ETX-90 USER FEEDBACK Last updated: 28 March 2008

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:	Dead Clock Drive Board on ETX-90 RA
Sent:	Thursday, March 27, 2008 05:05:59
From:	Babcock, Philip S., IV (babcock@draper.com)
I left my batteries in the holder on the clock drive board for over a
year, without using the scope, and they leaked.  The drive no longer
works.  The corrosion from the batteries removed a trace or 2 from the
board.  If I knew where the traces went, I could solder jumpers across
the corroded segments.

Are there any circuit diagrams available for this 1997 drive board? Does
anyone have a photo of a board that shows the traces?

Thanks for any info or suggestions.

Phil Babcock
Westford, MA

Subject:	ETX-90EC No longer supported? (Need Right Tube Adapter)
Sent:	Wednesday, March 26, 2008 14:54:10
From:	Spencer, Darrell (DSpencer@sjm.com)
I just spoke with a representative from Meade.  I was looking for a
replacement for the ubiquitous Right Tube Adapter.  I'm told they no
longer support the "EC" platform but would kindly upgrade me to the
"PE".

Indeed.

So, have I missed an alternative Vertical Lock repair in the generous
and varied archives on this site?  I've been lurking here for a number
of years since I purchased and ETX-70.   (I also own Orion 120ST and
XT10i scopes, but (like you) find the ETX series my most used
instruments.

Please help as this was serious enough for me to post for the 1st time
even after having "lurked" for years.

Thanks

Darrell Spencer

And:

Wow!

Thanks for the quick response, sir!

I sincerely appreciate the leads and will get back with you on my
results.

Subject:	EYX90RA search
Sent:	Wednesday, March 26, 2008 14:43:31
From:	Bert Denovan (ngc104tuc@intas.net.au)
I had the original ETX(RA) and traded it for the later model with goto. 
Later traded that for the precursor to the LX90 and now have one of the
earlier 8" LX90s.  But its not easy to use in the fluky weather that we
have in Tasmania.  By that I mean that it can be cloudy all day and
later at night it may clear.  So I will not have set the LX90 up
thinking that it will be a cloudy night and now wish that I had a
smaller, cheap and easy to use scope that I could just pull out of the
back shed and point and begin viewing.  Don't like Dobs and am wary of
the cheaper models of refractors and just wish that I had my old RA
again.  That would be perfect for my wants - keeping the LX90 for
dedicated astronomy nights with a local group.  I have seen the odd RA
for sale here and there but wonder about the availability of parts and
how much terminal wear these old scopes would now have.  I would value
your opinion on this matter and, if positive, any hints as to where I
might be able to get a decent RA now.  Cheers! Bert Denovan, St Helens
Tasmania, Australia

And:

Thanks for the prompt answer, Mike.  I will have a look around.  
Cheers! Bert

Subject:	ETX 90RA Conversion
Sent:	Tuesday, March 11, 2008 19:58:18
From:	Thomas Tarter (thomtarter@gmail.com)
I hope all is well with you and I hope some progress has been made on
the theft of your equipment.

As a followup to a previous email a couple months ago, I've got a
question I hope you won't mind answering.  I have an original ETX 90RA
and I want to convert it to Autostar.  I've read through the related
topics on the ETX & DS TECHNICAL TIPS section on your website.
 
I've seen this mount on eBay
http://cgi.ebay.com/Meade-DS-2000-motorized-tripod-mount-with-494-
Autostar_W0QQitemZ110232408370QQihZ001QQcategoryZ74926QQssPageNameZWDVWQ
QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
I would like to know your thoughts on using this mount to convert my 90
to an autostar version.  It seems the most relevant topic in your
website is http://www.weasner.com/etx/techtips/2004/ds-etx90ra.html
 
I'm aware I'd have to make my own adapter, but I think it could be made
to work.  However, I think the mount I'm seeing was made for a refractor
and I'm concerned about balance.  I would like to piggyback my DSLR
which is quite heavy, hence the concern about balance.  I would
appreciate any thoughts, tips, or suggestions you might have on the
subject.
 
Thanks so much for your time.  I appreciate it.
 
Thom Tarter
Alexandria, VA

Subject:	ETX 90RA
Sent:	Tuesday, March 11, 2008 13:41:45
From:	Doug Pedler (dpedler@verizon.net)
Is it possible to add the full GOTO feature to this older scope?
thanks
Doug

Subject:	etx base inquiry( newbie)
Sent:	Tuesday, March 11, 2008 13:22:16
From:	Paul Cartmill (cartmill@videotron.ca)
i have an older etx astro and am wondering about a computerized drive base.I
have noticed a lot of etx 70 for sale quite reasonably priced on ebay.
in your experience can i mount my OTA from the 90 on a 70 base, from the
photos they appear to be quite similar.

i'm hoping to intoduce my kids to the hobby and having a goto maybe the
hook i need.
frugally yours
Paul cartmill

Feedback Archives

Check the Feedback Archives for previous editions of the ETX-90 User Feedback pages.

Go to the ETX Home Page.