Meade ETX-80AT-TC Getting Started, Parts Listing, Telescope Assembly Setting up the Tripod

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Fig. 6a: Open the tripod...

Fig. 6b: ...turn the locking ring to secure the tripod legs.

Fig. 7: Unlock the vertical lock and move the tube down.

Fig. 8a: Thread bolts through the telescope base.

GETTING STARTED

Parts Listing

Getting the telescope ready for first observations requires only a few minutes. When first open- ing the packing box, note carefully the following parts:

•The ETX Astro Telescope with fork mount system, built-in flip barlow.

•#882 Standard Field Tripod with carry case

•Accessory tray with mounting bolts and wingnuts

•#494 AutoStar handbox with attached coil cord.

•Meade premium eyepieces.

•Hex-wrench, packed with the instruction manual. See GENERAL MAINTENANCE page 33.

Telescope Assembly

Setting up the Tripod

1.Open the tripod: Remove the tripod from the giftbox and stand vertically. Gently pull the legs apart to a fully open position. See Fig. 6a. Turn the center tripod lock knob to secure and stabilize the tripod. See Fig. 6b. Tighten to a firm feel.

Caution: Make sure you loosen the tripod lock knob before collapsing the tripod at the end of your viewing session.

2.Loosen the vertical lock and move the optical tube downward. Then, re-tighten the verti- cal lock. See Fig. 7.

3.Attach the telescope to the tripod: Line up the mounting holes on the telescope with the mounting holes on the base. Reach underneath and thread the mounting bolt through the tripod base and into the telescope base. See Fig. 8. Tighten to a firm feel only, do not over- tighten.

4.Attach the tray to the tripod: Line up the mounting holes on the accessory tray with the mounting holes on one of the tray struts. See Fig. 9. Remove the wingnuts from the two mounting bolts. Slide the mounting bolts through the top of the tray and through the tray struts. Reach underneath the tray and thread the wingnuts back onto the bolts. Tighten to a firm feel only.

5.Insert the eyepiece: Remove the supplied 25mm eyepiece from its container and slide it into the eyepiece holder. See Fig. 10. Tighten the thumbscrews to a firm feel only.

6.Remove the dust cover (12, Fig. 1) from the end of optical tube assembly.

Connect the AutoStar Handbox

7.Remove the battery compartment: Lift the battery cover. Gently remove the battery hold- er from the compartment so you don’t accidentally pull out the wires attached to the hold- er. Insert 6 user-supplied “AB” batteries in the holder. Refer to the diagram on the holder to orient the batteries properly. Replace the holder back into the battery compartment and replace the lid. See Fig. 11a.

Fig. 9: Attach accessory tray to leg braces using supplied bolts and wingnuts.

Fig. 10: Insert eyepiece and focus.

Fig. 11a: Install batteries.

Fig. 11b: Connect the AutoStar handbox and turn on the computer control panel.

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Contents MEADE.COM ETX-80AT-TCPage Contents QUICK-START Guide Setting up the TripodObserve ETX-80AT Telescope Telescope Features@ 2# Flip mirror control in the up position ETX Your Personal Window to the UniverseTripod Computer Control PanelTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar FeaturesPage Join an Astronomy Club Attend a Star Party Telescope Assembly Setting up the Tripod Parts ListingGetting Started Connect the AutoStar HandboxManual Operation of the Telescope without AutoStar Choosing an EyepieceSlew Speeds Manual Operation of the Telescope Using AutoStars Arrow KeysTo Track an Object Automatically Observe the MoonMoving Through AutoStar’s Menus Initializing AutoStarToo Much Power? Go To Saturn Easy AlignmentWhich One’s the Alignment Star? Using the Guided TourIngvSa e Daylight pesco Tel Autostar MenusAutoStar Navigation Exercise Autostar OperationEntering Numbers and Text into Autostar Adjusting the Speed of a Scrolling MessageNavigating Autostar Object Menu Glossary Menu Event MenuUtilities Menu Enter Setup MenuReverse UP/DOWN Reverses Reverse L/R ReversesMenu Daylight SAVING, Advanced Features One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentObserving a Satellite Photography with Meade’s AutoStar Suite Digital Photography with the ETXLunar Planetary Imager Meade Series 4000 Super Plossl Eyepieces Optional AccessoriesGeneral Maintenance Maintenance and ServicingStorage and Transport Inspecting the OpticsCannot seem to focus No image appears in the eyepiece TroubleshootingETX-80AT Specifications Meade Customer ServiceAutoStar Specifications AutoStar DimensionsTo GO to a user-entered object Appendix a Using Autostar to Enter R.A. and DEC CoordinatesPolar Alignment Appendix B Equatorial Polar AlignmentCelestial Coordinates Easy Polar Alignment Autostar Polar AlignmentOne-Star Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World Appendix C Helpful ChartsCity State Latitude City Country LatitudeFurther Study Appendix D Training the DriveAutoStar Glossary Appendix E Basic AstronomyObjects in Space MoonDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsPage Meade Limited Warranty

ETX-80AT-TC specifications

The Meade ETX-80AT-TC is a sophisticated yet user-friendly telescope that caters to both novice astronomers and seasoned stargazers. This compact telescope is particularly praised for its portability, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to explore the night sky without the burden of heavy equipment.

One of the standout features of the ETX-80AT-TC is its 80mm aperture, which delivers impressive light-gathering capabilities. This allows users to observe a wide range of celestial objects, from the craters on the Moon to distant galaxies. The telescope’s Achromatic refractor design minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring sharp and clear images across the field of view.

The Meade ETX-80AT-TC is equipped with the AutoStar computer control system, which enhances the observational experience significantly. This technology allows users to locate and track thousands of celestial objects with ease. With a simple push of a button, the telescope can automatically find and track planets, stars, and deep-sky objects, making it perfect for those who are new to astronomy and may find manual navigation challenging.

Additionally, the telescope features a built-in Solar System tour that animates a journey through the solar system, providing educational insights about the celestial bodies in our neighborhood. It is operated via a user-friendly handheld controller with a numeric keypad and an LCD display, making navigation intuitive even for beginners.

The ETX-80AT-TC also includes a durable and lightweight design, with an integrated tabletop tripod for stable viewing. It can be easily set up and taken down, allowing for spontaneous stargazing adventures. The telescope is compatible with various Meade accessories, including additional eyepieces and filters, which further enhance the observing experience.

In terms of mechanics, the ETX-80AT-TC boasts smooth, slow-motion manual controls for fine adjustments and a flip mirror for easy switching between visual and photographic modes. Whether capturing breathtaking astrophotos or enjoying the stars visually, this telescope delivers versatility and quality.

Overall, the Meade ETX-80AT-TC stands out with its thoughtful combination of features, technology, and portability, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the night sky. Whether you are a budding astronomer or a more experienced enthusiast, this telescope provides ample opportunities for wonder and discovery under the stars.
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