Meade ETX-90EC manual

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

1 2 8 14 9 5 11 10 12 6 18 (on left fork arm) 16 17 4 19 13 15 7 (on both sides) 1. Eyepiece 2. Viewfinder: ETX-90EC: 8 x 21mm Erect-Image Viewfinder ETX-125EC: 8 x 25mm Right-Angle Viewfinder 3. Eyepiece holder thumbscrew 4. 90° eyepiece holder 5. Optical tube: ETX-90EC: 90mm clear aperture ETX-125EC: 127mm clear aperture 6. V ertical (or Declina[...]

Quick-Start Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Chapter 1: Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 The Electronic Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Parts Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 A[...]

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 the appropriate 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 base. Inser[...]

INTRODUCTION A Meade ETXAstro T elescope is an extremely versatile, high- resolution imaging system that, with advanced features similar to larger and more specialized telescopes, can be used by casual observers and serious astronomers alike. W i t h pushbutton controls, automatic tracking of celestial objects (with one of the optional tripods), an[...]

z 6 GETTING STARTED CHAPTER 1 TELESCOPE FEATURES Quic k Tips • Rotational Limits: The telescope base and fork mount are designed with internal “rotational limit stops.” The horizontal limit stop prevents the telescope from rotating more than 630° to avoid damage to the internal wiring. The v ertical limit stop prevents the viewfinder from co[...]

Indicator Lights (2, Fig. 6): Four red LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are used to indicate the current slew speed. NOTE: F or purposes of this manual, the lights are identified as 1 through 4, with 1 being the top light and 4 the bottom light. SPEED Key (3, Fig. 6): The SPEED key is used to change the speed at which the telescope slews when the [...]

THE VIEWFINDER As with most astronomical telescopes, both 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 you easily cent[...]

CHAPTER 2 z 9 Chapter 2:TELESCOPE FUNDAMENTALS INTRODUCTION Both ETX model telescopes can be used for immediate observation right out of the box. However, becoming familiar with the fundamentals of a telescope makes subsequent viewing easier and more rewarding. Choosing an Eyepiece The function of a telescope’s eyepiece is to magnify the image fo[...]

CHAPTER 2 z 10 TELESCOPE FUNDAMENTALS Equatorial mounts are highly desirable in the operation of any telescope used for extensive astronomical applications, because celestial objects do not move in vertical or horizontal directions but in a combination of these directions. By tilting one of the telescope’s mechanical axes (see Fig. 11) to point a[...]

CHAPTER 2 z 11 TELESCOPE FUNDAMENTALS THE ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER Briefly described on page 6, the Electronic Controller is the primary device used to move ETX model telescopes. Electronic Controller functions include: • Slewing the telescope (see Observing with the Electronic Controller , page 6) • T urning on the telescope motor drive to automa[...]

12 Chapter 3: POLAR ALIGNMENT APTER 3 For extensive astronomical observing, the telescope is best mounted in the polar configuration. In polar alignment the telescope is oriented so that the horizontal and vertical axes of the telescope align with the celestial coordinate system (see Fig. 11). T o polar align either ETX model you must understand ho[...]

4. Each table tripod is equipped with two adjustable tripod legs: The standard tripod leg is used at observing latitudes as shown in the box in step 5 and has a dual latitude label attached (Fig. 15). The high-latitude tripod leg is shorter and is used at higher observing latitudes. Based on the observing latitude determined in step 3, set aside th[...]

z 14 Chapter 4: OBSERVING CHAPTER 4 OBJECTS IN SP A CE Listed below are some of the many astronomical objects that can be seen with either ETX model telescope. The Moon The Moon is, on average, 239,000 miles (380,000km) from Earth. It is best observed during its crescent or half phase, when sunlight strikes its surface at an angle, casting shadows [...]

z 15 OBSERVING CHAPTER 4 PHO T OGRAPHY WITH BOTH ETX MODELS Photography through either ETX model requires the addition of the optional #64 T–Adapter (see OPTIONAL A CCESSORIES , page 17). W ith the #64 T -Adapter attached to the telescope (Fig. 20), through-the-telescope photography is possible with any 35mm camera body with a removable lens. In [...]

z 16 Chapter 5: OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES CHAPTER 5 A wide assortment of professional Meade accessories is available for both ETX model telescopes. Meade accessories greatly extend many important applications of the telescope, from low-power, wide-field terrestrial viewing to high-power lunar and planetary observing. The premium quality of these accesso[...]

z 17 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES CHAPTER 5 The Meade #126 2x Barlow lens is an achromatic, high- performance, short-focus Barlow Lens, perfectly suited to the low-profile design of both ETX models. Lens surfaces are multi- coated for maximum image contrast and light transmission. # 825 8 x 25 mm Right-Angle Viewfinder: Included as standard- equipment on E[...]

Important Note: In the most discriminating applications, such as long-distance observing of delicate bird feather-structure, both ETX models’ internal, optically-flat mirror yields a higher- resolution image than is possible with any prism, including the #932. In these special cases users of both ETX models are advised to obser v e with the e y e[...]

General Maintenance Both ETX model telescopes are precision optical instruments designed to yield a lifetime of rewarding applications. Given the care and respect due any precision instrument, the telescopes will rarely require factory servicing or maintenance. Use the following guidelines: 1. A void cleaning the telescope’s optics: a little dust[...]

z 20 MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING CHAPTER 6 Unable to see an ima ge through the e yepiece: • Confirm that the lens cover has been removed from the telescope. • Confirm that the flip-mirror control (16, Fig. 1) is in the “up” position if using the eyepiece holder (4, Fig. 1) so that light is directed to the eyepiece (1, Fig. 1). Confirm that th[...]

z 21 TELESCOPE SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 6 Specifications: ETX-90EC Astro T elescope Optical design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maksutov-Cassegrain Primary mirror diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96mm (3.78”) Clear aperture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90mm (3.5”) Focal length. . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

z 22 Appendix A:TRACKING MO T OR SPEED APPENDIX A In the polar mode the Electronic Controller normally tracks objects at the sidereal rate (see Sidereal Rate, page 10). For most observing sessions (once the telescope has been polar aligned and the tracking motor activated), there is little need to change this speed. For objects, like the Moon or a [...]

APPENDIX B z 23 Appendix B: HELPFUL CHARTS Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the W orld T o aid in the polar alignment procedure (see page 12), 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:[...]

z 24 Appendix C: PRECISE POLAR ALIGNMENT; SETTING CIRCLES APPENDIX C Precise Polar Alignment I m p o r tan t n ot e: Fo r a lm ost al l ast rono mica l ob se r v i n g requirements, approximate settings of the telescope’s latitude and polar axis are acceptable . Do not allow undue attention to precise polar alignment of the telescope to interfere[...]

APPENDIX D z 25 Appendix D: R O ADMAP T O THE STARS The night sky is filled with wonder and intrigue. Y ou too can enjoy exploring the universe simply by following a few pointers on a roadmap to the stars . First, find the Big Dipper , which is part of the constellation Ursa Major. (It is in the center of Fig. 38.) The Big Dipper is usually easy to[...]

z 26 Appendix E: Y OU AND THE UNIVERSE The distances between galaxies Milky Way Galaxy Andromeda Galaxy (M31) Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) The Sun 2.2 million light-years 35 million light-years The distance from the Earth to the Moon The distances between the planets The distance between star s The distance from the Earth to the Sun is 93 million miles o[...]

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 by [...]

V er. 0300 ETX ® is a registered trademark of Meade Instruments Corporation. Part no. 14-1010-20 Mea de In str um ent s Co rp or ati on 6001 OAK CANYON, IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92618-5200 U.S.A. (949) 451-1450 F AX: (949) 451-1460 www.meade.com[...]