13
R
R
a
a
t
t
e
e
B
B
u
u
t
t
t
t
o
o
n
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 and four 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
Speed
Double Button Speed
1
For fine centering of objects in the eyepiece
8x Sidereal*
16x Sidereal*
2
For scanning around for objects in the eyepiece
64x Sidereal
128x Sidereal
3
For centering bright stars in the StarPointer
Finderscope
2
º
per second
6
º
per second
4
For slewing around the sky from object to object 6º per second
N/A
*When used in the equatorial tracking modes, track rate 1 is equal to 1.5x sidereal, and 2x when using the double button.
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 the next highest available rate.
Note: When your NexStar is first powered on, the slew speed automatically defaults to rate 4 (6º per second).
This allows you to be able to move the telescope at its fastest rate as soon as it is turned on.
Figure 4-1
The NexStar Electronic Hand Control
1
5
3
4
2
