Meade ETX-90PE Smart Drive Training Periodic Error Correction, One-Star Alt/Az Alignment

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Want to learn more

about Parking your telescope? See page

26.

One-Star Alt/Az Alignment

One-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. AutoStar provides a database of bright stars. One-Star Alignment is identical to Two-Star Alt/Az: Alignment (see TWO-STAR ALT/AZ ALIGNMENT, above), except only one star from this database is chosen by the observer for alignment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The accuracy of One-Star Alt/Az Alignment, unlike the Two-Star and Easy (Alt/Az) Alignment procedures, depends on how well the observer levels the telescope and how close to North the tele- scope is pointed when setting the Home Position. Because the other methods use two stars to align upon, they are more precise than One- Star Alignment.

Smart Drive Training (Periodic Error Correction)

If you wish to improve the gear performance on your telescope, first, perform the train the drive procedure (see page 55). Then use the Periodic Error Correction (PEC) Train menu option to remove the slight perturbations from center that occur due to the mechanical nature of a telescope. To perform this procedure, you need to use a high- power reticle eyepiece, such as the 9mm reticle (see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 42).

Important Note: In order for the PEC training to operate and be updated properly, you must “park” the telescope to maintain PEC (see PARK SCOPE, page 26, for more information).

PEC Train Menu Option

To perform the procedure on the R.A. axis, pick a bright star in the South that has minimal movement and is about 30° above the horizon (Note: If in the Southern hemisphere, pick a star in the North that is about 30° above the horizon). This procedure takes about 24 minutes for the ETX Premier telescopes.

Important Note: The Train option overwrites any previous PEC data.

1.Select "PEC Train" from the Smart Drive menu (in the "Setup: Telescope" menu) and press ENTER.

ETX TIPS

Observing Considerations

•Try to pick an observing site away from street and house lights and car headlights. While this is not always possible, the darker the site, the better.

•Give your eyes about ten minutes to adjust to the darkness before observing. Give your eyes a rest from observing every ten or fifteen minutes to relieve eyestrain.

•Try not to use a standard flashlight. Experienced observers use red LED flashlights, the red utility light on the AutoStar handbox or tape red cellophane over their flashlights to use for setup and map reading so they don’t have to continually readjust their eyes to the darkness. Be careful not to shine bright lights if there are other observers in the area. Do not shine a flashlight into the telescope while someone is observing!

•Dress warmly. It gets chilly when you’re sitting for prolonged periods.

•Practice setting up your equipment during the day or in a lighted area to become familiar with it before going to a dark site.

•Use your 26mm eyepiece to view terrestrial objects and wider areas of space, such as open star clusters. Use optional higher power eyepieces, such as a 9mm eyepiece (see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 42 for more details), when you wish to view something up close, such as craters on the Moon or the rings of Saturn.

•Bring your instructions manual along with you when you observe. Become familiar with its layout, so it will be easier for you to look up information with just a (red) flashlight.

•Invite your friends and family to come and observe with you. But practice locating 3 or 4 objects to show them beforehand; if you have long delays, they will become bored and lose interest. Also, demonstrate how to focus the telescope in a well-lit area before you go to to the observing site.

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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 FeaturesTelescope Controls Ascension and Declination setting circles? SeeSmartfinder SmartFinder? See AligningDefinitions Computer Control Panel see FigAlt/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 TipsHow to Assemble Your Telescope and Tripod Parts ListingGetting Started Aligning SmartFinder Using SmartFinderChoosing an Eyepiece Too Much Power?Observing Observing Using AutoStar Arrow KeysObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Terrestrial ObservingAstronomical Observing Slew SpeedsObserve the Moon To Track an Object AutomaticallyInitializing AutoStar for the First Time How to perform the Automatic Alignment procedureAutomatic Alignment Which One’s the Alignment Star? Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureGo To Saturn Using the Guided TourAutostar Autostar OperationAutoStar Navigation Exercise To Calculate Sunset timeLook into the Future Entering data into AutoStarSelect Item Object Autostars MenusObject Menu options include Object MenuUse the Object menu to select an object from the database Observing Satellites? SeeGlossary Menu Event MenuUse the Event menu Use the Glossary menuTips Utilities MenuSetup Menu Periodic Error Correction? See Tip Shift Adding and editing sites? SeeAdding Observing Sites Advanced Autostar OperationTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list 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 Downloading Tours LandmarksTo Add a landmark to the database IdentifyTo Select a landmark from 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 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 Storage and Transport TroubleshootingInspecting the Optics Telescope does not track a celestial object Meade Customer ServiceSpecifications ETX-90PE Astro Telescope SpecificationsSpecifications 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 Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the World Appendix B Latitude ChartCity State/Prov./Country Latitude City Country LatitudeFurther Study Appendix C Training the DriveTo replace the battery Appendix Dchanging the LNT Module BatteryAutoStar Glossary Appendix Ebasic AstronomyMoon 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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