Meade ETX-60AT instruction manual Contents

Page 2

WARNING!

Never use a Meade® ETX® Astro Telescope to look at the Sun! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irre- versible 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 or its viewfinder at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope or its viewfinder as it is moving. Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

CAUTION: Use care to install batteries in the orientation indicated by illustration in the battery slots of the battery holder. 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 page 3.

®The name “Meade,” the Meade logo, and “ETX” are trade- marks registered with the U.S. Patent Office and in principal countries throughout the world. All rights reserved.

Design: Automated Telescope - Patent No. D417881

© 2000 Meade Instruments Corporation.

CONTENTS

 

Quick-Start Guide

3

Telescope Features

4

Autostar Features

7

Getting Started

10

Parts Listing

10

How to Assemble Your Telescope

10

Choosing an Eyepiece

10

Manual Operation Without Using Autostar

11

Manual Operation Using Autostar's Arrow Keys

11

Moving Through Autostar’s Menus

12

Initializing Autostar

12

Autostar Operation

13

Autostar Navigation Exercise

13

Easy Two-Star Alignment

14

Observing Exercises

15

Go To Saturn

15

Using the Guided Tour

15

Autostar Menus

16

Complete Autostar Menu Structure

16

Objects Menu

16

Event Menu

17

Glossary Menu

18

Utilities Menu

18

Setup Menu

19

Advanced Features

21

Terrestrial and Astronomical Observing

21

Sidereal Rate

21

Alignment (Mount)

21

Alt/Az Alignment

21

Alt/Az Home Position

21

Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment

21

One-Star Alt/Az Alignment

21

Slew Speeds

22

Observing a Satellite

23

Photography with the ETX

23

Optional Accessories

25

Maintenance and Servicing

27

Storage and Transport

27

Inspecting the Optics

27

Troubleshooting

28

Meade Customer Service

29

Specifications

29

Appendix A: Equatorial (Polar) Alignment

31

Appendix B: Using Autostar to Enter Coordinates

33

Appendix C: Helpful Charts

34

Appendix D: Training the Drive

35

Appendix E: Initialization Example

36

Basic Astronomy

37

Roadmap to the Stars

39

Page 1 Page 3
Image 2
Page 1 Page 3
Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Contents If you wish to observe using Autostar’s databases, go to QUICK-START GuideTelescope Features ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT TelescopeETX Your Personal Window to the Universe Computer Control Panel Flip mirror control in the up positionAutostar Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonAutostar Features Join an Astronomy Club Attend a Star Party Getting Started Parts ListingHow to Assemble Your Telescope Choosing an EyepieceManual Operation of the Telescope Using Autostars Arrow Keys Manual Operation of the Telescope without AutostarMoving Through Autostar’s Menus Initializing AutostarAutostar Operation Autostar Navigation ExerciseTo Calculate Sunset time Easy Two-Star Alignment ProcedureEasy Two-Star Alignment Go To Saturn Using the Guided TourObserving Exercises Object Menu Autostar MenusComplete Autostar Menu Structure Event Menu Glossary Menu Utilities MenuSetup Menu Surf the WebMenu Daylight Saving, Advanced Features Slew Speeds Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Observing a Satellite Photography with the ETXInstrument across the two slots and turn coun Few tips on photography with the ETX-60AT or ETX-70ATOptional Accessories Astrofinder Software#882 Standard Field Tripod set in Alt/Az Configuration Storage and Transport Maintenance and ServicingGeneral Maintenance Inspecting the OpticsMaintenance Meade Customer Service ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT SpecificationsAutostar Dimensions ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications contdAutostar Specifications Celestial Coordinates Appendix a Equatorial Polar AlignmentPolar Alignment One-Star Polar Alignment Autostar Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentAppendix B Using Autostar to Enter R.A. and DEC Coordinates To GO to a user-entered objectCity State Latitude Appendix C Helpful ChartsLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City Country LatitudeAppendix D Training the Drive Is centeredAppendix E Initialization Example EnterObjects in Space Basic AstronomyAutostar Glossary MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsStar Locator Season Star Name Constellation DecMeade Instruments Corporation

ETX-60AT specifications

The Meade ETX-60AT is a compact, portable telescope designed for amateur astronomers and budding astrophotographers. Known for its ease of use and exceptional optical performance, the ETX-60AT combines innovative technologies with user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for stargazers of all skill levels.

One of the standout characteristics of the ETX-60AT is its 60mm aperture, which allows for impressive light-gathering capabilities. This telescope is equipped with a high-quality Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design that delivers sharp, clear images with minimal distortion. The multi-coated optics enhance light transmission, ensuring brighter images with better color fidelity, which is essential for planetary and deep-sky observations.

The telescope boasts a lightweight and compact design, making it highly portable for on-the-go astronomy. Weighing only about 4.5 pounds, the ETX-60AT comes with a sturdy, adjustable tripod that provides stable support during observation. The telescope is also equipped with a unique fork mount that includes Meade's AutoStar technology, allowing for automatic tracking of celestial objects. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it simplifies the process of locating and tracking stars and planets.

Meade’s AutoStar system is a highlight of the ETX-60AT, featuring a database with thousands of celestial objects. This intelligent computer control allows users to simply input the desired object, and the telescope will automatically position itself accordingly. The intuitive hand controller enhances the viewing experience by offering guided tours of the night sky, enabling users to discover and appreciate various astronomical wonders, from the moon and planets to distant galaxies and star clusters.

The ETX-60AT also includes a diagonal mirror, which provides comfortable viewing angles and helps in locating objects above the horizon with ease. The telescope comes with a variety of eyepieces, enhancing versatility and giving users options for different magnifications based on their observing needs.

In addition to its impressive optical and technological features, the Meade ETX-60AT is built with durability in mind. The telescope's construction withstands environmental challenges, allowing users to explore the night sky in a range of conditions.

Overall, the Meade ETX-60AT offers an outstanding balance of performance, portability, and user-friendliness, making it a perfect introductory telescope for amateur astronomers. Whether you are a seasoned observer or just starting your journey into astronomy, the ETX-60AT provides a reliable platform for exploring the universe.
Top Page Image Contents