Meade ETX-70AT Telescope User Manual


 
ETX: Your Personal Window to the Universe
The Meade ETX-60AT and the ETX-70AT are extremely versatile, high-resolution telescopes
with features similar to those once available only with larger and more specialized imaging sys-
tems. With pushbutton controls, automatic tracking of celestial objects, and software down-
loading capability, an ETX telescope may be all the telescope ever required by many terrestri-
al and astronomical observers.
Your ETX telescope reveals nature in an ever-expanding level of detail. Observe the feather
structure of an eagle from 50 yards or study the rings of the planet Saturn from a distance of
800 million miles. Focus beyond the Solar System and observe majestic nebulae, ancient star
clusters, remote galaxies, and even stars recently discovered to have planets orbiting about
them. Meade ETX telescopes are instruments fully capable of growing with your interest and
are ideal for both the casual observer and serious astronomer alike.
Eyepiece -
Place the MA 25mm eyepiece into the 90° Eyepiece Holder (3, Fig. 1) and tighten
in place with thumbscrew (
2, Fig.1).
Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew - Tightens the eyepiece in place. Tighten to a "firm feel"
only.
90° Eyepiece Holder - Holds the eyepiece upright for easy viewing.
Optical Tube - The main optical component that gathers the light from distant objects and
brings this light to a focus for examination with the eyepiece.
Movable Objective Lens Cell - This component contains the telescope’s lenses. The
focus knob (8, Fig. 1) moves the cell for precise image focus.
Vertical Lock - Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. Turning the ver-
tical lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely rotated by hand
about the vertical axis. Turning the vertical lock clockwise (to a "firm feel" only) prevents
the telescope from being moved manually, but engages the vertical motor drive for
Autostar operation.
NOTE: The vertical lock knob (6, Fig. 1) is a knurled knob located on the fork arm
to the right of the focus knob (8, Fig. 1). Mounted beneath the knob is a circular
scale with no numbers. Do not confuse this scale with the Dec setting circle
(
17, Fig. 1) on the opposite fork arm which has a numbered scale used to locate
astronomical objects.
CAUTION: When loosening the vertical lock, be sure to support the objective lens
cell (
5, Fig. 1).The weight of the objective lens could cause the tube to swing down-
ward suddenly and damage the telescope.
Fork Arms - Hold the optical tube in place.
Focus Knob -
Moves the telescope’s objective lens (5, Fig. 1) in a finely-controlled motion
to achieve precise image focus. The ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT telescopes can be focused
on objects from a distance of about 17 ft. to infinity. Rotate the focus knob clockwise to
focus on distant objects, and counterclockwise to focus on nearby objects.
Horizontal Lock - Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the telescope. Turning the
horizontal lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope, enabling it to be freely rotated by
hand about the horizontal axis. Turning the horizontal lock clockwise prevents the tele-
scope from being rotated manually, but engages the horizontal motor drive for Autostar
operation.
Except for the lens
diameter, the
Meade ETX-60AT
and the ETX-70AT
are identical; all
procedures and
descriptions in this
manual apply to
both telescopes.
CAUTION:
Using products other
than standard
Meade accessories
may cause damage
to the telescope’s
internal electronics
and may void the
Meade warranty.
Telescope Features 5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9