Tip:

The GO TO key also allows you to perform a "spiral search." A spiral search is useful when the telescope slews to an object, but that object is not visible in the eyepiece after the telescope finishes its search. (This sometimes occurs during an alignment procedure.)

Press GO TO when the telescope stops slewing. The telescope begins to move in a spiral pattern at a very slow speed around the search area.When the object does become visi- ble, press MODE to stop the spiral search. Then use the Arrow keys to center

Important Note:

The first time you use your telescope or if you are experiencing any problems with pointing accuracy, follow the procedure described in APPENDIX

C:TRAINING THE DRIVE, page 55, to insure accu- rate pointing and tracking.

Tip: Try out the Guided Tour feature; the “Tonight’s Best” Guided Tour will point your telescope at the best objects visible in the sky for every given night of the year. The objects in this tour may change from night to night.

You can easily create your own Guided Tour using the optional Meade’s AutoStar Suite software. See

PHOTOGRAPHY WITH MEADE’S AUTOSTAR

SUITE, page 41 for more information.

5.Use the Arrow keys (5, Fig. 2) to locate a bright star in the night sky. Use the smartfinder (2, Fig. 1a) to help line up on the star. You may choose any unob- structed, bright star for the purposes of this example. Use AutoStar's Arrow keys to center the star in the eyepiece. Once the star is centered, press ENTER to select "Astronomical." The telescope's tracking motors then engage. It may take the tracking motors several seconds to begin tracking. When they do, it may be necessary to once again center the star in the eyepiece. The tracking motors will then keep the star you have chosen in the center of the eyepiece.

6.Press and hold the ENTER key for a few seconds and then release to stop track- ing.You may repeat the procedure to locate another star or object using the Arrow keys. Then press ENTER to re-engage the tracking motors.

Go To Saturn

After performing the Automatic Alignment procedure, the motor drive begins operating and the telescope is aligned for a night of viewing. Objects in the eyepiece will maintain their position even though the Earth is rotating beneath the stars.

This exercise demonstrates how to select a celestial object, the planet Saturn, for viewing from AutoStar’s database.

NOTE: Saturn is not visible the entire year and you may need to choose another object from AutoStar's database; however, the procedure, as described below, remains the same. If Saturn (or any other object) is not currently visible in the sky, AutoStar displays “Below Horizon.”

1.After the telescope is aligned, “Select Item: Object” displays. If “Select Item: Object” is not displayed on your handbox, keep pressing MODE until it does display. Press ENTER.

2.“Object: Solar System” displays. Press ENTER.

3.“Solar System: Mercury” displays. Keep pressing the Scroll Down key until “Solar

System: Saturn” displays (or you may choose another object from the Solar System list if Saturn is not visible).

4.Press ENTER. “Calculating” displays. Then “Saturn” and a set of coordinates displays. Note that Saturn’s (and other planets’) coordinates change throughout the year.

5.Press GO TO. “Saturn: Slewing...” displays and the telescope slews until it finds Saturn. You may need to use the Arrow keys to center Saturn precisely in the eyepiece. AutoStar then automatically moves the telescope so that it "tracks" Saturn (or whatever other object you may have chosen); i.e., Saturn remains centered in the eyepiece.

Using the Guided Tour

This example demonstrates using “Tonight’s Best” Guided Tour.

1.After observing Saturn, press MODE twice so that “Select Item: Object” displays again.

2.Press the Scroll Down key twice. “Select Item: Guided Tour” displays.

3.Press ENTER. “Guided Tour: Tonight’s Best” displays. Press ENTER.

NOTE: If you wish to try out other Guided Tours, press the Scroll Down key to scroll through other tour choices. When the tour you wish to select displays, press ENTER.

4.“Tonight’s Best: Searching...” displays. After calculating, “Tonight’s Best: Jupiter” displays.

NOTE: Different objects may be displayed on a tour list on any given night. Tour objects are selected based on location’s time and date.

Press ENTER to display information about the object. Press GO TO to move the telescope to the object.

5.Press MODE to return to the Tour list. Press the Scroll keys to scroll through the list. Press ENTER when you find the next object you wish to observe.

6.Press and hold down MODE for two seconds to leave the Guided Tour menu.

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Meade ETX-90PE instruction manual Go To Saturn, Using the Guided Tour
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ETX-90PE specifications

The Meade ETX-90PE is a well-regarded telescope that combines portability and performance, making it a popular choice among both amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers. Its compact design and advanced features make it an ideal instrument for those who seek to explore the night sky with ease.

At the heart of the ETX-90PE is its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, which utilizes a spherical primary mirror and a corrector lens to deliver exceptional image quality. With a focal length of 1250mm and a 90mm aperture, it strikes a balance between light-gathering ability and magnification, allowing users to observe celestial objects such as planets, star clusters, and distant galaxies in remarkable detail. The telescope's focal ratio of f/13.9 provides crisp and sharp views, making it particularly well-suited for planetary observation.

One of the standout features of the ETX-90PE is its Electronic Control System (ECS), which allows for easy and intuitive operation. The telescope is equipped with a built-in AutoStar Computerized GoTo mount, enabling users to locate and track over 30,000 celestial objects with just a few simple commands. With automatic alignment features, even beginners can get started quickly, making the wonders of the universe accessible to everyone.

Portability is a key characteristic of the Meade ETX-90PE. Weighing in at a mere 12.5 pounds, it can be easily transported to dark sky locations. Its compact design not only translates to ease of transport but also means it can be stored conveniently when not in use. The included sturdy aluminum tripod provides stable support, even during extended observation sessions.

The ETX-90PE further enhances the user experience with its high-quality accessories. It comes with a set of eyepieces, including a 26mm Super Plössl and a 9.7mm Plössl, allowing for various magnifications to suit different observing preferences. The telescope also features a built-in flip mirror, allowing for easier viewing through both the eyepiece and a camera, making astrophotography more accessible.

Additionally, the ETX-90PE is designed with user comfort in mind. The telescope offers adjustable slow-motion controls for fine-tuning views and an optical finder scope to help locate objects before zooming in. With robust construction, excellent optics, and a range of advanced features, the Meade ETX-90PE stands out as a versatile, high-quality telescope for both casual observers and serious astronomers alike. Its combination of technology and user-friendly functions makes it an enduring favorite for anyone looking to embark on a journey through the cosmos.
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