Meade ETX-90PE Autostar Features, Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button

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AUTOSTAR FEATURES

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LCD Display

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ENTER Key

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MODE Key

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GO TO Key

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Arrow Keys

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Number Keys

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Scroll Keys

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Speed/? Key

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Coil Cord

10 RS232 Port

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Light key

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Utility Light

Want to learn more about

downloading the latest updates of AutoStar software from the Meade website? See

pages 28 and 42.

Fig. 4: The AutoStar Handbox.

Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button

Control of ETX Telescopes is through the operation of the standard-equipment #497 AutoStar. Nearly all functions of the telescope are accomplished with just a few pushes of AutoStar’s buttons. Some of the major features of AutoStar are:

•Automatically move the telescope to any of the 30,000 objects stored in the database or manually enter the astronomical coordinates of any celestial object.

•Take a guided tour of the best celestial objects to view on any given night of the year.

•Download the latest satellite data, guided tours and software revisions directly from the Meade website (www.meade.com) and share software with other AutoStar enthusiasts. (Requires optional #505 AstroFinder™ Cable Connector Kit. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 42.)

•Access a glossary of astronomical terms.

•Calculate which eyepiece to use for optimum viewing of a celestial object.

AutoStar provides control of virtually every telescope function. The AutoStar handbox has soft-touch keys designed to have a positive feel. The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is backlit with red LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) for easy viewing in the dark. The back- lit display, key arrangement and sequential menu structure make AutoStar extremely user friendly.

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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 AligningComputer Control Panel see Fig DefinitionsAlt/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 TipsParts Listing How to Assemble Your Telescope and TripodGetting 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 AutomaticallyHow to perform the Automatic Alignment procedure Initializing AutoStar for the First TimeAutomatic 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 SiteUsing AutoStar to Find Objects Not in the Database Observing SatellitesTo GO to a user-entered object How to Create Your Own Guided Tour What you will needTour Modes Command Line Comment LineWriting a Tour Moon Downloading Tours LandmarksTo Add a landmark to the database IdentifyTo Select a landmark from the database To perform a Landmark SurveyAdvanced Alt/Az Alignment Displayed information ExampleTwo-Star Alt/Az Alignment and Easy Align Smart Drive Training Periodic Error Correction One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentPEC Train Menu Option PEC Update Menu Option BrowsePEC 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 Troubleshooting Storage and TransportInspecting the Optics Telescope does not track a celestial object Meade Customer ServiceSpecifications Specifications ETX-90PE Astro TelescopeSpecifications 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 BatteryAppendix Ebasic Astronomy AutoStar GlossaryMoon 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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