Meade ETX-90PE instruction manual Troubleshooting, Storage and Transport, Inspecting the Optics

Storage and Transport

When the telescope is not in use, store it in a cool, dry place. Do not expose the instru- ment to excessive heat or moisture. It is best to store the telescope in its original box with the vertical and horizontal locks (6 and 9, Fig. 1a and 1b) in the unlocked positions. If shipping the telescope, use the original box and packing material to protect the telescope during shipment.

When transporting the telescope, take care not to bump or drop the instrument; this type of abuse can damage the optical tube and/or the objective lens and knock the optics out of alignment. It is highly recommended to use an optional carry case to transport the telescope (see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 42).

Inspecting the Optics

A few words about the so-called “Flashlight Test:" If a flashlight or other high-intensity light source is pointed down the main telescope tube, the view (depending upon the observer’s line of sight and the angle of the light) may reveal what appear to be scratches, dark or bright spots or uneven coatings, giving the appearance of poor quality optics. These effects are only seen when a high intensity light is transmitted through lenses or reflected off the mirrors and can be seen on any high-quality optical system, including giant research telescopes.

The optical quality of a telescope cannot be judged by the “flashlight” test; the true test of optical quality can only be conducted through careful star testing.

Troubleshooting

The following suggestions may be helpful with operation of the ETX-90PE, ETX-105PE and ETX-125PE.

The power indicator light on the telescope does not come on or there is no response when pressing the AutoStar Arrow keys:

•Verify that the Computer Control panel power switch (A, Fig. 2) is in the ON position.

•Verify that the AutoStar coil cord is firmly connected to the HBX port (C, Fig. 2).

•If using internal power (batteries), verify that the batteries are installed correctly and that they have sufficient charge (see HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TELESCOPE AND TRIPOD, page 12).

Note: If the batteries are getting low on charge, there will be a marked difference in the slew speed. The speed indicator lights may also flash and the speed may change. If any of these symptoms occurs, turn the power off and replace the batteries.

•If using an external power source, verify that it is properly connected between the 12-volt connector (D, Fig. 3) and either a wall plug (AC source) or a car cigarette lighter (DC source).

•If AutoStar does not respond to commands, move the power switch to OFF and then back to ON.

•If the telescope does not slew after power is applied or if the motor quits or stalls, verify that there are no physical obstructions that would impede telescope movement.

•If all physical obstacles are removed and the telescope still does not move properly, turn off the power and unplug AutoStar. Plug AutoStar back in and turn the power back on.

Unable to see an image through the eyepiece:

•Confirm that the lens cover has been removed from the telescope.

•Confirm that the flip-mirror control (14, Fig. 1b) is in the “up” position if using the eyepiece holder (4, Fig. 1b) so that light is directed to the eyepiece (1, Fig. 1a). Confirm that the flip-mirror control is in the “down” position if using the #932 Erecting Prism or doing photography with an ETX model (see TELESCOPE FEATURES, page 6 and PHOTOGRAPHY, page 38).

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