Weasner's Meade ETX-90 User Feedback

ETX-90 USER FEEDBACK

Last updated: 27 July 2009

This page is for user comments and information specific to the Meade ETX-90RA (originally known as the "ETX Astro"). Comments on accessories and feedback items appropriate to other ETX, DSX, 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 for posting. Please use an appropriate Subject Line on your message per the Site Email Etiquette. Thanks. Remember, tips described on this site may invalidate the warranty on your telescope or accessories. Neither the submitter nor myself are responsible for any damage caused by using any contributed tips.

Subject:	Original ETX
Sent:	Saturday, July 25, 2009 15:21:50
From:	John Miriello (john@miriello.net)
I have an original Meade ETX (non electronics) and found you site.  I
have finally started  using again after it has been sitting in the hard
case for a number of years.  Do you have any idea where I can get a
manual for this old model?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

John J. Miriello
john@miriello.net

Mike here: As noted on the ETX FAQ page, you can get manuals from Meade's web site. For the ETX-90RA (the original ETX model), go to http://meade.com/manuals/etx/index.html.

And:

Thank you. Sometimes it is right in front of you.

John J. Miriello

Subject:	ETX 90
Sent:	Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:45:48
From:	creekk (creekk@aol.com)
Sir\: I have a very old ETX 90 and would like to up grade it. All it has
on the bottom is a switch that says on/off and one that says  n/s. Is
this too old to upgrade for a hand controller and a GPS?  
Regards,robert thomin

Mike here: See the item "Q. How do I upgrade a non-AutoStar ETX to an AutoStar capable ETX?" on the ETX FAQ page on my ETX Site.

And:

Sir: Thanks for your fast response. I think I will buy another one.
robert thomin

And:

I already have a LX 200  12"           I think I will buy a ETX-90RA    
Any other suggestions?  robert thomin

Mike here: As a grab-n-go telescope, the ETX-90RA makes a super telescope. But they are getting hard to find. An ETX-90AT (with the AutoStar) or an ETX-90PE will be easier to find.

And:

thanks for the advise

Subject:	I own the 90 ra and I wonder if its worth to buy the dsi II imager.
Sent:	Monday, July 13, 2009 00:55:01
From:	Iotour Iotour (iotour@yahoo.com)
I am trying to find a way to expand my telescope's capabilities this
summer and i wonder, if i will be able to 'catch' the light of deep sky
objects with the dsi II.With  the 90 ra ( i bought it 2 years ago used
from opt ) i havent seen yet deep sky objects not even andromeda galaxy
My questions are. Is it worth it to buy dsi II ( it costs 500 euros , a
bit pricy for a 300 euros! telescope) and how  difficult will be to find
the right spots without the autostar.

thank you very much.
John , Greece.

Mike here: First, you should be able to see the Andromeda Galaxy. However, you may expecting more from the view than what is possible. When looking at M31 with a telescope, you usually just see a bright fuzzy spot, which is the center of the galaxy. Don't expect to see spiral arms like you see in photographs. Finding objects with a GOTO computer is done just like it has been done for centuries by amateur and professional astronomers. Use the setting circles and/or "star hop". See the article "Using Setting Circles" on the Helpful Information: Observational Guides/References page. Star hopping is done by mapping out a path (typically on a printed star chart) from the desired object to one or more brighter objects (typically stars). You then start with the first, easily identified and located object (star), locate the next object (star) in the eyepiece (or finderscope), and so on until you see the desired object. As to using a DSI with the ETX-90, you could attach it BUT the guiding software (AutoStar Suite) works with the AutoStar #497 (and newer). So you would lose a lot of the capabilities of the DSI by lacking this. A less expensive alternative would be a modified webcam and software that works with it. Or attach a digital camera.

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