The Meade ETX Telescope

A Service Provided by the Whatcom Association of Celestial Observers

Illustration: A telescope is depicted with planets, stars, and constellations in the background.

The Meade ETX 90

The Meade ETX series is a sophisticated entry-level telescope suitable for people who want to view the night sky without spending a large amount of money. It offers many features found in more expensive and advanced telescopes. The primary differences lie in the size of the Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) and its light-gathering capability. Although considered an entry-level scope, it is a precision instrument. The accompanying instruction manual can be challenging for beginners, but understanding its content is valuable for anyone considering upgrading to a more powerful telescope.

First Step

Make an honest attempt to read and understand the manual while having the scope and its parts on hand. Avoid rushing the setup process and expecting "Hubble Space Telescope" quality images immediately. The ETX is excellent for viewing the Moon and planets in our solar system. Deep Sky Objects like Nebulas and distant Galaxies may appear as faint smudges, more defined than with the naked eye. Reading the manual at least two to three times is recommended.

Setting Up the Telescope

Once you've familiarized yourself with the manual, it's time to set up the scope. The tripod typically comes with its own duffle bag, which can sometimes be difficult to manage.

Tripod Setup Tip: While the instruction manual is clear on tripod setup, a key tip is to not extend the legs fully. Leave some length for later leveling adjustments. Extending legs completely might require adjusting two legs for leveling, whereas leaving some length allows for adjustment with just one leg. Finding the correct height is often an exercise in trial and error, settling after several observation sessions.

Alignment Guidance: When setting up the tripod, align the Latitude adjustment rod of the mounting plate to the back and the forward leg towards "True North" or "Magnetic North." This is helpful for aligning the telescope with stars later. Ensure the top mounting plate is as level as possible by adjusting the tripod legs. A smartphone with a compass and a level app can be very useful for these operations.

Telescope Positioning: After mounting the telescope to the tripod, you might need to lift the entire assembly to point it towards "True North" or "Magnetic North" after setting the scope to its "Home Position." Leveling adjustments should be minor. The telescope base typically has three small rubber pads. Assemble the scope so two pads are at the back and the single pad faces forward. The control panel should be on the left side for optimal movement range (default "Alt/Az" mount).

Mount the Telescope to the Tripod

The instruction manual provides detailed guidance on mounting the scope. Focus on loosening the latch, raising the attached plate to access attachment screws, and securely fastening the scope. Once secured, replace the dust cover with an eyepiece.

Aligning the Finder Scope with the Optical Tube

This is a crucial step for successful object location. Perform this and subsequent setup operations in daylight. Choose a distant target, preferably farther than 200 yards. Remove the dust cover from the optical tube. Loosen the horizontal latch and vertical knob on the right fork of the scope to allow for easy side-to-side and up/down movement with slight resistance.

Finder Scope Alignment (continued): Use the Finder Scope to aim the main Optical Tube at the target and then look through the Telescope Eyepiece. You may need to adjust the focus knob. Note that the image viewed through the eyepiece is inverted (up is down, right is left). Make necessary adjustments to center the target. Once centered in the main telescope, lock down the horizontal and vertical adjustments. Then, adjust the Finder Scope so its center matches the main telescope's center. This ensures both scopes are aligned, with the Finder Scope's wider field of view aiding future searches.

Put the Telescope into its Home Position

With the finder scope and main optical tube aligned, set the scope to its "Home Position" for "Training the Drive." Loosen the "horizontal" lever at the base of the scope and turn it counter-clockwise until it stops. Then, turn it clockwise until one of the fork mounts aligns with the power controls on the base. Lock the horizontal lever.

Replace the eyepiece with the included bubble level/compass, or use a smartphone with compass and level apps. You may need to adjust the tripod legs to center the bubble in the level. This process becomes easier with practice.

Training the Drive

Ensure batteries are installed or the scope has power. The manual has a section on "Training the Drive." You will use the "AudioStar Handset" (also referred to as "AutoStar Handset") for this. The "Audio" designation comes from the voice descriptions of selected objects. Read the directions carefully before proceeding.

"Training the Drive" helps improve aiming accuracy and ensures the scope returns reliably to celestial objects. The AudioStar Handset is a small computer controlling the scope's movements. Selecting an object and pressing "GoTo" moves the scope to it. Calibrating the scope through "Training the Drive" makes movements repeatable. This process needs to be done infrequently or when accuracy is lacking.

The Scope is Ready for Viewing...but

Turning on Telescope Tracking involves navigating the AudioStar Menu tree. It is highly recommended to print and laminate a copy of the menu tree from the instruction manual for easy reference.

For the scope to accurately show the night sky, it must first be aligned with a couple of prominent guide stars. The AudioStar Handset will guide you through this alignment process, which is important.

The scope is ready for viewing the night sky. If it's in a good position, you can aim it at the Moon by pressing buttons on the handset in manual mode. Be aware that the scope won't track the Moon unless "Tracking" is enabled.

Using The Technology Available

Modern technology, such as cell phones, iPads, and tablets, provides powerful tools for amateur astronomers to identify celestial objects and their locations. During the Star Alignment process, the AudioStar Handset will select stars for you to center in the field of view, often referring to them by name.

Numerous astronomy apps are available for iOS and Android platforms, such as "Star Chart," "Night Sky Lite," "SkyPortal," and "Sky Walk 2." Many are free or reasonably priced. By pointing your phone's camera at the night sky, these apps display visible objects, constellations, and major stars, aiding in aiming your telescope correctly.

App icons shown: A planet with rings, a constellation diagram, a moonrise/sunset graphic, and another constellation diagram.

First Time Viewing the Night Sky

To begin viewing, ensure you have the AudioStar Handset menu tree or the instruction manual. Inputting your time, date, and zip code into the handset is crucial for it to provide accurate viewing information.

Start by observing the Moon. It is large and easy to find. If it appears too bright, use a lunar filter screwed into the eyepiece. The Moon is best viewed when not completely full, with details visible along the "Terminator Line" (the boundary between light and dark). You might also spot features like the "Lunar X" and "Lunar V" under specific lighting conditions.

First Time Viewing Tips

Avoid trying to absorb everything about the universe at once. Recommended tools for viewing include a 2-Sided Planisphere, a Headlamp, and a walking stick.

Planisphere: This tool helps you identify celestial objects visible from your location based on the correct day and time. It's a common item in an amateur astronomer's toolkit.

Headlamp: A headlamp is useful for hands-free illumination, ideally with a red light option to preserve night vision.

Walking Stick/Cane: Using a stick or cane can help steady yourself when viewing through the eyepiece, reducing vibration caused by touching the scope. This reduces vibration and makes observing easier.

Planispheres can be ordered online or found with astronomy books. Headlamps are available at various retailers. Walking sticks can be found at outdoor shops.

You've Seen The Moon, Now What?

The ETX telescope, with the AudioStar handset, can also be used to view other planets in the solar system. Saturn is particularly memorable for those who have viewed it. Jupiter, the largest planet, is impressive, and its moons can often be seen even with binoculars. Mars, known as the "Red Planet," is also a target for observation.

Images shown: Saturn with rings, Jupiter with bands, and Mars.

You Saw What You Saw But It Might Not Be What You Expected Or Wanted

The images viewed through the ETX may not resemble those from powerful deep space telescopes. Consider the vast investment in those professional instruments when evaluating the ETX's output. Atmospheric conditions can affect image clarity, causing fuzziness. Viewing for a period allows you to observe changes in conditions. Stars that are not "twinkling" often indicate a clearer atmosphere, making it a good time to observe.

Don't get discouraged; achieving an "ah-ha" moment takes practice. If you're unsure about what you're looking at or if the scope is pointed correctly, research and seeking advice from experienced astronomers can help. The instruction manual also suggests that upgrading to a more powerful scope is an option if you are not satisfied with the ETX's results.

Couple Things You Might Have Done That You Don't Want To Do Again

• Shortening tripod legs excessively can result in the eyepiece being too low for horizontal viewing, requiring you to stoop.
• Avoid placing objects in the space between the telescope's mounting forks, as this can cause damage to the slew and motor gears. This area is a "Do Not Enter" zone.
• Do not touch the scope or tripod while looking through the eyepiece, as this causes vibration and image instability. Only touch the scope to adjust the focus knob.

Astronomy Terms To Learn In Order To Talk Like You Actually Know Something

• Slew: The movement of the scope up/down and side to side.
• Alt/Az Mount: Short for Altitude/Azimuth. Altitude refers to the vertical angle, and Azimuth refers to the horizontal direction. The default mounting system is Alt/Az.
• Equatorial Mount: Used for advanced purposes, often with cameras. Requires orienting the tripod to match the global latitude and performing a "Polar Alignment." This is a more complex setup.
• Polar Alignment: Aligning the scope so the North Star is centered in the eyepiece view.
• 2 Star Alignment: The AudioStar Handset computer selects two stars for image centering and calibration, allowing it to accurately locate objects in the night sky.

More Terms

• Magnitude: Describes the brightness of a star or object. Smaller numbers indicate brighter objects.
• Focal Length: The distance (in millimeters) between the telescope's primary lens/mirror and the focus point. It is a major factor in determining the telescope's magnifying power.
• Objective Lens Size: The size of the primary lens or mirror (aperture). It directly relates to the telescope's light-gathering power and angular resolution.
• Telescope F-Stop: The lens speed, calculated by dividing focal length by aperture. A wider aperture (lower f-stop number) gathers more light. A low f-ratio (e.g., f4-f5) is good for wide-field views, while a medium f-ratio (e.g., f6-f8) is suitable for general-purpose use.

Going Over To The DARKSIDE

This section title suggests a transition or perhaps a more advanced topic.

Times Are A Changin' And Not Everybody Is On Board With That

Technological advancements are constantly improving various fields, including astronomy. While some embrace new technologies, others prefer traditional methods. Some traditional astronomers believe true practice involves manually identifying and naming constellations and stars. Others view technology-assisted astronomy as "fake astronomy." However, the integration of electronics, computers, optics, and cameras has made astronomy more accessible, allowing people to engage without extensive apprenticeships.

Images shown: Historical astronomers with instruments, and astronomers observing with telescopes.

There Is Still A Need To Know The Basics

Understanding basic astronomy, its history, and equipment is beneficial. It helps in appreciating the field and its pioneers. While technology advances rapidly, basic knowledge remains important. The ETX telescope is now ready for advanced setup.

Lazy Telescope Astronomy 101

This section describes a setup using a Meade ETX 90 telescope equipped with a Meade LPI-G Advanced Color camera (Lunar Planetary Imager and Guilder). The camera is connected to a laptop running Meade's "Sky Capture" software, which displays real-time telescope views. Other similar software packages are also available. A Meade STELLA WiFi adapter connects to the AudioStar Handset, allowing a wirelessly connected handheld tablet computer to control the telescope's movements.

Image shown: A Meade ETX 90 telescope setup with a laptop, camera, and chair.

Connection Pattern Between Telescope, AudioStar, and Stella

The connection involves the AudioStar Handset connected to the telescope base. A secondary connection is made using the Meade #505 Cable Set from the handset to the Stella adapter. Newer versions of the #505 Cable Set are available. A battery pack can also be connected to the Stella to augment its power source.

Images shown: AudioStar Handset, STELLA adapter, cables, and battery pack.

The Stella WiFi Adapter Interface

The Stella adapter creates a WiFi network that can connect to handheld devices like computer tablets. A dedicated StellaAccess application, available for iOS and Android, is required. The app needs to be configured with the specific telescope model being used.

Stella displays available viewing objects based on the device's orientation. Before connecting, ensure the telescope is set up and aligned. Once connected via the "CONNECT" button, Stella takes over control from the AudioStar Handset, providing access to all functions through an easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Image shown: A screenshot of the StellaAccess application interface displaying a star map.

Connecting the Camera and the Computer

With the telescope and tablet connected, you can still use an eyepiece for direct viewing or opt for a screen for a more comfortable experience. The Meade LPI-G Color Advanced camera features ports for a "guider" cable and a USB3.0 cable. Connecting the camera to a computer via USB allows imaging software to display a "preview" of what the camera is viewing when placed in the telescope's eyepiece holder.

Images shown: Meade LPI-G camera, its ports, laptop connection, and telescope with camera attached.

Camera to Computer Continued

Various astro-imaging software packages offer different features for manipulating live images, such as adjusting brightness, contrast, color depth, and rotating the image. This can be helpful for precise object centering.

Providing Power To The System: Powering the equipment is essential. Smaller components like the ETX telescope, STELLA WiFi Adapter, Laptop Computer, and Handheld Tablet may have internal batteries. Larger cameras often require their own power supply. The setup location, especially proximity to a household current source, is a significant factor.

Powering The System

If extension cords are not feasible, alternative power sources are needed. A portable generator is a common solution, with considerations for portability, quietness, and adequate power output. Using a surge protector or UPS between the generator and the system is recommended, as generator power can be "dirty."

Another option is a DC Power Cell connected to an Inverter, which converts DC power to AC power. You must calculate the total wattage required for your system and consider adding a buffer. Heavy-gauge power cables are recommended, and remember that batteries have a limited run time.

Images shown: A portable generator, a DC power cell, and a power inverter.

More Ginger Bread Stuff

To enhance viewing, consider adding accessories like a secondary monitor for better group viewing or a projector to display images on a larger screen. While accessories can improve the experience, adding too many can make setup and takedown cumbersome. Sometimes, simpler setups are preferred. There is also a market for used telescopes and related astronomy gear.

Image shown: A laptop and a secondary monitor.

Other Sources Of Information

This presentation aims to answer questions regarding the setup of Meade ETX series telescopes. For further tips and tricks, the internet channel "YouTube" offers many videos from Meade and other ETX owners. A simple "Google It" search can also provide valuable information.

Clear Skies and Happy Observing!