Meade ETX-90PE instruction manual Periodic Error Correction? See Tip

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Want to learn more about

Periodic Error Correction? See page 37.

Tip:

If the "ENTER to Sync" feature is accessed by mistake (holding the ENTER key for more than 2 seconds), press MODE to return to the previous screen.

JTracking Rate: Changes the speed at which the telescope tracks targets in the sky.

a.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.

b.Lunar: Choose this option to properly track the Moon over long observing sessions.

c.Custom: Allows entry of user-defined tracking rates.

JReverse L/R: Reverses the functions of the Left and Right Arrow keys (i.e., the Right key moves the telescope to the left).

JReverse UP/DOWN: Reverses the functions of the Up and Down Arrow keys (i.e., the Up key moves the telescope down).

JCalibrate Sensors: This menu allows you to improve your telescope's pointing accuracy to alignment stars. It calibrates to correct slight mechanical misalign- ment due to transport, vibration, or aging. It is recommended that calibration be performed after the LNT Module batteries are changed (see page 56 for more information).

When this menu is selected, the telescope slews to Polaris. AutoStar then prompts you to center Polaris and to press ENTER. AutoStar uses the position of Polaris to fine tune the position of North and also for detecting level.

JQuiet Slew: Sets the maximum slew rate to 1.5° for quieter operation.

JMax Elevation: Allows you to enter a value in degrees that sets a limit as to how far the optical tube can swing upward during a programmed slew. (Note that it does not prevent you from performing a manual slew past this limit.) This is useful when you have a camera or other peripheral attached to the telescope— you can prevent it from striking the telescope base.

JMin AOS (Acquisition of Signal): Allows you enter a value in degrees. This value represents the altitude at which your telescope begins to slew when acquiring a satellite track. This is useful when you are observing satellites, but a tall tree or building is obstructing the telescope. For example, you might begin to track the satellite at 15° altitude, instead of 5°. See OBSERVING SATELLITES, page 30, for more information about satellites.

JCalibrate Motor: If the telescope motors appear to have a problem, use this option to retest the motors before performing a Reset. This option is also used if an AutoStar unit is moved between telescopes, to match AutoStar to the new tel- escope. To calibrate the motors, select this option and press ENTER.

JSmart Drive: Allows you to perform periodic error correction (PEC) on the R.A. worm gear and can only be used with polar mounted telescopes. Must be performed with a high powered reticle (eg. 9mm). PEC Training for the the ETX telescopes will take about 24 minutes.

JHigh Precision: If High Precision is turned on, when looking for a faint celestial object (i.e., a nebula or galaxy), AutoStar first slews to a nearby bright star and displays "ENTER to Sync." Center the star in the eyepiece, then press ENTER. At that point the telescope has a high precision alignment to that part of the sky and it then slews to the object that was originally requested.

Targets switches between Astronomical targets and Terrestrial targets. If "Astronomical" is selected, the telescope tracking motor is activated and any object you observe will remain centered in the eyepiece. If "Terrestrial" is selected and the telescope is aligned, the tracking motor is turned off. To learn how to track an object automatically, see page 16.

Site provides access to several options including:

J Select: Displays the currently selected observing site or zip code. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through all the sites. Press ENTER when the site you wish to select displays. Use this option when you move to a different geographic location. The cities you have chosen or zip codes you have “added” will appear at the top of this list (see ADD below).

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Contents ETX Premier Edition Telescope Series Page Contents QUICK-START Guide Enter Key Scroll Scroll Up Down B and Fig Telescope FeaturesSmartFinder? See Aligning Ascension and Declination setting circles? SeeTelescope Controls SmartfinderComputer Control Panel see Fig DefinitionsAlt/Az, Right Ascension, Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar FeaturesAutoStar to the topmost screen Select Item Object About changing slew ETX TipsParts Listing How to Assemble Your Telescope and TripodGetting Started Aligning SmartFinder Using SmartFinderChoosing an Eyepiece Too Much Power?Terrestrial Observing Observing Using AutoStar Arrow KeysObserving Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyTo Track an Object Automatically Slew SpeedsAstronomical Observing Observe the MoonHow to perform the Automatic Alignment procedure Initializing AutoStar for the First TimeAutomatic Alignment Which One’s the Alignment Star? Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureGo To Saturn Using the Guided TourTo Calculate Sunset time Autostar OperationAutostar AutoStar Navigation ExerciseLook into the Future Entering data into AutoStarSelect Item Object Autostars MenusObserving Satellites? See Object MenuObject Menu options include Use the Object menu to select an object from the databaseUse the Glossary menu Event MenuGlossary Menu Use the Event menuTips Utilities MenuSetup Menu Periodic Error Correction? See Tip Shift Adding and editing sites? SeeTo Edit a Site Advanced Autostar OperationAdding Observing Sites To Add a Site to the user-defined site listUsing AutoStar to Find Objects Not in the Database Observing SatellitesTo GO to a user-entered object How to Create Your Own Guided Tour What you will needTour Modes Command Line Comment LineWriting a Tour Moon Downloading Tours LandmarksTo perform a Landmark Survey IdentifyTo Add a landmark to the database To Select a landmark from the databaseAdvanced Alt/Az Alignment Displayed information ExampleTwo-Star Alt/Az Alignment and Easy Align Smart Drive Training Periodic Error Correction One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentPEC Train Menu Option PEC Update Menu Option BrowsePEC Erase Menu Option Photography with a 35mm Camera PhotographyPhotography with a Digital Camera Few Tips on PhotographyDeep Sky Imager Photography with Meade’s AutoStar Suite#505 Cable Connector Kit With Meade AstroFinder Optional Accessories#932 45 Erecting Prism Maintenance Troubleshooting Storage and TransportInspecting the Optics Telescope does not track a celestial object Meade Customer ServiceSpecifications Specifications ETX-90PE Astro TelescopeSpecifications ETX-105PE Astro Telescope Specifications ETX-125PE Astro Telescope Telescope dimensions 43cm x 25cm x 20cm 17 x 10 xAutoStar Dimensions AutoStar SpecificationsCelestial Coordinates Equatorial AlignmentLoosen control latch Set latitude Locating Polaris City Country Latitude Appendix B Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City State/Prov./Country LatitudeFurther Study Appendix C Training the DriveTo replace the battery Appendix Dchanging the LNT Module BatteryAppendix Ebasic Astronomy AutoStar GlossaryMoon Deep-Sky Objects PlanetsPage 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.
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