Meade ETX-60AT instruction manual Computer Control Panel, Flip mirror control in the up position

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Fig. 2a: Flip mirror control in the “up” position.

Fig. 2b: Flip mirror control in the “down” position.

10Computer Control Panel

A.Handbox (HBX) Port - Plug the Autostar coil cord (9, Fig. 3) into this port.

B.LED - The red power indicator light illuminates when power is supplied to the Autostar handbox and to the telescope’s motor drive.

C.ON/OFF Switch - Turns the Computer Control Panel and Autostar ON or OFF.

D.Auxiliary (AUX) Port - Provides connection for current and future Meade acces- sories, such as the Meade “AstroFinder Software with Cable Connector Kit,” which allows you to control your ETX from a PC. See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 25.

11Base Housing - Supports the telescope for placement on a flat, level surface, such as a tabletop or optional tripod. See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 25.

12Holes for Optional Tripod (not shown, on the bottom plate) - See your tripod’s instruc- tion sheet for mounting information.

13Right Ascension (R.A.) Setting Circle - See "APPENDIX A," page 31, for detailed information.

14 15 Cellback containing Flip-Mirror and Flip-Mirror Control Knob - ETX telescopes include an internal mirror. With the flip-mirror control in the “up” position, as shown inFig. 2a, light is diverted to the eyepiece. With the flip-mirror control in the “down” position, as shown in Fig. 2b, light proceeds straight out the photo port for photography. See “PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE ETX,” page 23.

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 “down” posi- tion, turn the control counterclockwise until it stops.

16Photo Port - Attach any 35mm camera with a removable lens to this port using an optional #64ST T-Adapter or attach the #933 Erecting Prism for correctly oriented images through the eyepiece. See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 25.

17Declination (Dec) Setting Circle (on left fork arm) - See "APPENDIX A," page 31, for detailed information.

18Autostar with attached coil cord - See page 7 for a description of Autostar’s features.

19Dust Cap - Unthread the dust cap counterclockwise from the front lens of the telescope.

NOTE: The dust cap should be replaced after each observing session and the power turned off to the telescope. Verify that any dew that might have collected during the observing session has evaporated prior to replacing the dust cap.

20Battery Compartment - Install batteries in this compartment. See page 10 for more information.

6 Telescope Features

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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 ExerciseEasy Two-Star Alignment Procedure Easy Two-Star AlignmentTo Calculate Sunset time Using the Guided Tour Observing ExercisesGo To Saturn Autostar Menus Complete Autostar Menu StructureObject Menu Event Menu Glossary Menu Utilities MenuSetup Menu Surf the WebMenu Daylight Saving, Advanced Features Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentSlew Speeds 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 SpecificationsETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications contd Autostar SpecificationsAutostar Dimensions Appendix a Equatorial Polar Alignment Polar AlignmentCelestial Coordinates 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.
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