Meade Explore Specifications of the ETX-90EC Telescope

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TELESCOPE SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications: ETX-90EC Astro Telescope

Optical design

. . . . . Maksutov-Cassegrain

Primary mirror diameter

. . . . . 96mm (3.78”)

Clear aperture

. . . . . . 90mm (3.5”)

Focal length

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . 1250mm

Focal ratio (photographic speed)

. . . . . . . . . . . f/13.8

Near focus (approx)

. . . . . 11.5 ft (3.5m)

Resolving power

. . . . . . 1.3 arc secs

Super multi-coatings (EMC). . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . standard

Limiting visual stellar magnitude (approx.).

. . . . . . . . . . . 11.7

Image scale

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . 1.16°/inch

Maximum practical visual power

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . 325X

Optical tube dimensions

 

 

(dia. x length)

10.4cm x 27.9cm (4.1” x 11”)

Eyepiece

. . . . . . .

Super Plössl 26mm

Viewfinder

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . 8 x 21mm

Secondary mirror obstruction (dia.; %) . . 27.9mm (1.1”); 9.6%

Telescope mounting

. . . . . fork type; double tine

Setting circle diameters

. . . . . . . . Dec: 3.5”; RA: 7”

Input voltage

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . 12 volts DC

Motor DriveSystem

DCservo motors with encoders, both axes

Slow-Motion Controls

. . . . . . . . .

electric, 4 speed, both axes

Optional Autostar Capability

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . yes

Hemispheres of operation

North and South, switchable

Bearings:

 

 

Altitude

. . . . . UHMW polyethylene

Azimuth

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PTFE

Materials:

 

 

Tube body . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . aluminum

Mounting

. high-impact ABS, aluminum-reinforced

Primary mirror

. . . . . . . . . . . Pyrex® glass

Correcting lens

BK7 optical glass, Grade-A

Telescope dimensions:

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . 38cm x 18cm x 22cm (15” x 7” x 9”)

Telescope net weight:

 

(incl. Electronic Controller & batteries)

. . 3.5kg (7.8 lbs)

Telescope shipping weight

. 5.8kg (12.8 lbs)

Battery Life (approx.):

 

with Electronic Controller

. . . . . . . . 45 hrs

with Autostar

. . . . . . . . 20 hrs

Specifications: ETX-125EC Astro Telescope

Optical design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maksutov-Cassegrain Primary mirror diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138mm (5.43”) Clear aperture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127mm (5.0”) Focal length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1900mm (74.8”) Focal ratio (photographic speed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . f/15 Near focus (approx). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.5m (18 ft) Resolving power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9 arc secs Super multi-coatings (EMC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . standard Limiting visual stellar magnitude (approx.). . . . . . . . . . . . 12.5 Image scale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.76°/inch Maximum practical visual power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500X Optical tube dimensions

(dia. x length) . . . . . . . . . 14.6cm x 36cm (5.75” x 14.2”) Eyepiece. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Super Plössl 26mm Viewfinder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 x 25mm right-angle Secondary mirror obstruction (dia.; %). . 39.4mm (1.6”); 9.6% Telescope mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fork type; double tine Setting circle diameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec: 4.3”; RA: 9” Input voltage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 volts DC Motor Drive System . . DCservo motors with encoders, both axes Slow-Motion Controls . . . . . . . . . electric, 4 speed, both axes Optional Autostar Capability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . yes Hemispheres of operation . . . . . North and South, switchable Bearings:

Altitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acetal Azimuth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . radial ball bearing

Materials:

Tube body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aluminum Mounting . . . . . . . . . . high-impact ABS, zinc-reinforced Primary mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pyrex® glass Correcting lens. . . . . . . . . . . BK7 optical glass, Grade-A

Telescope dimensions:

. . . . . . . . . . 48cm x 23cm x 27cm (19” x 8.9” x 10.8”)

Telescope net weight:

(incl. Electronic Controller & batteries) . . 7.9kg (17.4 lbs) Telescope shipping weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.4kg (27.4 lbs) Battery Life (approx.):

with Electronic Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 hrs with Autostar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 hrs

CHAPTER

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Eyepiece holder thumbscrew Eyepiece ViewfinderCONTENTSz3 Slew Speed GuideParts List Assembly InstructionsGetting Started IntroductionQuick Tips Telescope FeaturesTelescope Controls Computer Control PanelGetting STARTEDz First ObservationsObserving with the Electronic Controller Using the Viewfinder Focusing the ViewfinderViewfinder Aligning the ViewfinderChoosing an Eyepiece Telescope FundamentalsUnderstanding Magnification Telescope MountingsAstronomical Observing Terrestrial ObservingSidereal Rate Slew SpeedsTelescope FUNDAMENTALSz Using the Mode ScrewsElectronic Controller Modes of OperationPolar Alignment Procedure Celestial CoordinatesLocating the Celestial Pole Standard Tripod Leg ETX-90EC Latitude Balance Weight is recommended ifHigh-Latitude Tripod Leg ETX-90EC Standard Tripod Leg ETX-125ECObjects in Space Chapterz4 ObservingMoon PlanetsOBSERVINGz Photography with Both ETX ModelsFew tips on photography with both ETX models 2X Barlow Power Optional AccessoriesAstro Software/Cable Connector Kit ETX-125ECOptional Accessories #1244 and #1247 Electric Focusers OPTIONALz AccessoriesGeneral Maintenance MAINTENANCEz and ServicingTroubleshooting Storage and TransportMeade Customer Service Maintenance and ServicingSpecifications ETX-125EC Astro Telescope Specifications ETX-90EC Astro TelescopeAppendix Atracking Motor Speed Northern Hemisphere Polar Indicator Light KeyLight Light OffLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World Appendix B Helpful ChartsStar Locator City State Latitude24Appendix C Precise POLARz Alignment Setting Circles Setting CirclesAppendix Precise Polar Alignment Road Map to the Stars Appendix D ROADMAPzTO the StarsAppendix E YOU and the Universe Distances between the planetsMeade Limited Warranty Meade Instruments Corporation

ETX-90EC specifications

The Meade ETX-90EC is a compact, portable telescope that has garnered significant attention among amateur astronomers for its exceptional optical performance and user-friendly design. Launched as part of Meade's popular ETX series, this telescope blends advanced technology with accessibility, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced users.

One of the standout features of the ETX-90EC is its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design. This design incorporates a spherical primary mirror and a corrector lens which contributes to sharp images with minimal optical aberrations. The 90mm aperture allows users to observe a variety of celestial objects, from the craters on the Moon to distant galaxies, while maintaining a compact form factor. The telescope's focal length of 1250mm provides a substantial level of magnification, enabling users to enjoy detailed views of planets and other astronomical phenomena.

The ETX-90EC boasts a robust computerized system, powered by Meade's Audio Star technology. This feature not only assists users in locating over 30,000 celestial objects with just a few simple commands, but it also provides educational audio information about these objects, enhancing the observational experience. The telescope's GoTo capabilities allow it to automatically point to selected objects, transforming the stargazing process into an interactive and informative experience.

Another significant aspect of the ETX-90EC is its portability. Weighing in at under 10 pounds and featuring a foldable design, this telescope is easy to transport and set up in various locations. This makes it ideal for both backyard astronomy and travel to darker skies where light pollution is minimal.

The ETX-90EC also incorporates an electronic drive system that ensures smooth and precise tracking of celestial objects, which is invaluable for astrophotography enthusiasts. With optional accessories, users can attach cameras and other devices to capture stunning images of deep-sky phenomena.

Overall, the Meade ETX-90EC combines advanced optics, user-friendly technology, and portability, making it a versatile and powerful tool for exploring the night sky. Whether you are a novice looking to kickstart your journey into astronomy or a seasoned observer seeking a reliable companion, the ETX-90EC offers a unique blend of performance and convenience that appeals to a wide range of stargazers.