ETX PREMIER EDITION FEEDBACK Last updated: 31 December 2007

This page is for user comments and information specific to the ETX PE (Premier Edition). Feedback on the specific PE technologies (Automatic Alignment + SmartFinder, Level North Technology) will be covered here. Feedback on the Autostar Suite AE (Astronomer Edition) will be posted on the regular Autostar Suite feedback page. Items that are applicable to all ETX models (EC, AT, PE) will continue to be posted on the other appropriate feedback pages. If you have any comments, suggestions, questions or answers to questions posed here, e-mail them to me and I'll post them. Please use an appropriate Subject Line on your message. Thanks.

Subject:	Auto Alignment
Sent:	Sunday, December 30, 2007 19:02:01
From:	John Sigler (jdstrav@charter.net)
When I use the auto align routine, the Autostar shows " Automatic
Align", "finding level" and goes no further.  What gives?

Also, when trying to run the Guided Tour, it will select an object, show
slewing; the telescope does nothing.  I loosen the vertical lock screw,
slightly move the tube, then the unit motors begin to slew.  Does moving
the tube prior to the unit slewing, mess up the alignment?  Why does it
not slew without me loosening the vertical lock screw?

Frustrated to say the least.
John

Subject:	viewfinder ETXxxx
Sent:	Wednesday, December 19, 2007 05:00:25
From:	Henrik VAN HOLTHOON (henrik.van.holthoon@wanadoo.fr)
Hello Robert drilling in the scope in tube or elsewhere seems to me a
bad idea but if you buy lets say 8x30 illuminated viewfinder including
the fixture (dovetail ? I do not know how these things are called) the
one where you have piece you need to fix on the scope and another piece
holding the viewfinder with the alignment screws I mean a removable one.

The part for scope you can glue (2 components glue) to the tube on the
right side when at the back of the scope the other side of the LNT this
works quite good I have done so.

You can then remove the viewfinder without losing your alignment of
course you have to align it the first time.

If you have a really black observing site illuminated viewfinder is a
big help there are lots of them on the market if you have additional
question ask Mike or me personally.

Good luck
Henrik

And:

If you are talking about the plastic housing at end of the ETXxxx fixing
the viewfinder on this housing is not a good idea. I did the same but
found out later the top of this housing (cover) is somewhat loose I had
to glue this cover afterwards as well otherwise you loose your
alignment. That's the reason I said glue the fixture to the tube.
Regards Henrik

Subject:	Date and time problem
Sent:	Saturday, December 8, 2007 07:51:50
From:	Gerrygaitens@aol.com (Gerrygaitens@aol.com)
I have an etx 125pe which I purchased about two years ago. Although I
have`nt used it much it seemed to work pretty much o.k. The problem is
that everytime I now turn the scope on, Autostar asks for the date and
time - something it did`nt do before as, I assume, the scope has an
internal clock. I have used the reset function but it makes no
difference.

One thing comes to mind though - some time ago I downloaded an update
from the Meade website to the scope and since then some features of
Autostar have changed. For instance, the `sun warning` and `getting
started` messages no longer appear on Autostar when I turn the scope on.
In fact, the `display options` is now missing from the menu. Could the
download have screwed up Autostar?
 
Regards
 
Gerry

And:

As you suggested, the battery in the LNT module was dead. Problem
sorted.

By Meade`s reckoning, that battery should last for five years. I`ve only
had the scope for two!
 
 
Many thanks
 
Gerry

Subject:	ETX 125 PE Finder Scope
Sent:	Saturday, December 8, 2007 05:23:05
From:	Robert Harbaugh (rbharbau@yahoo.com)
I just purchased an ETX 125 PE and love the scope but hate the red dot
finder.  If the finder assembly didn't contain the LNT, I'd just
completely replace it.

In lieu of that, I'd like to mount a traditional finder scope (like an
8x50, maybe a little smaller) on the right side of the tube.  Getting
another finder is easy, mounting it has me stumped.

There is an arc-shaped piece of plastic over the top of the tube just in
front of the eyepiece that has room on the right side for another
finder. (It's the piece with the sun warning sticker on it).  In fact,
the red dot finder is mounted on the left side of this piece.

Problem is I hate to start messing around with a brand new scope.  Since
I don't have any special tools and don't know how all the pieces
actually fit together, I'm really reluctant to try to remove that piece
to put some mounting holes in it.

I really don't want to get into the duct tape and coat hanger style of a
mount if I can help it.  Can you offer any guidance or point me toward a
source of info?

Thanks,

Bob Harbaugh

Subject:	ETX  PE
Sent:	Tuesday, December 4, 2007 06:42:01
From:	William Ellis (wcbabybee@yahoo.com)
My ETX 125PE is back in California again. Changed the DEC Motor first
time and think it's the same this trip from the way it acted!

One of the Techs questioned the way I powered down the scope. Wondered
if there is a preferred method or just turning off the switch?
 
Appreciate your site
 
Bill

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