Related Manuals for Meade ETX Premier
Summary of Contents for Meade ETX Premier
- Page 1 Instruction Manual ® Premier Edition Telescope Series AutoStar ® — LNT ™ — SmartFinder ™ ™...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
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," “ETX,” “AutoStar” and the Meade logo are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent Office and in principal countries throughout the world. -
Page 4: Quick-Start Guide
Insert eight (user-supplied) AA-size batteries into the battery compartment (B) oriented as 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). - Page 5 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.
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Page 6: Telescope Features
Fig. 1a: Side View Features of the ETX-90PE, ETX- 105PE and ETX-125PE are identical, with the exception of the size of optical tube. Fig. 1a, b and Fig. 2: The ETX Premier Telescope Eyepiece SmartFinder Holder Thumbscrew 90° Eyepiece Holder Optical Tube Vertical (Dec.) Lock... - Page 7 800 million miles. Focus beyond the Solar System and observe 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.
- Page 8 See pages 13 and 14 for more information. 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 during automatic alignment. See page 17 for more information about Automatic Alignment.
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Page 9: Autostar Features
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 (www.meade.com) and share software with other AutoStar enthusiasts. (Requires optional #505 AstroFinder™ Cable Connector Kit. See , page 42.) - Page 10 . The option lets you select a value of intensity for the red dot from 0 (Off) to 14 (Full Intensity). 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.
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Page 11: Star Charts
Right or Left Arrow key to move the cursor from one number to the next in the dis- play. 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 telescope vertically up and down. -
Page 12: Getting Started
Getting the telescope ready for first observations requires only a few minutes. When first opening the packing box, note carefully the following parts: • ETX Premier Telescope with fork mount system and SmartFinder • #497 AutoStar handbox with coil cord. -
Page 13: Using Smartfinder, Aligning Smartfinder
SmartFinder and the main telescope are pointing at Fig. 14: Handbox HBX port. precisely the same location. To align the SmartFinder: 1. Point the main telescope at some well-defined distant (perhaps a mile away) land Fig. 16: Tighten vertical lock. -
Page 14: Choosing An Eyepiece
(see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES , page 42). To calculate magnification, divide the focal length of the telescope’s optical tube by the focal length of the eyepiece. For example: Telescope Focal Length divided by Eyepiece Focal Length 1250mm divided by 26mm The eyepiece power or magnification is therefore 73X and 146X with the Barlow. -
Page 15: Observing
"Site" options in the Setup menu. See pages 27 and You can now use the ARROW KEYS to slew (move) the telescope up, down, right or left. 29 for more Practice using the ARROW KEYS to center objects in the eyepiece.To change the speed information. -
Page 16: Slew Speeds
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. -
Page 17: Automatic Alignment
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 detect- ing these positions. This make take a minute or two. -
Page 18: Using The Guided Tour, Go To Saturn
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. -
Page 19: Observe A Star Using Automatic Tracking
Once your telescope has been aligned, you can use the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 2) if you wish, to observe a bright star in the night sky. Use the smartfinder (2, Fig. 1a) to help line up the telescope upon any star you wish to observe. The tracking motors will then keep the star you have chosen in the center of the eyepiece. -
Page 20: Basic Autostar Operation
Press the Scroll Down key once to display the “Event” option in the “Select Item” menu. OBJECT MENU Want to see Mars? The Orion nebula? The Andromeda galaxy? Select from over 30,000 objects and press GO TO to move the telescope automatically to an object. Select Item: Event EVENT MENU Display the time of... - Page 21 Entering data into AutoStar Tip: When multiple choices are available within a menu option, the current option is usually displayed first and highlighted by a right pointing arrow (>). Moving Through AutoStar’s Menus AutoStar's menus are organized for quick and easy navigation: Press the ENTER key to choose the "Event"...
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Page 22: Autostar Menus
AUTOSTAR'S MENUS... -
Page 23: Objects Menu
When one of these objects is selected from the object database and is above the hori- the GO TO key to move the zon, AutoStar moves your telescope (if properly aligned) and points it at the selected telescope so that it is object. -
Page 24: Event Menu, Glossary Menu
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ALL ALIGNMENT-BASED OPERATIONS: Only use the Arrow keys to move the telescope during the Identify procedure. Do not loosen the telescope locks or move the base or the alignment will be lost. When a desired object is visible in the eyepiece, keep pressing MODE until the “Select Item: Object”... -
Page 25: Utilities Menu
Tip: The Contrast Adjustment feature is usually only required in very cold Eyepiece Calc calculates information about an eyepiece for the specific telescope to weather. which AutoStar is connected. If you adjust the contrast so that you can no longer... -
Page 26: Setup Menu
Cord Wrap, when set to "On," moves the telescope in such a way as to prevent the cords and cables attached to your telescope assembly from getting wound around the assembly and tangled as the telescope slews to objects. - Page 27 If "Terrestrial" is selected and the screen. telescope is aligned, the tracking motor is turned off. To learn how to track an object automatically, see page 16. Site provides access to several options including: sky.
- Page 28 AutoStar handbox. Software: Sends only the basic AutoStar software. This is useful if one user has downloaded a new version of AutoStar software from the Meade website (www.meade.com) and wants to pass this software along to friends.
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Page 29: Advanced Autostar Operation
If you plan to observe using AutoStar at different geographic locations, you can store up to six observation sites in AutoStar's memory to help simplify your telescope setup. Perform these procedures using the Site options (Add, Select, Delete, Edit) of the Setup menu. -
Page 30: Finding Objects Not In The Database
Press GO TO and the telescope slews to the object. Observing Satellites In this procedure, you will prepare your telescope to observe a satellite pass. Navigate to the "Object: Satellite" menu option and press ENTER. Use the Scroll keys to scroll through the list of satellites. -
Page 31: Create Your Own Guided Tour
A PC with text editor or word processing software installed (the tour must be saved as a "text only" or as a "MS-DOS text" file). The Meade #505 Cable Connector Kit to download tour information to the AutoStar handbox. , page 42. - Page 32 All comments begin with a "/" character in column 1 of the line. For example: / Extreme Objects / (c) 2000 Meade Instruments Corporation Command Line This line contains programming commands, including: R.A. and DEC. coordinates, a title string, a description string and a keyword.
- Page 33 The following commands specify objects that are already in the AutoStar database. If these commands follow the command AUTO SELECT, the object's title displays on line 1 and its description scrolls across line 2. Do not add a description string after the following command lines; these commands access objects with existing description in the AutoStar database.
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Page 34: Landmarks
PICK END AUTO SLEW ON / AUTO SLEW OFF With AUTO SLEW ON enabled in the tour, AutoStar automatically slews the telescope to objects first before displaying the text description. This feature is useful when designing tours in which observing certain objects is required. For example, an astron- omy professor may require his students to observe six objects, four of which AutoStar automatically slews to in a tour. -
Page 35: Identify
In this procedure, you will store the location of terrestrial landmarks in AutoStar's memory. Set the telescope in the home position, if necessary. Note for future reference where the telescope is located and if you have aligned the telescope, which alignment method is used. -
Page 36: Advanced Alt/Az Alignment Methods
Grasp the telescope by a fork arm and rotate the telescope counterclockwise until it stops (Fig. 29a). Turn the telescope clockwise about a quarter of a turn (Fig. 29b). until a fork • arm is directly over the computer control panel (Fig. 29c). -
Page 37: Smart Drive Training (Pec)
30° above the horizon (Note: If in the Southern hemisphere, pick a star in the North that is about 30° above the horizon). This procedure takes about 24 minutes for the ETX Premier telescopes. 1. Select "PEC Train" from the Smart Drive menu (in the "Setup: Telescope" menu) and press ENTER. -
Page 38: Browse
2. Look through the reticle. Use the Arrow keys to keep the star centered in the reticle cross-hairs. AutoStar displays a count of the 150 positions of the worm gear. When the count reaches 150, one cycle is complete. A full cycle takes about 24 minutes. 3. -
Page 39: Photography
(Figs. 31a and 31b). With the flip-mirror control in the “down” position and the photo port’s dust cover removed, you can see the front lens of the telescope when you look through the photo port. The #64 T-Adapter threads onto the photo port, followed by a T-mount for the particular brand of 35mm camera being used, followed by the camera body (with the camera lens removed). - Page 40 A Few Tips on Photography 1.Use the standard tripod or the optional table tripod ( see page 42) as a platform for the telescope. At effective focal lengths of 1250mm to 1450mm (ETX-90PE), 1640mm to 1830mm (ETX-105PE) or 1900mm to 2310mm (ETX–125PE), even small external vibrations can easily ruin an otherwise good...
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Page 41: Photography With Autostar Suite
The timer may also minimize vibration. Photography with Meade’s AutoStar Suite™ The AutoStar Suite with Meade LPI™ (Lunar Planetary Imager) or Meade Deep Sky Imager™ turns your Meade ETX telescope, AutoStar and PC into even more powerful and easy-to-use astronomical instrument. -
Page 42: Optional Accessories
3,000 dealer locations in the U.S. and Canada and through Meade international distributors worldwide. Once you have identified the accessories you wish to order, contact your local Meade authorized dealer. To find a dealer near you call (949) 451-1450 or visit the Meade website at www.meade.com. - Page 43 Erecting Prism. Telescope plus optional accessories. #765 Soft Carry Bag: The Meade soft-padded carry bag (Fig. 40) is well suited to trav- el with the ETX-90PE Astro Telescope. Each carry bag includes a shoulder strap and permits ready transport of the complete telescope, including accessories.
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Page 44: Maintenance
Meade factory. 5. If your ETX model is used outdoors on a humid night, telescope surfaces may accu- mulate water condensation. While such condensation does not normally cause any damage to the telescope, it is recommended that the entire telescope be wiped down with a dry cloth before being packed away. -
Page 45: Troubleshooting
Storage and Transport When the telescope is not in use, store it in a cool, dry place. Do not expose the instru- ment to excessive heat or moisture. It is best to store the telescope in its original box with the vertical and horizontal locks (6 and 9, Fig. 1a and 1b) in the unlocked positions. - Page 46 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES Meade Customer Service If you have a question concerning your ETX model, call the Meade Instruments Customer Service Department at (949) 451-1450. Customer Service hours are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. In the unlikely event that the ETX...
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Page 47: Specifications
LNT Module ..High accuracy, temperature-compensated ....oscillator, updatable using Meade’s ......optional ATUM accessory Input voltage . - Page 48 LNT Module ..High accuracy, temperature-compensated ....oscillator, updatable using Meade’s ......optional ATUM accessory Input voltage .
- Page 49 NASA, Hubble, HST, astronomy, Messier, satellite, nebula, black hole, variable stars, etc. Check Meade’s website for the latest product and technical information. You can download the latest software revisions, links to other astronomical sites, coordinates of celestial objects and the latest satellite tracking information for your AutoStar handbox.
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Page 50: Appendix A: Equatorial (Polar) Alignment
As the Earth rotates on its axis, astronomical objects appear to move across the sky in an arc. This apparent motion is not obvious to the unaided eye, but when viewed through a telescope such as an ETX, this motion is rapid indeed. If the motor drive has not been engaged,... -
Page 51: Equatorial Mounting Procedure
Fig. 46: Attach telescope to tripod. However, owners who wish to perform astrophotography or use the Meade LPI or Deep Sky Imager (see PHOTOGRAPHY WITH MEADE’S AUTOSTAR SUITE information) will find equatorial mounting indispensible to their needs. -
Page 52: Polar Alignment Modes, Locating Celestial Pole
Polaris is chosen by AutoStar. First, choose "Polar" from the "Setup: Telescope: Mount" menu. The rest of the procedure is almost identical to the Alt/Az ONE STAR ALT/AZ ALIGNMENT, page 36, except that AutoStar prompts you to point the telescope at Polaris and center it in the telescope eyepiece. -
Page 53: Setting Circles
R.A. (in hours, minutes and seconds, from 0h 0m 0s to 23h 59m 59s) and Dec. (in degrees from 0° to ±90°). With an ETX model polar aligned, use the Arrow keys to move the telescope in R.A. (left and right keys) and Dec. (up and down keys). -
Page 54: Appendix B: Latitude Chart
APPENDIX B: LATITUDE CHART Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the World To aid in the polar alignment procedure (see page 51), latitudes of major cities around the world are listed below. To determine the latitude of an observing site not listed on the chart, locate the city closest to your site. Then follow the procedure below: Northern hemisphere observers (N): If the site is over 70 miles (110 km) North of the listed city, add one degree for every 70 miles. -
Page 55: Appendix C: Training The Drive
APPENDIX C: TRAINING THE DRIVE Train the telescope motors using AutoStar. Perform this procedure if you are experiencing any pointing accuracy problems. Fig. 53 depicts the complete Drive Training procedure. Note: Use a terrestrial object, such as a telephone pole or lamp post, to train the drive. Complete this exercise once every 3 to 6 months to maintain the highest level of telescope pointing accuracy. -
Page 56: Appendix D:changing The Lnt Module Battery
LNT Module assembly. After you replace the battery, you will need to recalibrate the telescope’s sensors and reset the time and date. You will need a new battery. Also, you may use Meade’s optional Atomic Time Update Module, although this is not necessary. -
Page 57: Appendix E:basic Astronomy
Note: Except during its early or late crescent phases, the Moon can be an exceptionally bright object to view through the telescope. To reduce the brightness and glare, use the #905 Variable Polarizing Filter (see the MEADE GENERAL CATALOG for more information). - Page 58 Venus appears white, as sunlight is reflected off the thick cloud cover that com- pletely obscures any surface detail. Mars is about half the diameter of Earth. Through the telescope it appears as a tiny reddish-orange disk. You may see a hint of white at one of the planet’s polar ice caps.
- Page 60 ONE YEAR from the date of original purchase in the U.S.A. and Canada. Meade will repair or replace a product or part thereof, found by Meade to be defective, provided the defective part is returned to Meade, freight-prepaid, with proof of purchase.