Meade ETX-90PE instruction manual Appendix C Training the Drive, Further Study

Page 55

APPENDIX C: TRAINING THE DRIVE

Train the telescope motors using AutoStar. Perform this procedure if you are experiencing any pointing accuracy problems. Fig. 53 depicts the complete Drive Training procedure.

Note: Use a terrestrial object, such as a telephone pole or lamp post, to train the drive. Complete this exercise once every 3 to 6 months to maintain the highest level of telescope pointing accuracy.

1Verify that AUTOSTAR INITIALIZATION is complete.

Press > until it

12

is centered

 

Scope slews left.

Bring target back

ETX TIPS

Further Study....

This manual gives only the briefest introduction to astronomy. If you are interested in pursuing further studies in astronomy, a few

2

Press MODE until Select Item is displayed.

 

to center using

ENTER

the Right Arrow key.

topics are suggested below that are worth reading up on (some of the topics are easy and some are quite challenging). Try look-

Select Item

ing up some of these in the AutoStar glossary.

Object

3

Also included below is a small sampling of books, magazines

and organizations that you might find helpful.

Topics

1. How is a star born? How does a solar system form?

Press the scroll up key once.

Select Item

is centered

13

 

Scope slews right.

Bring target back

to center using

Setup

4

ENTER

the Left Arrow key.

E

Access the Setup

menu.

NTER

Train Drive

Az. Train

14

Setup

5

Align

Multiple presses.

Setup6

Telescope

 

Access the

ENTER

Telescope menu.

Telescope Telescope Model 71

Multiple presses.

Telescope

8

Train Drive

ENTER

Choose the Train

Drive option.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Train Drive

9

 

Az. Train

 

 

 

EN

TER

Azimuth

 

 

(horizontal)

 

 

 

 

 

training.

 

 

 

 

 

Drive Setup

10

 

For this op. . .

 

 

 

ENTER

Reminder to

use terrestrial

 

 

 

 

 

 

target.

 

 

 

Center reference 11

 

object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Center target

ENTER

using Arrow

keys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Menu returns to

Az. training.

Train Drive

15

Alt. Train

 

ENTER

Altitude

 

 

 

(vertical)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drive Setup

16

 

 

 

 

 

For this op. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENTER

Reminder to

 

 

 

use terrestrial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

target.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Center reference 17

 

 

 

object

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENTER

Center target

 

using Arrow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

keys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press

>

until it

18

 

 

 

 

is centered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scope slews down.

 

 

 

 

Bring target back

 

ENTER

to center using

 

the Up Arrow key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press

>until it

19

 

 

 

 

is centered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scope slews up.

 

 

 

 

Bring target back

 

ENTER

to center using

 

the Down Arrow key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Train Drive

20

 

 

 

 

Az. Train

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MODE

Multiple presses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select Item

21

 

 

 

 

Object

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 53: Training the Drive Procedure.

2.

How is the distance to a star measured? What is a light

 

year? What is red shift and blue shift?

3.

How are the craters on our Moon formed? Is there water

 

under the surface of the Moon?

4.

What is a black hole? A neutron star? A quark star? A

 

gamma burster? An Einstein lens?

5.

What are stars made of? Why are stars different colors?

 

How is the elemental composition of a star determined?

 

What is an Lyman Alpha forest?

6.

What is the difference between a Type 1 and a Type II

 

supernova?

7.

What is the importance of studying the composition of

 

comets? Where do comets come from?

8.

How old is our Sun? Will our Sun evolve into a planetary

 

nebula or go supernova?

9.

What is the Inflationary Big Bang? What is dark matter?

 

What are MACHO's?

10.

How are extrasolar planets discovered? What is an accre-

 

tion (or protoplanetary) disk?

11.

What are the differences between elliptical, spiral and irreg-

 

ular galaxies? Can globular clusters be older than the uni-

 

verse itself?

Books

1.The Guide to Amateur Astronomy by Jack Newton and Philip Teece

2.The Sky: A User’s Guide by David Levy

3.Turn Left at Orion by Guy Consolmagno & Dan Davis

4.Astrophotography for the Amateur by Michael Covington

Magazines

1.Sky & Telescope

Box 9111, Belmont, MA 02178

2.Astronomy

Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187

Organizations:

1.Astronomical League Executive Secretary

5675 Real del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88012

2.The Astronomical Society of the Pacific

390 Ashton Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112

3.The Planetary Society

65 North Catalina Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106

And watch Jack Horkheimer, Star Gazer, on your local PBS station. Visit Jack’s website at: www.jackstargazer.com

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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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