Weasner's Meade ETX-90 User Feedback

ETX-90 USER FEEDBACK

Last updated: 31 March 2004

This page is for user comments and information specific to the Meade ETX-90RA (originally known as the "ETX Astro"), the ETX-90EC, and the ETX-90AT. Comments on accessories and feedback items appropriate to other ETX and DS models are posted on other 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: ETX 90RA drive jumping
Date: 3/30/04, 07:57
From: Orion105 (orion105@gmx.co.uk)
Some time ago (a year or more?) I found a solution to ETX 90RA RA drive
jumping that I am experiencing.  It involved taking out the screw which
holds the base on to the forks and replacing it with a beefier bolt
arrangement IIRC.  I have looked and looked and looked again at your
site and cannot find this.  I guess I might have seen it elsewhere but I
cannot google it up either.

Do you remember seeing anything like this or any other fixes (apart from
checking the little Teflon bits)?

Regards

Adam Stephens

Mike here: There is the article "ETX-90RA "sticky" R.A. movement fix" on the Telescope Tech Tips page or perhaps the article "Another R.A. Drive Modification" on the Telescope Tech Tips - Guest Contributions Archive 1997 page.

And:

Thanks Mike.

It was your second suggestion.

Adam

Subject: ETX-90RA question
Date: 3/16/04, 20:40
From: Joshua Cruey (Joshua.Cruey@comcast.net)
I was wondering if you have heard of anyone mounting an ETX-90RA OTA on
a 4504 goto mount. This mount looks to be the same mount that used to
come with the 395 90mm refractor. I was playing with the idea of
purchasing a 4504 and attempting to mount my ETX OTA on the 4504's mount
to achieve the GOTO and dual-axis drive capability. Do you think this is
feasible? My decision is between this or an #884 mount. Any input you
could offer would be greatly appreciated. I

Thank you,

Joshua Cruey

Mike here: There are some options: check out "Steve Bedair's "Go To" Mounts" (link on the Astronomy Links page); also the Telescope Tech Tips page.

Subject: RE: ETX70 HELP!!!
Date: 3/12/04, 11:29
From: "Laluna, Robert (NIH/NIDA)" (rlaluna@nida.nih.gov)
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer all of our
questions.....MEADE should pay your salary!!!

I have decided to return my ETX 70a for an ETX90, per your
reccomendation.

My question, a rather simple one....

What are the different versions of the 90?  I have noticed ETX90EC,
ETX90RA...Can you explain this to a "Newbie"

Bobby

Mike here: The ETX-90RA is the original ETX model and can not be upgraded to use an Autostar. The ETX-90EC is the Autostar-capable model (the Autostar was optional). The ETX-90AT has the Autostar as standard.

And:

Once again, I would like to thank you for all of your advice, as well
as, Truly priceless information that you have provided.

I have traded my ETX70 in for the 90, unfortunately......the package did
not come with the Autostar, but that's ok....i can pick it up on the
side.

I took a look at some of the astrophotography samples on your
site....and would love to know what lenses to recommend for viewing
saturn.

Lately Saturn can be seen in my Western sky here in Maryland, and I
would love to see it as best I can with the 90.

I have a Barlow 2x, along with the "Stock lens" that came with the Etx
90.

Any suggestions on what else to get for that extra "OOOMPH"?????

Thanks Mike!

Bobby

Mike here: Check the Accessory Reviews - Eyepieces page as well as the Buyer/New User Tips page. Lots of eyepiece info there.

Subject: Novice seeking help
Date: 3/6/04, 06:25
From: Robin Gross (robin@tfrservices.com)
Its been wonderful to be able to read the wealth of information on your
web site.  However, as a novice Im still a bit overwhelmed.  Im
looking for some help in deciding whether to start with a Meade ETX
-70AT or the ETX-90AT.

The scope will be a birthday present for my husband and neither of us
has ever used one before but weve talked about getting one for years. I
see our primary use as viewing planets and stars from our backyard,
perhaps taking it with us on our annual trip to the Outer Banks of North
Carolina.  We travel a lot so I thought the portability would be a good
idea since it doesnt sound like you have to sacrifice too much for
that.

We are computer savy but know nothing about telescopes.  We may want to
buy the cable to attach this to our laptop or in the end try some
photography.  Id like to buy a telescope we can use for years without
having to upgrade but this wont likely become a major hobby for us as I
can see it is for others.  I dont want to overbuy functionality but I
also want to have something that we wont do all it can do in 3 months.

Im also very interested in the used market (as an avid ebay user) and
see you have many posted on your website. Is this dangerous for a novice
since we wouldnt really know how to check it out to be sure it is OK
and may be purchasing through the mail.  How fragile are these scopes? 
Any tricks to how to buy one used and be comfortable it will be OK?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

Robin Gross

Mike here: For portability plus capability, the ETX-90 would be your better choice, given the requirements you stated. As to purchasing a used system, there is always a risk. Not always from an unscrupulous seller; shipping damage can occur, especially if the seller doesn't have the original packing materials. If possible, purchase from a local dealer who may have used systems for sale or from someone near by so that you can actually see it and try it out. Lacking that, your safest bet would be to purchase a new system from a local or reputable online dealer.

And:

Thanks, Mike.  I appreciate your help and value your opinion.

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