Product Description

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

• Amazon Sales Rank: #65060 in Books
• Published on: 2004-01-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Review

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."

About the Author
Michael Swanson's day job is Technical Manager of Information Systems at the U.S. Navy hospital in Okinawa, Japan. His night jobs have included teaching computer science at the local community college and raising two sons.A chance association via an Internet discussion group lead to an introduction to members of the management team at Celestron, providing a valuable technical resource that made this book possible.

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive. Concise. Practical.
This is excellent. This text provides all the information you will need to troubleshoot your nexstar system. I have recommended that it be shipped with each nexstar telescope sold.
Celestron could save a lot of time answering questions if they would do so.

celestron 9.25 user
I recently purchased a Celestron 9.25" Nexstar telescope. The scope is great but the owner's manual that came with it leaves a lot to be desired. After just a quick scan of Swanson's book, I discovered several useful tips that I have already put to use (e.g., how to position the index marking decal that had come off; the Nexstar Resource site; and the availability of a template from Starizona for making it easier to put the scope on the tripod). Anyone thinking about buying a Celeston Nexstar scope should consider purchasing this book.

Must Have for all Nexstar Users
This is a must have for all Celestron Nexstar owners. The book is very well written, including plain English descriptions of many astronomy terms and concepts. The book covers a lot, and includes information for all models. Its an excellent reference guide and provides a very complete set of instructions for many of the difficulties that a user is likely to encounter while using their scope. It looks like a lot of research went into writing it, and has the potential of saving the reader hours and hours of time researching how to get the most out of their telescope.