Exploring and Sharing Observations on Meade's Autostar and Audiostar Controller Equipment
In the realm of astronomical exploration, Meade's Autostar and Audiostar handsets have become staples, offering users an easy-to-use and efficient means of controlling their telescopes with GoTo computerised systems. While both controllers share common features, they also boast key differences that cater to diverse needs.
The Autostar and Audiostar handsets are standard components in Meade's ETX line, with the ETX AT telescopes featuring the Autostar 497 as a standard part, and the Autostar or Audiostar system being compatible with existing ETX-EC telescope systems, transforming them into fully robotic telescopes.
Common to both handsets is access to a vast celestial object database for automated pointing and tracking, GoTo functionality that allows the telescope to slew to and track over 30,000 celestial objects, and interface with Meade telescopes such as the LX90 series for seamless navigation and observation with computerised assistance.
However, the Autostar handset, found in later Meade models, offers a more advanced user interface with a text-based LCD display, extensive programming capabilities, firmware updates, and customization options. It also supports connection to PCs for advanced control and astrophotography applications, a feature not available with the Audiostar.
On the other hand, the Audiostar, typically used in earlier Meade telescope models, offers audio feedback, a feature that benefits visually impaired users or those preferring auditory cues.
The operation of both systems is organised into functional groups accessed by menus, with no commands to memorise. The process of alignment is straightforward, involving placing the optical tube level and facing North, selecting "Easy Alignment", and using arrow keys to centre selected bright stars in the eyepiece. Once aligned, the handset will find and track the target entered on the handset.
The Autostar system's ability to track an object makes it suitable for Electronically Enhanced Astronomy (EAA) approaches to astroimaging. It can point to targets in the sky even in light-polluted areas, and the Autostar 497, introduced as an upgrade to their ETX telescope line in the late 1990s, boasts a database of over 30,000 celestial objects. The Autostar II handset included with the Meade LX200 series, meanwhile, boasts a database of over 140,000 objects.
The Audiostar system, released by Meade, features a built-in speaker that plays audio tracks about celestial objects. The Autostar 495 came with the Meade DS series, and the Autostar system can be used for Electronically Enhanced Astronomy (EAA), which involves using a video camera to replace the eyepiece and capturing light for long-exposure astrophotography-like results.
In summary, while both handsets perform core GoTo functions and have similarly large celestial databases, the Autostar offers better display, more features, and greater flexibility, while Audiostar includes audio capabilities geared toward accessibility and simpler operation. Meade's Autostar and Audiostar computerised telescope control systems are common across various hand controls in Meade's telescope lines, offering users a reliable and user-friendly means to explore the cosmos.
- Beginners in the field of astronomy can benefit from Meade's Autostar handset, featuring a text-based LCD display and extensive programming capabilities.
- The Autostar system is compatible with Meade telescopes like the LX90 series, offering seamless navigation and observation with computerised assistance.
- For visually impaired users or those preferring auditory cues, the Audiostar handset, complete with a built-in speaker, is an optimal choice.
- Both handsets, autostar and audiostar, are equipped with a vast celestial object database for automated pointing and tracking, making them suitable for Electronically Enhanced Astronomy (EAA) approaches.
- The Autostar system can point to targets in light-polluted areas, making deep sky observation possible even in urban environments.
- In advanced astrophotography applications, the Autostar handset allows connection to PCs for precise control, a feature not available with the Audiostar handset.
