Meade ETX-90EC - Manuals

z 6 GETTING STARTED CHAPTER 1 TELESCOPE FEATURES Quick Tips • Rotational Limits: The telescope base and fork mount are designed with internal “rotational limit stops.” The horizontallimit stop prevents the telescope from rotating more than630° to avoid damage to the internal wiring. The vertical lim...

Indicator Lights (2, Fig. 6): Four red LED (Light EmittingDiode) lights are used to indicate the current slew speed. NOTE: For purposes of this manual, the lights are identified as1 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 t...

THE VIEWFINDER As with most astronomical telescopes, both ETX modeltelescopes present a fairly narrow field of view to the observer.As a result it is sometimes difficult to locate and center objectsin the telescope’s field of view. The viewfinder, by contrast, is alow-power, wide-field sighting scop...

CHAPTER 2 z 9 Chapter 2:TELESCOPE FUNDAMENTALS INTRODUCTION Both ETX model telescopes can be used for immediateobservation right out of the box. However, becoming familiarwith the fundamentals of a telescope makes subsequentviewing easier and more rewarding. Choosing an Eyepiece The function of a te...

CHAPTER 2 z 10 TELESCOPE FUNDAMENTALS Equatorial mounts are highly desirable in the operation of anytelescope used for extensive astronomical applications, becausecelestial objects do not move in vertical or horizontal directionsbut in a combination of these directions. By tilting one of thetelescop...

CHAPTER 2 z 11 TELESCOPE FUNDAMENTALS THE ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER Briefly described on page 6, the Electronic Controller is theprimary device used to move ETX model telescopes. ElectronicController functions include: • Slewing the telescope (see Observing with the Electronic Controller, page 6) • Turn...

12 Chapter 3: POLAR ALIGNMENT APTER 3 For extensive astronomical observing, the telescope is bestmounted in the polar configuration. In polar alignment thetelescope is oriented so that the horizontal and vertical axes of thetelescope align with the celestial coordinate system (see Fig. 11). To polar...

4. Each table tripod is equipped with two adjustable tripod legs: The standard tripodleg is used at observing latitudes as shown inthe box in step 5 and has a dual latitude labelattached (Fig. 15). The high-latitude tripodleg is shorter and is used at higher observinglatitudes. Based on the observin...

z 14 Chapter 4: OBSERVING CHAPTER 4 OBJECTS IN SPACE Listed below are some of the many astronomical objects that canbe 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, whensunlight stri...

z 15 OBSERVING CHAPTER 4 PHOTOGRAPHY WITH BOTH ETX MODELS Photography through either ETX model requires the addition of theoptional #64 T–Adapter (see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 17).With the #64 T-Adapter attached to the telescope (Fig. 20),through-the-telescope photography is possible with any 35mm...

z 16 Chapter 5: OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES CHAPTER 5 A wide assortment of professional Meade accessories isavailable for both ETX model telescopes. Meade accessoriesgreatly extend many important applications of the telescope,from low-power, wide-field terrestrial viewing to high-powerlunar and planetary o...

z 17 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES CHAPTER 5 The Meade #126 2x Barlow lens is an achromatic, high-performance, short-focus Barlow Lens, perfectly suited to thelow-profile design of both ETX models. Lens surfaces are multi-coated for maximum image contrast and light transmission. # 825 8 x 25mm Right-Angle Vi...

General Maintenance Both ETX model telescopes are precision optical instrumentsdesigned to yield a lifetime of rewarding applications. Given thecare and respect due any precision instrument, the telescopeswill rarely require factory servicing or maintenance. Use thefollowing guidelines: 1. Avoid cle...

z 20 MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING CHAPTER 6 Unable to see an image 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 lightis directed to t...

z 21 TELESCOPE SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 6 Specifications: ETX-90EC Astro Telescope Optical design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maksutov-Cassegrain Primary mirror diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96mm (3.78”) Clear aperture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90mm (...

z 22 Appendix A:TRACKING MOTOR SPEED APPENDIX A In the polar mode the Electronic Controller normally tracksobjects at the sidereal rate (see Sidereal Rate, page 10). Formost observing sessions (once the telescope has been polaraligned and the tracking motor activated), there is little need tochange ...

APPENDIX B z 23 Appendix B: HELPFUL CHARTS Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the World To aid in the polar alignment procedure (see page 12), latitudesof major cities around the world are listed below. To determinethe latitude of an observing site not listed on the chart, locatethe city closest to ...

z 24 Appendix C: PRECISE POLAR ALIGNMENT; SETTING CIRCLES APPENDIX C Precise Polar Alignment I m p o rtant n ote: For a lmost all ast rono mical obse rv i n grequirements, approximate settings of the telescope’s latitudeand polar axis are acceptable. Do not allow undue attention to precise polar ali...

APPENDIX D z 25 Appendix D: ROADMAP TO THE STARS The night sky is filled with wonder and intrigue. You too canenjoy exploring the universe simply by following a few pointerson a roadmap to the stars . First, find the Big Dipper, which is part of the constellation UrsaMajor. (It is in the center of F...

z 26 Appendix E: YOU 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 stars The distance...

MEADE LIMITED WARRANTY 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 re...

Ver. 0300 ETX ® is a registered trademark of Meade Instruments Corporation. Part no. 14-1010-20 Meade Instruments Corporation 6001 OAK CANYON, IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92618-5200 U.S.A. (949) 451-1450 FAX: (949) 451-1460 www.meade.com