Set the telescope fork
arm base into the tripod head and thread the coupling
screw into the bottom of the base.
4
Hand
Control
Outlet
Battery
Pack
Outlet
Install 8 AA batteries into the battery pack. Plug in
the hand control and the battery pack into the
outlets on the fork arm base.
The first time the NexStar is powered on the display will
read Select Model. Use the Up and Down scroll buttons to
select your NexStar model from the list and press ENTER.
When the dis
p
la
y
reads NexStar Ready, press ENTER to
A
utoAli
g
nthe NexStar. The hand control display will ask
you to move the telescope tube so that it is level with the
ground and facing the north horizon. Use the direction
arrow buttons on the hand control to position the telescope
north and level. (See Astronomy Basics for help on finding
north).
A) Attach the included accessories. Loosen the thumb screw at the
end of the focuser and remove the protective plastic cap. Insert the
diagonal (60mm and 80mm models only) and low power eyepiece
(25mm or 20mm) into the barrel of the focuser. B) Remove the
front lens cover from the end of the telescope. C) Attach the Star
Pointer finderscope and remove the plastic cover over the battery
and turn-on the Star Pointer by rotating the dial on the side. (For
instructions on aligning the Star Pointer, see the Assembly section o
f
the manual).
Eyepiece Star Pointer
Focus Knob
Star Diagonal

6
TOUR Button
Object Lis
t
Button
Catalog Keys
7
6
Use the U
p
and Down scroll buttons and choose from
the city database the closest cit
y
to
y
our
p
resent
location. Then in
p
ut the necessar
y
date and time
information as instructed b
y
the hand control. Press
ENTER after each entry. (See Hand Control section
of the manual for detailed alignment procedures).
Alignment Star
StarPointer Finderscope
The NexStar will automaticall
y
choose an ali
g
nment star and slew
the telescope close to that star. Once there, the dis
p
la
y
will as
k
y
ou to use the arrow buttons to aim the Star Pointer at the star. I
f
the star is not visible (
p
erha
p
s behind a tree),
p
ress UNDO to
select a new star. Next, focus and center the star in the e
y
e
p
iece
and press ALIGN. Re
p
eat these ste
p
s for the second star
alignment. When complete, display will read "Alignment
Successful".
Press the TOUR button on the hand control. The hand control
will display a list of objects that are visible for the date and
location entered. Press INFO to read information about the
ob
j
ect dis
p
la
y
ed. Press the DOWN scroll ke
y
to dis
p
la
y
the
next ob
j
ect. Press ENTER to slew to (
g
o to) the dis
p
la
y
ed
object.
Up and Down
Scroll Buttons
Direction
Buttons
5
6

7
1 Objective Lens 6 Focuser Knob
2 Fork Arm 7 Star Diagonal
3 Accessory Tray w/ hand control holder 8 Eyepiece
4 Hand Control 9 Star Pointer Finderscope
5 Tripod 10 Tube Ring
The NexStar 60 GT
Refractor Telescope
9
1
2
8
7
5
3
4
6
10

8
1 Objective Lens 6 Focuser Knob
2 Fork Arm 7 Star Diagonal
3 Accessory Tray w/ hand control holder 8 Eyepiece
4 Hand Control 9 Star Pointer Finderscope
5 Tripod 10 Tube Ring
The NexStar 80 GT
Refractor Telescope
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 10

9
1 Lens Cover 6 Hand Control
2 Optical Tube 7 Collimation Adjustment Knobs
3 Fork Arm 8 Tube Ring
4 Tripod 9 Eyepiece
5 Accessory Tray w/ hand control holder 10 Star Pointer Finderscope
NexStar 114 GT
Reflecting Telescope
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

10
1 StarPointer Bracket 6 Collimation Screws
2 StarPointer Finderscope 7 Fork Arm Base
3 Eyepiece 8 Tripod
4 Focuser 9 Accessory Tray
5 Tube Clamping Ring 10 Hand Control
23
1
45
6
10 7
8
9
The NexStar 130 GT

11
The NexStar comes partially assembled and can be operational in a matter of minutes. The NexStar is conveniently
packaged in one reusable shipping carton that contains the following accessories:
NexStar 60 GT NexStar 80 GT NexStar 114 GT NexStar 130 GT
20mm, 10mm, 4mm Eyepieces
– 1¼"
25mm, 10mm Eyepieces –
1¼"
25mm Eyepiece – 1¼" 25mm Eyepiece – 1¼"
1¼" Star Diagonal 1¼" Star Diagonal 10mm Eyepiece – 1¼" 10mm Eyepiece – 1¼"
Star Pointer Finderscope and
Mounting Bracket
Star Pointer Finderscope and
Mounting Bracket
Star Pointer Finderscope and
Mounting Bracket
Star Pointer Finderscope and
Mounting Bracket
Deluxe Accessory Tray Deluxe Accessory Tray Deluxe Accessory Tray Deluxe Accessory Tray
Battery Pack Battery Pack Battery Pack Battery Pack
The Sky™ Level 1 Astronomy
Software
The Sky™ Level 1 Astronomy
Software
The Sky™ Level 1 Astronomy
Software
The Sky™ Level 1 Astronomy
Software
Telescope Control Software Telescope Control Software Telescope Control Software Telescope Control Software
NexStar Hand Control w/ Object
Database
NexStar Hand Control w/
Object Database
NexStar Hand Control w/
Object Database
NexStar Hand Control w/
Object Database
A
As ss se em mb bl li in ng g t th he e N Ne ex xS St ta ar r
Your NexStar comes in two major sections: the optical tube with fork arm and the tripod. These sections can be
attached in seconds using the quick release coupling screw located under the tripod mounting platform. Remove all of
the accessories from their individual boxes. Remember to save all of the containers so that they can be used to
transport the telescope. Before attaching the visual accessories, the telescope tube should be mounted to its tripod.
First, install the accessory tray onto the tripod legs:
1. Remove the tripod from the box and spread the legs apart until the center leg brace is fully extended.
2. Locate the accessory tray, and place it on top of the tripod center support brace in between the tripod legs
(see figure 2-2).
Tripod
Mounting
Platform
Fork Arm
Base Coupling
Screw
Figure 2-1

12
3. Insert the locking bolt from underneath the tripod support brace and
thread it into the hole in the center of the accessory tray. Do not
over tighten.
The accessory tray has a built-on hand control holder protruding from the
side. The back of the hand control has an opening that slides over the clip on
the inside of the holder.
It is a good idea to adjust the height of the tripod before attaching the fork arm
and tube. Minor adjustments can be made later. To adjust the height of the
tripod legs:
1. Loosen the tripod leg locking bolt located on the side of each leg.
2. Slide the inner portion of each leg down 6" to 8" inches.
3. Tighten the tripod locking bolts to hold each leg in place.
A
At tt ta ac ch hi in ng g t th he e T Te el le es sc co op pe e t to o t th he e T Tr ri ip po od d
With the tripod properly assembled, the telescope tube and fork arm can easily be attached using the quick release
coupling screw located underneath the tripod mounting platform:
1. Hold the telescope tube assembly by the fork arm and place the fork arm base inside the tripod mounting
platform.
2. Thread the coupling screw into the hole at the bottom of the fork arm base and hand tighten.
Your NexStar is fully assembled and is ready to attach the accessories.
T
Th he e S St ta ar r D Di ia ag go on na al l
(For 60mm and 80mm Models Only)
The star diagonal diverts the light at a right angle from the light path of the telescope. For astronomical observing, this
allows you to observe in positions that are more comfortable than if you were to look straight through. To attach the
star diagonal:
1. Turn the thumbscrew on the eyepiece adapter at the end of the focuser
barrel until it no longer extends into (i.e., obstructs) the inner diameter
of the focus barrel. Remove the protective dust cap from the focuser
barrel.
2. Slide the chrome portion of the star diagonal into the eyepiece adapter.
3. Tighten the thumbscrew on the eyepiece adapter to hold the star
diagonal in place.
If you wish to change the orientation of the star diagonal, loosen the
thumbscrew on the eyepiece adapter until the star diagonal rotates
freely. Rotate the diagonal to the desired position and tighten the
thumbscrew.
Figure 2-3– Visual accessories for 60mm and 80mm models
Star Pointer
Star Diagonal
Eyepiece
Eyepiece Adapter
Focus Knob
Figure 2-2 – The Accessory Tray/ Hand Control
Holder
Accessor
y
Tra
y
Locking Bolt
(underneath
Accessory Tray)

13
T
Th he e E Ey ye ep pi ie ec ce e
The eyepiece, or ocular, is the optical element that magnifies the image focused by the telescope. The eyepiece fits
either directly into the focuser (114mm and 130mm models) or into the star diagonal (60mm and 80mm models). To
install the eyepiece:
For 60mm and 80mm models:
1. Loosen the thumbscrew on the star diagonal so it does not obstruct the inner diameter of the eyepiece end of the
diagonal. Remove the protective dust cap from the star diagonal's barrel.
2. Slide the chrome portion of the low power 25mm eyepiece (20mm for the NexStar 60 model) into the star diagonal.
3. Tighten the thumbscrew to hold the eyepiece in place.
To remove the eyepiece, loosen the thumbscrew on the star diagonal and slide the eyepiece out.
For 114mm and 130mm models:
1. Loosen the thumb screw on the eyepiece adapter at the end of the focuser barrel and
remove the protective dust cap from the focuser barrel.
2. Slide the chrome portion of the low power 25mm eyepiece into the eyepiece
adapter.
3. Tighten the thumbscrew to hold the eyepiece in place.
To remove the eyepiece, loosen the thumbscrew on the eyepiece barrel and slide the
eyepiece out.
Eyepieces are commonly referred to by focal length and barrel diameter. The focal
length of each eyepiece is printed on the eyepiece barrel. The longer the focal length
(i.e., the larger the number) the lower the eyepiece power or magnification; and the
shorter the focal length (i.e., the smaller the number) the higher the magnification. Generally, you will use low-to-
moderate power when viewing. For more information on how to determine power, see the section on “Calculating
Magnification.”
Barrel diameter is the diameter of the barrel that slides into the star diagonal or focuser. The NexStar uses eyepieces
with a standard 1-1/4" barrel diameter.
F
Fo oc cu us si in ng g
To focus your telescope, simply turn either of the focus knobs at the eyepiece end of the optical tube (see figures 2-3
and 2.4). Turn the focus knob until the image is sharp. Once sharp, turn the knob towards you to focus on an object
that is closer than the one you are currently observing. Turn the knob away from you to focus on a more distant object
than the one you are currently observing.
T
Th he e S St ta ar r P Po oi in nt te er r F Fi in nd de er rs sc co op pe e
The Star Pointer is the quickest and easiest way to point your telescope exactly at a desired object in the sky. It's like
having a laser pointer that you can shine directly onto the night sky. The Star Pointer is a zero magnification pointing
tool that uses a coated glass window to superimpose the image of a small red dot onto the night sky. While keeping
both eyes open when looking through the Star Pointer, simply move your telescope until the red dot, seen through the
Star Pointer, merges with the object as seen with your unaided eye. The red dot is produced by a light-emitting diode
(LED); it is not a laser beam and will not damage the glass window or your eye. The Star Pointer comes equipped with
a variable brightness control, two axes alignment control and mounting brackets. Before the Star Pointer is ready to be
used, it must be attached to the telescope tube and properly aligned:
Figure 2-4– Visual accessories for the
Ne
x
Sta
r 114
&
1
30
Star Pointer Eyepiece
Focus
Knob

14
S
St ta ar r P Po oi in nt te er r I In ns st ta al ll la at ti io on n
For 60mm model:
1. Slide the Star Pointer onto the dovetail mounting platform on top of the focuser assembly so that the sight
tube is facing towards the front of the tube.
2. Tighten the two dovetail mounting screws to fasten the Star Pointer in place.
For 80mm model:
1. Slide the Star Pointer bracket into the dovetail mounting platform on top of the focuser assembly.
2. Orient the Star Pointer so that the sight tube is facing towards the front of the tube.
3. Secure the Star Pointer bracket by tightening the thumb screw on the mounting platform.
For 114mm and 130mm models:
1. Remove the nuts from the studs where the Star Pointer will mount.
2. Mount the Star Pointer bracket by placing the bracket over the studs protruding from the tube and tightening
it down with the supplied nuts. Orient the Star Pointer so that the sight tube is facing towards the front of the
tube.
Azimuth
Adjustment
Control
ON/OFF
Brightness Control
Altitude
Adjustmen
t
Control Mounting Holes
(for 114 models)
Figure 2-5 – The Star Pointer Finderscope with Bracket
Sight Tube
Dovetail
Tightening
Screws

15
Star Pointer Operation
The star pointer is powered by a long life 3-volt lithium battery (#CR2032) located underneath the front portion of the
Star Pointer. Like all finderscopes, the Star Pointer must be properly aligned with the main telescope before it can be
used. This is a simple process using the azimuth and altitude control knobs located on the side and bottom of the Star
Pointer. The alignment procedure is best done at night since the LED dot will be difficult to see during the day. Note:
Before using the StarPointer, you must first remove the protective plastic cover over the battery.
1. To turn on the Star Pointer, rotate the variable brightness control (see figure 2-5) clockwise until you here a
"click". To increase the brightness level of the red dot, continue rotating the control knob about 180º until it stops.
Remember to remove the plastic cover over the battery, and always turn the power off after you have found an
object. This will extend the life of both the battery and the LED.
2. Locate a bright star or planet and center it in a low power eyepiece in the main telescope.
3. With both eyes open, look through the glass window at the alignment star.
If the Star Pointer is perfectly aligned, you will see the red LED dot overlap the alignment star. If the Star Pointer
is not aligned, take notice of where the red dot is relative to the bright star.
4. Without moving the main telescope, turn the Star Pointer's azimuth and altitude alignment controls until the red
dot is directly over the alignment star.
If the LED dot is brighter than the alignment star, it may make it difficult to see the star. Turn the variable brightness
control counterclockwise, until the red dot is the same brightness as the alignment star. This will make it easier to get
an accurate alignment. The Star Pointer is now ready to be used .
Note

16
A
At tt ta ac ch hi in ng g t th he e H Ha an nd d C Co on nt tr ro ol l
The NexStar GT hand control has a phone jack type connector at the end of its cord. Plug the phone jack connector into the
outlet at the base of the telescope’s fork arm. Push the connector into the outlet until it clicks into place and place the hand
control into its holder as described previously in the Assembly section of the manual.
P
Po ow we er ri in ng g t th he e N Ne ex xS St ta ar r
The NexStar GT can be powered by the supplied battery pack or an optional 12v AC adapter. The power pack requires 8
user supplied AA size alkaline batteries. To power the NexStar, insert the batteries into the battery pack and plug the round
post into the 12v outlet located on the side of the fork arm. Once the battery pack is plugged in, the NexStar will power on
and the hand control will display the message NexStar Ready.
In case of a loss of power, the optical tube can be moved by hand. However, when powered on, the telescope should always
be controlled via the hand control. The NexStar will lose its star alignment if moved by hand when powered on.
T
Th he e H Ha an nd d C Co on nt tr ro ol l
The NexStar GT's hand controller is designed to give you instant access to all the functions the NexStar has to offer. With
automatic slewing to over 4,000 objects, and common sense menu descriptions, even a beginner can master its variety of
features in just a few observing sessions. Below is a brief description of the individual components of the NexStar GT hand
controller:
1. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Window: Has a dual-line, 16 character display screen that is backlit for comfortable
viewing of telescope information and scrolling text.
2. Align: Instructs the NexStar to use a selected star or object as an alignment position.
3. Direction Keys: Allows complete control of the NexStar in any direction. Use the direction keys to center objects in
the StarPointer finderscope and eyepiece.
4. Catalog Keys: The NexStar has a key on the hand control to allow direct access to each of the catalogs in its 4,000+
object database. The NexStar contains the following catalogs in its database:
Messier – Complete list of all Messier objects.
NGC – Many of the brightest deep sky objects from the Revised New General Catalog.
Note
Figure 3-1 – The NexStar GT Outlets
Hand Control
Outle
t
Battery Pack
Outlet
Battery Pack

17
Caldwell – A combination of the best NGC and IC objects.
Planets - All 8 planets in our Solar System plus the Moon.
Stars – A compiled list of the brightest stars from the SAO catalog.
List – For quick access, all of the best and most popular objects in the NexStar database have been broken
down into lists based on their type and/or common name:
Named Stars Common name listing of the brightest stars in the sky.
Named Objects Alphabetical listing of over 50 of the most popular deep
sky objects.
Double Stars Alphabetical listing of the most visually stunning double,
triple and quadruple stars in the sky.
Variable Stars Select list of the brightest variable stars with the shortest
period of changing magnitude.
Asterisms A unique list of some of the most recognizable star
patterns in the sky.
5. Info:Displays coordinates and useful information about objects selected from the NexStar database.
6. Tour: Activates the tour mode, which seeks out all the best objects for a given month and automatically slews the
NexStar to those objects.
7. Enter: Pressing Enter allows you to select any of the NexStar functions, accept entered parameters and slew the
telescope to displayed objects.
8. Undo: Undo will take you out of the current menu and display the previous level of the menu path. Press Undo
repeatedly to get back to a main menu or use it to erase data entered by mistake.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
11
12
9
10
Figu ur re e 3 3- -2 2
The NexStar GT Hand Control

18
9. Menu: Displays the many setup and utilities functions such as tracking rate and user defined objects and many others.
10. Scroll Keys: Used to scroll up and down within any of the menu lists. A double arrow symbol on the right side of the
LCD indicates that the scroll keys can be used to view additional information.
11. Rate: Instantly changes the rate of speed of the motors when the direction buttons are pressed.
12. RS-232 Jack: Allows use with a computer and software programs for point and click slewing capability.
H Ha an nd d C Co on nt tr ro ol l O Op pe er ra at ti io on n
This section describes the basic hand control procedures needed to operate the NexStar. These procedures are grouped into
three categories: Alignment, Setup and Utilities. The alignment section deals with the initial telescope alignment as well as
finding objects in the sky; the setup section discusses changing parameters such as tracking mode and tracking rate; finally,
the last section reviews all of the utility functions such as adjusting the telescopes slew limits and backlash compensation.
A
Al li ig gn nm me en nt t P Pr ro oc ce ed du ur re e
In order for the NexStar to accurately point to objects in the sky, it must first be aligned with two known positions (stars) in
the sky. With this information, the telescope can create a model of the sky, which it uses to locate any object with known
coordinates.
A
Au ut to o- -A Al li ig gn n
Auto-Align is the easiest way to get your NexStar aligned and ready to observe. Even if you do not know a single star in the
sky, the NexStar will align itself by guiding the user through the alignment procedure by asking for basic information like
the date, time and location. The NexStar will then automatically choose two stars for alignment and roughly center the stars
in the field of view of the Star Pointer. Before the telescope is ready to be aligned, it should be set up in an outside location
with all accessories (eyepiece, diagonal and Star Pointer) attached and lens cover removed as described in the Assembly
section of the manual.
1. Once the NexStar is powered on the display will read NexStar Ready. Press ENTER to begin alignment.
The first time that the NexStar is used, it will request information to help identify the model of telescope. Once powered on,
the hand control will display the message Select Model
Select ModelSelect Model
Select Model. Use the Up and Down menu keys (10) to scroll through the
different NexStar models. Press ENTER when your NexStar model is displayed on the hand control. This information will
be retained for future use and will not be displayed again. If for some reason the incorrect model was selected or you wish
to use your hand control on a different NexStar model, the Select Model utility feature allows you to re-select the proper
NexStar model from the displayed list (see Select Model later in this section).
2. Use the Up and Down scroll keys to select AutoAlign if it is not already displayed, and press ENTER.
3. The telescope will then ask you to use the direction keys (3) to level the telescope tube and point the front of the
telescope towards north. North can be found by finding the direction of the North Star (Polaris) or by using a compass.
You do not need to point at the North Star, only the north horizon. Alignment only needs to be approximate, however a
close alignment will make the auto alignment more accurate. Once the telescope is in the north and level position, press
ENTER.
4. The hand control display will then ask for the following information:
Location - The NexStar will display a list of cities to choose from. Choose the city from the database that is closest to
your current observing site. The city you choose will be remembered in the hand controls memory so that
it will be automatically displayed the next time an alignment is done. Alternatively, if you know the exact
longitude and latitude of your observing site, it can be entered directly into the hand control and
remembered for future use as well. To choose a location city:
Y Use the Up and Down scroll keys to choose between City Database and Custom Site. City Database will allow
you to select the closest city to your observing site from a list of either international or U.S. location. Custom Site
allows you to enter the exact longitude and latitude of your observing site. Select City Database and press
ENTER.
Y The hand control will allow you to choose from either U.S. or international locations. For a listing of U.S.
locations by state and then by city, press ENTER while United States is displayed. For international locations,
use the Up or Down scroll key to select International and press ENTER.

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Y To display a list of local cities, first select your state from the alphabetical listing (or a list of countries if
International locations was selected) and press ENTER.
Y Choose the closest city to your location from the displayed list and press ENTER.
Time - Enter the current time for your area. You can enter either the local time (i.e. 8:00), or you can enter military
time (i.e. 20:00).
Y Select PM or AM. If military time was entered, the hand control will bypass this step.
Y Choose between Standard time or Daylight Savings time. Use the Up and Down scroll buttons (10) to toggle
between options.
Y Select the time zone that you are observing from. Again, use the Up and Down buttons (10) to scroll through the
choices. For time zone information, refer to the Time Zone map in the appendix of this manual.
Date - Enter the month, day and year of your observing session. The display will read: mm/dd/yy.
• If the wrong information has been input into the hand control, the UNDO button will act as a backspace allowing
the user to re-enter information.
• The next time that your NexStar is auto aligned, the hand control will automatically display the last location
(either a city or longitude/latitude) that was entered. Press ENTER to accept these parameters if they still apply.
Pressing the UNDO button will allow you to go back and select a new city location or longitude/latitude.
Based on this information, the NexStar will automatically select a bright star that is above the horizon and slew towards it. At
this point the telescope is only roughly aligned, so the alignment star should only be close to the field of view of the Star
Pointer finder. Once finished slewing, the display will ask you to use the arrow buttons to align the selected star with the red
dot in the center of the Star Pointer. If for some reason the chosen star is not visible (perhaps behind a tree or building) you
can press UNDO to select and slew to a different star. Once centered in the finder, press ENTER. The display will then
instruct you to center the star in the field of view of the eyepiece. When the star is centered, press ALIGN to accept this star
as your first alignment star. (There is no need to adjust the slewing rate of the motors after each alignment step. The NexStar
automatically selects the best slewing rate for aligning objects in both the Star Pointer and the eyepiece). After the first
alignment star has been entered the NexStar will automatically slew to a second alignment star and have you repeat the same
procedure for that star. When the telescope has been aligned to both stars the display will read Alignment
AlignmentAlignment
Alignment
Successful
SuccessfulSuccessful
Successful, and you are now ready to find your first object.
If the wrong star was centered and aligned to, the NexStar display will read Align Failed
Align FailedAlign Failed
Align Failed. Press UNDO to begin the
alignment procedure again.
If you are not sure if the correct star was centered, always remember that the alignment star will be the brightest
star nearest the field of view of the finder. There may be other fainter stars visible that are closer to the center of the
Star Pointer, but the actual alignment star will be obviously brighter than any other star in the area.
When centering the alignment stars in the eyepiece,use the up arrow button and the right arrow button on the hand
control. Centering the star from this direction will eliminate much of the backlash between the gears and assure the
most accurate alignment possible.
T
Tw wo o S St ta ar r A Al li ig gn nm me en nt t
With the two-star alignment method, the NexStar requires the user to know the positions of only two bright stars in order to
accurately align the telescope with the sky and begin finding objects. Here is an overview of the two-star alignment
procedure:
1. Once the NexStar is powered on, use the Up and Down scroll keys to select Two
TwoTwo
Two-
--
-Star Align
Star AlignStar Align
Star Align, and press
ENTER.
2. The NexStar display will ask you to move the telescope tube until it is horizontal to the ground. To do this, use
the direction keys (3) to move the telescope until it is roughly level with the ground. Press ENTER.
Hel
p
ful
Hints
O
bserving
T
Ti ip ps s

20
3. The SELECT STAR 1
SELECT STAR 1SELECT STAR 1
SELECT STAR 1 message will appear in the top row of the display. Use the Up and Down scroll keys
(10) to select the star you wish to use for the first alignment star. Press ENTER.
4. NexStar then asks you to center in the eyepiece the alignment star you selected. Use the direction buttons to slew
the telescope to the alignment star and carefully center the star in the eyepiece.
5. Once the alignment star is centered in the field of view of the eyepiece, press the ALIGN key (2) to accept this
position.
6. NexStar will then ask you to select and center a second alignment star and press the ALIGN key. It is best to
choose alignment stars that are a good distance away from one another. Stars that are at least 40º to 60º apart from
each other will give you a more accurate alignment than stars that are close to each other.
Once the second star alignment is completed properly, the display will read Alignment Successful
Alignment SuccessfulAlignment Successful
Alignment Successful, and you will
hear the tracking motors turn-on and begin to track.
Q
Qu ui ic ck k- -A Al li ig gn n
Quick-Align allows you to input all the same information as you would for the AutoAlign procedure. However, instead of
slewing to two alignment stars for centering and alignment, the NexStar bypasses this step and simply models the sky based
on the information given. This will allow you to roughly slew to the coordinates of bright objects like the moon and planets
and gives the NexStar the information needed to track objects in altazimuth in any part of the sky. Quick-Align is not meant
to be used to accurately locate small or faint deep-sky objects or to track objects accurately for photography. Note: Once a
Quick-Align has been done, you can use the Re-alignment feature (see below) to improve your telescopes pointing and
tracking accuracy.
To use Quick-Align:
1. Select Quick-Align from the alignment options.
2. Use the arrow buttons to level the tube and position the telescope tube towards north and press ENTER.
3. The hand control will then ask you to input all the same time and location information as you would for the
AutoAlign procedure.
Once entered, the NexStar will model the sky based on this information and display Alignment Successful
Alignment SuccessfulAlignment Successful
Alignment Successful.
N
Ne ex xS St ta ar r R Re e- -A Al li ig gn nm me en nt t
The NexStar has a re-alignment feature which allows you to replace either of the two original alignment stars with a new
star or celestial object. This can be useful in several situations:
• If you are observing over a period of a few hours, you may notice that your original two alignment stars have
drifted towards the west considerably. (Remember that the stars are moving at a rate of 15º every hour).
Aligning on a new star that is in the eastern part of the sky will improve your pointing accuracy, especially on
objects in that part of the sky.
• If you have aligned your telescope using the Quick-Align method, you can use re-align to align to two actual
objects in the sky. This will improve the pointing accuracy of your telescope without having to re-enter
addition information.
To replace an existing alignment star with a new alignment star:
1. Select the desired star (or object) from the database and slew to it.
2. Carefully center the object in the eyepiece.
3. Once centered, press the UNDO button until you are at the main menu.
4. With NexStar Ready displayed, press the ALIGN key on the hand control.
5. The display will then ask you which alignment star you want to replace.
6. Use the UP and Down scroll keys to select the alignment star to be replaced, and press ENTER. It is usually best
to replace the star closest to the new object. This will space out your alignment stars across the sky.
7. Press ALIGN to make the change.