Never use a Meade
look at the Sun! Looking at or near the Sun
will cause instant and irreversible
damage to your eye. Eye damage is often
painless, so there is no warning to the
observer that damage has occurred until it is
too late. Do not point the telescope at or near
the Sun. Do not look through the telescope
as it is moving.
adult supervision while observing.
Caution: Use care to install batteries in the
orientation indicated by illustration in the
battery slots of the battery compartment.
Follow battery manufacturer's precautions.
Do not install batteries backwards or mix
new and used batteries. Do not mix battery
types. If these precautions are not followed,
batteries may explode, catch fire or leak.
Improperly installed batteries void your
Meade warranty.
If you are anxious to use your telescope
for the first time, read the QUICK-START
GUIDE on pages 4 and 5.
The name "Meade
®
ks registered with the U
ademar
are tr
principal countries throughout the world.
“LNT [Level North Technology],” “SmartFinder,” “Deep Sky
Imager,” “LPI,” and “Tonight’s Best” are trademarks of Meade
Instruments Corporation.
Patents:
US 6,304,376
US 6,392,799
US 6,563,636
D 422,610
Patent Pending
This Quic
keys. If you wish to try out AutoStar’s “Go To” capabilities, check out the list of page references at the bottom of the following page.
k Start Guide demonstrates how to install the batteries and eyepiece, and how to observe using the AutoStar Arrow
B
A
Remove the ETX®telescope from its packaging and place
it on a sturdy surface. Place the ETX on its side and
remove the battery compartment cover (
side of the drive base. Insert eight (user-supplied) AA-size
batteries into the battery compartment (
shown in the battery compartment. Replace the cover and
return the telescope to an upright position (if you wish to
attach the telescope to the deluxe field tripod, see page
12).
A) from the under-
B) oriented as
C
D
E
H
...and the other end of the coiled cord into the coiled cord
port at the bottom of AutoStar handbox (
I
Tighten (to a "firm feel" only, do not overtighten) the vertical lock
I) and the horizontal lock (J).
(
mation.
See page 7 and 8 for more infor-
H), as shown above.
J
Place the 26mm eyepiece (C) into the eyepiece holder on
the telescope and tighten the attachment thumbscrew (D) to
a "firm feel" only. See page 7, for more information. Remove
the dust co
er (E) from the end of the telescope tube
v
.
F
Flip the Power Switch (F) on the computer control panel to
ight message lights on AutoStar’s
yr
A cop
G
Make sure that the computer control panel power switch
(
F) is in the OFF position. Remove the Autostar®handbox
and the coiled cord from the pac
end of the cord into the HBX port (G).
king mater
ials
F
Plug one
.
the ON
LCD display, followed by a warning not to look at the Sun.
Press the AutoStar key prompted by the message when you
are done reading.
A “Getting Started” message displays. Press ENTER to skip
this message.
See pages 9 to 11 for more information about AutoStar’s
keys.
position.
4
Enter
ey
K
Scroll Up
Key
AutoStar then displays: “Location Option: 1-Zipcode 2-City”.
This option allows you to choose how you wish to enter the
location of your observing site: you can enter your zip code
or choose the site from a list of countries, states and cities.
Press the number key “1” if you wish to enter by zip code.
Then enter the five digits of the zip code of your observing
site and press ENTER.
Press the number key “2” if you wish to select your
observing site from a list of country, states and cities. First,
use a Scroll key to cycle through the list of countries and
states (listed alphabetically).Press ENTER when the
correct location displays. Next, use a Scroll key to cycle
through the list of cities (also listed alphabetically). Press
ENTER when the closest city displays.
Finally “Telescope Models” displays. Using the SCROLL KEYS,
cycle through the list of telescope models and press ENTER
when your model displays.
The display now displays "Setup: Align." See page 17 for more
information.
If AutoStar does not requests the Country/State, City and
Telescope Model information, use the "Telescope Model"
and "Site" options in the Setup menu to change this
information. See pages 27 and 29 for more information.
Arrow
Keys
Scroll
Down
Key
Arro
Keys
w
o change the speed at which the telescope moves (known as
T
“slew” speed) press a NUMBER KEY from 1 through 9. 1
the
is the slowest speed and 9 is the fastest.
L
K
Make sure that the flip mirror control (K) is in the “Up” position,
as shown the diagram above.
L
Sight along the side of the telescope’s main tube to locate an
object. If you wish to learn how to align the telescope’s
SmartFinder, see page 13.
Use the telescope’s focus knob (
focus.
L) to bring the object into
Number
ys
e
K
You can now use the Arrow keys to slew (move) the
telescope up
KEYS to center objects in the eyepiece.
, down, right or left. Practice using the ARROW
If you wish to learn more about observing with
utoStar and other f
A
age 13 to lear
P
age 17 to lear
P
age 19 to lear
P
Page 19 to learn about Guided Tours
Page 22 for a Menu tree of AutoStar’s menus
ages 23 to 38 to
P
eatures of your telescope, see
w to use Smar
n ho
w to perf
n ho
n how to “Go To” Saturn”
n more about A
lear
tFinder
m an Automatic Alignment
or
utoStar’
s men
:
us
5
TELESCOPE FEATURES
2
19
5
9
11
12
Fig. 1a: Side View
Features of the ETX-90PE, ETX105PE and ETX-125PE are identical,
with the exception of the size of
optical tube.
A. ON/OFF Switch
B. Auxiliary Ports (2)
C. Handbox Port
D. 12v
E. LED
11Base Housing
12Battery Compartment
(bottom of base)
13Right Ascension (R.A.)/
Horizontal Setting Circle
14Flip-Mirror Control Knobs
15Photo Port
16Declination (Dec.)/Vertical
Setting Circle
17SmartFinder Alignment Screws
LNT Module
18
Dust Cap (not visible)
19
16
7
13
Fig.
1b:
Rear
6
15
8
14
View
6
Caution:
Using products other than
standard Meade accessories
may cause damage to the
telescope’s internal
electronics and may void the
Meade warranty.
B Want to learn more
about the
available for your ETX
telescope?
See OPTIONAL
CCESSORIES
A
42 and 43.
eyepieces
, pages
c Want to learn more
about the
SmartFinder?
See Aligning
SmartFinder, page 13.
G Want to learn more
about the Right
Ascension and
Declination setting
? See page 54.
circles
Caution:
When loosening the Dec.
lock, be sure to support
the optical tube (5 Fig.1a). The weight of the
tube could cause the tube
to swing through the fork
arms suddenly.
MEADE ETX: YOUR PERSONAL
WINDOW TO THE UNIVERSE
The Meade Premier Edition ETX-90PE, ETX-105PE and the ETX-125PE are
extremely versatile, high-resolution telescopes. With pushbutton controls, automatic
tracking of celestial objects and diffraction-limited imaging, an ETX Premier telescope
may be all the telescope ever required by many terrestrial and astronomical
observers.
Your ETX telescope reveals nature in an ever-expanding level of detail. Observe the
feather structure of an eagle from 50 yards or study the rings of the planet Saturn from
a distance of 800 million miles
majestic nebulae, ancient star clusters, remote galaxies and even stars recently
discovered to have planets orbiting about them. Meade ETX Premier telescopes are
instruments fully capable of growing with your interest and are ideal for both the
casual observer and serious astronomer alike.
Telescope Controls
Become acquainted with all of these controls before attempting observations through
the telescope.
B Eyepiece: Place the supplied 26mm eyepiece into the 90° Eyepiece Holder (4,
Fig. 1b
) and tighten in place with thumbscrew (3, Fig.1b).
C
Smartfinder™
Provides an easier way to sight on objects than the main telescope’s eyepiece
which has a narrow field of view. Comes pre-assembled on the telescope.
D Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew: Tightens the eyepiece in place. Tighten to a firm
feel only.
e 90° Eyepiece Holder: Holds the eyepiece upright for easy viewing.
F Optical Tube: The main optical component that gathers the light from distant
objects and brings this light to a focus for examination with the eyepiece.
G Vertical (Dec.) Lock: Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope.
Turning the vertical lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be
freely rotated by hand about the vertical axis. Turning the vertical lock clockwise
(to a firm feel only) prevents the telescope from being moved manually, but
engages the vertical motor drive clutch for AutoStar operation. When polar
aligned, the ver
ote:The v
N
ight of the f
the r
cular scale without n
setting circle (
scale used to locate astronomical objects
tical lock serves as the Declination or Dec. lock.
tical loc
er
ocus knob (
Fig.
16,
H Fork Arms: Hold the optical tube in place.
Note: The telescope base and fork mount are designed with internal
“rotational limit stops
from rotating more than 630° to avoid damage to the internal wiring. The
vertical limit stop prevents the smartfinder from striking the fork mount
when the telescope is pointed upward just past 90° and prevents the
optical tube from striking the base if pointed downward more than 30°. Do
orce the telescope to mo
not f
telescope will result.
i Focus Knob: Moves the telescope’s primary mirror in a finely-controlled motion
to achieve precise image focus. The ETX telescopes can be focused on objects
from a distance of about 11.5 ft (ETX-90PE) or 15 ft (ETX-105PE or
ETX-125PE) to infinity. Rotate the focus knob clockwise to focus on distant
objects and counterclockwise to focus on nearby objects.
. Focus beyond the Solar System and observe
k knob is a kn
8,
umbers
1a
) on the opposite f
.” The horizontal limit stop prevents the telescope
urled knob located on the fork arm to
1b
Fig.
.
v
Mounted beneath the knob is a cir
).
Do not confuse this scale with the Dec.
m which has a n
k ar
or
.
ond these stops or damage to the
y
e be
umbered
-
7
Definitions
Throughout this manual,
you will notice the terms
"Alt/Az," "Right
Ascension," and
Declination." Alt/Az or
"
more properly, altazimuth,
is frequently used to refer to
altitude or Declination (the
up-and-down vertical
movement of the telescope)
and
azimuth or Right
Ascension (the side-to-side
horizontal movement of the
telescope). Right Ascension
is abbreviated as "
and Declination as "Dec."
Fig. 3a: Flip mirror control in
the “up” position.
Fig. 3b: Flip mirror control in
the “down” position.
ant to lear
1* W
aligning the
SmartFinder
See pages 13.
R.A."
n more about
?
1( Note: The dust cap
should be replaced
after each obser
session and the
power turned off to
the telescope
that any dew that
might have collected
during the observing
session has
evaporated prior to
replacing the dust
. Do not
cap
tighten.
er
v
o
ving
erify
V
.
j Horizontal (R.A.) Loc
Loosen the horizontal lock counterclockwise to unlock the telescope, enabling it to
be freely rotated by hand about the horizontal axis. Tightening the horizontal lock
clockwise prevents the telescope from being rotated manually, but engages the hor-
ontal motor drive clutch for AutoStar operation. When polar aligned, the horizon-
iz
tal lock serves as the Right Ascension or R.A. lock.
k:Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the telescope.
1) Computer Control Panel (see Fig. 2)
A. ON/OFF Switch
handbox ON or OFF.
Note: Always remove the batteries if they are not to be used for a long
period of time.
B. Auxiliary (AUX) Ports (2): Provide connection for current and future
Meade accessories. See
C. Handbox (HBX) Port: Plug the AutoStar handbox into this port.
D. 12v: The 12v connector is designed to accept an external power
supply such as the optional #541 AC Adapter or the #607 Power Cord
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 42). When one of the external
(see
power supply options is used, the internal batteries are disconnected
from the power circuit.
E. LED: The red power indicator light illuminates when power is supplied
to the connected handbox and to the telescope’s motor drive.
: Turns the Computer Control Panel and AutoStar
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
, page 42.
1! Base Housing: Supports the telescope for placement on a flat, level surface,
user-supplied AA batteries in this compartment. See page 12 for more
information.
1# Right Ascension (R.A.) Setting Circle: See page 53 for detailed information.
1$ Flip-Mirror and Flip-Mirror Control Knobs: ETX telescopes include an internal
mirror.With the flip-mirror control in the “up” position, as shown in
diverted to the eyepiece. With the flip-mirror control in the “down” position, as
shown in
PHOTOGRAPHY, page 39.
1% Photo P
optional #64ST T-Adapter or attach the #932 Erecting Prism for correctly
oriented images through the eyepiece. See
Fig. 3b, light proceeds straight out the photo port for photography. See
Note: The flip-mirror control is in the “up” position when the control is
vertical (perpendicular to the telescope tube). To place the flip-mirror in the
position, turn the control until it is horizontal.
wn”
“do
or
t
:
Attach an
y 35mm camer
a with a removable lens to this port using an
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 42.
Fig. 3a, light is
1^ Declination (Dec.) Setting Circle (on left fork arm): See page 53 for detailed
information.
1& SmartFinder Alignment Screws: Adjust these screws to align the SmartFinder.
See pages 13 and 14 for more information.
1* LNT (Level North Technology) Module: This assembly has sensors which auto-
matically points the telescope North, and detects the level and tilt of the telescope
mation about Automatic
ing automatic alignment.
dur
Alignment. The LNT bracket also contains a LNT Module which supplies the time
and date to AutoStar. The time is set at the factory. See
MODULE PORT
below.
See page 17 f
or more inf
or
ATOMIC TIME UPDATE
1( ATOMIC TIME UPDATE MODULE Port: Attach Meade’s ATOMIC TIME UPDATE
-
our telescope’
Y
MODULE
tor
scope to update the time module from the NIST atomic cloc
Colorado.
optional accessor
ore it is shipped, b
y bef
y into this por
ut the
A
t.
TIME UPDATE MODULE
OMIC
T
s time is set at the f
ws y
allo
k in Fort Collins,
ac
our tele
-
2) Dust Cap: Unthread the dust cap counterclockwise from the front lens of the
telescope.
8
AUTOSTAR FEATURES
L
1
4
3
Want to learn more about
downloading the latest
updates of AutoStar
software from the
Meade website? See
pages 28 and 42.
5
6
7
9
Fig. 4: The AutoStar Handbox.
K
8
J
1 LCD Display
2 ENTER Key
3 MODE K
4 GO TO Key
5 Arrow Keys
6 Number Keys
7 Scroll Keys
8 Speed/? Key
Control of ETX Telescopes is through the operation of the standard-equipment #497
AutoStar. Nearly all functions of the telescope are accomplished with just a few
pushes of AutoStar’s buttons. Some of the major features of AutoStar are:
•Automatically move the telescope to any of the 30,000 objects stored in the
database or manually enter the astronomical coordinates of any celestial object.
•Take a guided tour of the best celestial objects to view on any given night of the
year.
•Download the latest satellite data, guided tours and software revisions directly
from the Meade website (
A
•Calculate which eyepiece to use for optimum viewing of a celestial object.
A
utoStar pro
has soft-touch k
is bac
lit displa
user friendly.
vides control of virtually every telescope function. The AutoStar handbox
ys designed to ha
e
klit with red LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) f
y, key arrangement and sequential menu structure make AutoStar extremely
www.meade.com) and share software with other
e a positiv
v
e feel.The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
or easy vie
wing in the dark. The back-
9
e Want to learn more
about using the GO TO
function
Want to learn how to
perform a
search
? See page 19.
spiral
? See page 19.
B 2-Line LCD Display: This screen displays AutoStar's menus and information
about the telescope
op line:
• T
• Bottom line: Displays other menus that may be chosen, menu options,
telescope status or information about a function that is being performed.
.
Lists the pr
imary menu.
c ENTER Key: Press to go to the next menu level or to choose an option in a menu.
The ENTER key is similar to the RETURN or ENTER key on a computer. See MOV-
ING THROUGH AUTOSTAR’S MENUS, page 21 and AUTOSTAR MENUS, page 22.
d MODE Key: Press to return to the previous menu or data level. The top menu level
is “Select Item." The MODE key is similar to the ESCAPE key on a computer.
Note: Pressing MODE repeatedly while in the “Select Item” level moves
AutoStar to the topmost screen: “Select Item: Object.”
If MODE is pressed and held for two seconds or more, information about the
telescope's status displa
eys (7,Fig. 2
k
• Right Ascension and Declination (astronomical) coordinates
• Altitude (v
• Local Time and Local Sidereal Time (LST)
• Timer and Alarm Status
• Date
• Site coordinates
• Battery status
• SmartFinder Finder Set menu (see below)
Press MODE again to return to the previous menu.
Finder Set menu: Select the Finder Set menu to access options that will allow you to
intensity and blink rate of the SmartFinder red dot.
set the
To set the blink rate of SmartFinder’s red dot (circled numbers refer to Fig. 4):
1.Press and hold MODE c for two seconds. R.A and Dec. coordinates display.
2.Keep pressing the Scroll Down key
3.Press ENTER b. “Finder Set: Intensity” displays.
4.Press the Scroll Down key
5.Press ENTER
display. “00.5” (one-half second) is the amount of time, in seconds, that the red
dot will blink “on.”
6.Use the Number keys
example, you may wish to change the amount of time the red dot stays on to 10.2
seconds: Press “1,” press the Right Arrow key
key
f, press “2.” An alternate method is to use the Scroll keys h to scroll
through the time values. Once the time value is entered, press ENTER b.
7.Press the Scroll Down key h. “Finder: Blink Off” displays. Press ENTER b.A
time value, “00.1” (one-tenth second), may display. For example, you may wish to
change the amount of time the red dot stays off to 00.7 seconds: Press the Right
Arrow key f twice (as the first two values are already zero), then press “7.” Or
you may use the Scroll keys h to scroll through the time values.
8.The SmartFinder’s red dot will now blink on for 10.2 seconds and turn off for 0.7
seconds, and then repeat the cycle until you change the values again.Press and
hold MODE
Similarly, you can set the Intensity value by scrolling through the intensity values with
then Scroll keys h.The option lets you select a value of intensity for the red dot from
0 (Off) to 14 (Full Intensity).
) to displa
ertical) and Azimuth (horizontal) coordinates
b. A time value, in seconds, displays. For example, “00.5” may
c to exit this function.
ys. When the status displays, press one of the Scroll
y the following information:
h until “Finder Set: Set” displays.
h. “Finder: Blink On” displays.
g and the Arrow keys f to change the time value. For
f, press “0,” press the Right Arrow
e GO TO Key: After the telescope is aligned, press to slew (move) the telescope to
the coordinates of the currently selected object. While the telescope is
slewing, the operation may be aborted at any time by pressing any key except
GO TO. Pressing GO TO again resumes the slew to the object. Also, press
during the alignment or GO TO procedures to activate a "spiral search."
10
g Want to learn more
about changing slew
speeds? See page 16.
Also, use the Arrow keys to scroll through numbers 0 through 9 and the alphabet.
The Down Arrow key begins with the letter "A;" the Up Arrow key begins with digit
"9."
Additionally, use the Arrow keys to to move the cursor across the display: Use the
Right or Left Arrow key to move the cursor from one number to the next in the display.
f Arrow Keys: The Arrow keys have several functions. Press an Arrow key to slew
the telescope in a specific direction (up, down, left and right), at any one of nine
different speeds. See SLEW SPEEDS, page 16. Use the Arrow keys to move the
telescope v
horizontally counterclockwise, while the Right Arrow key rotates it clockwise.
ertically up and down. The Left Arrow key rotates the telescope
g Number Keys: Press to input digits 0 to 9. To change the speed at which the
telescope moves (known as the “slew” speed) press a NUMBER KEY from 1
through 9. 1 is the slowest speed and 9 is the fastest.
h Scroll Keys: Press to access options within a selected menu. The menu is
displayed on the first line of the screen. Options in the menu are displayed, one
at a time, on the second line. Press the Scroll keys to move through the options.
Press and hold a Scroll key to move quickly through the options.
The Scroll keys also control the speed of text scrolling on the AutoStar display.
When text is scrolling, press and hold the Up Scroll key for a faster display speed
and the Down Scroll key for a slower display speed.
i ? Key: Press to access the "Help" file. "Help" provides on-screen information on
how to accomplish whatever task is currently active.
Press the ? key and then follow the prompts on the display to access details of
AutoStar functions in the Help feature. The Help system is essentially an
on-screen instruction manual.
If you have a question about an AutoStar operation,
MENT, etc., press the ? key and follow the directions that scroll on the
second line. When satisfied with the Help provided, press MODE to return to the
original screen and continue with the chosen procedure.
e.g., INITIALIZATION, ALIGN-
j RS232 Port: Plug in optional cable to download the latest satellite data and
software revisions directly from the Meade website (
also share software with other AutoStar enthusiasts or control your telescope
remotely from your PC. (Requires optional #505 AstroFinder™ Software and
Cable Connector Kit. See
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 42.)
www.meade.com).You can
1) Coil Cord Port/Coil Cord: Plug one end of the supplied AutoStar coil cord into
this port located at the bottom of the handbox and the other end into the HBX port
of the Computer Control Panel.
1! Light/0 K
ey:
Press to tur
n on Utility light (
12,
Fig. 4
).
1@ Utility Light: Use this built-in red light to illuminate star charts and accessories
e's adaptation to darkness. Press "0" to turn the light on
y
without disturbing y
.
and off
our e
ETX TIPS
Star Charts
en with the AutoStar's large 30,000 object library, star charts and
Ev
planispheres are still useful for a variety of reasons. In particular, they are a
great aid in planning a night of celestial viewing.
A wide v
net and on CD Roms. Meade offers AutoStar Suite
software. Contact your Meade dealer or Meade's Customer Service
depar
Astronomy and Sky and Telescope magazines print star charts each month
for up-to-the-minute maps of the heavens.
ariety of star charts are available in books, in magazines, on the inter-
tment for more information.
™
and other star locator
11
Batter
ies
Cover
GETTING STARTED
Parts Listing
Getting the telescope ready for first observations requires only a few minutes. When
first opening the pac
ETX Premier Telescope with fork mount system and SmartFinder
•
• #497 AutoStar handbox with coil cord.
• One or more eyepieces, packed in plastic storage containers.
• Hex-wrench, packed with the instruction manual. See
page 44.
• #884 Deluxe Field Tripod; two attachment knobs; spreader tray with separate spring, washers (2) and tension knob; leg extension lock knobs.
king box, note carefully the following parts:
MAINTENANCE,
Fig. 5: Battery installation.
1
Fig. 6: Spread tripod legs.
2
Fig. 7: Slide spreader on rod.
3
Fig. 8: Tension knob
assembly.
4
Fig. 9: Adjust tripod height.
2
How to Assemble Your Telescope and Tripod
Assembly of the ETX telescope requires eight AA-size (user-supplied) batteries.
1.Remove the ETX telescope from its packaging and place it on a sturdy surface.
Place the ETX on its side and remove the battery compartment cover from the
underside of the drive base. Insert eight (user-supplied) AA-size batteries into the
battery compartment oriented as shown in the battery compartment. Replace the
cover and return the telescope to an upright position.
Caution: Use care to install batteries as indicated by the diagrams in the
battery compartment. Follow battery manufacturer's precautions. Do not
install batteries backwards or mix new and used batteries. Do not mix
battery types. If these precautions are not followed, batteries may
explode, catch fire or leak. Improperly installed batteries void your Meade
warranty. Always remove the batteries if they are not to be used for a long
period of time.
Note: AutoStar does not require batteries; the telescope’s batteries
supply power to AutoStar.
2.Assemble the #884 Deluxe Field Tripod:
Step a: Spread the tripod (1, Fig. 6) legs apart to a fully open position.
Step b: Slide the spreader tray (2, Fig. 7) onto the central threaded rod.
Step c: Slide a washer, followed by the spring, another washer and the
tension knob (3, Fig. 8) onto the threaded rod.Tighten the tension knob
Step d: Adjust the height of the tripod by loosening the leg lock knobs (4, Fig. 9)
3.Mount your telescope in the altazimuth (alt/az) mode. If you wish to mount your
telescope in the equatorial mode, see
Step e: Loosen the latitude control latch (6, Fig. 10) and lift up the tilt-plate (5, Fig.
Step f: Line up the mounting hole (7, Fig. 11) on the base of the telescope
Step g: Unlock the latitude control latch (10, Fig. 13) and lower the tilt-plate until
to a firm feel.
and adjusting the height of the inner leg extensions.Then retighten the lock
knobs.
EQUATORIAL ALIGNMENT, page 50.
Note: Throughout this manual, you will notice the term "Alt/Az," or more
properly,
up-and-do
side-to-side hor
altazimuth.This term is frequently used to refer to altitude or the
tical mo
er
wn v
ontal movement of the telescope.
iz
) so that y
10
latitude control latch, so the assembly doesn't slip while you are attaching
the telescope.
ed "High Latitude Leg" with the attachment knob
k
mar
closest to the latitude control bar
mounting hole with the attachment knob at the bottom of the tilt-plate.
Thread both attachment knobs into the base of the telescope
eel only
m f
a fir
it is level (push the tilt-plate down until it stops; this is the level
position). Lock the latitude control latch.
vement of the telescope).
ou can easily access the underside of the plate
.(
See Fig.
12.
)
Azim
Fig.
11
(
9,
ers to the
uth ref
(
Fig.
8,
Line up the other
.
)
. Relock the
11
)
Tighten to
.
that is
12
5
6
O
L
M
N
Fig. 10: Loosen control latch .
7
8
9
Fig. 11: High latitude leg
mounting hole and
corresponding attachment
knob.
8
Fig. 12: Attach telescope to
tripod.
J
Fig. 13: Level tilt-plate.
Fig. 15: Insert eyepiece.
4.Place the 26mm eyepiece (12, Fig. 15) into the eyepiece holder on the
telescope and tighten the attachment thumbscrew (
e sure that the flip-mirror control (
Mak
in the above photo. See page 14, for more information. Remove the dust cover (
) from the end of the telescope tube.
Fig. 15
5.Make sure that the computer control panel power switch (A, Fig. 2) is in the OFF
position. Remove the AutoStar handbox and the coiled cord from the packing
materials. Plug one end of the cord into the HBX port (
of the coiled cord into the coiled cord port at the bottom of AutoStar handbox, as
shown above.
6.Tighten (to a "firm feel" only, do not overtighten) the vertical lock (Fig. 6) and the horFig. 9)
izontal lock (
.
Fig. 16: Tighten vertical
lock.
Fig. 15
14,
) is in the
Fig. 17: Tighten horizontal
lock.
13, Fig.15) to a "firm feel" only.
“up” position, as shown
15,
C, Fig. 2)and the other end
Using SmartFinder
As with most astronomical telescopes, an eyepieces presents a narrow field of view
to the observer. As a result it is sometimes difficult to locate objects just using your
eyepiece. The SmartFinder has a projected red dot that helps you to locate objects
as you move your telescope.
To turn on SmartFinder’s red dot (continuous, without blinking):
1. Press and hold MODE for two seconds. R.A and Dec. coordinates display.
2. Keep pressing the Scroll Down key until “Finder Set: Set” displays.
3. Press ENTER. “Finder Set: Intensity” displays.
4. Press the Scroll Down key. “Finder: Blink On” displays.
5. Press ENTER. A time value, in seconds, displays. For example, “00.5” may
display. “00.5” is the amount of time, in seconds, that the red dot will blink “on.”
or this e
(F
ENTER.
Press the Scroll Do
6.
Press ENTER.
7.
k
ey until “00.0” displays. “00.0” is the amount of time in seconds that the
red dot will remain “off.” This value, along with the value you chose in the
“Finder: Blink On” menu, allows the red dot to remain on without blinking.
“00.0”
without blinking.
Use these men
8.
the Blink Off menu, and “00.2” in the Blink On menu, the red dot will blink on
for .2 seconds and then blink off for .1 second, and then repeat the cycle until
you change the values again.
9. Press and hold MODE to exit this function.
xample, you may select or enter any value except “00.0.”) Press
“Finder: Blink Off” displays.
.
y
e
wn k
Use the Number keys to enter “00.0” or press the Scroll Down
means there is no “off” time, so the dot will remain on continuously,
ates. For example, If you select “00.1” in
us to set other b
link r
Fig.
14:
Handbo
HBX por
x
L
Aligning SmartFinder
In order for the SmartFinder to be useful, it must first be aligned with the main tele-
t.
scope, so that both the SmartFinder and the main telescope are pointing at
precisely the same location. To align the SmartFinder:
y) land
a
oint the main telescope at some w
P
1.
object, such as a telephone pole or sign. Center the object, as precisely as
ell-defined distant (perhaps a mile a
w
13
M
Fig. 18: Turn the top (13) or
side (14) Smartfinder
adjustment screws.
Fig. 19: Meade Super
Plössl eyepieces.
N
Tip: If you plan on
viewing using higher
magnification eyepieces,
first locate, center and
focus the object using a
low-power eyepiece
(e.g., 26mm eyepiece).
Then remove the lowpower eyepiece and
replace it with a higherpower eyepiece; the
object should still be
centered in the field of
view. Objects are much
easier to locate and
center at lower powers;
higher powers are
employed simply by
changing eyepieces.
Fig. 20a & 20b: Jupiter: Examples
ight amount of
of the r
magnification and too much
magnification.
le, in the SP 26mm eyepiece's field of view. Tighten the vertical and
possib
horizontal locks (
6 and 9, Fig. 1) so that the tube cannot move and the object
remains centered.
2. While looking through the SmartFinder, turn the top or side alignment screws (13and 14, Fig. 18), until the red dot of the SmartFinder points at precisely the same
position as the view through the eyepiece of the main telescope.
The SmartFinder is now aligned to the main telescope. Unless the alignment screws
are disturbed or the LNT Module is moved out of place, the SmartFinder should
remain aligned indefinitely.
Choosing an Eyepiece
The magnification or power, at which a telescope is operating is determined by two
factors: the focal length of the telescope and the focal length of the eyepiece.
Telescope Focal Length is the distance that light travels inside the telescope before
reaching a focus. In the mirror-lens design of the ETX models, the focal length is
compressed by the telescope’s secondary mirror, so that a long focal length is housed
in the short ETX optical tube. For example, the ETX-90PE’s focal length is 1250mm
or about 49”. This means that if the ETX–90PE were a classical refracting-type of
telescope, the optical tube would be more than four feet long instead of the
ETX–90PE's compact 11” tube length.
Eyepiece Focal Length is the distance light travels inside the eyepiece before
reaching focus. Focal length is usually printed on the side of the eyepiece, for example,
26mm. Low-power eyepieces are typically available in 26mm, 32mm and 40mm sizes
(see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 42). The low-power eyepiece provided with your
ETX is designed to provide a wide, comfortable field of view with high image resolution.
Calculating Magnification: On a telescope, such as the ETX, different eyepiece focal
lengths are used to achieve different magnifications, from low to high. A 26mm eyepiece yields 48X (“48-power”) on the ETX-90PE, 57X on the ETX-105PE and 73X on
the ETX-125PE. A variety of powers may be obtained with the addition of optional eyepieces as well as the #126 2X Barlow Lens which doubles the power of an eyepiece
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 42). To calculate magnification, divide the focal
(see
length of the telescope’s optical tube by the focal length of the eyepiece. For example:
Telescope Focal Length divided by Eyepiece Focal Length= Power
1250mm divided by 26mm= 73X
With Bar
low: 73 x 2= 146X
The eyepiece power or magnification is therefore 73X and 146X with the Barlow.
Most observers should have 3 or 4 eyepieces plus the #126 2X Barlow to achieve the
full range of reasonable magnifications possible with ETX models.
ETX TIPS
Too Much Power?
Can you ever have too much power? If the type of power you’re referring to is
eyepiece magnification, yes, you can! The most common mistake of the
beginning obser
which the telescope and atmospheric conditions cannot reasonably support.
Keep in mind that a smaller, but bright and well-resolved image is far superior to
one that is larger
e 300X should be emplo
v
abo
conditions.
AutoStar can calculate the best eyepiece for you to use. Try out the “Eyepiece
Calc” feature in the Utilities menu.
Most observers should have three or four additional eyepieces to achieve the full
range of reasonable magnifications possible with the
OPTIONAL A
er is to “overpower” a telescope by using high magnifications
v
20a and 20b). Powers
ut dim and poor
, b
CCESSORIES
ed (see Figs
ly resolv
yed only under the steadiest atmospheric
, page 42.
.
ETX telescopes. See
14
Note:
Viewing conditions vary
widely from night-to-night
and site-to-site. Turbulence
in the air, even on an
apparently clear night, can
distort images. Low-power
eyepieces, such as the
26mm supplied with your
telescope, are better suited
to resolving images in poor
viewing conditions.
NEVER point
the telescope
directly at or
any time! Observing the
Sun, even for the smallest
fraction of a second, will
result in instant and
irreversible eye damage,
as well as physical
damage to the telescope
itself.
Do not look through the
telescope's eyepiece
while it is rapidly moving.
Children should always
have adult supervision
while obser
Impor
AutoStar requests the
Country/State, City and
Telescope Model
information
time
Subsequently, AutoStar
uses the location and
model n
chosen.
If you wish to change this
or
inf
"Telescope Model" and
"Site" options in the Setup
menu. See pages 27 and
29 f
information.
near the Sun at
ving.
tant Note
utoStar is activ
A
mation, use the
or more
:
only the first
umber you have
ated.
OBSERVING
Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually
If you wish to observe a distant land object, such as a mountain top or a bird, you can
obser
ve by merely pointing the telescope and looking through the eyepiece.
1.
Loosen the telescope’s horizontal lock (
2.Move your telescope to observe distant street signs, mountains, trees and other structures. Use the SmartFinder to help sight-in on an object.
3.Center the object with SmartFinder’s red dot and then in the telescope
eyepiece. When the object is centered in your eyepiece, remember to re-tighten the
horizontal and vertical locks.
4.Practice focusing objects using the focus knob (
5.Once you get a feel for how your telescope moves and focuses, try to view
something more challenging, like a bird or a distant moving train.
You can also observe stars and objects in the night sky using this method, but note that
objects begin to slo
of the Earth. As you become familiar with the AutoStar handbox operation, you can counteract the drift using the automatic tracking feature (see
TICALLY
MA
wly drift across the eyepiece field.This motion is caused by the rotation
, page 16) or b
y using AutoStar's GO TO capabilities (see
page 19).
Terrestrial Observing
ETX telescopes are excellent high-resolution terrestrial (land) telescopes. Viewing terrestrial objects requires looking along the Earth's surface through heat waves. These heat
waves often cause degradation of image quality. Lower power eyepieces, like the 26mm,
magnify these heat waves less than higher power eyepieces (such as a 9mm eyepiece).
Therefore, lower power eyepieces provide a steadier, higher quality image. If the image is
fuzzy or ill-defined, reduce to a lower power eyepiece, where the heat waves do not have
such an effect on image quality. Observing in early morning hours, before the ground has
built up internal heat, produces better viewing conditions than during late afternoon hours.
Observing Using AutoStar Arrow Keys
You may observe land and astronomical objects using AutoStar's Arrow keys to move the
telescope.
1.Tighten the horizontal (9, Fig. 1a) and vertical locks (6, Fig. 1b).
2.Make sure that AutoStar’s coiled cord is connected to the computer control panel’s
HBX port (
3.Flip the Power Switch (
position. A copyright message lights on AutoStar’s LCD display, followed by a warning
not to look at the Sun.
done reading.
4.A “Getting Started” message displays. Press ENTER to skip this message.
5.AutoStar then displays: “Location Option: 1-Zipcode 2-City”. This option allows you to
choose how you wish to enter the location of your observing site: you can enter your
zip code or choose the site from a list of countr
Press the n
digits of the zip code of your observing site and press ENTER.
Press the number key “2” if you wish to select your observing site from a list of country, states and cities. First, use a Scroll key to cycle through the list of countries and
states (listed alphabetically). Press ENTER when the correct location displays. Next,
use a Scroll key to cycle through the list of cities (also listed alphabetically). Press
ENTER when the closest city displays.
6.Finally “Telescope Models” displays. Using the SCROLL KEYS, cycle through the list of
telescope models and press ENTER when y
7.The display now displays "Align: Automatic."
ou can no
Y
Practice using the ARROW KEYS to center objects in the eyepiece.To change the speed
at which the telescope moves (known as the “slew” speed), press a NUMBER KEY from 1
through 9.
C, Fig. 2).
A, Fig. 2) on the computer control panel to the ON
Press the A
See page 9 to 11 for more information about AutoStar’s keys.
umber key “1” if you wish to enter by zip code. Then enter the five
W KEYS
O
w use the
1 is the slo
ARR
west speed and 9 is the fastest.
9,
utoStar k
to slew (move) the telescope up, down, right or left.
) and v
Fig. 1a
8, Fig. 1b).
ertical lock (6,Fig. 1b
TO TRACK AN OBJECT AUTO-
GO
ey prompted by the message when you are
ies
, states and cities.
.
our model displa
ys
).
TO SATURN
,
15
Slew Speeds
AutoStar has nine slew speeds that move the optical tube at rates that are directly
proportional to the sidereal rate and have been calculated to accomplish specific
functions. Press the Number key to change the slew speed.
The nine available speeds are:
Number Key 1 =1x =1 x sidereal (0.25 arc-min/sec or 0.004°/sec)
Number Key 2 =2x =2 x sidereal (0.5 arc-min/sec or 0.008°/sec)
Number Key 3 =8x =8 x sidereal (2 arc-min/sec or 0.033°/sec)
Number Key 4 =16x =16 x sidereal (4 arc-min/sec or 0.067°/sec)
Number Key 5 =64x =64 x sidereal (16 arc-min/sec or 0.27°/sec)
Number Key 6 = 128x =30 arc-min/sec or 0.5°/sec
Number Key 7 =1.0° =60 arc-min/sec or 1.0°/sec
Number Key 8 =1.5° =90 arc-min/sec or 1.5°/sec
Number Key 9 =Max = approx. 4.5°/sec
Speeds 1, 2 or 3: Best used for fine centering of an object in the field of view of a
higher power eyepiece, such as a 9mm eyepiece.
Speeds 4, 5 or 6: Enable centering of an object in the field of a low-to-moderate
power eyepiece, such as a 26mm.
Speeds 7 or 8: Best used f
Speed 9: Moves the telescope quickly from one point in the sky to another.
or rough centering of an object in the SmartFinder.
Astronomical Observing
Used as an astronomical instrument, your telescope has many optical and electromechanical capabilities. It is in astronomical applications where the high level of
optical performance is readily visible.The range of observable astronomical objects is
limited only by the observer’s motivation.
Enter
Arrow
keys
Help
Fig. 21: AutoStar keys.
Tip:
ultiple choices are
When m
available within an
utoStar Men
A
current option is usually
displayed first and high-
y a r
lighted b
u option, the
ight pointing
Go To
Mode
Number
keys
Scroll
keys
Observe the Moon
Point your telescope at the Moon (note that the Moon is not visible every night) and
practice using the Arrow keys and the slew speeds to view different features. The
Moon contains many interesting features, including craters, mountain ranges and fault
lines. The best time to view the Moon is during its crescent or half phase. Sunlight
strikes the Moon at an angle during these periods and adds a depth to the view. No
shadows are seen during a full Moon, making the overly bright surface appear flat and
rather uninteresting. Try using a neutral density Moon filter when observing the Moon
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 42). Not only does it cut down the Moon's bright
(see
glare, but it also enhances contrast, providing a more dramatic image.
To Track an Object Automatically
As the Earth rotates beneath the night sky, the stars appear to move from East to
West. The speed at which the stars move is called the sidereal rate. You can setup
your telescope to move at the sidereal rate so that it automatically tracks (follows) the
stars and other objects in the night sky. If the telescope is not tracking an
astronomical object, the object will drift out of the eyepiece field of view. The tracking
function automatically keeps an object centered in the telescope’s eyepiece.
To automatically track objects, you need to learn how the AutoStar keypad operates
in order to move through its menus. You'll also need to initialize and align your
telescope.
Moving Through AutoStar’s Menus
The AutoStar database is organized in levels for quick and easy navigation.
• Press ENTER to go deeper into AutoStar's menu levels.
e back toward the top menu level.
Press MODE to mo
•
• Press the Scroll keys to move up and down through the options
available for each level.
Press the Arro
•
are also used to move the telescope.
v
ys to enter characters and digits. The Arrow keys
e
w k
16
Definition:
Initialization
procedure that makes sure
that AutoStar operates
correctly. When you first
use AutoStar, it doesn't yet
know where the
observation location site is.
AutoStar also needs to
know the time and date,
which is set at the factory
and may also be reset
using Meade’s optional
Atomic Clock Update
Module accessory.
AutoStar uses this
information (along with
detecting tilt, level and
North) to precisely
calculate the location of
celestial objects (such as
stars and planets) and to
move your telescope
correctly for various
operations.
Note:
Throughout this manual,
you will notice the term
"alt/az." Alt/az is frequently
used to refer to altitude
(vertical) and azimuth
(horizontal). Alt/az is just
one of many methods used
by amateur astronomers to
help locate stars in the
night sky.
Another method of
alignment is called
“Equatorial ” (also known
as “Polar”).To learn more
about equator
see page 50.
22:
Fig.
Fig. 23: The horizontal
lock.
The v
is a
ial alignment,
k.
tical loc
er
Initializing AutoStar for the First Time
This section describes how to initialize AutoStar. Perform this procedure the first time
you use AutoStar or after performing a Reset (see
RESET, page 28).
AutoStar will ask you to choose your observing location and your telescope’s model
number from the list it displays.You will be prompted to enter this information
st time you use AutoStar.
fir
ou wish to change your location information (or if
If y
only the
AutoStar does not ask you for this information information the first time that you use
it), go to the Site option of the Setup Menu to select your location. See pages 27 and
or more information.
29 f
1.Tighten the vertical and horizontal locks (
Make sure that AutoStar is connected to the HBX port (
2.
6, Fig. 1b and 9, Fig. 1a) if necessary.
Fig. 2
C,
) of the
telescope’s computer control panel.
3.Flip the telescope power switch (
A, Fig. 2) to the ON position.
The AutoStar screen displays a copyright message, followed by a short beep.
Then AutoStar takes a few moments to start up the system.
4.A message displays that warns not to look at the Sun. At the end of this message,
press the key prompted by AutoStar to signify that the message has been read
and understood.
5.The Getting Started menu displays a scrolling message. Press ENTER (
) to bypass the Help tutorial and continue with initialization.
4
2, Fig.
6.AutoStar then displays: “Location Option: 1-Zipcode 2-City”. This option allows
you to choose how you wish to enter the location of your observing site: you can
enter your zip code or choose the site from a list of countries, states and cities.
Press the number key “1” if you wish to enter by zip code. Then enter the five
digits of the zip code of your observing site and press ENTER.
Press the number key “2” if you wish to select your observing site from a list of
country, states and cities. First, use a Scroll key to cycle through the list of countries and states (listed alphabetically). Press ENTER when the correct location
displays.Next, use a Scroll key to cycle through the list of cities (also listed alphabetically). Press ENTER when the closest city displays.
7.AutoStar then requests the telescope model number. Use the Scroll keys to cycle
through the database of models. Press ENTER when your model number displays.
8.System initialization is complete and the screen reads "Align: Automatic."
Automatic Alignment
ou. AutoStar is
After initializing, A
in the alt/az mode (
utoStar will automatically align y
see the mar
gin Note to the left
our telescope f
y def
) b
power it on, so you do not need to select this mode.If you wish to align your telescope
in the equatorial (polar) mode, see
ing automatic alignment, y
Dur
EQUATORIAL ALIGNMENT, page 50.
ou will be ask
ed to set the telescope in the home
position. Then AutoStar will automatically detect the level position and the tilt of your
telescope, and also detects North (note that the telescope may
after it does so).
After finding North, AutoStar picks two stars from its database. AutoStar moves the
telescope to the first alignment star and the user is asked to center the star in the
The process is then repeated with a second star to complete the alignment.
.
epiece
y
e
ollowing explains in detail how to perform the alt/az automatic alignment procedure.
The f
w to perf
Ho
orm the A
utomatic Alignment pr
ocedure
1.Set Home Position: AutoStar then prompts you to set the telescope in the Alt/Az
Alignment home position. To set your telescope in the Alt/Az home position when
using the A
utomatic Alignment men
u:
•If necessary, tighten the telescope’s vertical lock (
Unlock the horizontal lock (9,Fig. 1a
•
). This will allo
telescope tube and fork arm assembly.
or y
ault the first time y
not be pointing North
6, Fig. 1b).
w you to rotate the
ou
17
Fig. 24 [top view]: Rotate the
telescope tube counterclockwise until it stops.
Important Note: The
home position for
Automatic Alignment
different
position used with One
Star and Two Star Alt/az
alignments. See page 36
for setting the Home
Position during One Star
and Two Star Altaz
than the home
is
Grasp the telescope by a fork arm and rotate the telescope
•
counterclockwise until it stops (
•Re-lock the horizontal (
Level, Tilt and Find North:Next your telescope begins to move. AutoStar
2.
9, Fig. 1a) and vertical locks (6, Fig. 1b).
Fig. 24).
moves your telescope so that it can calculate the level position and tilt of your tel-
, and also calculate the location of True North.While it is performing these
escope
functions, the following messages will appear on AutoStar’s display: “Calc Level,”
“Calc North” and “Calc Tilt.”
Note: During this step in the procedure, the telescope may not become
level or actually point to North. AutoStar is merely moving the
telescope about so that it can calculate these positions
.
3 . Star Alignment: Next, AutoStar continues to move the telescope (you don’t need
to press any buttons) in order to choose two stars for alignment. AutoStar will
display a name of a star and the word “Slewing” as it moves to the first star. It will
then prompt you to center the star.
However, when the telescope slews to the first star, it may not appear in the field
of view in the eyepiece. Use the SmartFinder (
2, Fig. 1a) to locate the star. The
alignment star will be easy to recognize—it will be the brightest star in the area
of the sky where the telescope is pointing. Look through the SmartFinder and use
the Arrow keys to move the telescope until the star is visible. Then look through
the eyepiece and center the star using the Arrow keys. Press ENTER. Repeat the
procedure for the second alignment star.
When the procedure is performed correctly, "Alignment Successful" displays. If
AutoStar does not display this message, perform this procedure again.
Alignment
Star
Fig. 25: During alignment, the
alignment star is always the
brightest star in the area of
the sky at which the
telescope is pointing.
Important Note:
While performing the
automatic tracking
procedure
Arrow keys to move the
telescope. Once the
telescope has been
aligned, do not loosen the
telescope’s vertical or
horizontal locks (
Fig.
the base manually or
alignment will be lost.
, only use the
1a and 1b
6 and 9,
) or mo
ve
NOTE: The alignment stars may change from night to night. All that is
required is for the observer to center the selected stars in the eyepiece
when prompted.
Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature
In this example, the AutoStar Arrow keys are used to find a star and then AutoStar's
tracking feature automatically keeps the star centered in your
telescope's eyepiece. Make sure you have initialized and aligned your telescope
before you try out this feature (see page 17).
1.Once your telescope has been aligned, “Align Successful” and then “Select Item:
Object” display. Push the Scroll Up key once and “Select Item: Setup” displays
2.Press ENTER. “Setup: Align” displays.
3.Press the Scroll Down key repeatedly until "Setup: Targets" displays. Press
ENTER.
"Targets: Terrestrial" displays. Press one of the Scroll keys once. "Targets:
4.
.
Astronomical" no
w displa
ys
ETX TIPS
Which One’s the Alignment Star?
If you’re not familiar with objects in the night sky, how can you be sure if the star
our eyepiece is really the alignment star?
in y
The rule of thumb is that an alignment star is usually the brightest star in that
area of the sky. If you perform a GO TO to an alignment star and you're not sure
if you have located the alignment star or it isn't in the eyepiece, look through your
smartfinder. When you view an alignment star in the SmartFinder, it stands out
dramatically from the rest of the stars in that portion of the sky.The SmartFinder
will help y
sle
center the alignment star in the SmartFinder. If your SmartFinder has been
aligned with the telescope, the alignment star should now be in the eyepiece. Set
the sle
SPIRAL SEARCH tip, page 19.
ou locate a star more quic
w speed to 6 (press Number k
w speed to 4 or less and center the star in the e
kly than the e
y 6) or higher and use the Arro
e
yepiece. Using AutoStar, set the
ys to
e
w k
epiece. Also see the
y
18
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