Meade ETX-90EC Maintenance And Servicing, CHAPTER Unable to see an image through the eyepiece

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	MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING

CHAPTER Unable to see an image through the eyepiece:

6	• Confirm that the lens cover has been removed from the
	telescope.
	• Confirm that the flip-mirror control (16, Fig. 1) is in the “up”
	position if using the eyepiece holder (4, Fig. 1) so that light
	is directed to the eyepiece (1, Fig. 1). Confirm that the flip-
	mirror control is in the “down” position if using the #932
	Erecting Prism or doing photography with either ETX model
	(see Telescope Controls, page 6 and PHOTOGRAPHY WITH
	BOTH ETX MODELS, page 15).

Object appears in the viewfinder but not in the eyepiece:

•The viewfinder is not properly aligned with the telescope (see THEVIEWFINDER page 8).

Slew speed does not change when you press the SPEED key, or the telescope moves slowly even though the fast slew speed is chosen:

•Verify that only one light is illuminated on the Electronic Controller. If more than one light is on or blinking, the Mode function is active. Exit the Mode function by pressing and holding the MODE key until only one light is on (see Electronic Controller Modes, page 11).

•The battery power may be low (see Assembly Instructions, page 5).

Telescope does not track a celestial object:

•The telescope tracks celestial objects automatically only if it is placed in the polar mode (see Modes of Operation, page 11) and the telescope is polar aligned (see Polar Alignment, page 12) using the #880 (ETX-90EC), #881 (ETX-125EC) Table Tripod, or #883 Deluxe Field Tripod (see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 17). The more accurate the polar alignment, the longer the telescope’s motor drive holds an object in the field of view of the eyepiece. If using the Alt/Az mode, track celestial objects by using the directional arrows on the Electronic Controller. Automatic racking of objects in the Alt/Az mode requires the optional #497 Autostar Computer Controller.

Images through the eyepiece appear unfocused or distorted:

•The magnification may be too high for the viewing condi- tions. Back off to a lower power eyepiece (see Understand- ing Magnification, page 9).

•If inside a warm house or building, move outside. Interior air conditions may distort terrestrial or celestial images, making it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a sharp focus. For

optimal viewing, use the telescope outside in the open air instead of observing through an open or closed window or screen.

•If viewing a land object on a warm day, heat waves will distort the image (see Terrestrial Observing, page 10).

•For clear viewing of objects, turn the focus knob (9, Fig. 1) slowly since the “in-focus” point of a telescope is precise. Turning the focus knob too quickly may cause the focus point to pass without notice.

•The optics within the telescope need time to adjust to the outside ambient temperature to provide the sharpest image. To cool down the optics, set the telescope outside for 10 to 15 minutes before observing begins.

Telescope moves off a terrestrial object while observing:

•The motor drive may be activated (see Modes of Operation, page 11).

•Verify that the vertical and horizontal locks are tight (see Telescope Controls, page 6).

Telescope does not move past a certain point:

•The built-in vertical or horizontal rotational “stops” may have been reached (see Rotational Limits, page 6).

Telescope pauses when changing slew direction:

• This pause is normal (see Arrow Keys, page 6).

A terrestrial object appears reversed left-for-right:

•An eyepiece in the standard 90° observing position (4, Fig.

1)reverses an object left-for-right:. To view a correctly oriented image requires the optional #932 Erecting Prism (see OPTIONALACCESSORIES, page 17).

Meade Customer Service

If you have a question concerning either ETX model, call the Meade Instruments Customer Service Department at

(949)451-1450, or fax at (949) 451-1460. Customer Service hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. In the unlikely event that the ETX requires factory servicing or repairs, write or call the Meade Customer Service Department first, before returning the telescope to the factory, giving full particulars as to the nature of the problem, as well as your name, address, and daytime telephone number. The great majority of servicing issues can be resolved by telephone, avoiding return of the telescope to the factory.