Meade ETX-90PE instruction manual AutoStar to the topmost screen Select Item Object

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e Want to learn more about using the GO TO function? See page 19.

Want to learn how to perform a spiral search? See page 19.

B 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 per- formed.

c ENTER Key: Press to go to the next menu level or to choose an option in a menu. The ENTER key is similar to the RETURN or ENTER key on a computer. See MOV- ING THROUGH AUTOSTAR’S MENUS, page 21 and AUTOSTAR MENUS, page 22.

d MODE Key: Press to return to the previous menu or data level. The top menu level is “Select Item." The MODE key is similar to the ESCAPE key on a computer.

Note: Pressing MODE repeatedly while in the “Select Item” level moves

AutoStar to the topmost screen: “Select Item: Object.”

If MODE is pressed and held for two seconds or more, information about the telescope's status displays. When the status displays, press one of the Scroll keys (7, Fig. 2) to display the following information:

Right Ascension and Declination (astronomical) coordinates

Altitude (vertical) and Azimuth (horizontal) coordinates

Local Time and Local Sidereal Time (LST)

Timer and Alarm Status

Date

Site coordinates

Battery status

SmartFinder Finder Set menu (see below)

Press MODE again to return to the previous menu.

Finder Set menu: Select the Finder Set menu to access options that will allow you to set the intensity and blink rate of the SmartFinder red dot.

To set the blink rate of SmartFinder’s red dot (circled numbers refer to Fig. 4):

1.Press and hold MODE c for two seconds. R.A and Dec. coordinates display.

2.Keep pressing the Scroll Down key h until “Finder Set: Set” displays.

3.Press ENTER b. “Finder Set: Intensity” displays.

4.Press the Scroll Down key h. “Finder: Blink On” displays.

5.Press ENTER b. A time value, in seconds, displays. For example, “00.5” may display. “00.5” (one-half second) is the amount of time, in seconds, that the red dot will blink “on.”

6.Use the Number keys g and the Arrow keys f to change the time value. For

example, you may wish to change the amount of time the red dot stays on to 10.2 seconds: Press “1,” press the Right Arrow key f, press “0,” press the Right Arrow key f, press “2.” An alternate method is to use the Scroll keys h to scroll through the time values. Once the time value is entered, press ENTER b.

7.Press the Scroll Down key h. “Finder: Blink Off” displays. Press ENTER b. A time value, “00.1” (one-tenth second), may display. For example, you may wish to

change the amount of time the red dot stays off to 00.7 seconds: Press the Right Arrow key f twice (as the first two values are already zero), then press “7.” Or you may use the Scroll keys h to scroll through the time values.

8.The SmartFinder’s red dot will now blink on for 10.2 seconds and turn off for 0.7

seconds, and then repeat the cycle until you change the values again. Press and hold MODE c to exit this function.

Similarly, you can set the Intensity value by scrolling through the intensity values with then Scroll keys h. The option lets you select a value of intensity for the red dot from 0 (Off) to 14 (Full Intensity).

e 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. Pressing GO TO again resumes the slew to the object. Also, press during the alignment or GO TO procedures to activate a "spiral search."

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Contents ETX Premier Edition Telescope Series Page Contents QUICK-START Guide Enter Key Scroll Scroll Up Down Telescope Features B and FigSmartfinder Ascension and Declination setting circles? SeeTelescope Controls SmartFinder? See AligningDefinitions Computer Control Panel see FigAlt/Az, Right Ascension, Autostar Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonAutoStar to the topmost screen Select Item Object ETX Tips About changing slewHow to Assemble Your Telescope and Tripod Parts ListingGetting Started Using SmartFinder Aligning SmartFinderToo Much Power? Choosing an EyepieceObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Observing Using AutoStar Arrow KeysObserving Terrestrial ObservingObserve the Moon Slew SpeedsAstronomical Observing To Track an Object AutomaticallyInitializing AutoStar for the First Time How to perform the Automatic Alignment procedureAutomatic Alignment Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature Which One’s the Alignment Star?Using the Guided Tour Go To SaturnAutoStar Navigation Exercise Autostar OperationAutostar To Calculate Sunset timeEntering data into AutoStar Look into the FutureAutostars Menus Select Item ObjectUse the Object menu to select an object from the database Object MenuObject Menu options include Observing Satellites? SeeUse the Event menu Event MenuGlossary Menu Use the Glossary menuUtilities Menu TipsSetup Menu Periodic Error Correction? See Tip Adding and editing sites? See ShiftTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list Advanced Autostar OperationAdding Observing Sites To Edit a SiteObserving Satellites Using AutoStar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseTo GO to a user-entered object What you will need How to Create Your Own Guided TourTour Modes Comment Line Command LineWriting a Tour Moon Landmarks Downloading ToursTo Select a landmark from the database IdentifyTo Add a landmark to the database To perform a Landmark SurveyDisplayed information Example Advanced Alt/Az AlignmentTwo-Star Alt/Az Alignment and Easy Align One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Smart Drive Training Periodic Error CorrectionPEC Train Menu Option Browse PEC Update Menu OptionPEC Erase Menu Option Photography Photography with a 35mm CameraFew Tips on Photography Photography with a Digital CameraPhotography with Meade’s AutoStar Suite Deep Sky ImagerOptional Accessories #505 Cable Connector Kit With Meade AstroFinder#932 45 Erecting Prism Maintenance Storage and Transport TroubleshootingInspecting the Optics Meade Customer Service Telescope does not track a celestial objectSpecifications ETX-90PE Astro Telescope SpecificationsSpecifications ETX-105PE Astro Telescope Telescope dimensions 43cm x 25cm x 20cm 17 x 10 x Specifications ETX-125PE Astro TelescopeAutoStar Specifications AutoStar DimensionsEquatorial Alignment Celestial CoordinatesLoosen control latch Set latitude Locating Polaris City State/Prov./Country Latitude Appendix B Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City Country LatitudeAppendix C Training the Drive Further StudyAppendix Dchanging the LNT Module Battery To replace the batteryAutoStar Glossary Appendix Ebasic AstronomyMoon Planets Deep-Sky ObjectsPage Meade Limited Warranty

ETX-90PE specifications

The Meade ETX-90PE is a well-regarded telescope that combines portability and performance, making it a popular choice among both amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers. Its compact design and advanced features make it an ideal instrument for those who seek to explore the night sky with ease.

At the heart of the ETX-90PE is its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, which utilizes a spherical primary mirror and a corrector lens to deliver exceptional image quality. With a focal length of 1250mm and a 90mm aperture, it strikes a balance between light-gathering ability and magnification, allowing users to observe celestial objects such as planets, star clusters, and distant galaxies in remarkable detail. The telescope's focal ratio of f/13.9 provides crisp and sharp views, making it particularly well-suited for planetary observation.

One of the standout features of the ETX-90PE is its Electronic Control System (ECS), which allows for easy and intuitive operation. The telescope is equipped with a built-in AutoStar Computerized GoTo mount, enabling users to locate and track over 30,000 celestial objects with just a few simple commands. With automatic alignment features, even beginners can get started quickly, making the wonders of the universe accessible to everyone.

Portability is a key characteristic of the Meade ETX-90PE. Weighing in at a mere 12.5 pounds, it can be easily transported to dark sky locations. Its compact design not only translates to ease of transport but also means it can be stored conveniently when not in use. The included sturdy aluminum tripod provides stable support, even during extended observation sessions.

The ETX-90PE further enhances the user experience with its high-quality accessories. It comes with a set of eyepieces, including a 26mm Super Plössl and a 9.7mm Plössl, allowing for various magnifications to suit different observing preferences. The telescope also features a built-in flip mirror, allowing for easier viewing through both the eyepiece and a camera, making astrophotography more accessible.

Additionally, the ETX-90PE is designed with user comfort in mind. The telescope offers adjustable slow-motion controls for fine-tuning views and an optical finder scope to help locate objects before zooming in. With robust construction, excellent optics, and a range of advanced features, the Meade ETX-90PE stands out as a versatile, high-quality telescope for both casual observers and serious astronomers alike. Its combination of technology and user-friendly functions makes it an enduring favorite for anyone looking to embark on a journey through the cosmos.