Meade ETX-90PE instruction manual Maintenance

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MAINTENANCE

Your ETX model telescope is a precision optical instrument designed to yield a lifetime of rewarding observations. Given the care and respect due any precision instrument, the telescope will rarely require factory servicing or maintenance. Use the following guidelines:

1.Avoid cleaning the telescope’s optics: a little dust on the front surface of the telescope’s correcting lens causes virtually no degradation of image quality and should not be considered reason to clean the lens.

2.When absolutely necessary, remove dust from the front lens with gentle strokes of a camel-hair brush or blow it off with an ear syringe (available at any pharmacy). Do not use a commercial photographic lens cleaner.

3.You may remove organic materials (e.g., fingerprints) from the front lens with a solution of 3 parts distilled water to 1 part isopropyl alcohol. A single drop of biodegradable dishwashing soap may be added per pint of solution. Use soft, white facial tissues and make short, gentle strokes. Change tissues often.

Caution: Do not use scented, colored or lotioned tissues or damage could result to the optics.

4.In the very rare situation where cleaning the inside surface of the corrector lens becomes necessary, unthread the lens cell located at the front of the main tube. The entire correcting lens and secondary mirror system are mounted in this cell. You may use the lens-cleaner solution described in step 3 to clean the inside surface of the lens.

Caution: Do not touch the aluminized circular surface of the secondary mirror with a finger, a tissue or any other object. This will almost certainly scratch the mirror surface.

Note: When cleaning the inside surface of the correcting lens, leave the lens mounted in its metal cell throughout the process. Do not remove the lens from its metal housing or optical alignment of the lens will be lost, necessitating a return of the telescope to the Meade factory.

5.If your ETX model is used outdoors on a humid night, telescope surfaces may accu- mulate water condensation. While such condensation does not normally cause any damage to the telescope, it is recommended that the entire telescope be wiped down with a dry cloth before being packed away. Do not, however, wipe any of the optical surfaces. Rather, simply allow the telescope to sit for some time in warm indoor air, so that the wet optical surfaces can dry unattended. In addition, the dust cap should not be placed back on to the optical tube until the telescope is thor- oughly dry.

6.If your ETX model is not to be used for an extended period, perhaps for one month or more, it is advisable to remove the eight AA-size batteries from inside the drive base. Batteries left installed for prolonged periods may leak, causing damage to the telescope’s electronic circuitry (see HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE AND TRI- POD, page 12).

7.The super-gloss anodized finish of any ETX model’s deep-violet optical tube fades if left in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

8.Do not leave your ETX model outdoors on a warm day or inside a sealed car for an extended period of time; excessive ambient temperatures can damage the telescope’s internal lubrication and electronic circuitry.

9.A (English-format) hex wrench is provided with ETX models. This wrench is used as follows:

•Small wrench (.05”): Use the small wrench to tighten the set-screws of any knobs that may loosen (e.g., the focus knob or flip-mirror control knob).

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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 FigAscension and Declination setting circles? See Telescope ControlsSmartfinder SmartFinder? See AligningAlt/Az, Right Ascension, Computer Control Panel see FigDefinitions Autostar Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonAutoStar to the topmost screen Select Item Object ETX Tips About changing slewGetting Started Parts ListingHow to Assemble Your Telescope and Tripod Using SmartFinder Aligning SmartFinderToo Much Power? Choosing an EyepieceObserving Using AutoStar Arrow Keys ObservingObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Terrestrial ObservingSlew Speeds Astronomical ObservingObserve the Moon To Track an Object AutomaticallyAutomatic Alignment How to perform the Automatic Alignment procedureInitializing AutoStar for the First Time Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature Which One’s the Alignment Star?Using the Guided Tour Go To SaturnAutostar Operation AutostarAutoStar Navigation Exercise To Calculate Sunset timeEntering data into AutoStar Look into the FutureAutostars Menus Select Item ObjectObject Menu Object Menu options includeUse the Object menu to select an object from the database Observing Satellites? SeeEvent Menu Glossary MenuUse the Event menu Use the Glossary menuUtilities Menu TipsSetup Menu Periodic Error Correction? See Tip Adding and editing sites? See ShiftAdvanced Autostar Operation Adding Observing SitesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list To Edit a SiteTo GO to a user-entered object Using AutoStar to Find Objects Not in the DatabaseObserving Satellites Tour Modes How to Create Your Own Guided TourWhat you will need Writing a Tour Command LineComment Line Moon Landmarks Downloading ToursIdentify To Add a landmark to the databaseTo Select a landmark from the database To perform a Landmark SurveyTwo-Star Alt/Az Alignment and Easy Align Advanced Alt/Az AlignmentDisplayed information Example PEC Train Menu Option Smart Drive Training Periodic Error CorrectionOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment PEC Erase Menu Option PEC Update Menu OptionBrowse 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 Inspecting the Optics TroubleshootingStorage and Transport Meade Customer Service Telescope does not track a celestial objectSpecifications ETX-105PE Astro Telescope SpecificationsSpecifications ETX-90PE 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 Appendix B Latitude Chart Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldCity State/Prov./Country Latitude City Country LatitudeAppendix C Training the Drive Further StudyAppendix Dchanging the LNT Module Battery To replace the batteryMoon Appendix Ebasic AstronomyAutoStar Glossary 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.
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