Related Manuals for Meade ETX-105EC
Summary of Contents for Meade ETX-105EC
- Page 1 Instruction Manual ETX-90EC Astro Telescope ETX-105EC Astro Telescope ETX-125EC Astro Telescope Meade Instruments Corporation...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Troubleshooting ......23 Meade Customer Service .....24 Telescope Specifications . -
Page 4: Quick-Start Guide
Each press slows the speed down one level, then cycles back to the highest speed. Sight along the side of the telescope’s main tube to locate an object. Practice using the Electronic Controller Arrow keys to center an object in the telescope’s field of view. -
Page 5: Telescope Electronic Controller Functions
TELESCOPE AND ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER FUNCTIONS (on left fork arm) Fig. 1: The ETX-90EC Astro Telescope. Fig. 1 (Inset): Computer Control Panel. (A) (B) Auxiliary ports; (C) Handbox port; (D) 12v connector; (E) Power indicator light. - 5 - Features of the ETX-90EC, ETX-... -
Page 6: Etx: Your Personal Window On The Universe
The ETX telescopes can be focused on objects from a distance of about 11.5 ft (ETX-90EC) or 15 ft (ETX-105EC or ETX-125EC) to infinity. Rotate the focus knob clockwise to focus on distant objects, and counterclockwise to focus on nearby objects. -
Page 7: Optional Accessories
Note: Always remove the batteries if they are not to be used for a long period of time. B. Auxiliary (AUX) Ports (2) - Provide connection for current and future Meade accessories, such as the Meade “AstroFinder Software with #505 Cable Connector Kit,” which allows you to control your ETX from a PC. See C. -
Page 8: Electronic Controller Functions
The primary functions of the Electronic Controller are to move (slew) the telescope to an object, indicate the slew speed, and to operate the optional #1244 (ETX-90EC or ETX-105EC) or #1247 (ETX-125EC) Electric Focuser (see key. A detailed description of the functions and operation of the Electronic Controller is found in ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER FUNCTIONS Arrow Keys (1, Fig. -
Page 9: Getting Started
Assembly of all three of the ETX model telescopes requires eight user-supplied AA-size batteries and the following steps: The telescope’s battery compartment (6, Fig. 4) is at the bottom of the drive base. Place the telescope securely on its side as shown in Fig. 4. Open the battery compartment by simultaneously depressing the two release latches (4, Fig. -
Page 10: Using The Viewfinder
ETX-105EC or ETX-125EC 8 x 25 mm Right-Angle Viewfinder: Standard equipment with the ETX-105EC and ETX-125EC, the 8 x 25mm Right-Angle Viewfinder has 8- power magnification and an aperture of 25mm. This viewfinder presents a correctly oriented image up- and-down, but is reversed left-for-right. -
Page 11: Observation Techniques
Check that the viewfinder’s crosshairs and the main telescope are now pointing at precisely the same object. The viewfinder is now aligned to the main telescope. Unless the alignment screws are disturbed or the viewfinder jarred, the viewfinder should remain aligned indefinitely. -
Page 12: Understanding Magnification
The standard-equipment SP 26mm eyepiece yields 48X (“48-power”) on the ETX-90EC, 57X on the ETX-105EC, and 73X on the ETX-125EC. A variety of powers may be obtained with the addition of optional eyepieces as well as the #126 2X Barlow Lens which doubles... -
Page 13: Astronomical Observing
Astronomical Observing As an astronomical instrument, your ETX telescope has many optical and electromechanical capabilities. It is in astronomical applications where the high level of optical performance is readily visible. The range of observable astronomical objects is, with minor qualification, limited only by the observer’s motivation. -
Page 14: Modes Of Operation
Electronic Controller when power is applied (i.e., the motor drive is activated for operation in the Earth’s Southern Hemisphere ). • Leave both the A and B screws in place (or remove both screws) to keep the telescope in the original factory default Alt/Az mode. -
Page 15: Polar Mode
Controller Arrow keys permit pushbutton movements (slewing) of the telescope. To move the telescope using the Electronic Controller: Set the telescope on a level and stable surface, or mount to the Meade #883 Deluxe Field Tripod (see , page 20). -
Page 16: Celestial Coordinates
However, the Arrow keys of the Electronic Controller are useful in this configuration to enable the centering of objects within the telescopic field or, for example, to move the telescope over the surface of the Moon or through a large star field. -
Page 17: Aligning The Viewfinder
5 and has a dual latitude label attached (Fig. 15). The high-latitude tripod leg is shorter and is used at higher observing latitudes. 5. Locate the two mounting holes on the bottom of the telescope drive base. Mount the appropriate 39°... -
Page 18: Photography
For through-the-telescope photography, turn the flip-mirror control (5, Fig. 18) to the “down” position, allowing light to pass straight through the telescope and out the photo port (15, Fig. 1). With the flip-mirror control in the “down” position and the photo port’s dust cover removed, you can see the front lens of the telescope when you look through the photo port. -
Page 19: A Few Tips On Photography
1. Use the optional table tripod specific to your model of ETX, or the #883 Deluxe Field Tripod as a platform for the telescope. At effective focal lengths of 1250mm to 1450mm (ETX-90EC), 1640mm to 1830mm (ETX-105EC), or 1900mm to 2310mm (ETX–125EC), even small external vibrations can easily ruin an otherwise good photo. -
Page 20: Optional Accessories
Electronic Controller, do a quick telescope alignment, and you are ready to observe any object in the Autostar’s 14,000-object database. Best of all, the Meade Autostar is easy to use. Even the most novice observer will locate dozens of Fig. 21: #497 fascinating celestial objects the very first night out —... - Page 21 Fig. 26: The #932 45° Erecting Prism. #765 Soft Carry Bag: The Meade soft-padded carry bag (Fig. 28) is well suited to travel with the ETX-90EC Astro Telescope. Each carry bag includes a shoulder strap and permits ready transport of the complete telescope, including accessories.
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Page 22: General Maintenance
Storage and Transport When the telescope is not in use, store it in a cool, dry place. Do not expose the instrument 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. -
Page 23: Inspecting The Optics
• If the Electronic Controller does not respond to commands, move the power switch to • 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. -
Page 24: Meade Customer Service
12). • For clear viewing of objects, turn the focus knob (8, 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. -
Page 25: Telescope Specifications
Secondary mirror obstruction (dia.; %) . . 27.9mm (1.1”); 9.6% Telescope mounting ....fork type; double tine Setting circle diameters ....Dec.: 3.5”; RA: 7”... -
Page 26: Appendix A: Advanced Electronic Controller Functions
3 and 4 signify whatever tracking mode was last chosen). Press the SPEED key (3, Fig. 3) until lights 1, 2, and 3 are on steady with light 4 blinking. The telescope is now in the Northern Hemisphere polar mode. -
Page 27: Appendix B: Helpful Charts
Appendix B: HELPFUL CHARTS Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the World To aid in the polar alignment procedure (see page 16), latitudes of major cities around the world are listed below. To determine the latitude of an observing site not listed on the chart, locate the city closest to your site. -
Page 28: Appendix C: Polar Alignment; Setting Circles
2. Manually turn the R.A. circle (13, Fig. 1) to read the R.A. of the object at the R.A. pointer (7, Fig. 16). observers in the 3. The R.A. circle is now calibrated to read the correct R.A. of any object at which the telescope is pointed. Earth’s Northern The Dec. -
Page 29: Appendix D: You And The Universe
Moon, and our solar system comes from observations made by amateur astronomers. So as you look through your Meade ETX telescope, keep in mind Galileo. To him, a telescope was not merely a machine made of glass and metal, but something far more—a window through which the beating heart of the universe might be observed. -
Page 30: Deep-Sky Objects
Because of their vast distances from our solar system, all stars appear as pinpoints of light, regardless of the size of the telescope used. Nebulae are vast interstellar clouds of gas and dust where stars are formed. Most impressive... -
Page 31: Meade Limited Warranty
ONE YEAR from the date of original purchase in the U.S.A. and Canada. Meade will repair or replace a product, or part thereof, found by Meade to be defective, provided the defective part is returned to Meade, freight-prepaid, with proof of purchase. - Page 32 A D V A N C E D P R O D U C T S D I V I S I O N Meade Instruments Corporation World’s Leading Manufacturer of Astronomical Telescopes for the Serious Amateur 6001 Oak Canyon, Irvine, California 92618...
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