Meade ETX-90PE instruction manual Set latitude

Page 52

D

A

Fig. 47: Set latitude.

North

Celestial

Pole

+

D

E

Fig. 48: Example of Polar Alignment. Note that the face of the tilt-plate points North.

North

Celestial

Pole

+

Fig. 49: Example of Polar Alignment. Note that the face of the tilt-plate points North. This is the Polar home position.

Important Note:

In order to select any of three polar alignment options, you must first select "Polar" in the "Mount" option of the "Setup: Telescope" menu.

5.Press ENTER repeatedly until “Setup: Align” displays.

6.Press the Scroll Down key repeatedly until "Setup: Telescope" displays. Press ENTER.

“Telescope: Telescope Model” displays.

7.Press the Scroll Down key repeatedly until "Telescope: Mount" displays. Press

ENTER. “Scope Mounting: Alt/az” displays.

8.Press the Scroll Down key once. "Scope Mounting: Alt/az" displays. Press ENTER.

"Telescope: Mount" displays again.

9.Press Mode once. “Setup: Telescope” displays.

10.Press the Scroll Down key once. "Setup: Targets" displays.

11.Press ENTER. "Targets: Terrestrial" displays. Press one of the Scroll keys once.

"Targets: Astronomical" now displays.

12.Use the Arrow keys to locate a bright star in the night sky. Use the SmartFinder (2, Fig. 1) to help line up on the star. You may choose any unobstructed, bright star for the purposes of this example. Use AutoStar's Arrow keys to center the star in the eyepiece. Once the star is centered, press ENTER to select "Astronomical." The telescope's tracking motors then engage. It may take the tracking motors several seconds to begin tracking. When they do, it may be necessary to once again center the star in the eyepiece. The tracking motors will then keep the star you have chosen in the center of the eyepiece.

13.Press and hold the ENTER key for a few seconds and then release to stop tracking. You may repeat the procedure to locate another star or object using the Arrow keys. Then press ENTER to re-engage the tracking motors.

Caution: Do not move the tripod or adjust the latitude setting while observing or the mounting alignment will be lost. The telescope's motor drive dis- engages when the Horizontal and the Vertical lock levers are unlocked and re-engages when the levers are relocked.

AutoStar Polar Alignment

AutoStar provides three different (manual) methods for polar alignment: Easy, One-Star and Two-Star.

Easy Polar Alignment

Two alignment stars are chosen by AutoStar based on the date, time and location. First, choose "Polar" from the "Setup: Telescope: Mount" menu. The rest of the procedure is identical to the Alt/Az AUTOMATIC ALIGNMENT, page 17.

One-Star Polar Alignment

Polar One-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. AutoStar provides a database of bright stars and one star from this database is chosen by the observer for alignment. Polaris is chosen by AutoStar. First, choose "Polar" from the "Setup: Telescope: Mount" menu. The rest of the procedure is almost identical to the Alt/Az ONE STAR ALT/AZ ALIGNMENT, page 36, except that AutoStar prompts you to point the telescope at Polaris and center it in the telescope eyepiece.

Two-Star Polar Alignment

Polar Two-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. AutoStar provides a database of bright stars and two stars from this database are chosen by the observer for alignment. First, choose "Polar" from the "Setup: Telescope: Mount" menu. The rest of the procedure is almost identical to the Alt/Az TWO STAR ALT/AZ ALIGNMENT, page 36.

Locating the Celestial Pole

To get basic bearings at an observing location, take note of where the Sun rises (East) and sets (West) each day. After the site is dark, face North by pointing your left shoulder toward where the Sun sets. To precisely point at the pole, find the North Star (Polaris) by using the Big Dipper as a guide (Fig. 50, next page).

Important Note: For almost all astronomical observing requirements, approximate settings of the telescope’s latitude and Polar axis are acceptable. Do not allow undue attention to precise Polar Alignment of the telescope to interfere with your basic enjoyment of the instrument.

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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 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 Using AutoStar Arrow Keys ObservingObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually Terrestrial ObservingSlew Speeds Astronomical ObservingObserve the Moon 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 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 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 ToursIdentify To Add a landmark to the databaseTo 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 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 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 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.
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