Celestron NexStar 60 User manual

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IN NS ST TR RU UC CT TI IO ON N M MA AN NU UA AL L
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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

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TA AB BL LE E O OF F C CO ON NT TE EN NT TS S
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................................4
Warning...........................................................................................................................................................................4
ASSEMBLY.......................................................................................................................................................................7
Assembling the NexStar..................................................................................................................................................7
Attaching the Telescope to the Tripod.........................................................................................................................8
The Hand Control........................................................................................................................................................8
The Star Diagonal........................................................................................................................................................9
The Eyepiece ...............................................................................................................................................................9
The Star Pointer Finderscope ....................................................................................................................................10
Star Pointer Installation .........................................................................................................................................10
Star Pointer Operation ...........................................................................................................................................11
NEXSTAR ST..................................................................................................................................................................12
Moving the NexStar ST.................................................................................................................................................12
NEXSTAR HC................................................................................................................................................................14
Powering the NexStar........................................................................................................................................................14
The Hand Control..............................................................................................................................................................14
Attaching the Hand Control...............................................................................................................................................15
Rate Button........................................................................................................................................................................15
Utility Features..................................................................................................................................................................16
RS-232 Connection .......................................................................................................................................................16
NEXSTAR GT ................................................................................................................................................................18
Attaching the Hand Control.......................................................................................................................................18
Powering the NexStar................................................................................................................................................18
The Hand Control......................................................................................................................................................18
Hand Control Operation ................................................................................................................................................20
Alignment Procedure.................................................................................................................................................20
Auto-Align ................................................................................................................................................................20
Third Star Alignment.................................................................................................................................................21
Object Catalog...............................................................................................................................................................22
Selecting an Object....................................................................................................................................................22
Slewing to an Object .................................................................................................................................................22
Tour Mode.................................................................................................................................................................23
Direction Buttons ..........................................................................................................................................................23
Rate Button................................................................................................................................................................23
Set Up Procedures .........................................................................................................................................................24
Tracking Mode ..........................................................................................................................................................24
Tracking Rate ............................................................................................................................................................24
User Defined Objects ................................................................................................................................................24
Get RA/DEC .............................................................................................................................................................25
Get Alt-Az.................................................................................................................................................................25
Goto R.A/Dec............................................................................................................................................................25
Goto Alt-Az...............................................................................................................................................................25
Utility Features..............................................................................................................................................................25
Cord Wrap.................................................................................................................................................................25
Anti-backlash ............................................................................................................................................................25
Demo.........................................................................................................................................................................26
Light Control.............................................................................................................................................................26
Model Select..............................................................................................................................................................26
RS-232 Connection .......................................................................................................................................................26
TELESCOPE BASICS....................................................................................................................................................28
Focusing ....................................................................................................................................................................28
Image Orientation......................................................................................................................................................28
Calculating Magnification .........................................................................................................................................28
Determining Field of View........................................................................................................................................29
General Observing Hints ...........................................................................................................................................29
CELESTIAL OBSERVING ...........................................................................................................................................30
Observing the Moon..............................................................................................................................................30
Lunar Observing Hints ......................................................................................................................................30
Observing the Planets............................................................................................................................................30

Planetary Observing Hints.....................................................................................................................................30
Observing the Sun .................................................................................................................................................30
Solar Observing Hints ...........................................................................................................................................30
Observing Deep Sky Objects.................................................................................................................................30
Star Hopping .........................................................................................................................................................30
Seeing Conditions..................................................................................................................................................31
Transparency .........................................................................................................................................................31
Sky Illumination....................................................................................................................................................31
Seeing....................................................................................................................................................................31
TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE.......................................................................................................................................33
Care and Cleaning of the Optics....................................................................................................................................33
Collimation....................................................................................................................................................................33
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................................................................34
APPENDIX A - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................36
APPENDIX B - GLOSSARY OF TERMS ....................................................................................................................37
APPENDIX C – MAPS OF TIME ZONES...................................................................................................................40
SKY MAPS ......................................................................................................................................................................42

Congratulations on your purchase of the Celestron NexStar! Whether you have the NexStar ST for hands-on star
hopping to the moon and planets or the NexStar GT with its database of 4,000 nighttime objects, the NexStar series of
telescopes are designed to give you a lifetime of observing pleasure while growing as your interest in astronomy grows.
No matter at what level you are starting out, the NexStar will unfold for you and your friends all the wonders of the
Universe.
This manual is broken up into three major sections. The assembly section details all the steps necessary to assemble any
of the NexStar series of telescopes. The assembly section covers the procedures that are common to the NexStar 60, 80
and 114 telescopes. No matter which NexStar you own, start with this section to properly assemble your telescope.
The next section of this manual gives detailed information about the specific NexStar models. There is a separate section
for the operation of the NexStar ST, NexStar HC or NexStar GT. Each section describes the use of the manual motion
controls, motor control and computerized hand control. Read the section that pertains to your model of NexStar.
The final section of the manual covers topics including telescope and astronomy basics, as well as celestial observing
techniques. This section will also tell you the proper way to care for your telescope and the many optional accessories
that can help you get the most out of your telescope.
The NexStar’s deluxe features combine with Celestron’s legendary optics to 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.
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
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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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1 Objective Lens 6 Focuser Knob
2 Fork Arm 7 Star Diagonal
3 Hand Control (for GT model) 8 Eyepiece
4 Accessory Tray 9 Star Pointer Finderscope
5 Tripod 10 Tube Ring
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5
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Th he e N Ne ex xS St ta ar r 6 60 0 G GT T
Refractor Telescope
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1 Lens Cover 6 Hand Control (for GT Model)
2 Optical Tube 7 Collimation Adjustment Knobs
3 Fork Arm 8 Tube Ring
4 Tripod 9 Focuser
5 Accessory Tray 10 Star Pointer Finderscope
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Reflecting Telescope

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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 NexStar 80 NexStar 114
20mm, 10mm, 4mm M.A Eyepieces – 1¼" 25mm, 10mm SMA Eyepieces – 1¼" 25mm SMA Eyepiece – 1¼"
1¼" Star Diagonal 1¼" Star Diagonal 10mm SMA Eyepiece – 1¼"
Star Pointer Finderscope and Mounting
Bracket
Star Pointer Finderscope and Mounting
Bracket
Star Pointer Finderscope and Mounting
Bracket
The Sky™ Level I Astronomy Software The Sky™ Level I Astronomy Software The Sky™ Level I Astronomy Software
Deluxe Accessory Tray Deluxe Accessory Tray Deluxe Accessory Tray
NexStar 60 HC NexStar 80 HC NexStar 114 HC
Hand Control Hand Control Hand Control
Battery Pack Battery Pack Battery Pack
GuideStar Telescope Control Software GuideStar Telescope Control Software GuideStar Telescope Control Software
NexStar 60 GT NexStar 80 GT NexStar 114 GT
NexStar Hand Control w/ Object Database NexStar Hand Control w/ Object Database NexStar Hand Control w/ Object Database
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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:
Tripod
Mounting
Platform
Fork Ar
m
Base
Coupling
Screw
Accessory
Tray
Center Support
Brace
Figure 2-1

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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 2-1).
3. Insert the wing bolts through the holes from the bottom of the tripod leg brace and thread them into the holes in
the accessory tray. Tighten all bolts to ensure proper stability to the mount.
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.
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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.
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Th he e H Ha an nd d C Co on nt tr ro ol l
The HC and GT versions of the NexStar come with a hand control that
plugs into the side of the fork arm and can be stored in a holder that
attaches to the side of any tripod leg (see figure 2-2). The back of the hand
control has an opening that slides over the clip on the inside of the holder.
To remove the hand control from its holder, gently lift the hand control
upwards and remove it from the holder.
To attach the hand control holder to the tripod leg:
1. Orient the holder so that the flanges with the holes go on either
side of the tripod leg with the flange facing the inside of the
tripod. Note: the tripod legs should be extended to the desired
height before installing the holder.
2. Insert the mounting bolt through the holes in the holder flange.
3. Thread the wing nut on the end of the bolt and tighten to secure
the holder.
Figure 2-2 – The Hand Control Holder
Tripod
Leg
Hand Control
Holder Clip Flange

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Figure 2-3– Visual accessories for 60mm and 80mm models
Star Pointer
Star Diagonal
Eyepiece
Eyepiece Adapter
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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.
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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 model) 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 eyepiece 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 model:
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 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.

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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:
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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 114mm model:
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.
For 60mm and 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.
Sight Tube
Azimuth
Adjustment
Control
ON/OFF
Brightness Control
Altitude
Adjustmen
t
Control Mounting Holes
(for 114 models)
Figure 2-4 – The Star Pointer Finderscope with Bracket
Sight Tube

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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 2-4) 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.
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 . 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.

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Azimuth Motion
Control
Azimuth Lock
Altitude Motion
Control
Altitude Loc
k
Figure 3-1 –The NexStar ST Motion Controls
The NexStar ST is a precision scientific instrument designed to grow as your interest in astronomy grows. Equipped with
manual altitude and azimuth motion controls, your standard model NexStar can be used to quickly star hop to the stars and
planets. As your interest in astronomy grows, your NexStar ST can be expanded into a fully automated, computerized
telescope with a database of over 4,000 celestial objects and high speed motors capable on slewing across the sky is a matter
of seconds.
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Mo ov vi in ng g t th he e N Ne ex xS St ta ar r S ST T
The NexStar ST has built-in motion controls for both the altitude (up and down) and azimuth (side-to-side) located on the
side of the fork arm (see figure 3-1). Additionally, there is a clutch knob on each axis that locks the telescope in place once
the desired object has been located.

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To move the telescope towards a desired object in the sky there are two options.
1. For large and quick movements, loosen the altitude and azimuth locks by rotating the knobs counterclockwise and
manually moving the telescope tube towards your desired object. You should roughly align the selected object
with the red dot as seen through the Star Pointer finderscope. (For further instruction on using the Star Pointer, see
the Assembly section earlier in this manual). Tighten the locking knobs when you are near the position you want.
Do not tighten down the locking knob all the way; only enough so that the telescope tube will not move on its
own.
2. For very small movements and fine adjustments, use the motion control wheels on each axis. Hold the telescope
fork arm with your hands and rotate each motion control wheel slowly with your thumbs. If the wheel is tight and
difficult to move, loosen the clutch knobs slightly until the telescope moves freely.
3. Move the telescope until the desired star or object is aligned with the Star Pointer and visible in the eyepiece.
Tighten down the locking knobs completely to secure the telescope on the object.
The telescope should be properly balanced in order for it to move smoothly in both axes:
1. To balance the telescope tube in altitude, loosen the altitude locking knob completely.
2. If the front (objective lens) end of the telescope tube moves downward, then the tube needs to be moved
backwards in the tube ring. If the back (focuser) end of telescope tube moves downward, then the tube needs to
be moved forwards in the tube ring.
3. To adjust the position of the telescope tube in the tube ring, loosen the screw that connects the two sides of the
tube ring and slide the telescope tube up or down until properly balanced. Tighten the tube ring screw to secure
the tube in place.
What Next…
Now that you are familiar with the motion and operation of your NexStar ST, the Celestial Observing section of
this manual offers numerous tips on selecting and viewing your first celestial objects as well as techniques on
how to find them.

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The NexStar HC telescope is a precision scientific instrument that will allow you to enjoy viewing numerous objects in the night
sky — planets, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies and more. Equipped with high speed motors and hand control, the NexStar HC
allows you to remotely move your telescope to desired objects quickly and accurately. At a touch of a button, you can slew your
telescope across the sky in a matter of second and track objects remotely as the Earth rotates beneath them. The NexStar HC is
fully upgradeable and can be equipped with the optional NexStar Hand Control with a database of over 4,000 objects (see the
Optional Accessories section of this manual).
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Po ow we er ri in ng g t th he e N Ne ex xS St ta ar r
The NexStar HC 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 one of the
slew rate indicator lights will light up.
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Th he e H Ha an nd d C Co on nt tr ro ol l
The NexStar HC has a removable hand control that gives the user quick access to all the motion controls the NexStar
HC offers. Below is a brief description of the individual components of the NexStar HC hand controller:
1. Star Key Activation Light: Indicates that the Star button has been pressed and the utility functions on the hand
control are active.
2. Direction Buttons: Allows complete control of the NexStar in any direction. Use the direction keys to move the
telescope from object to object or for centering objects in the eyepiece.
3. Rate: Instantly changes the rate of speed of the motors when the direction buttons are pressed. Press this button
repeatedly to cycle through the speeds of the motors.
4. Star Key: Gives the user access to the utility functions of the hand control, such as changing the direction of the arrow
keys and backlash compensation.
5. Hand Control Slew Rate Indicator Lights: Displays the speed at which the telescope will move when each direction
button is pressed.
Battery Pack
Outlet
Hand Control
Outlet
Figure 4-1 The NexStar HC Outlets

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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 HC 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
put the hand control into its holder on the tripod as described previously in the Assembly section of the manual.
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Ra at te e B Bu ut tt to on n
Pressing the RATE key (3) allows you to instantly change the speed rate of the motors from high speed slew rate to precise
centering rate or two speeds in between. Each rate corresponds to one of the indicator LED lights (5) on the hand control. From
left to right, the corresponding speeds are as follows:
Rate
1 For fine centering of objects in the eyepiece
2 For scanning around for objects in the eyepiece
3 For centering bright stars in the Star Pointer
4 For slewing around the sky from object to object
The hand control has a "double button" feature that allows you to instantly speed up the motors without having to choose a speed
rate. To use this feature, simply press the arrow button that corresponds to the direction that you want to move the telescope.
While holding that button down, press the opposite directional button. This will increase the slew rate to approximately 1.5º per
second (equal to the third rate on the hand control). This feature will only function if the telescope is currently set at a speed rate
of 1 or 2.
Figure 4-2
The NexStar HC Hand Control
1
5
3
4
2

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U
Ut ti il li it ty y F Fe ea at tu ur re es s
The NexStar HC hand control comes with a Star function key that allows you to change certain parameters of the hand controls
functions, such as the directional logic of the arrow keys, backlash compensation of the motor gears and azimuth tracking.
Direction Buttons: When looking at a star through an eyepiece or star diagonal, the direction that the star moves when the Up
and Down arrow buttons are pressed will be reversed from when the same object is being centered in the
Star Pointer Finderscope. For example, when a star is being centered in the telescope's eyepiece, it may
appear to move upward when the down arrow button is pressed (and visa-versa) even though the telescope
tube is actually moving downward. This is why it is convenient to be able to change the arrow button
direction when switching from using the Star Pointer to the eyepiece. To reverse the direction of the Up and
Down arrow buttons:
1. Press the
STAR key on the hand control. The activation light (1) on the hand control will light up to indicate that the
button has been pressed. When the button has been pressed, the four direction buttons (2) will be non-operational until
the button is pressed again.
2. Press the
RATE button on the hand control.
3. Press the
STAR key on the hand control to activate the direction buttons.
Anti-backlash – All mechanical gears have a certain amount of backlash or "play" between the gears. This play is evident by
how long it takes for a star to move in the eyepiece when the hand control arrow buttons are pressed (especially
when changing directions). The NexStar's anti-backlash feature allows the user to compensate for backlash by
having the hand control quickly rewinding the motors just enough to eliminate the play between gears. The
amount of compensation needed depends on the slewing rate selected; the slower the slewing rate the longer it
will take for the star to appear to move in the eyepiece. To change the backlash compensation:
1. Press the
STAR key on the hand control.
2. Use the Right and Left arrow keys to speed up or slow down the initial speed of the azimuth motors when the arrow
buttons are pressed. For example, if it takes a star too long to move in the eyepiece when the hand control arrow buttons
are pressed, then press the Right arrow button to speed up the initial motor speed. The buttons can be pressed repeatedly
to increase the initial motor speed even more.
3. Use the UP and Down arrow keys to speed up or slow down the initial speed of the altitude motors when the arrow
buttons are pressed.
4. Press the
STAR key on the hand control again to activate the direction buttons again.
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RS S- -2 23 32 2 C Co on nn ne ec ct ti io on n
The NexStar HC has an RS-232 port on the back of the hand control, allowing it to be controlled using the GuideStar
telescope control software. Linking the NexStar to a computer requires the use of a RS-232 cable (included in the HC
models of the NexStar, and an optional accessory for the GT models). The GuideStar software gives you all the "Go
To" features of the NexStar GT hand control including a 4,000 object database, AutoAlign based on date and location,
and helpful information for hundreds of objects.
To interface the NexStar with your computer, follow these steps:
1. Connect the phone jack end of the RS-232 cable to the port in the back of the hand control and the 9-pin
connector to the back of your computer.
2. Install the
GuideStar CD-ROM onto your computer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Plug in power to the NexStar and start the GuideStar program.
4. From the Setup Screen you can test communication by clicking on the Test Port button after selecting a
Comm port (see Fig 4-3). If you receive a communication error message, select a different Comm port and
click Test Port until communication is successful.
5. Once communication is established, update the following information on the Setup Screen:

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• Telescope Model – Select your telescope model from the
drop-down list.
• Location – Click the Change Location button to choose the
city closest to your location.
• Time – The software will use the current time setting from
your computer, however you must indicate your time zone
and whether Daylight Savings is in effect.
6. Click the Save button to save these parameters.
Press the Align button to begin the alignment procedure. Follow the on-screen instructions for aligning the NexStar on
two stars in the sky. For information on using many of the GuideStar features, refer to the AutoAlign instructions in
the NexStar GT section of your manual. The GuideStar software also has help buttons to explain many of the
commonly used fields.
Fig 4-3 – Testing Communicatio
n

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The NexStar GT ushers in a whole new generation of computer automated technology. Simple and friendly to use, the
NexStar GT (GOTO) is up and running after centering just two alignment stars selected by the NexStar. 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.
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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.
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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
NexStar ReadyNexStar Ready
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:
Note
Hand Control
Outlet
Battery Pack
Outlet
Fi
g
ure 5-1 – The NexStar GT Outlets

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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 move the
telescope to the initial alignment stars or for centering objects in the eyepiece.
4. Catalog Keys: The NexStar has keys 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.
Caldwell – A combination of the best NGC and IC objects.
Planets - All 8 planets in our Solar System plus the Moon and Sun.
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:
Alignment 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.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
11
12
9
10
Figu ur re e 5 5- -2 2
The NexStar GT Hand Control

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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 selects any of the NexStar functions and accept entered parameters.
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.
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.
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 utilities functions such as activating the cord wrap feature and backlash compensation.
The first time that the NexStar is used, it will request information to help identify the model of telescope. Once initialized
(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. Note: your hand control may have been pre
set at the factory to operate with your NexStar model. If so, there will be an addendum packaged with the hand
control. If your hand control has been pre-set, the display will momentarily read NexStar Ready
NexStar ReadyNexStar Ready
NexStar Ready –
––
– Custom
CustomCustom
Custom,
and you can simply press ENTER and continue to follow the Auto Align procedures below. If the telescope model
has been changed on a factory set hand control you can return it to its factory default settings by using the Model
Select function. (See Model Select under the Utility Features section later in this chapter).
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 to 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 the 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 about
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 , Press ENTER to begin alignment.
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:
Date - Enter the month, day and year of your observing session. The display will read: mm/dd/yy
Time - Enter the current local time for your area and use the scroll buttons (10) to select PM or AM.
• Choose between Standard time or Daylight Savings time. Use the Up and Down scroll buttons (10) to toggle
between options.