Meade ETX-60AT instruction manual Observing a Satellite, Photography with the ETX

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Observing a Satellite

NOTE: Satellite observing is an exciting challenge. Most satellites are in low orbit, traveling at approximately 17,500 mph. They move quickly across the sky and are visible only for a few minutes, requiring Autostar to slew the telescope rapidly. Best viewing is near Sunrise or Sunset when the sky is still dark. Viewing in the middle of the night can be problematic because the satellite may pass overhead, but not be visible as it is in the Earth's shadow.

1.Choose a satellite from the Select menu, then press ENTER. Autostar scans its database to find if that satellite is expected to pass overhead within the next 6 hours.

2.If a satellite is expected, use the Scroll keys to access a list of information about the pass, including acquisition time, location, etc.

3.At the end of the list is “Alarm.” Press ENTER and Autostar automatically sets the alarm to sound several minutes before the scheduled appearance. You may return to regular obser- vations until the alarm goes off.

4.When the alarm goes off, return to the Satellite menu and press a Scroll key until the desired satellite is on the top line of the display.

5.Press GO TO. Autostar slews the telescope to where the satellite should appear. The motor drive stops and a countdown starts.

NOTE: If the scheduled appearance position of the satellite is obstructed (i.e., by a building, tree, or hill), press ENTER and Autostar starts to move the telescope along the expected satellite track. When the track clears the obstruction, press ENTER again to pause the telescope, then continue with this procedure.

6.With about 20 seconds left on the countdown timer, start watching through the eyepiece for the satellite to enter the field of view.

7.When the satellite enters the field of view, press ENTER. The telescope starts to track with the satellite.

8.Use the Arrow keys to center the object in the eyepiece to view the object. Satellite orbits change and new satellites (including the Space Shuttle) are launched. Visit the Meade website (www.meade.com) approximately once a month to get updated information and instructions on how to download this data to Autostar. If orbital parameters are more than one month old, the satellite pass may not happen at the time predicted by Autostar. To download new satellite data into Autostar memory requires the optional Astrofinder Software and Cable Connector Kit. See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 25.

Photography with the ETX

Photography through the ETX-60AT or ETX-70AT requires the addition of the optional #64ST T–Adapter. See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 25. With the #64ST T-Adapter attached to the telescope (Fig. 17), through-the-telescope photography is possible with any 35mm camera body with a removable lens. In this way, the telescope effectively becomes the lens of the camera.

For through-the-telescope photography, turn the flip-mirror control (15, Fig. 1) to the “down” position, allowing light to pass straight through the telescope and out the photo port (16, Fig. 1). With the flip-mirror control in the “down” position and the photo port’s dust cover removed, the front lens of the telescope can be seen when looking through the photo port. The #64ST T- Adapter (1, Fig. 17) threads on to the photo port, followed by a T-Mount (2, Fig. 17) for the par- ticular brand of 35mm camera being used, followed by the camera body (3, Fig. 17).

To frame an object in the viewfinder of the 35mm camera body, use a small jeweler’s screw- driver to slightly loosen three adjustment screws (4, Fig. 17) around the outer knurled ring of the T-Mount. Rotate the camera body to achieve proper framing of the object; then re-tighten the adjustment screws.

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Contents QUICK-START Guide If you wish to observe using Autostar’s databases, go toETX-60AT and ETX-70AT Telescope Telescope FeaturesETX Your Personal Window to the Universe Flip mirror control in the up position Computer Control PanelTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar FeaturesAutostar Features Join an Astronomy Club Attend a Star Party Choosing an Eyepiece Parts ListingHow to Assemble Your Telescope Getting StartedManual Operation of the Telescope without Autostar Manual Operation of the Telescope Using Autostars Arrow KeysInitializing Autostar Moving Through Autostar’s MenusAutostar Navigation Exercise Autostar OperationTo 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 Utilities Menu Glossary MenuSurf the Web Setup MenuMenu Daylight Saving, Advanced Features Slew Speeds Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment Photography with the ETX Observing a SatelliteFew tips on photography with the ETX-60AT or ETX-70AT Instrument across the two slots and turn counAstrofinder Software Optional Accessories#882 Standard Field Tripod set in Alt/Az Configuration Inspecting the Optics Maintenance and ServicingGeneral Maintenance Storage and TransportMaintenance ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications Meade Customer ServiceAutostar Dimensions ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications contdAutostar Specifications Celestial Coordinates Appendix a Equatorial Polar AlignmentPolar Alignment Two-Star Polar Alignment Autostar Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment One-Star Polar AlignmentTo GO to a user-entered object Appendix B Using Autostar to Enter R.A. and DEC CoordinatesCity Country Latitude Appendix C Helpful ChartsLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City State LatitudeIs centered Appendix D Training the DriveEnter Appendix E Initialization ExampleMoon Basic AstronomyAutostar Glossary Objects in SpaceDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsSeason Star Name Constellation Dec Star LocatorMeade 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.
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