Meade ETX-105EC manual

Meade Instruments Corporation Instruction Manual ETX-90EC Astr o T elescope ETX-105EC Astr o T elescope ETX-125EC Astr o T elescope[...]

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Quick-Start Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 T elescope Electronic Contr oller Functions . . . . . . . . . 5 ETX: Y our Personal Window on the Universe . . . . . . .6 T elescope Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Electronic Controller Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Getting [...]

Remove the ETX from its packaging and place it on a sturdy surface. Place the eyepiece ( A ) and viewfinder ( B ) into their appropriate positions on the telescope and tighten their respective attachment screws to a firm feel only . Securely place the ETX on its side and remove the battery compartment cover ( C ) from the underside of the drive bas[...]

- 5 - 1 2 9 5 11 10 6 (on left fork arm) 16 4 19 13 15 7 3 20 Fig. 1: The ETX-90EC Astro T elescope. Features of the ETX-90EC, ETX- 105EC, and ETX-125EC are identical, with the exception of the size of optical tube and the type of viewfinder inc luded as standard equipment. TELESCOPE AND ELECTRONIC CONTR OLLER FUNCTIONS Fig. 1 (Inset): Computer Con[...]

- 6 - ETX: Y our Per sonal Window to the Universe The Meade ETX-90EC, ETX-105EC, and the ETX-125EC are extremely versatile, high-resolution telescopes with features similar to those once available only with larger and more specialized imaging systems. With pushbutton controls, automatic tracking of celestial objects (with one of the optional tripod[...]

- 7 -  Computer Control P anel A. ON / OFF Switch - T urns the Computer Control Panel and Electronic Controller ON or OFF . Note: Always remove the batteries if they are not to be used for a long period of time. B. Auxiliary (A UX) P orts (2) - Provide connection for current and future Meade accessories, such as the Meade “AstroFinder Software[...]

Electronic Contr oller Functions Fig. 3: Electronic Controller . (1) Arrow Keys; (2) Indicator Lights; (3) SPEED Key; (4) Coil Cord; (5) MODE Key; (6) OUT Key; (7) IN Key . Fast Medium Moderate Slow       Indicator Light Key The procedures in this manual identify the status of the four indicator lights as depicted above: on , blin[...]

- 9 - GETTING ST ARTED P ar ts List ETX telescopes are assembled virtually complete at the Meade factory . Getting the telescope ready for first observations requires only a few minutes. When first opening the packing box, note carefully the following parts: • The ETX Astro T elescope with fork- mount system. • Electronic Controller with attach[...]

- 10 - Using The Viewfinder As with most astronomical telescopes, the ETX model telescopes present a fairly narrow field of view to the observer . As a result it is sometimes difficult to locate and center objects in the telescope ’ s field of view . The viewfinder , by contrast, is a low-power , wide-field sighting scope with crosshairs that let[...]

- 11 - 2. Point the main telescope at some easy-to-find, well-defined land object, such as the top of a telephone pole. Center the object, as precisely as possible, in the SP 26mm eyepiece's field of view , then tighten the vertical and horizontal locks ( 6 and 9, Fig. 1 ) so that the tube cannot move and the object remains centered ( 1, Fig. [...]

- 12 - Understanding Magnification The magnification, or power , at which a telescope is operating is determined by two factors: the f ocal length of the telescope and the focal length of the ey epiece employ ed. T elescope Focal Length is the distance that light travels inside the telescope before reaching a focus. In the mirror-lens design of the[...]

- 13 - morning hours, before the ground has built up internal heat, results in better viewing conditions than during the late- afternoon hours. If you wish to observe a distant land object, such as a mountain top or a bird, you can observe by merely pointing the telescope and looking through the eyepiece. Set the telescope on a table top or tripod,[...]

- 14 - Light 1 (top LED): The fastest speed. Use to move the telescope quickly from one point in the sky to another . Light 2: Best for centering an object in the viewfinder. Light 3: Best for centering an object in the field of a low-to-moderate power eyepiece, such as the standard SP 26mm. Light 4: The slowest speed. Use to center an object in th[...]

- 15 - applications and for casual astronomical observation. The telescope may be placed on a rigid tabletop or on the optional Meade #883 Deluxe Field T ripod (see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES , page 20) to provide a secure, variable-height, altazimuth observing platform. T o manually track objects with the telescope in the altazimuth configuration, press[...]

- 16 - configuration the observer does not need to press the Arrow keys of the Electronic Controller in order to track celestial objects. However , the Arrow keys of the Electronic Controller are useful in this configuration to enable the centering of objects within the telescopic field or , for example, to move the telescope over the surface of th[...]

- 17 - There are two mounting methods available to polar align the telescope depending on whether you use the optional #883 Deluxe Field T ripod or a table tripod (specific to your model of ETX telescope). T o polar align using the #883 Deluxe Field T ripod ( Fig. 17 ), follow the instructions provided with the tripod. T o polar align using the #88[...]

- 18 - and horizontal locks. In this orientation the telescope ’ s optical tube is lined up parallel to the tripod ’ s adjustable leg. 8. Note the line and arrow extending from the telescope tube in Fig. 16 . This line defines the telescope ’ s polar axis . Lift the entire telescope, including tripod, and place the telescope on a firm and lev[...]

- 19 - Format 2 utilizes both sections of the #64 T -Adapter threaded together to form a rigid unit. In this configuration there is no field vignetting: images are illuminated to the edges of a standard 35mm frame (see Fig. 20 ). T o frame an object in the viewfinder of the 35mm camera body , slightly loosen the knurled attachment ring ( 3, Fig. 18[...]

- 20 - OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES A wide assortment of professional Meade accessories are available for the for ETX telescopes. Meade accessories greatly extend many important applications to the telescope, from low-power , wide-field terrestrial viewing to high-power lunar and planetary observing. The premium quality of these accessories is well-suited [...]

- 21 - # 825 8 x 25 mm Right-Angle Viewfinder: Included as standard-equipment on ETX-105EC and ETX-125EC models, the 8 x 25mm Right-Angle Viewfinder ( Fig. 25 ) permits a comfortable 90 ° viewing position with 90mm ETX models as well. The #825 fits into the same bracket as the 8x21mm viewfinder supplied with ETX-90EC telescopes. The viewfinder ’[...]

- 22 - GENERAL MAINTENANCE Y our ETX model telescope is a precision optical instruments designed to yield a lifetime of rewarding observations. Given the care and respect due any precision instrument, the telescope will rarely require factory servicing or maintenance. Use the following guidelines: 1. Avoid cleaning the telescope ’ s optics: a lit[...]

- 23 - Inspecting the Optics A Note About the “ Flashlight T est:" If a flashlight or other high-intensity light source is pointed down the main telescope tube, the view (depending upon the observer ’ s line of sight and the angle of the light) may reveal what appear to be scratches, dark or bright spots, or uneven coatings, giving the app[...]

- 24 - • If inside a warm house or building, move outside. Interior air conditions may distort terrestrial or celestial images, making it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a sharp focus. For optimal viewing, use the telescope outside in the open air instead of observing through an open or closed window or screen. • If viewing a land objec[...]

- 25 - Specifications: ETX-90EC Astro T elescope Optical design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maksutov-Cassegrain Primary mirror diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96mm (3.78 ” ) Clear aperture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90mm (3.5 ” ) Focal length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

Appendix A: AD V ANCED ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER FUNCTIONS T racking Motor Speeds In the polar mode the Electronic Controller normally tracks objects at the sidereal rate (see SIDEREAL RA TE , page 13). For most observing sessions (once the telescope has been polar aligned and the tracking motor activated), there is little need to change this speed. Fo[...]

Appendix B: HELPFUL CHARTS Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the W orld T o aid in the polar alignment procedure (see page 16), latitudes of major cities around the world are listed below . T o determine the latitude of an observing site not listed on the chart, locate the city closest to your site. Then follow the procedure below: Northern hemisp[...]

Appendix C: PRECISE POLAR ALIGNMENT ; SETTING CIRCLES If desired, you may obtain more precise polar alignment by first accomplishing basic polar alignment as detailed in POLAR ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE , page 16, then returning to this procedure: Note: This procedure mov es the telescope ph ysically to line up precisely with the celestial pole. Do not us[...]

- 29 - OBJECTS IN SP A CE In the early 17th century , Italian Scientist Galileo, using a crude telescope considerably smaller than the ETX-90EC, turned it to look towards the sky instead of distant trees and mountains. What he saw , and what he realized about what he saw , forever changed the way mankind thinks of the universe. Imagine what it must[...]

- 30 - Jupiter ( Fig. 34 ) is the largest planet in our solar system, with a diameter 1 1 times that of Earth. Jupiter appears as a disk with dark lines stretching across the surface. These lines are cloud bands in the atmosphere. Four of Jupiter ’ s 29 (and still counting!) moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto) can be seen as star-like poin[...]

MEADE LIMITED W ARRANTY Every Meade telescope, spotting scope, and telescope accessory is warranted by Meade Instruments Corporation ( “ Meade ” ) to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE YEAR from the date of original purchase in the U.S.A. and Canada. Meade will repair or replace a product, or part thereof, found[...]

V er . 0501 Part no. 14-1010-20 AD V ANCED PR ODUCTS DIVISION Meade Instruments Corporation World’ s Leading Manuf acturer of Astronomical T elescopes for the Serious Amateur 6001 Oak Canyon, Irvine, California 92618 ■ (949) 451-1450 F AX: (949) 451-1460 ■ www .meade.com © 2001[...]