Introduction
The AudioStar is the most recent handbox controller released by Meade.
It is backwards compatible with the old AutoStar-type handboxes including the AutoStar #494, AutoStar #495 and AutoStar #497. It is badged as “AUDIOSTAR”.
The older AutoStar models are no longer produced since the AudioStar is their direct replacement.
Important: Please note that the AutoStar II (two) and AutoStar III (three) handboxes are not compatible with the AudioStar or the older AutoStar models mentioned above. The AutoStar II is compatible with the LX200, LX400, LX600 and LX850 telescopes. The AutoStar III is only compatible with the LightSwitch LS telescopes.
AudioStar handbox.
AudioStar telescope compatibility
The AudioStar handbox is supplied with the following telescopes:
- StarNavigator NG
- ETX Observer
- LX65
- LX85
- LX90
It is also compatible with older telescopes including:
- ETX older models
- DS-2000 series
- Star Navigator series
- DSM
- LXD-75 series
- LT
- LX80
If you wish to replace a handbox used on an older telescope, upgrading to AudioStar is the only option. It includes the latest firmware, and it incorporates new features that are not present in previous AutoStar handboxes.
AudioStar features
A unique feature is the Astronomer Inside digital audio software. It is combined with the built-in speaker inside the AudioStar handbox to produce over four hours of high-quality pre-recorded audio descriptions of the objects you observe.
People around the telescope can listen and learn about more than 500 of the celestial objects contained in the AudioStar database, including planets, nebulae, star clusters and the Moon. The AudioStar has a database of over 30,000 astronomical objects. The AudioStar Meade part number (SKU) is 07640.
Extensive database
AudioStar's database includes the following astronomical objects:
- The complete Index Catalogue (IC), containing 5,386 galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters of all types.
- The complete New General Catalogue (NGC), containing 7,840 galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters of all types.
- The complete Messier catalogue of 110 Messier (M) objects, the best-known catalogue of heavenly showpieces for the amateur astronomer.
- The 109 objects of the Caldwell Catalogue, a new listing of the best objects for small telescopes that expands the Messier catalogue.
- 16,800 stars from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) catalogue, including double stars, variable stars, and other stars of special note.
- 50 Earth-orbiting satellites, 26 asteroids (including all the brightest asteroids), 15 periodic comets, and the 8 major planets from Mercury to Pluto.
Related topics:
telescope control, AudioStar, how-to guide
Author:
Opticstar
