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Summary of Contents for Meade ETX series AutoStar
- Page 1 Instruction Manual ® Premier Edition Telescope Series AutoStar ® — LNT ™ — SmartFinder ™ ™...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Browse ..............38 Photography ..............39 Photography with AutoStar Suite ......41 Optional Accessories ............42 ® The name "Meade," “ETX,” “AutoStar” and the Meade logo are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent Office Maintenance ..............44 and in principal countries throughout the world. Troubleshooting ............45 Specifications ..............47... -
Page 4: Quick-Start Guide
QUICK-START GUIDE This Quick Start Guide demonstrates how to install the batteries and eyepiece, and how to observe using the AutoStar Arrow 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 Remove the ETX ®... - Page 5 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. Enter Scroll Scroll Up Down Make sure that the flip mirror control (K) is in the “Up” position, as shown the diagram above.
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Page 6: Telescope Features
TELESCOPE FEATURES Fig. 2 (Inset): Computer Control Panel. (A) On/Off switch; (B) Auxiliary ports; (C) Handbox port; (D) 12v connector; (E) Power indicator light . Fig. 1a: Side View Fig. 1a, b and Fig. 2: The ETX Premier Telescope Eyepiece SmartFinder Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew... - 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 B. Auxiliary (AUX) Ports (2): Provide connection for current and future horizontal movement of the telescope). Right Ascension Meade accessories. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 42. is abbreviated as " R.A. " C. Handbox (HBX) Port: Plug the AutoStar handbox into this port.
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Page 9: Autostar Features
• Download the latest satellite data, guided tours and software revisions directly updates of AutoStar from the Meade website (www.meade.com) and share software with other software from the Meade AutoStar enthusiasts. (Requires optional #505 AstroFinder™ Cable Connector website ? See pages 28 Kit. - Page 10 2-Line LCD Display: This screen displays AutoStar's menus and information about the telescope. • Top line: Lists the primary menu. • Bottom line: Displays other menus that may be chosen, menu options, telescope status or information about a function that is being performed.
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Page 11: Star Charts
RS232 Port: Plug in optional cable to download the latest satellite data and software revisions directly from the Meade website (www.meade.com). You can also share software with other AutoStar enthusiasts or control your telescope remotely from your PC. -
Page 12: Getting Started
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. -
Page 13: Using Smartfinder, Aligning Smartfinder
Fig. 15: Insert eyepiece. Fig. 16: Tighten vertical Fig. 17: Tighten horizontal Fig. 10: Loosen control latch . lock. lock. Place the 26mm eyepiece (12, Fig. 15) into the eyepiece holder on the telescope and tighten the attachment thumbscrew (13, Fig. 15, not visible in photo) to a "firm feel"... -
Page 14: Choosing An Eyepiece
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 Fig. 19 : Meade Super Plössl eyepieces. (see , page 42). -
Page 15: Observing
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 observe by merely pointing the telescope and looking through the eyepiece. Loosen the telescope’s horizontal lock (9, Fig. 1a) and vertical lock (6, Fig. 1b). Move your telescope to observe distant street signs, mountains, trees and other struc- tures. -
Page 16: Slew Speeds
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: Note: Throughout this manual, Number Key 1 =... -
Page 17: Automatic Alignment
“Site” menu, which can be found under the Setup menu. and may also be reset using Meade’s optional If you press “1”, enter the digits of your zip code using the Number keys. After you Atomic Clock Update enter the last digit, the Daylight Savings screen appears. -
Page 18: Using The Guided Tour, Go To Saturn
Earth is rotating beneath the stars. You can easily create your own Guided Tour using the This exercise demonstrates how to select a celestial object, the planet Saturn, for optional Meade’s AutoStar viewing from AutoStar’s database. Suite software. See PHOTOGRAPHY WITH MEADE’S AUTOSTAR... -
Page 19: Observe A Star Using Automatic Tracking
NOTE: Saturn is not visible the entire year and you may need to choose another object from AutoStar's database; however, the procedure, as described below, remains the same. If Saturn (or any other object) is not currently vis- ible in the sky, AutoStar displays “Below Horizon.” But you can use this procedure to find any object in the AutoStar database. -
Page 20: Basic Autostar Operation
AUTOSTAR OPERATION OBJECT MENU SETUP MENU Select Item: Automatic alignment Want to see Mars? The Orion nebula? Object permits all telescope The Andromeda galaxy? Select from operations with only over 30,000 objects and press GO TO to move the telescope minimal setup. - Page 21 Press the ENTER key to choose the "Event" option and move down a level. "Event: Sunrise" is displayed. Press the Scroll Down key once to display the "Sunset" option in the Event menu. Press the ENTER key to choose the "Sunset" option and move down another level.
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Page 22: Autostar Menus
AUTOSTAR'S MENUS... -
Page 23: Objects Menu
Object Menu Use the OBJECT menu Almost all observing with AutoStar is performed using the Object menu category. ( The to select an object from the two exceptions are the Guided Tours and Landmark Survey. ) See GO TO SATURN database. -
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
is any word in [brackets], usually found when using the AutoStar Help function or when reading a scrolling message such as a description of a planet or star. Press ENTER whenever a hypertext word is on screen and AutoStar goes to the glossary entry for that word. -
Page 26: Setup Menu
Sleep Scope is a power saving option that shuts down AutoStar and the telescope without forgetting its alignment. With "Sleep Scope" selected, press ENTER to activate the Sleep function. AutoStar goes dark, but the internal clock keeps running. Press any key, except ENTER, to re-activate AutoStar and the telescope. Park Scope is designed for a telescope that is not moved between observing ses- sions. - Page 27 Tracking Rate: Changes the speed at which the telescope tracks targets in the sky. Sidereal: The default setting for AutoStar; sidereal rate is the standard rate at which stars move from East to West across the sky due to the rotation of the Earth.
- Page 28 42. 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. All: Everything – user-defined information and AutoStar software – is sent to another AutoStar.
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Page 29: Advanced Autostar Operation
ADVANCED AUTOSTAR OPERATION Before trying out the examples in this section, familiarize yourself with the basic operations of AutoStar described earlier in this manual. The following examples assume that you have a basic knowledge of AutoStar and understand how to scroll to a desired menu or menu option and how to enter numbers and text. -
Page 30: Finding Objects Not In The Database
Using AutoStar to Find Objects Not in the Database In this procedure, you will enter coordinates of celestial objects that do not appear in any of the AutoStar database lists. You will enter the object's name and R.A. and Dec. coordinates (required information). -
Page 31: Create Your Own Guided Tour
"text only" or as a "MS-DOS text" file). • The Meade #505 Cable Connector Kit to download tour information to the AutoStar handbox. Tour Modes The objects chosen for a tour list are selected from AutoStar's database or by entering the object's RA and Dec coordinates. - 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
STAR "name" Enter STAR followed by the name of the desired star in quotes. For example: STAR "Vega" LANDMARK az alt "title" "description" Enter the azimuth (az) for the desired object in the following format: xxxdxxmxxs. For example: 123d27m00s. Then enter the altitude of the desired object in the following format: xxdxxmxxs. -
Page 35: Identify
To Add a landmark to the database: 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
displays information about an object in its database that is closest to the one you queried about. Important Note: For this function to operate properly, you must first set the telescope in the home position and initialize AutoStar. If you physically move the telescope after initialization, this function will fail to operate properly. -
Page 37: Smart Drive Training (Pec)
One-Star Alt/Az Alignment One-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. AutoStar provides a database of bright stars. One-Star Alignment is identical to Two-Star Alt/Az: Alignment (see , above), except only one star from this database TWO-STAR ALT/AZ ALIGNMENT is chosen by the observer for alignment. -
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
PHOTOGRAPHY Fig. 30: Example of photography through the ETX using the #64 T-Adapter: (1) Short section of #64 T-Adapter; (2) Extension section of #64 T-Adapter; (3) Knurled attachment ring; (4) T-mount; (5) Flip- mirror control in “up” position; (6) 35mm camera body; (7) Format 1. Photography with a 35mm Camera Photography through your ETX model requires the addition of the optional #64 T-Adapter (see... - Page 40 technique. Long-lens photography has its own rewards, however, which short-focus lenses cannot duplicate. A Few Tips on Photography 1.Use the standard tripod or the optional table tripod ( see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES page 42) as a platform for the telescope. At effective focal lengths of 1250mm to 1450mm (ETX-90PE) or 1900mm to 2310mm (ETX–125PE), even small external vibrations can easily ruin an otherwise good photo.
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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 ETX Astro Telescope plus optional accessories. Erecting Prism. #765 Soft Carry Bag: The Meade soft-padded carry bag (Fig. 40) is well suited to travel 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
Do not remove the lens from its metal housing or optical alignment of the lens will be lost, necessitating a return of the telescope to the Meade factory. 5. If your ETX model is used outdoors on a humid night, telescope surfaces may accumulate water condensation. -
Page 45: Troubleshooting
Storage and Transport When the telescope is not in use, store it in a cool, dry place. Do not expose the instrument 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 Consumer Solutions If you have a question concerning your ETX model, call the Meade Instruments Consumer Solutions Department at (800) 626-3233. Consumer Solutions hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. In the unlikely event that...
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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
APPENDIX A: EQUATORIAL (POLAR) ALIGNMENT Equatorial Alignment In equatorial (or "polar") Alignment, the telescope is oriented so that the horizontal and Important Note: vertical axes of the telescope are lined up with the celestial coordinate system. The "Telescope: Mount" option of the Setup menu is In order to equatorial align your telescope, it is essential to have an understanding of how set to "Alt/Az"... -
Page 51: Equatorial Mounting Procedure
However, owners who wish to perform astrophotography or use the Meade LPI or Deep Sky Imager (see , page 41, for more PHOTOGRAPHY WITH MEADE’S AUTOSTAR SUITE information) will want to use equatorial mounting. Equatorial Mount Equatorial mounting lines up the telescope’s polar axis with the North Celestial Pole (or the South Celestial Pole if observing in the southern hemisphere). -
Page 52: Polar Alignment Modes, Locating Celestial Pole
5. Press ENTER repeatedly until “Setup: Align” displays. 6. Press the Scroll Down key repeatedly until "Setup: Telescope" displays. Press ENTER. “Telescope: Telescope Model” displays. 7. Press the Scroll Down key repeatedly until "Telescope: Mount" displays. Press ENTER. “Scope Mounting: Alt/az” displays. 8. -
Page 53: Setting Circles
Setting Circles The ETX models are equipped with R.A. and Dec. setting circles (13 and 16, Fig. 1a) to aid in locating faint celestial objects when the telescope has been polar aligned . Setting cir- cles emulate the celestial coordinates found on star charts or in sky catalogs. Any charted Little Dipper Polaris object is easily located by coordinates in R.A. -
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. Use a terrestrial object, such as a telephone pole or lamp post, to train the drive. Complete this exercise once Note: 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 Adjustment screws Module, although this is not necessary. -
Page 57: Appendix E:basic Astronomy
Moon and our solar system comes from observations made by amateur astronomers. So as you look through your Meade telescope, keep in mind Galileo. To him, a telescope was not merely a machine made of glass and metal, but something far more—a window of incredible discovery. - Page 58 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 Tip: brightness and glare, use the #905 Variable Polarizing Filter (see the MEADE Enter a date in the Date GENERAL CATALOG for more information).
- 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.
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