Meade ETX-90PE instruction manual #932 45 Erecting Prism

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Fig. 38: The #932 45° Erecting Prism.

Fig. 39: #774 Hard Carrying Case shown with an ETX-90PE.

Fig. 40: The #765 Soft Carry Bag for the ETX-90PE.

Fig. 41: #1244 Electric Focuser.

Fig. 42: Meade Deep Sky Imager

#932 45° Erecting Prism: All ETX models include an internal optically-flat mirror to reflect light to the telescope’s 90° astronomical observing position. In this position the telescope’s image is upright, but reversed. For terrestrial observing with an ETX model, the #932 Erecting Prism (Fig. 38) correctly orients the eyepiece image and provides a convenient 45° observing angle.

#774 Hard Carrying Case (for the ETX-90PE), #776 Hard Carrying Case (for the ETX-105PE) and #775 Hard Carrying Case (for the ETX-125PE): For secure portability of ETX Astro Telescope models in the field, Meade hard carrying cases (Fig. 39) are fully lined with fitted foam inserts. They accept the complete ETX Astro Telescope plus optional accessories.

#765 Soft Carry Bag: The Meade soft-padded carry bag (Fig. 40) is well suited to trav- el with the ETX-90PE Astro Telescope. Each carry bag includes a shoulder strap and permits ready transport of the complete telescope, including accessories.

Power Adapters and Cords: In addition to their internal battery packs, ETX-90PE, ETX-105PE, and ETX-125PE telescopes may be powered from standard 115vAC home electricity with the #541 AC Adapter. The #541 plugs into any standard home outlet and includes a 25 ft. cord connecting to the telescope’s control panel. Input voltage to the telescope is 12vDC. Alternately, an ETX telescope may be powered in the field from an automobile cigarette lighter plug by using the #607 Power Cord, a 25-ft. cord that plugs into the telescope’s control panel and supplies 12vDC directly from the car battery.

#1244 Electric Focuser (for the ETX-90PE and ETX-105PE) and #1247 Electric Focuser (ETX-125PE): Meade-engineered for smooth, rapid focusing with any ETX model, each electric focuser (Fig. 41) includes coarse and micro-fine speeds. The standard-equipment hand controller accepts one (user-supplied)9-volt battery and focuses the ETX telescope. On the ETX models, the focuser plugs into and is powered by, the telescope’s control panel, with operation effected through either the AutoStar or the optional #497 AutoStar Computer Controller.

#887 Advanced Field Tripod for the ETX-105PE or ETX-125PE: For extra stability in sensitive applications of the ETX-105PE or the ETX-125PE even at the highest mag- nifications, the fixed height #887 Tripod permits either altazimuth or equatorial orientation of the telescope for astronomical or terrestrial observing. The #887 includes an equatorial wedge for polar alignment. The tripod's 2"-diameter steel legs collapse for easy transport in the field.

Series 4000 Plössl 9mm Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece: The most advanced com- mercially-available illuminated reticle eyepiece, this Series 4000 Plössl 9mm model, powered by an internal battery, includes micrometric x-y positioning controls which greatly facilitate locking onto the guide star: Turn the finely-threaded controls and place the reticle’s crossline pattern precisely at the desired position in the field. The sharp, high-power imaging of the 4-element,multi-coated Plössl optical system is comple- mented by a rubber eyecup (foldable for eyeglass wearers) that shuts out distracting stray light from the observer’s eye. The upper (lens) section of the eyepiece rotates on a fine thread for precise diopter adjustment to the user’s eye. Reticle pattern is a dou- ble crossline with two concentric circles.

Deep Sky Imager: This high-performance, easy-to-use and affordable color CCD camera (Fig. 42) suppresses electronic noise and does not compress data from the sensor to increase picture quality. The Deep Sky Imager uses a full 16-bit analog-to- digital converter to enhance picture depth, contrast and dynamic range. It is USB com- patible for easy interface with most Windows-based laptop computers. Includes AutoStar Suite which automatically sorts, aligns and combines the best images, result- ing in a highly detailed color image.

Atomic Time Update Module: For use with all Meade ETX Premier Edition telescopes, this optional accessory allows you update the LNT Module with the time signal from the NIST atomic clock in Fort Collins, Colorado.

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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 SmartfinderDefinitions 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?Terrestrial Observing Observing Using AutoStar Arrow KeysObserving Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyTo Track an Object Automatically Slew SpeedsAstronomical Observing Observe the MoonInitializing 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 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 listObserving 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 perform a Landmark Survey IdentifyTo Add a landmark to the database To Select a landmark from the databaseDisplayed 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 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 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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