Meade Autostar Computer Controller #497 with Solar Tracking Software

• The Autostar makes astronomy as easy as a point and shoot camera - simply call up the desired sky object you want and the computer does the rest

Database includes

• 5,386 objects from the Index Catalog (IC); galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters of all types; the complete Index Catalog

• 7,840 objects from the New General Catalog (NGC); additional galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters of all types; the complete New General Catalog

• 109 objects from the Caldwell Catalog of the best objects for small telescopes

• 110 Messier (M) objects; the complete Messier catalog

• 16,800 stars from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) catalog, including double stars, variable stars, and other stars of special note

• 50 Earth-orbiting satellites

• 26 asteroids, including all of the brightest asteroids

• 15 periodic comets

• 8 major planets from Mercury to Pluto

• Precise sidereal-rate tracking in either altazimuth or equatorial modes

Once an object is located by Autostar, the telescope automatically tracks it and keeps it centered in the telescope's field of view, fully compensating for the Earth's rotation

• 200 User-Defined Objects

The observer can add the locations of up to 200 objects of his/her choosing, store these objects in Autostar's memory, and call them up at any time

• 9-Speed Dual-Axis Operation

Use the Autostar push buttons to move the telescope on either or both axes, simultaneously, at any of nine drive speeds, from 2x sidereal to 5°/second

• Guided Tours

Allows Autostar to choose the best objects for observing on any given night

• GO TO capability through Autostar's RS-232 serial interface

Using Meade AstroFinder astronomical software: Use the optionally-available package of AstroFinder software and the #505 Connector Cable Set to form a system consisting of the ETX telescope + Autostar + your PC. Point and click to any celestial object on the PC display and watch as the telescope moves to the object and places it in the field of view ¹

close

Please Note:

For PC's with USB ports order the Meade USB to RS-232 Bridge Cable, which permits connection between the telescope's RS-232 serial interface and the PC's USB port

• Plus

Over 20 other menu options, including major event menus (e.g., times of Moonrise, Moon phases, etc.); utility functions (e.g., timer, alarm, eyepiece power calculations); and much more

Dimensions

6.5 x 3 x .5" (165 x 75 x 13mm)

Weight

6 oz (168 g)