Meade ETX-70AT instruction manual Getting Started, Parts Listing, How to Assemble Your Telescope

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Fig. 4: View of the ETX tele- scope showing six AA-size batteries mounted inside the battery compartment:

(1)Battery Compartment

(2)Battery Holder

(3)9v Connector

(4)Battery Holder Connector

Fig.5: MA 25mm and

MA 9mm eyepieces.

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.

•#494 Autostar handbox with attached coil cord.

•MA 25mm and MA 9mm eyepieces, each packed in a plastic storage container.

•Hex-wrench, packed with the instruction manual. See “GENERAL MAINTENANCE,” page 27.

How to Assemble Your Telescope

Assembly of the ETX telescope requires only six AA-size (user-supplied) batteries and a few, simple steps:

1.The telescope’s battery compartment (1, Fig. 4) is located on top of the drive base. Open the battery compartment by lifting the release latch and pulling it away from the drive base.

2.Remove the battery holder from the compartment and carefully lift the 9v connector out from the compartment. Take care not to accidentally detach the wires of the battery con- nector from the base. Whenever you replace the batteries, to safeguard the wires, dis- connect the 9v connector from the battery holder before removing the batteries.

3.Insert six AA-size batteries into the battery holder, oriented as shown on the diagram on the battery slots of the battery holder. Insert the center battery on each side last for easi- er installation. Connect the 9v connector plug to the battery holder. Carefully replace the battery holder back into the battery compartment. Replace the cover.

CAUTION: Use care to install batteries as indicated by the battery compartment. Follow battery manufacturer's precautions. Do not install batteries backwards or mix new and used batteries. Do not mix battery types. If these precautions are not followed, batteries may explode, catch fire, or leak. Improperly installed batteries void your Meade warranty. Always remove the batteries if they are not to be used for a long period of time.

4.Be certain that the power switch on the computer control panel (10C, Fig. 1) is in the OFF position. Plug the coil cord of the Autostar Controller into the HBX port (10A, Fig. 1).

NOTE: Autostar does not require batteries; the telescope’s batteries supply power to Autostar.

5.Remove the MA 25mm eyepiece (1, Fig. 1) from its container and place it in the eyepiece holder (3, Fig. 1). Tighten the thumbscrew (2, Fig. 1) to a "firm feel" only. Unscrew the dust cover counterclockwise to remove it from the telescope.

Basic assembly of the telescope is now complete.

Choosing an Eyepiece

A telescope’s eyepiece magnifies the image formed by the telescope’s main optics. Each eye- piece has a focal length, expressed in millimeters, or “mm.” The smaller the focal length, the higher the magnification. For example, an eyepiece with a focal length of 9mm has a higher magnification than an eyepiece with a focal length of 25mm.

Your telescope comes supplied with two standard eyepieces. The MA 25mm eyepiece gives a wide, comfortable field of view with high image resolution, while the MA 9mm eyepiece pro- vides a smaller field of view but higher magnification when seeing conditions permit.

Low power eyepieces offer a wide field of view, bright, high-contrast images, and eye relief dur- ing long observing sessions. To find an object with a telescope, always start with a low power eyepiece such as the MA 25mm. When the object is located and centered in the eyepiece, you may wish to switch to a higher power eyepiece to enlarge the image as much as practical for prevailing seeing conditions.

NOTE: Seeing conditions vary widely from night-to-night and site-to-site. Turbulence in the air, even on an apparently clear night, can distort images. If an image appears fuzzy and ill-defined, back off to a lower power eyepiece for a more well- resolved image (Fig. 7a and 7b).

10 Getting Started

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Contents If you wish to observe using Autostar’s databases, go to QUICK-START GuideTelescope Features ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT TelescopeETX Your Personal Window to the Universe Computer Control Panel Flip mirror control in the up positionAutostar Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonAutostar Features Join an Astronomy Club Attend a Star Party Getting Started Parts ListingHow to Assemble Your Telescope Choosing an EyepieceManual Operation of the Telescope Using Autostars Arrow Keys Manual Operation of the Telescope without AutostarMoving Through Autostar’s Menus Initializing AutostarAutostar Operation Autostar Navigation ExerciseEasy Two-Star Alignment Easy Two-Star Alignment ProcedureTo Calculate Sunset time Observing Exercises Using the Guided TourGo To Saturn Complete Autostar Menu Structure Autostar MenusObject Menu Event Menu Glossary Menu Utilities MenuSetup Menu Surf the WebMenu Daylight Saving, Advanced Features One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentSlew Speeds Observing a Satellite Photography with the ETXInstrument across the two slots and turn coun Few tips on photography with the ETX-60AT or ETX-70ATOptional Accessories Astrofinder Software#882 Standard Field Tripod set in Alt/Az Configuration Storage and Transport Maintenance and ServicingGeneral Maintenance Inspecting the OpticsTroubleshooting Unable to see an image through the eyepieceMeade Customer Service ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT SpecificationsAutostar Specifications ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications contdAutostar Dimensions Polar Alignment Appendix a Equatorial Polar AlignmentCelestial Coordinates One-Star Polar Alignment Autostar Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentAppendix B Using Autostar to Enter R.A. and DEC Coordinates To GO to a user-entered objectCity State Latitude Appendix C Helpful ChartsLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City Country LatitudeAppendix D Training the Drive Further StudyAppendix E Initialization Example EnterObjects in Space Basic AstronomyAutostar Glossary MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsStar Locator Season Star Name Constellation DecMeade Instruments Corporation

ETX-70AT specifications

The Meade ETX-70AT is a compact, portable telescope that caters to both amateur astronomers and educational purposes. This telescope is part of the renowned ETX series, known for its innovative features and user-friendly design. With an aperture of 70mm, the ETX-70AT is designed to provide clear, bright images of celestial objects, making it an ideal choice for novice astronomers eager to explore the night sky.

One of the standout features of the ETX-70AT is its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design. This design combines a Maksutov corrector plate with a compact cassegrain layout, allowing for a shorter tube length while still providing excellent optical performance. As a result, users can easily transport the telescope to various observing locations without compromising on image quality.

The telescope boasts a focal length of 350mm, which offers a wide field of view, allowing observers to comfortably locate and track celestial phenomena. The ETX-70AT comes equipped with a built-in electronic control system known as the Audio Star, featuring a database of over 30,000 celestial objects. This system not only makes it easier for users to locate specific targets but also enhances the overall observing experience by providing informative audio commentary about different astronomical objects.

Another notable characteristic is its lightweight design, weighing in at just around 5 lbs. This portability factor makes it an excellent choice for stargazers who prefer to travel or hike to optimal viewing locations. The telescope is mounted on an adjustable and stable aluminum tripods, providing a solid foundation for viewing.

The Meade ETX-70AT also includes a variety of accessories, including two eyepieces (26mm and 9.7mm), a finder scope to help users aim accurately, and a variety of optional filters to enhance viewing contrast and clarity. Furthermore, the telescope supports direct connection to a computer for astrophotography, enabling enthusiasts to capture their astronomical observations digitally.

In summary, the Meade ETX-70AT is an exceptional entry-level telescope that combines portability, advanced technology, and ease of use. With its powerful optics, automated features, and impressive accessory offerings, it serves as an excellent tool for any individual or educational institution looking to delve into the wonders of astronomy.
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