Meade ETX-90EC Appendix Atracking Motor Speed, Northern Hemisphere Polar Indicator Light Key

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Appendix A:TRACKING MOTOR SPEED

APPENDIX In the polar mode the Electronic Controller normally tracks objects at the sidereal rate (see Sidereal Rate, page 10). For A most observing sessions (once the telescope has been polar aligned and the tracking motor activated), there is little need to

change this speed.

For objects, like the Moon or a comet, that move at slightly different rates, the Electronic Controller arrow keys (1, Fig. 6) are sufficient to move the telescope slightly as the object very slowly moves off-center through the eyepiece field.

To change the tracking rate, for extended observations of an object not moving at the sidereal rate, follow the procedure for the appropriate hemisphere:

Northern Hemisphere Polar:

Indicator Light Key

The procedures in this manual identify the status of the four indicator lights in a box to the left of the appropriate step. They are depicted as on, blinking or off, depending on the mode at that point.

Southern Hemisphere Polar:

Light No.

Light Status

Light 1

 

 

 

 

On

Light 2

 

 

 

 

Blinking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Light 3

 

 

 

 

Off

 

 

 

 

Light 4

 

 

 

 

 

1.Press and hold the MODE key (5, Fig. 6) until the Mode function is active (i.e., lights 1 and 2 are on steady; lights 3 and 4 signify whatever tracking mode was last chosen).

2. Press the SPEED key (3, Fig. 6) until lights 1, 2, and 3 are on steady with light 4 blinking. The telescope is now in the Northern Hemisphere Polar mode.

3. Press the INkey and light 4 comes on steady. The tracking rate is now 0.5% faster than sidereal. Continue pressing IN until the desired speed is reached.

NOTE:The tracking rate can be increased by up to 65% (127 presses of the IN key).

4. To use a rate slower than sidereal, press the OUT key until light 4 blinks again (sidereal rate). Press the OUT key again and light 4 goes out, signifying a tracking rate 0.5% slower than sidereal. Pressing an additional 3 to 4 times will slow the tracking rate to the lunar rate.

NOTE:The tracking rate can be decreased by up to 65% (127 presses of the OUT key).

5. Press and hold the MODE key until only a single light is on. This exits the Mode function. If Northern or Southern Hemisphere polar mode was chosen, the motor drive starts operating at the sidereal rate.

6.Use the four arrow keys (1, Fig. 6) to slew the telescope to the desired object. To change the slew speed, press the SPEED key.

1.Press and hold the MODE key (5, Fig. 6) until the Mode function is active (i.e., lights 1 and 2 are on steady; lights 3 and 4 signify the tracking mode last chosen).

2.Press the SPEED key (3, Fig. 6) until lights 1 and 2 are on steady, light 3 is off, and Light 4 is

blinking.

3. Press the INkey and light 4 comes on steady. The tracking rate is now 0.5% faster than sidereal. Continue pressing INuntil the desired speed is reached.

NOTE:The tracking rate can be increased by up to 65% (127 presses of the IN key).

4.To use a rate slower than sidereal, press the OUT key until light 4 blinks again (sidereal rate). Press

the OUT key again and light 4 goes out, signifying a tracking rate 0.5% slower than sidereal. Pressing an additional 3 to 4 times will slow the tracking rate to the lunar rate.

NOTE:The tracking rate can be decreased by up to 65% (127 presses of the OUT key).

5. Press and hold the MODE key until only a single light is on. This exits the Mode function. If Northern or Southern Hemisphere polar mode was chosen, the motor drive starts operating at the sidereal rate.

6.Use the four arrow keys (1, Fig. 6) to slew the telescope to the desired object. To change the slew speed, press the SPEEDkey.

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Eyepiece Viewfinder Eyepiece holder thumbscrewCONTENTSz3 Guide Slew SpeedGetting Started Assembly InstructionsParts List IntroductionTelescope Controls Telescope FeaturesQuick Tips Computer Control PanelFirst Observations Getting STARTEDzObserving with the Electronic Controller Viewfinder Focusing the ViewfinderUsing the Viewfinder Aligning the ViewfinderUnderstanding Magnification Telescope FundamentalsChoosing an Eyepiece Telescope MountingsSidereal Rate Terrestrial ObservingAstronomical Observing Slew SpeedsElectronic Controller Using the Mode ScrewsTelescope FUNDAMENTALSz Modes of OperationCelestial Coordinates Polar Alignment ProcedureLocating the Celestial Pole High-Latitude Tripod Leg ETX-90EC Latitude Balance Weight is recommended ifStandard Tripod Leg ETX-90EC Standard Tripod Leg ETX-125ECMoon Chapterz4 ObservingObjects in Space PlanetsPhotography with Both ETX Models OBSERVINGzFew tips on photography with both ETX models Astro Software/Cable Connector Kit Optional Accessories2X Barlow Power ETX-125ECOptional Accessories OPTIONALz Accessories #1244 and #1247 Electric FocusersTroubleshooting MAINTENANCEz and ServicingGeneral Maintenance Storage and TransportMaintenance and Servicing Meade Customer ServiceSpecifications ETX-90EC Astro Telescope Specifications ETX-125EC Astro TelescopeLight Northern Hemisphere Polar Indicator Light KeyAppendix Atracking Motor Speed Light OffStar Locator Appendix B Helpful ChartsLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City State LatitudeSetting Circles 24Appendix C Precise POLARz Alignment Setting CirclesAppendix Precise Polar Alignment Appendix D ROADMAPzTO the Stars Road Map to the StarsDistances between the planets Appendix E YOU and the UniverseMeade 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.