ETX PREMIER EDITION FEEDBACK Last updated: 30 November 2006

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:	ETX positioning
Sent:	Wednesday, November 29, 2006 07:35:21
From:	Henrik VAN HOLTHOON (henrik.van.holthoon@wanadoo.fr)
Dear Robert ,

I had exactly the same problem as you have when I used the instrument
for the first time. Mike did already give you a hint but maybe I can
give you some additional information.

The ETX needs for correct GOTO the following reference information;

	1.	DATE check if date is correct

	2.	TIME check if your instrument is set to the correct local time

	3.	SITE check if geographical coordinates are correct, if you do
	not have them, use close by CITY in your country.

	4.	TIME ZONE check if time zone is the same as it should be in
	your country (location)

	5.	DAYLIGHT SAVING should be off this time of the year (if
	applicable in your area, country etc.)
	
If all above data are correctly inputted in your instrument, alignment
and GOTO should not be a problem. Look in the handbook how to check
points 1 to 5.

Most Regards and have fun with your ETX90PE

Henrik

Subject:	New ETX125PE SmartFinder Problems
Sent:	Monday, November 27, 2006 05:56:20
From:	aviatrix@pipeline.com (aviatrix@pipeline.com)
I don't have a lot of confidence in my technical telescope knowledge so
I have a few questions.  After reading several pages of your site and
looking at my documentation and DVD instructions from Meade, I have come
to the conclusion that there are 2 SmartFinder designs?  I have one
where you don't place the lens in the LNT but the lens is already there
and fixed?  The problem is that I have run out of 'up' travel on the
knob (on the bottom) to align the red dot.  As far as it goes, it is
still about 1/3 inch (guesstimated lens distance) below the target. 
Also, I noticed in one of your postings that the LNT is supposed to be
parallel to the tube, which could, of course, be part of the problem.  I
think I can tell just by looking that it isn't.  The nose is closer to
the tube than the tail.  (Please excuse the aviation references from a
fellow pilot.)  I could not see an accurate place to measure to be sure.
I saw that someone used a leggo for a brace, but I don't know how you
would be sure that it was parallel after that either.  And would it not
being parallel screw up leveling and north-finding?  (I'm sorry to say
that the LNT seems to be a flimsy design.)

Thanks for your time and trouble,
Susan K. Brubaker
Quinton, VA

And:

I believe it's this newest one that I have.  Mine is fixed on top of the
LNT.  I have read everything I could find, but nothing seemed to fit
exactly, except, like I said, the Leggo idea.  Might try something like
that.  In the meantime, I've emailed Meade to see what they say.

Subject:	Updating of Meade ETX 125 PE
Sent:	Friday, November 24, 2006 05:48:21
From:	Kh480919@aol.com (Kh480919@aol.com)
I am planning to purchase an ETX 125 PE.  My local dealer tells me that
Meade are currently "updating" the 125 PE (items such as finders and
tube have been mentioned) and he is waiting for "new stock".  As I
intend spending an initial 1000 ($1800+) I am wary of buying the
telescope only to find that it is out of date a few days/weeks later. 
Can you advise me of any current plans that you are aware of regarding
this matter.

You website is excellent, very informative to a novice astronomer!

Thanks Keith

Subject:	ETX 90 Premier Edition
Sent:	Wednesday, November 22, 2006 22:02:02
From:	Robert Zaballa (robert_zaballa@yahoo.com)
I have an ETX 90 Premier Edition Telescope that I have been trying to
use, but it seems that the scope will not align properly. Even during
the alignment procedure, it tends to not even point in the general
direction of the alignment star (using the automatic alignment
procedure). After pointing the scope to each alignment star and pressing
enter, the scope will say that the alignment procedure was successful.
Then when putting in an object to go to, the object is nowhere near
where the telescope ends up pointing. I'm not sure what to do. Any
suggestions?

I'm not where on the website this issue may already be discussed, sorry
if this subject may already be posted.

Thanks
-Robert

And:

I used zipcode for the autoalign. I will calibrate again. Thanks, and
Happy Thanksgiving.

Subject:	ETX PE finderscope advice
Sent:	Tuesday, November 21, 2006 16:24:50
From:	SCOTT T HOFFMAN (scottandjulieh@msn.com)
I just yesterday received what I think may be the first 2007 ETX-125 PE
to be sold in the US. I am rather disturbed by the fact that the new
"Smart Finder" is so poorly mounted. I think it could very easily break
off at the least little accident. I wouldn't mind removing it and
replacing it with another finder, but of course the LNT unit is located
in it so that is not an option. I am amazed that Meade would use such a
flimsy mount for such an important part.

Anyway, do you know of any good right angle finders that can be used in
addition to the Smart Finder? If you do, how would I go about mounting
it? I mean, is it safe to drill holes anywhere to screw on a mounting
bracket? Or do I have to use some sort of adhesive?

I appreciate any wisdom you have to offer.

Sincerely, Scott Hoffman

Subject:	Re: ETX PE
Sent:	Monday, November 6, 2006 09:33:44
From:	mhogansr@comcast.net (mhogansr@comcast.net)
It sounds like you're refering to the LNT mounting bracket.  If that's
the case then, no there is no adhesive.  There is a small plastic tab on
the right end that fits in a notch to hold it in place and the screw
holds the other side.  If the tab somehow got broken, then the bracket
would be loose.  There is a description and some pictures covering the
removal/replacement at:

http://www.weasner.com/etx/techtips/2005/lnt.html

Hope this helps.

Mike Hogan

Subject:	ETX PE
Sent:	Friday, November 3, 2006 11:53:24
From:	William Ellis (wcbabybee@yahoo.com)
Thanks for all the help your site has given me with my ETX 125 PE. I
have one of the first PE's that came from Meade and living in the
Northeast it has seen many temperature variations, although I am very
careful not to leave in direct sunlight since many of the parts are
plastic.

I have noticed that the part that is on the top of the OTA where the LNT
mounts is loose. It has one screw on the left, looking from the eyepiece
end, but I'm wondering if there is some kind of adhesive that should
secure it that may have been affected due to temp changes.

Many Thanks
 
Bill

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