Meade ETX-70AT instruction manual Contents

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WARNING!

Never use a Meade® ETX® Astro Telescope to look at the Sun! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irre- versible damage to your eye. Eye damage is often painless, so there is no warning to the observer that damage has occurred until it is too late. Do not point the telescope or its viewfinder at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope or its viewfinder as it is moving. Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

CAUTION: Use care to install batteries in the orientation indicated by illustration in the battery slots of the battery holder. 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.

If you are anxious to use your telescope for the first time, read the QUICK-START

GUIDE on page 3.

®The name “Meade,” the Meade logo, and “ETX” are trade- marks registered with the U.S. Patent Office and in principal countries throughout the world. All rights reserved.

Design: Automated Telescope - Patent No. D417881

© 2000 Meade Instruments Corporation.

CONTENTS

 

Quick-Start Guide

3

Telescope Features

4

Autostar Features

7

Getting Started

10

Parts Listing

10

How to Assemble Your Telescope

10

Choosing an Eyepiece

10

Manual Operation Without Using Autostar

11

Manual Operation Using Autostar's Arrow Keys

11

Moving Through Autostar’s Menus

12

Initializing Autostar

12

Autostar Operation

13

Autostar Navigation Exercise

13

Easy Two-Star Alignment

14

Observing Exercises

15

Go To Saturn

15

Using the Guided Tour

15

Autostar Menus

16

Complete Autostar Menu Structure

16

Objects Menu

16

Event Menu

17

Glossary Menu

18

Utilities Menu

18

Setup Menu

19

Advanced Features

21

Terrestrial and Astronomical Observing

21

Sidereal Rate

21

Alignment (Mount)

21

Alt/Az Alignment

21

Alt/Az Home Position

21

Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment

21

One-Star Alt/Az Alignment

21

Slew Speeds

22

Observing a Satellite

23

Photography with the ETX

23

Optional Accessories

25

Maintenance and Servicing

27

Storage and Transport

27

Inspecting the Optics

27

Troubleshooting

28

Meade Customer Service

29

Specifications

29

Appendix A: Equatorial (Polar) Alignment

31

Appendix B: Using Autostar to Enter Coordinates

33

Appendix C: Helpful Charts

34

Appendix D: Training the Drive

35

Appendix E: Initialization Example

36

Basic Astronomy

37

Roadmap to the Stars

39

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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 ExerciseTo Calculate Sunset time Easy Two-Star Alignment ProcedureEasy Two-Star Alignment Go To Saturn Using the Guided TourObserving Exercises Object Menu Autostar MenusComplete Autostar Menu Structure Event Menu Glossary Menu Utilities MenuSetup Menu Surf the WebMenu Daylight Saving, Advanced Features Slew Speeds Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment 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 Dimensions ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications contdAutostar Specifications Celestial Coordinates Appendix a Equatorial Polar AlignmentPolar Alignment 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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