Meade ETX PREMIER Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual

ETX®Premier Edition Telescope Series

AutoStar®— LNT™— SmartFinder

™

WARNING!

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

ETX®PE Telescope to

Children should always have

“ETX,” “AutoStar” and the Meade logo

. Patent Office and in

uments Cor

poration.

CONTENTS

Quick-Start Guide .......................................................... 4

elescope Features ...................................................... 6

AutoStar Features .......................................................... 9

Getting Started ..............................................................12

Parts Listing ..............................................................12

w to Assemble Your Telescope & Tripod ..............12

Using SmartFinder, Aligning SmartFinder ................13

Choosing an Eyepiece..............................................14

Observing ......................................................................15

Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually..........15

Terrestrial Observing ................................................15

Observing Using AutoStar's Arrow Keys ..................15

Slew Speeds ............................................................16

Astronomical Observing, Observe the Moon............16

To Track an Object Automatically ..............................16

ving Through AutoStar’s Menus......................16

Automatic Alignment............................................17

Using the Guided Tour, Go To Saturn, ..............18

Observe a Star Using Automatic Tracking ..........19

Basic AutoStar Operation ..............................................20

AutoStar Navigation Exercise ..................................20

Entering Data, Moving Through AutoStar’s Menus ..21

AutoStar Menus ............................................................22

Menu Tree ................................................................22

Objects Menu............................................................23

Event Menu, Glossary Menu ....................................24

Utilities Menu ............................................................25

Setup Menu ..............................................................26

Advanced AutoStar Operation........................................29

Adding Observing Sites ............................................29

Finding Objects Not in the Database........................30

Observing Satellites ..................................................30

Create Your Own Guided Tour ..................................31

Landmarks ................................................................34

Identify ......................................................................35

Advanced Alt/Az Alignment Methods........................36

Smart Drive Training (PEC) ......................................37

Browse ......................................................................38

..................................................................

aph

Photog

Photography with AutoStar Suite ..............................41

Optional Accessories......................................................42

Maintenance ..................................................................44

Troubleshooting ........................................................45

Specifications ................................................................47

Appendix A:

Equatorial Alignment, Celestial Coordinates ............50

Polar Mounting with #884 Deluxe Field Tripod..........50

Equator

To Track a Star When Polar Mounted........................51

Polar Alignment Modes, Locating Celestial Pole ......52

Setting Circles ..........................................................53

Appendix B:

Appendix C: Training the Drive ......................................55

Appendix D: Changing the LNT Module Battery ............56

Appendix E: Basic Astronomy........................................57

Equatorial (Polar) Alignment ......................50

ial Mounting Procedure

Latitude Char

t ............................................54

................................

QUICK-START GUIDE

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

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

...and the other end of the coiled cord into the coiled cord port at the bottom of AutoStar handbox (

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.

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

Flip the Power Switch (F) on the computer control panel to

iefly appears, followed

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 (

king mater

G).

ials

Plug one

ersion screen br

the ON by "Welcome to AutoStar."

The screen displays "Press 0 to align or press Mode for Men

position.

u."

A v

Enter

Scroll Up Key

To begin automatic alignment, press "0." 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. Follow the on-screen instructions.

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 "Press "0" for Tour or MODE for menu." See page 17 and 18 for more information about automatic alignment and Guided Tour.

If AutoStar does not requests the Country/State, City and

mation, use the "T

elescope Model inf

T and "Site" options in the Setup menu to change this information. See pages 27 and 29 for more information.

Arrow Keys

Scroll Down Key

elescope Model"

Arro Keys

o change the speed at which the telescope moves (known as

“slew” speed) press a NUMBER KEY from 1 through 9. 1

the is the slowest speed and 9 is the fastest.

Make sure that the flip mirror control (K) is in the “Up” position, as shown the diagram above.

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

You can now use the Arrow keys to slew (move) the telescope up, down, right or left. Practice using the ARROW KEYS to center objects in the eyepiece.

If you wish to learn more about observing with

utoStar and other f

age 13 to lear

age 17 to lear

age 18 to lear

P Page 18 to learn about Guided Tours Page 22 for a Menu tree of AutoStar’s menus

ages 23 to 38 to

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

utoStar’

s men

TELESCOPE FEATURES

Fig. 1a: Side View

Features of the ETX-90PE, ETX105PE and ETX-125PE are identical, with the exception of the size of optical tube.

Fig. 1a, b and Fig. 2:

The ETX Premier Telescope

B C D

Fig. 2 (Inset): Computer Control Panel. (A) On/Off switch; (B) Auxiliary ports; (C) Handbox port; (D) 12v connector; (E) Power indicator light.

1 Eyepiece

SmartFinder

2 3 Holder Thumbscrew 4 90° Eyepiece Holder 5 Optical Tube 6 Vertical (Dec.) Lock 7 Fork Arms 8 Focus Knob 9 Horizontal (R.A.) Lock

10 Computer Control Panel

A. ON/OFF Switch B. Auxiliary Ports (2) C. Handbox Port D. 12v E. LED

11 Base Housing 12 Battery Compartment

(bottom of base)

13 Right Ascension (R.A.)/

Horizontal Setting Circle 14 Flip-Mirror Control Knobs 15 Photo Port 16 Declination (Dec.)/Vertical

Setting Circle 17 SmartFinder Alignment Screws 18 LNT Module 19 Dust Cap (not visible)

Fig.

1b:

Rear

View

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

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).

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

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

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

umbers

) on the opposite f

.” The horizontal limit stop prevents the telescope

urled knob located on the fork arm to

Fig.

Mounted beneath the knob is a cir

Do not confuse this scale with the Dec.

m which has a n

k ar

ond these stops or damage to the

e be

umbered

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 cap. Do not overtighten.

ving

erify

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,

such as a tabletop or tripod.

1@ Battery Compartment (not shown, underneath base): Install eight

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

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

ATOMIC TIME UPDATE

1( ATOMIC TIME UPDATE MODULE Port: Attach Meade’s ATOMIC TIME UPDATE

our telescope’

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

TIME UPDATE MODULE

OMIC

s time is set at the f

ws y

allo

k in Fort Collins,

our tele

2) Dust Cap: Unthread the dust cap counterclockwise from the front lens of the

telescope.

AUTOSTAR FEATURES

Want to learn more about

downloading the latest updates of AutoStar software from the Meade website? See

pages 28 and 42.

Fig. 4: The AutoStar Handbox.

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

9 Coil Cord 10 RS232 Port 11 Light key 12 Utility Light

Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button

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

utoStar enthusiasts. (Requires optional #505 AstroFinder™ Cable Connector

Kit. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 42.)

• Access a glossary of astronomical terms.

• Calculate which eyepiece to use for optimum viewing of a celestial object.

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

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

e feel.The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

or easy vie

wing in the dark. The back-

e Want to learn more

about using the GO TO function

Want to learn how to perform a

? 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

• 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."

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

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

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.

Fig. 6: Spread tripod legs.

Fig. 7: Slide spreader on rod.

Fig. 8: Tension knob assembly.

Fig. 9: Adjust tripod height.

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

wn v

ontal movement of the telescope.

) so that y

latitude control latch, so the assembly doesn't slip while you are attaching the telescope.

ed "High Latitude Leg" with the attachment knob

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.

(

ers to the

uth ref

(

Fig.

Line up the other

)

. Relock the

)

Tighten to

that is

Fig. 10: Loosen control latch .

Fig. 11: High latitude leg mounting hole and corresponding attachment knob.

Fig. 12: Attach telescope to tripod.

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.

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.

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

Aligning SmartFinder

In order for the SmartFinder to be useful, it must first be aligned with the main tele-

scope, so that both the SmartFinder and the main telescope are pointing at precisely the same location. To align the SmartFinder:

y) land

oint the main telescope at some w

1. object, such as a telephone pole or sign. Center the object, as precisely as

ell-defined distant (perhaps a mile a

Fig. 18: Turn the top (13) or side (14) Smartfinder adjustment screws.

Fig. 19: Meade Super Plössl eyepieces.

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

of the right amount of 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 (13 and 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

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

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

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

inf "Telescope Model" and "Site" options in the Setup menu. See pages 27 and 29 for more information.

near the Sun at

ving.

tant Note

utoStar is activ

mation, use the

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.

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

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

w use the

1 is the slo

ARR

west speed and 9 is the fastest.

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-

ey prompted by the message when you are

ies

, states and cities.

our model displa

TO SATURN

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 equatorial alignment, see page 50.

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 AutoStar Men current option is usually displayed first and highlighted by a r

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.

ys to enter characters and digits. The Arrow keys

w k

Definition: Alignment

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.

Fig. 22: The vertical lock.

is a

Automatic Alignment

1. When you slide the On/Off switch to “On” on your telescope’s computer control panel, a version screen briefly appears, followed by “Welcome to AutoStar.”

2. The screen displays “Press 0 to align or Mode for Menu.” Press “0” if you wish to begin Automatic alignment, or press Mode if you wish to choose a manual alignment method. Press “0” to begin Automatic Alignment.

3. “Location Option: 1 - Zipcode 2 - City” displays.

Note: You will have to enter your location only once; the next time you use A

utoStar, you will not be asked this information. If you wish to change your

observing site, go to the “Site” menu, which can be found under the Setup menu.

If you press “1”, enter the digits of your zip code using the Number keys. After you enter the last digit, the Da

If you press “2,” a list of states/countries appears. Use the Scroll keys to scroll through the list. When your state or country displays, press ENTER. Then a list of cities appears. Use the Scroll keys to scroll to the city that is closest to your observing site. When the city displays, press ENTER.

Daylight Savings displays. Press “1” if you are in Daylight Saving Time or press “2” if

4. you are not.

“Automatic Align” and a scrolling message displays, prompting you to set the tele-

5. scope in the “home position:”

Loosen the horizontal (R.A.) lock and grasp a telescope fork arm. Rotate the telescope counterclockwise until it stops—this is the hard stop. Re-tighten the horizontal lock. Make sure the vertical (Dec.) lock is also locked. Press ENTER.

Important Note: The home position for Automatic Alignment is different than the home 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 alignments.

6. The telescope now finds the level and tilt position of the telescope, and also detects where true North is.

Note: It may not actually level or tilt the telescope or point to North, it is just detecting these positions. This make take a minute or two.

ylight Savings screen appears.

23:

Fig.

The hor

lock.

Fig. 24 [top view]: Rotate the telescope tube countercloc wise until it stops.

ontal

6. Once the level, tilt and North are detected, the telescope will “Go To” 2 alignment stars. The telescope will go to these stars in order to orient itself to the sky. Once it has done this, it will be able to point to any of the more than 30,000 stars in its database.

“Automatic Alignment: Selecting Star” and “Slewing” display. Finally, when it is close to the alignment star, “Center Brightest Star: Press ENTER” displays. Use the Arrow keys to center the alignment star in the eyepiece. The alignment star will be the brightest star in that area of the sky (and hence, “brightest star”). When the alignment star is centered, press ENTER.

Note: If you press the “?” key while “Ctr Brightest Star” displays, the alignment star that AutoStar has chosen will display. For example, “Arcturus: Press ENTER” may display.

ETX TIPS

Spiral Search

This is a really hot tip: The GO TO key also allows you to perform a "spiral

search." A spiral search is useful when the telescope slews to an object, but that object is not y sometimes occurs during an alignment procedure.)

ou wish to use the spir

If y The telescope will begin to move in a spiral pattern at a very slow speed around the search area. stop the spiral search. Then use the Arrow keys to center the object.

le in the eyepiece after the telescope finishes its search. (This

et visib

al search, press GO

When the object does become visib

TO when the telescope stops slewing.

epiece

le in the e

, press MODE to

Important Note:

The first time you use your telescope or if you are experiencing any problems with pointing accuracy, follow the procedure described in C: TRAINING THE DRIVE, page 55, to insure accurate pointing and tracking.

25: During alignment, the

Fig. alignment star is always the brightest star in the area of the sky at which the telescope is pointing.

APPENDIX

Alignment Star

Tip: Try out the Guided

Tour feature; the “Tonight’s Best” Guided Tour will point your telescope at the best objects visible in the sky for every given night of the year.The objects in this tour may change from night to night.

You can easily create your own Guided Tour using the optional Meade’s AutoStar Suite software. See

PHOTOGRAPHY WITH MEADE’S A SUITE

, page 41 for more

information.

OST

Note: If you have an obstruction, such as a tree or a building blocking your view of the

alignment star, or if you have any doubts at all about the star that has been chosen, no problem. Just press the Scroll Down key and AutoStar will find another star to align upon.

7. The telescope now slews to the second alignment star. AutoStar displays “Center Brightest Star: Press ENTER” displays. Use the Arrow keys to center the alignment star in the eyepiece. When the second alignment star is centered, press ENTER.

8. “Alignment successful” displays. If “Alignment Unsuccessful” displays, perform the procedure over again.

9. After you align the telescope, “Press “0” for Tour or MODE for menu” displays.

Using the Guided Tour

This example demonstrates using “Tonight’s Best” Guided Tour.

1. After Automatic Alignment,

“Press “0” for Tour or MODE for menu” displays.

2. Press "0." “Guided Tour: Tonight’s Best” displays. Press ENTER.

Note: If you wish to try out other Guided Tours, press the Scroll Down key to scroll through other tour choices. When the tour you wish to select displays, press ENTER.

3. “Tonight’s Best: Searching...” displays. After calculating, “Tonight’s Best: Jupiter” displays.

Note: Different objects may be displayed on a tour list on any given night. Tour objects are selected based on location’s time and date.

Press ENTER to display information about the object. Press GO TO to move the telescope to the object.

4. Press MODE to return to the Tour list. Press the Scroll keys to scroll through the list. Press ENTER when you find the next object you wish to observe.

5. Press and hold down MODE for two seconds to leave the Guided Tour menu.

Go To Saturn

After performing the Automatic Alignment procedure, the motor drive begins operating and the telescope is aligned for a night of viewing. Objects in the eyepiece will maintain their position even though the Earth is rotating beneath the stars.

This exercise demonstrates how to select a celestial object, the planet Saturn, for viewing from AutoStar’s database.

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

epiece is really the alignment star?

our e

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

ve located the alignment star or it isn't in the eyepiece, look through your

ou ha

if y smartfinder. When you view an alignment star in the SmartFinder, it stands out

amatically from the rest of the stars in that portion of the sky.The SmartFinder

dr will help you locate a star more quickly than the eyepiece. Using AutoStar, set the

w speed to 6 (press Number k

sle center the alignment star in the SmartFinder. If your SmartFinder has been aligned with the telescope

w speed to 4 or less and center the star in the e

the sle

SPIRAL SEARCH tip, page 17.

If you have an obstruction, such as a tree or a building blocking your view of the alignment star or if y sen, no problem. Just press the Scroll Down key and AutoStar will find another star to align upon.

, the alignment star should no

e an

ou ha

ey 6) or higher and use the Arrow keys to

w be in the e

epiece

y doubts at all about the star that has been cho-

yepiece. Set

Also see the

+ 42 hidden pages