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Last updated: 31 January 2005
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Last updated: 31 January 2005 |
Subject: Eyepiece Question Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2005 20:23:04 From: Rob and Tammy Pugh (robandtammy.pugh@verizon.net) Thanks for your wonderful site. I am new to astronomy, but am enjoying my ETX-70AT. Anyway, to supplement the two eyepiece that came with the scope, I ordered a few higher-powered ones (4mm, 5mm, and 6mm - all Plossls). This is a terribly stupid question, but I'm not sure how I should be using these new eyepieces. What I mean is, the opening that I am to look through is very, very small in these higher-powered lenses. How do I position my eye in relation to these very small openings in order to view things? I haven't had any luck on the two nights I've tried them out. Thanks in advance for any thoughts you have! Rob PughMike here: Those eyepieces have a narrow field of view (FOV) and short "eye relief". I suggest you try them on the Moon or a distant daytime object (BUT NOT the Sun). You will need to get the pupil of your eye close to the eyepiece (but try to avoid letting eyelashes touch the glass). Also, the ETX-70 (and ETX-60) will require MANY MANY turns of the focus knob to reach a focus when you switch to some eyepieces.
And:
Wow. Thanks, Mike, for the quick and helpful response! Rob PughAnd:
Wanted to give you an update. I followed your advice and took my scope and new eyepieces out during the day today - it was very sunny and clear here in Pittsburgh. I used a watertower that is about a mile away (actually the warning light on top of the watertower). I got the hang of the new eyepieces, and they worked great. I really appreciate your taking the time to help me out. And, you were right about the focus knob, it took many, many turns each time I changed an eyepiece. I noticed that when I thought I had the object centered in one eyepiece, it was often out of the field of view (and out of focus, of course) when I switched to a higher-powered eyepiece. That was almost certainly the problem when I tried to use my new eyepieces at night. Other than practice, is there anything I can try to get an object better centered in the eyepiece? Also, I note that although the theoretical maximum magnification for my ETX-70 is 140x, I was able to focus in pretty clearly on land-based objects using my 4mm eyepiece with a 3x Barlow (which as you would know is a 262x magification for my scope). Don't know if that will be a usable magnification or not for me with night sky objects, but I guess I will find out. Thanks again. RobMike here: Unfortunately, most consumer telescopes have some "slop" in the eyepiece position, resulting from the large hole and the single setscrew. Not much you can easily do about that. As to exceeding the theoretical magnification, on bright objects (like the Moon and brighter planets) on nights of excellent seeing you can do it. Just don't expect to be able to do it all the time.
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One last question. I must have accidentally thrown away the two tripod adjustment screws/knobs (that connect the telescope to the tripod). Although I have checked Meade's site and other listings of Meade accessories I haven't seen them listed. Any tips on stores/sites that may sell them? Thanks again.Mike here: Contact Meade; they will likely send you a couple.
Subject: Digital adapter Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 05:38:30 From: Jan H Kolst (jan.kolsto@online.no) I've a ETX 90 AT and would like to take some astropictures.I,ve no experience in this field.So I was wondering if it is possible to use a DIGITAL ADAPETER for my telescope and Canon video/camera(combination) ? I 've come across an adapter fixed ti the eyepiece.Is that a possibility? Thanks for the advice! Regards Jan Kolsto NorwayMike here: See the Helpful Information: Astrophotography page as well as the Accessory Reviews: Astrophotography page. Lots of info on photography with digital cameras.
Subject: ETX-70AT Focus Knob Setscrew Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 11:37:07 From: AE0Q V31RY (v31ry@ix.netcom.com) In answer to the question on the ETX-70 page about the set screw size in the focus knob, it needs a 0.050 inch Allen wrench. Regards, Glenn AE0Q / V31RY
Subject: etx 70 help Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 10:11:50 From: Brian K (klinedavidbrian@hotmail.com) I have an etx-70 unit, it came with starry night bundle and nothing else, what do i need (i have a 2003 computer) to connect it to the computer? I have usb input jacks and printer jack also when you connect it to a computer is it really worth the time and do you need software better than starry night to do anythingMike here: Whether it is worth it depends upon WHY you want the computer controlling the telescope. Personally I rarely do it. But if you want to do it you will need the appropriate serial cable for your Autostar. That would be a #506 from Meade if you have the #494 Autostar (no number keys on the keypad) or a #505 from Meade or you can make one if you have the #497 Autostar. You will also need a USB-serial adapter. For info on cables and USB, see the Helpful Information: Autostar Info page.
Subject: ETX-70AT Eye Piece Selection? Sent: Monday, January 24, 2005 08:24:15 From: AE0Q V31RY (v31ry@ix.netcom.com) I recently discovered your fantastic ETX web site, thanks for all your effort!! I have 2 questions that I just can't find answers to, even after spending a lot of time looking at the tech tips and other postings on your web site, and reading ALL of the user comments on Amazon.com about the ETX-70. 1) I have the ETX-70AT with stock 9mm and 25mm EP, and a 2x Meade Barlow. A number of folks recommend another lower power, wider field EP, either a 32mm or 40mm. Given the short 350mm focal length of the ETX-70, do you think the 40mm is too long (less than 10x)? Would an 18mm Wide Angle EP be better choice for spending money? 2) Some of the power supply comments allude to just running the ETX-70 on 12v, and others are concerned with dropping the 12v to 9v. Is there a definite answer on being OK to run the Autostar 494 controller on 12vdc? In my Meade advertising material they list the 497 as optional for the ETX-70, so it must be able to run on 9v. Hmmm.. Thanks for your help!!! 73 - Glenn AE0Q / V31RYMike here: Personally, I would opt for the shorter focal length eyepiece. As you note, the ETX-70 is a short focal length telescope; so you don't gain (or reduce) the magnification much nor increase the FOV that much from a longer focal length eyepiece. It will run on 9V (that's what the six AA batteries do). But 12VDC is OK; that's what the Meade AC adapter does.
Subject: ETX 70 AT eyepieces Sent: Sunday, January 23, 2005 12:11:47 From: Kumarclan1@wmconnect.com (Kumarclan1@wmconnect.com) i wanted to know where i can buy an eyepiece that has more magnification than 25mm for ETX 70 at i wanted to buy one because i tried looking at saturn but could only see a really small dot with the 25mm piece and just part of the rings. Can you help me? ThanksMike here: Certainly you can add eyepieces and/or a 2X or 3X Barlow Lens. But you should have received both the 25mm and a 9mm eyepiece with the ETX-70AT. If you do decide to get a Barlow Lens, get one designed for the ETX-70; otherwise all eyepieces may not reach a focus when used with the Barlow Lens.
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Thanks for the information. I was wondering if you could also tell me a website where i can get good deals on the 2x or 3x barlow lens. I was also wondering if there is a 40 mm eyepiece that i could buy i have heard about them but i m not sure if they are for 70 at. Can you also tell me the website where i could buy extra eyepieces for 70 at. Thank youMike here: Many dealers offer specials; check out Shutan Camera and Video, Oceanside Photo and Telescope, and Scopetronix. They are all good dealers. [I have a relationship with OPT.] As to a 40mm, that would probably not be a good choice since the ETX-70 is already a low magnification telescope.
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i did research for the barlow lenses a little bit but i am still not sure what they are used for i read something about a 1.25" magnification and the sites dont have a lot of info on the barlow. Can you help me? Thank YouMike here: Basically, a Barlow Lens increases the magnification of the eyepiece it is used with. What it really does is increase the focal length of the light path to the eyepiece. So, with a 2X Barlow Lens you double the effective magnification of any eyepiece; a 3X one triples it.
Subject: etx 70 maintenance
Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2005 12:04:54
From: Pascal Robberechts (pr.1962@pandora.be)
hello, i am pascal robberechts from belgium europe
i have since a few month a etx 70
good telescope for beginning and learning the sky
my question is : i read about collimation , do i have to do also
collimation on a refractor like a etx 70.,if yes how? or is that only
for Newton telescopes and by a shmidt-cassegrain like the lx90
thank pascal from belgium
Mike here: Refractors do not need collimation. However, the flip mirror could slip out of position if you let the ETX get too hot (storing in direct sunlight, for example). But normally, no optical maintenance (other than cleaning) should be required.
Subject: new to etx-70 Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2005 09:24:11 From: Irene Good (igood@fas.harvard.edu) My son and I are just starting out- I bought him a Meade ETX-70 with astrostar for Christmas, along with software for our computer, then found out that it won't work on a Mac, so I bought my daughter a PC notebook for Christmas so we could all work as a team; then I had to get the 'bridge' to get the cable to work, and finally we got some clear nights, and the focusing knob slipped. I called Meade, they were very nice, and told me to simply use the little allen key to tighten the knob. I can't find the little allen key. Anywhere. I have spent days looking, I think it may have gotten thrown out. I have spent quite a bit of time trying to buy a replacement allen key/hex wrench (it is so tiny!) but to no avail. Could you please help? What size is the tiny screw for the tiny knob? I did end up having to reassemble it, as the rod came away from the knob at one point- Is that a big problem? (yes, in the dark, losing the gasket)- found the gasket, have the knob and tiny screw, but no allen key. My tiny screwdriver for glasses repair is way too big. !. What is the special allen key size? 2. Where can I get one? Thank you so much for your help. -Starless in glassesMike here: There is Mac software that will control the Autostar GOTO telescopes. AstroPlanner and Scopedriver are two good ones as well as the higher end commercial ones (Starry Night, Voyager III, etc.). See the Accessory Reviews: Software page for more info. As to the hex key, I don't have a way to accurately measure it but a complete set should have the small one needed. Or you could contact Meade again; they would likely send you one.
And:
many thanks!
Subject: Removing/Adjusting the Objective on an ETX-70/60 Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2005 00:18:11 From: Trails and Grasslands (contact@trailsandgrasslands.org) I just saw the question on possible pinched optics. Check out my homemade spanner in the Tech Tips section: http://www.weasner.com/etx/techtips/spanner-wrench.html and see if this doesn't help. Thomas Henry
Subject: shoe for mount for finder on etx-70 Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 11:30:23 From: Jan Brandenburg (jm.brandenburg@wanadoo.nl) I own an ETX-70. It has no finder nor a finder shoe/mount. There are numerous suggestions on your site for home-made mounts for finderscopes. However, brands like Orion, Vixen and so have mounts that slip into a dovetail shoe/bracket/base or whatever you call it, which can be attached to the OTA by means of two screws. Is there any reason why I should not simply screw a base onto/into the OTA? If there is, do you see any reason to publish some remarks regarding this issue on your site? I searched your site extensively, but I could find no answer. Thank you for your attention. J. Brandenburg, the NetherlandsMike here: Well, I suppose you could drill into the fork mount points (carefully). Alternatively, you could make a mounting bracket that attaches where Meade attaches their ETX-70 finderscope (which uses a screw already on the back plate of the ETX).
Subject: question from ireland on the meade etx 70- Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 10:26:44 From: Paddy Galvin (pamaso@gofree.indigo.ie) im thinking of buying the meade etx 70 from telescopes.com and having it shipped here to ireland,is this a telescope you would recommend for a beginner? $200/300 is the top end of my spending scale.hope you can help thanks paddy galvinMike here: The ETX-70AT is a good telescope, depending upon your expectations. You should read my ETX-70 comments (linked from the top of the current "ETX-60, ETX-70" feedback page as well as the User Observations reports (in the Helpful Information section). You need to confirm that the dealer will ship it to you; there are some restrictions.
Subject: ETX 60 lens removal, can it be done? Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 20:07:56 From: Rick Yent (gdy3@yahoo.com) I have an etx 60. I think the optics are pinched, most of the stars look like comets. I've read that many optics are pinched when they come from the factory. The front of the lens has a retaining ring with two holes in it. It looks as though you could remove the ring using a tool that holds two plunt point probes. I have a similar tool for large format photography, it has two screw driver blades. Has anyone done this? Any help is greatly apreciated. Thanks Rick
Subject: air bubble in corrector lens Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 17:21:00 From: Aldo (mail@aldohanson.net) Terrific site Mike, thank you. I have been offered an ETX-70, but its corrector lens has an "air bubble" in it; does the bubble make it a bad buy? AL.Mike here: The ETX-70 does not have a "corrector lens". That model is a refractor and that lens is the main optical component which focuses the light. If there is indeed an "air bubble" I would shy away from it as it will scatter light or other degrade the focusing or light correction.
Subject: re: how to update a ETX 70 Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2005 21:00:38 From: Richard Seymour (rseymour@wolfenet.com) To clarify Mike's answer: it is not possible to update a 494's firmware programming. it IS possible to update the User Objects (Comets, Asteroids, Satellites, Tours) with the 506 cable. See: http://www.weasner.com/etx/autostar/guide-libraries.html it is also possible to control the telescope with the 506 cable. Programs such as TheSky, StarryNight, Cartes du Ciel (free!), and AstroPlanner (cheap!) can do it. have fun --dickAnd:
Thanks for the answers Jeroen
Subject: ETX 70 RA lock problem Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2005 14:34:06 From: Simon James (simon@simonsound.co.uk) I have a problem with my ETX 70 RA lever. I need to tighten it but I can't seem to undo the little screw. It just seems to keep turning. Any suggestions? Regards -- simon jamesMike here: If the setscrew is not turning you may not be getting the allen wrench sufficiently inserted or you may be using one too large or too small. Could that be the problem?
Subject: ETX 70 & eyepiece projection... Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2005 12:49:58 From: Alejandro Haro (harito16@hotmail.com) I own a ETX 70 and for several years I have tried to get into astrophotography. I am using a Nikon N65, for some reason when I try the method of prime focus, I can't focus. I have tried a different camera and focus can be achieved. Because of this I have tried "eyepiece projection" holding my camera on top of the eyepiece, it works, but it is really difficult, besides i would like to do some long exposure photographs. I have found so many accesories but I do not know which will fit my telescope the best. What would be the best thing to buy to use the method of eyepiece projection without having to hold the camera myself. I would appreciate your help. Thank you.Mike here: Check out the Scopetronix Digi-T system for use with digital cameras, if that is what the N65 is. See the Accessory Reviews: Astrophotography page. You might want to look at the Helpful Information: Astrophotography page as well.
Subject: how to update a ETX 70 Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 16:12:17 From: JEROEN (j.nederpel@planet.nl) Great site, I have the next question. Is it possible to update my ETX 70 with a 494 autostar from 2004? I did not find the answer on the site I already bought a 506 cable. Jeroen NederpelMike here: Meade has not made available a user-installable update to the #494 Autostar. However, if you get a #495 (which can be updated to a #497) or a #497, you can update it with a #505 (not #506) cable.
Subject: Autostar 497 error Sent: Friday, January 14, 2005 12:17:19 From: Manish Panjwani (manish_panjwani@hotmail.com) I had know about your site for several years, but never frequented it since I did not own ETX scopes. However, a recent purchase for my neices sent me to your site several times, and I am now writing with a problem we've run into. I just purchased a 1.5 yr old gently used Meade ETX-AT off Astromart. The original hand controller (494?) controls the scope just fine. However, when I plug in the 497 Autostar controller and turn on the scope here is what happens: 1. The lights on the display and under the keys light up for a seond. They then blink 5 or 6 times in quick succession. 2. The display reads "Initializing..." for a second. 3. The display then jumps to read the following: "Enter date 21-Aug-2004" with the cursor continously blinking under the "2" in the date. Here is the problem: After reaching the blinking cursor, absolutely none of the keys work. I can't update the date and can't get to the menu items to reset the controller either. The cursor just keeps blinking under the "2". The previous owner claims the scope worked just fine the last time he used it. I just got off the phone with Meade tech support and they simply said that the hand controller was defective and needs to be replaced. Since this was a used scope, they would not talk any further. I live in LA and just flew to Florida where I am visiting my neices for the weekend. I had the scope shipped here directly, and am now hoping to have this resolved before I head back for home. Any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for a great site and your help. Kind regards, Manish Agena AstroProductsMike here: I presume you are talking about an ETX-60AT or ETX-70AT that has a #494 Autostar (no number keys). What version software is in the Autostar #497? Perhaps you need to update it. If a really old version, it could pre-date the released of the ETX-60/70 models.
Subject: New improved ETX 70 tripod (europe) and free language change for Autostar 494 Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 01:27:17 From: Adrian (suevite@waitrose.com) my new ETX 70 AT came with a German language ROM Autostar 494, direct from Germany, which was not reprogrammable. However, following prompt advice of the provider where I purchased the telescope (http://www.burkhards-shop.de) the parent company (Meade Instruments Europe) have immediately exchanged the unit free of charge, for an English (GB) version, super service. The English handbook can be downloaded as a pdf in English from Meade's website. Also, being new to this, but comparing with your web page and the Meade website, the tripod apears not to be the "882" but is a much better upgraded version, with built in level, twist-lock central column with swivel hook for weight, and stabilising metal cross-tree with numerous holes for the eyepieces. A new style battery lid clip-on includes a handy projection for supporting the 494 Autostar when not in use. 4 eyepieces and dew shield were supplied (x4, x12, x20, barlow x3), and these all fit with the 70AT inside the new Meade padded rucksack, and crampon-style fitting attaches the tripod on the outside. This is really great for my travelling. I have seen saturn, and shown it to my two young children already - for the first time in my life, the whole unit just as I had hoped from reading your website. I am really impressed with Meade's (Europe) service, and the current package deal included a free 5-year warranty! Your website has been especially helpful, and I hope the information about the Autostar 494 language change may help others. Adrian Jones, London England.
Subject: Finding Objects with ETX-70AT Sent: Monday, January 10, 2005 10:33:12 From: Brett Yesukaitis (byesukaitis@hotmail.com) I received an ETX-70AT for Christmas, and have been working with it, getting better every time. I have noticed that after aligning it, I can find many objects with the Autostar, but have encountered two issues. On occasion, it becomes slightly out of alignment...ie. if looking for Sirius, it will be a few degrees off, even though this is one of the stars I aligned with. Also, I have issues with the Andromeda Galaxy. No matter where I am, it slews ever so slightly then indicates it is there, even though it is way off. Have you ever seen anything like this? or have any suggestions? Thanks. BrettMike here: There are several variables that influence accuracy. Are you letting the Autostar select the alignment stars or are you doing the selection manually? If the latter, be certain they are about 90 degrees apart and within about 45 degrees of the celestial equator. How are you centering the alignment star in the eyepiece? That is, how accurate is your centering? If things get out of whack over a short period of time, I suggest doing a CALIBRATE and TRAIN DRIVES.
Subject: re: Mains power supply Sent: Sunday, January 9, 2005 20:00:40 From: Richard Seymour (rseymour@wolfenet.com) Not clear from your message is whether or not the 9v supply you are considering puts out AC or DC. The ETX telescopes require DC. (the word "transformer", in a strict engineering sense, implies AC on the output. Units which put out DC (after starting with Mains AC) are usually called power supplies, adapters or rectifiers) have fun --dick
Subject: Astrophotography with the Meade ETX-70AT and a Sony Cybershot Digital Still Camera (DSC-S75) Sent: Saturday, January 8, 2005 12:19:18 From: Anthony Favata (tonyerin@epix.net) I was wondering what accessories are available that provide good results using the above specific telescope and digital camera models. In addition best practices techniques would be greatly appreciated. I am interested in accessories that would permit me to attach the camera to the scope in some fashion and if any such accessories are designed for the above-noted specific camera model. Also, I am curious as to whether there is some type of device that would allow me to take the picture in a way that would minimize vibration that would come from my hands. Regards, and thank youMike here: Lots of info on the Helpful Information: Astrophotography page on my ETX Site. Also, check out the Accessory Reviews: Astrophotography page. Lastly, there are some excellent examples of ETX-70 astrophotography on the Guest Gallery pages.
Subject: Is there a special way to set the sidereal rate in an etx-60? Sent: Friday, January 7, 2005 15:10:48 From: Michael Williamson (endorphinjunkie@earthlink.net) I have just acquired a used ext-60. It seems to be in good shape. The optics are fine. I have an equatorial mount that I would like to use this telescope with. I don't have the auto star handbox to use, just the plain Meade handbox. My question is how does one get the motor to track in a sidereal rate? Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you, Michael WilliamsonMike here: You set the default mode using the handcontroller. You can toggle between sidereal rate and no tracking using the handcontroller. Details are in the ETX-60 manual. If you don't have a manual, you can get one online; see the FAQ page for info on manuals.
And:
Thanks for the quick reply. I don't have an autostar controller. The hand controller I have does not have a display screen. I have downloaded the etx-60 manual, but that only contains info about programming the etx using the 494 controller. The hand controller I have only has the four slew control buttons, which, by the way, work. It has a focus in and out control. It also has a speed and mode button. But no screen. If I could just figure out how to set it on sidereal motion I would be happy. MichaelMike here: The standard handcontroller is used to toggle the sidereal rate ON and OFF. That's all you can do without an Autostar. It is covered in the manual.
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Thanks again. I have been playing with the buttons and stumbled on to the sidereal setting. Now just to see if I can duplicate it again. I think I am figuring it out. Holding the mode key down and using the speed key to switch between settings seem to work. Now just to identify each combination. I will look at the manual again.Mike here: As with computer hardware and software, reading the manual does pay off! The "magic" standard handcontroller keypresses are documented there.
Later: My apologies. I woke up this morning and wondered if Meade still have the ETX-60EC, ETX-70EC manual online. So I checked and they don't. But the ETX-90/105/125EC models manual is available there. Grab that; it has the instructions on using the standard handcontroller.
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Thanks again. I looked at the 90 manual and it does show the same controller that I have. I will have time to sort it out tomorrow, I hope. Michael
Subject: Vertical slewing problems ETX 70 Sent: Thursday, January 6, 2005 14:14:36 From: Roland Storm (roland.storm@planet.nl) I am having problems with the vertical motors of my ETX 70. If I tighten the knob so the scope stays just barely balanced it will move down but it won't move up, tightening doesn't help. Do you have any tips for correcting this problem? I have just replaced the batteries with a fresh set. Your help would be greatly appreciated! Roland Storm, Amsterdam NetherlandsMike here: Can you do a CALIBRATE and TRAIN DRIVES? Will it slew during the drive training? If that doesn't work, try a RESET, CALIBRATE, and TRAIN DRIVES.
Subject: Mains power supply Sent: Thursday, January 6, 2005 02:18:13 From: Sidney Darren (Darren.Sidney@barclaycard.co.uk) I've treated myself to an ETX 70AT for Christmas, and would like to know how I can power the scope with a mains transformer (I live in the UK). I have a mains transformer with a PP3 clip that can connect to the scope and can also provide 9V power. Can I simply connect this transformer, or do I need to check the power output? I don't want to risk burning out the motors. Also, I would like a decent power supply when in the field (literally!) and have heard of people using these portable "power stations" used for jump-starting your car. Most of these provide 12V DC power for external appliances, and I would like to know if this is suitable for my scope bearing in mind that the total voltage of 6 AA batteries is only 9V. Thanks in advance. Regards, Darren SidneyMike here: Your system "may" work. See the "Power Supplies" section of the Helpful Information: Telescope Tech Tips page. As to external power supplies, see the Accessory Reviews: Miscellaneous page for some reviews and other comments.
Subject: Meade ATX70 erecting prism and start-up Sent: Monday, January 3, 2005 19:29:09 From: ED (valcour6@tampabay.rr.com) I bought an erecting prism and tried it in the eyepiece holder on top of the telescope and could not focus any of my eyepieces. I'm told that I need a 1 1/4 inch adapter to screw on to the back of the scope. Can anyone tell me if such an item exists, and where I can get one? I'm also having problems with the start-up. Everytime I power up the remote, it wants me to enter new time date info. This can't be right, can it? EdMike here: Did you purchase the erecting prism designed for the ETX-70? If so, it attaches at the rear port on the ETX. As to the Autostar, that is normal, it defaults to 8pm on the last date you entered.
And:
The erecting prism was apparently not designed for the ATX 70. Instead of a screw base, there's a smooth base like a regular inch and a quarter eyepiece.Mike here: In order to focus with all eyepieces, you should exchange it and get the Meade model #933 erecting prism for the ETX-70.
Subject: True North Help Sent: Monday, January 3, 2005 19:20:44 From: Kumarclan1@wmconnect.com (Kumarclan1@wmconnect.com) I just got a ETX 70-at telescope and i have seen some stars but they are not very clear. I wanted to know how i can get a clear view of the star i have tried the focus adjustment thing but it does not work very well. Also i just found the star without the autostar because i havent been able to align the telescope. Can you tell me how to find true north. I tried locating polaris but i am not sure. Can You Help me? Thank YouMike here: See the article "Alignment/High Precision/Star Charts" on the Helpful Information: Autostar Info page. They should help you locate Polaris. Also, you might want to look at the alignment tip articles as well. Not certain what you mean by stars not being "very clear".
Subject: slewing problem Sent: Sunday, January 2, 2005 19:36:46 From: KCJ033@aol.com (KCJ033@aol.com) ETX-70AT I have a problem with the slewing. using the autostar , slewing from one object to the next it just keeps going in circles and it won't stop untill the power is turned off. tried the reset and new batteries . i have no idea if the problem is in the scope or the autostar 494 control thanks RandyMike here: Have you done a CALIBRATE and TRAIN DRIVES from the Autostar menus? After doing the RESET you definitely need to do those steps.
Subject: Focusing the ETX-70AT Sent: Sunday, January 2, 2005 07:17:36 From: Anthony Favata (tonyerin@epix.net) I find it difficult, if not impossible to reach the focus knob when the telescope is pointing directly overhead. Are there any suggestions? TonyMike here: Add a focusing cable. You can purchase one (see the Accessory Review: Miscellaneous page) or make one (see the Helpful Information: Telescope Tech Tips page).
And:
Thank you. Tony
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