The NexStar User's Guide

by Michael Swanson

Overview

Celestron’s NexStar telescopes were introduced in 1999, beginning with their first computer controlled "go to” model, a 5-inch. More models appeared in quick succession, and Celestron’s new range made it one of the two dominant manufacturers of affordable "go to” telescopes. Michael Swanson’s online discussions with literally thousands of NexStar owners made it clear that there was a desperate need for a book such as this - one that provides a complete, detailed guide to buying, using and maintaining NexStar telescopes. Although this book is highly comprehensive, it is suitable for beginners - there is a chapter on "Astronomy Basics” - and experts alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780857294180
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
Publication date:	12/06/2012
Series:	The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	18 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction.- Are Go To Scopes Appropriate for Beginners?.- A Brief History of NexStar.- The NexStar Resource Site.- Organization of the Book.- 2 Astronomy Basics.- The Night Sky.- Observation Technique.- What’s Up There?.- Equipment Basics.- Conclusion.- 3 Overview of the NexStar Line.- Entry-Level NexStars - the “Little NexStars”.- Advanced NexStars - the SCT Models.- Which Scope for You?.- 4 Alignment.- Must Do’s of Alignment.- Alignment Methods.- Alignment Myths.- 5 Basic Operation.- GoTo an Object.- Required Hand Control Setup.- Less Commonly Used Features.- 6 Expanding Your Horizons- Choosing Objects to View.- Understanding What Can Be Seen in Your Scope.- Star Charts, Magazines, and Other Printed Resources.- Computer Software.- The Solar System.- Deep Sky Objects.- Observation Programs.- 7 Using the Software Included with Little NexStars- TheSky and NexStar Observer List.- TheSky.- NexStar Observer List.- 8 Accessories for Your NexStar.- Tripods and Related Accessories.- Wedges.- Power Sources.- Eyepieces and Related Items.- Diagonals.- Filters.- Finder Scopes.- Scope Covers and Cases.- Accessory and Eyepiece Cases.- Dew Prevention.- Cold Weather Gear for Your Scope.- Mounting Rails and Counterweights.- Observing Chairs.- Field Tables.- Hand Control Extension Cables.- Manual Hand Control for the N8/11 GPS and N5i/8i.- Conclusion.- 9 Collimation- Optical Alignment.- SCT Collimation (NexStar 5 and Larger).- Newtonian Collimation (NexStar 114).- Maksutov Collimation (NexStar 4).- Refractor Collimation (NexStar 60 and 80).- 10 Controlling Your NexStar with a PC or Palmtop Computer.- What Types of Computers Work.- Required Cables.- Software to Control NexStar Telescopes.- Putting It All Together.- Common Problems with PC to Scope Communication.- 11Astrophotography with a NexStar.- Astrophotography Basics.- Astrophotography with NexStar Telescopes.- Conclusion.- Image Gallery.- 12 Maintenance, Care, and Cleaning.- Cleaning.- Mechanical Care and Adjustments.- Caring for the Electronics.- 13 Mounting Other Optical Tubes on a NexStar.- NexStar 8/11 GPS.- NexStar 5/5i/8/8i.- NexStar 4.- NexStar 60/80/114.- 14 Additional Tips and Solutions.- Various Models of NexStar.- NexStar 8/11 GPS.- NexStar 5/8.- NexStar 60/80/114/4.- NexStar 60/80/114/4 with Original GT Hand Control.- Conclusion.- Appendix A - Internet Resources.- NexStar-Specific Web Sites.- General-Astronomy Web Sites.- Vendor and Manufacturer Web Sites.- Appendix B - Objects in the NexStar Hand Control.- Appendix C - PC and Palmtop Software Compatible with NexStar Telescopes.- Appendix D - Writing Programs to Control NexStar Telescopes.- Basic Control Commands - Get and GoTo.- Advanced Commands.- Appendix E - Glossary.

Editorial Reviews

SKY & TELESCOPE (DECEMBER 2004)

"I knew all I needed to know about my scope, didn’t I? … The NexStar User’s Guide by Michael Swanson answers that question with a resounding No." … Swanson includes thorough, model-specific descriptions of the all the telescope functions, care and maintenance, accessories, and numerous advanced topics. You’ll find advice on how to fine-tune your alignment so that a new target will fall within the eyepiece’s field of view every time you slew. I used to be pleased if that happened two or three times in a night. And are you tormented by backlash? Do you hit the hand paddle’s arrow keys to nudge the aim and have to count to four before the scope actually moves? I was vaguely aware that my 8-inch had backlash compensation settings, but I had never bothered trying to adjust them. And now? Oh, the joy of (almost) backlash-free observing! I was surprised by the difference these small improvements made in the pleasure of my observing experience. Besides owning two NexStars, Swanson’s major credential for writing this book is his NexStar Resource Site (www.nexstarsite.com), which is the precursor to the Guide … The author suggests, and I concur, that the book and the Web site be used in tandem. … [The book’s] true advantage comes from its friendly approach and sound advice based on the personal experiences of the author and other avid NexStar users."

From the Publisher