How to Use the Celestron Starsense Explorer LT: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you new to astronomy and looking to enhance your stargazing experience with the Celestron Starsense Explorer LT? This innovative mount and alignment system is designed to make star-hopping and celestial navigation easier than ever. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to set up and use the Celestron Starsense Explorer LT, ensuring you can enjoy the wonders of the night sky with ease.
1. Unboxing and Inspection
First, carefully unbox your Celestron Starsense Explorer LT and inspect all the components. You should have the mount, tripod, camera, and all necessary cables and accessories. Make sure to check for any damage or missing parts before proceeding.
2. Assembling the Mount and Tripod
Start by assembling the mount and tripod. Attach the tripod legs to the base, then secure the mount to the tripod. Ensure that the mount is firmly attached and stable before moving on to the next step.
3. Connecting the Camera
Next, connect the camera to the mount. The camera is designed to be mounted on the mount’s dovetail bar. Make sure the camera is securely attached and that the cable is properly connected to the mount’s camera port.
4. Powering Up
Connect the mount to a power source using the provided power cable. The mount can be powered by a 12V battery or an AC adapter. Once powered on, the mount will display the alignment screen.
5. Aligning the Mount
To align the mount, you will need to point it at three bright celestial objects. The Celestron Starsense Explorer LT uses a built-in camera to identify these objects. Follow these steps to align the mount:
– Point the mount at a bright star and press the “Align” button.
– The mount will display a message asking you to confirm the star’s position. Press “Yes” if the star is in the correct position.
– Repeat the process for two more bright stars to complete the alignment.
6. Using the Alignment
Once the mount is aligned, you can use it to locate celestial objects. Simply enter the name of the object you want to view into the mount’s hand controller, and it will automatically guide you to the correct position.
7. Fine-tuning and Additional Features
The Celestron Starsense Explorer LT offers additional features, such as tracking and tracking rate adjustments. To fine-tune the mount, follow these steps:
– Access the mount’s menu using the hand controller.
– Navigate to the “Tracking” or “Tracking Rate” option and adjust as needed.
– You can also enable features like “Auto Guider” or “Auto Set Home Position” for more advanced use.
8. Storing and Maintaining the Mount
When not in use, it’s important to store and maintain your Celestron Starsense Explorer LT properly. Clean the mount and camera, store the tripod in a dry, cool place, and keep the power cable and other accessories organized.
In conclusion, the Celestron Starsense Explorer LT is a powerful and user-friendly mount that can help you explore the night sky with ease. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to set up and use your mount in no time, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the cosmos like never before. Happy stargazing!
