Meade ETX-90PE Getting Started, Parts Listing, How to Assemble Your Telescope and Tripod

Cover

Batteries

Fig. 5: Battery installation.

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Fig. 6: Spread tripod legs.

2

Fig. 7: Slide spreader on rod.

3

Fig. 8: Tension knob assembly.

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Fig. 9: Adjust tripod height.

GETTING STARTED

Parts Listing

Getting the telescope ready for first observations requires only a few minutes. When first opening the packing box, note carefully the following parts:

•ETX Premier Telescope with fork mount system and SmartFinder

•#497 AutoStar handbox with coil cord.

•One or more eyepieces, packed in plastic storage containers.

•Hex-wrench, packed with the instruction manual. See MAINTENANCE, page 44.

•#884 Deluxe Field Tripod; two attachment knobs; spreader tray with sepa- rate spring, washers (2) and tension knob; leg extension lock knobs.

How to Assemble Your Telescope and Tripod

Assembly of the ETX telescope requires eight AA-size (user-supplied) batteries.

1.Remove the ETX telescope from its packaging and place it on a sturdy surface. Place the ETX on its side and remove the battery compartment cover from the underside of the drive base. Insert eight (user-supplied) AA-size batteries into the battery compartment oriented as shown in the battery compartment. Replace the cover and return the telescope to an upright position.

Caution: Use care to install batteries as indicated by the diagrams in 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.

Note: AutoStar does not require batteries; the telescope’s batteries supply power to AutoStar.

2.Assemble the #884 Deluxe Field Tripod:

Step a: Spread the tripod (1, Fig. 6) legs apart to a fully open position.

Step b: Slide the spreader tray (2, Fig. 7) onto the central threaded rod.

Step c: Slide a washer, followed by the spring, another washer and the tension knob (3, Fig. 8) onto the threaded rod. Tighten the tension knob

to a firm feel.

Step d: Adjust the height of the tripod by loosening the leg lock knobs (4, Fig. 9) and adjusting the height of the inner leg extensions. Then retighten the lock knobs.

3.Mount your telescope in the altazimuth (alt/az) mode. If you wish to mount your telescope in the equatorial mode, see EQUATORIAL ALIGNMENT, page 50.

Note: Throughout this manual, you will notice the term "Alt/Az," or more properly, altazimuth. This term is frequently used to refer to altitude or the up-and-down vertical movement of the telescope). Azimuth refers to the side-to-side horizontal movement of the telescope.

Step e: Loosen the latitude control latch (6, Fig. 10) and lift up the tilt-plate (5, Fig. 10) so that you can easily access the underside of the plate. Relock the latitude control latch, so the assembly doesn't slip while you are attaching the telescope.

Step f: Line up the mounting hole (7, Fig. 11) on the base of the telescope marked "High Latitude Leg" with the attachment knob (8, Fig. 11) that is closest to the latitude control bar (9, Fig. 11). Line up the other mounting hole with the attachment knob at the bottom of the tilt-plate. Thread both attachment knobs into the base of the telescope. Tighten to a firm feel only. (See Fig. 12.)

Step g: Unlock the latitude control latch (10, Fig. 13) and lower the tilt-plate until it is level (push the tilt-plate down until it stops; this is the level position). Lock the latitude control latch.

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