Meade ETX90AT Telescope w/884 Tripod and Software

This telescope includes a free Autostar computer controller and deluxe field tripod with this ETX-90EC–a value of $349. And with the ETX-90EC, Meade brings a serious telescope into the price range of the casual consumer. The ETX-90EC Astro offers extraordinary optics at an affordable price. It combines a high-resolution optical design and diffraction-limited imaging with microprocessor-controlled, precise celestial-object tracking, all in a nicely styled, highly portable package. The Autostar controller turns the ETX-90EC into an automatic celestial-object locating system.

Just plug the Autostar into the telescope’s HBX port in place of the standard-equipment electronic controller, do a quick telescope alignment, and you’re ready to observe any object in the Autostar’s 30,000-object database.

The ETX-90EC also includes high-torque DC motors on both telescope axes, permitting electronic operation from the handheld controller. This pushbutton electronic controller has four dual-axis drive speeds: slow, 8x for image centering at high power; medium, 32x for image centering at lower power or for pushbutton tracking in altazimuth mode; moderate, 0.75 degrees per second for image centering in the viewfinder or for terrestrial tracking; and fast, 5 degrees per second for fast scanning across the sky.

The Meade ETX-90EC is specially designed to be portable and used in the field. It offers cordless operation, allowing you to use the telescope’s dual-axis drive system for more than 40 hours on eight AA batteries. At approximately 8 pounds, and 15 inches in length, it packs a lot of power into a compact unit.

The ETX-90EC uses a 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design. Meade also uses EMC super-multicoatings on all optical surfaces to maximize light transmission through the corrector lens and reflectance from the primary and secondary mirrors. The flip-mirror system allows for 90-degree observation of land and sky objects, straight-through observation using the optional 45-degree erecting prism, or photo-ready imaging using the optional T-adapter and your own 35mm camera.

The Nuts and Bolts

1. Eyepiece 2. Viewfinder 3. Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew - Tightens the eyepiece in place. 4. 90 Eyepiece Holder - Holds the eyepiece upright for easy viewing. 5. 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. 6. Vertical Lock - Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. 7. Fork Arms - Hold the optical tube in place. 8. Focus Knob - Moves the telescope’s optical tube in a finely-controlled motion to achieve precise image focus. 9. Horizontal Lock - Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the telescope. 10. Computer Control Panel A. ON/OFF Switch. B. Auxiliary Ports - Provide connection for current and future Meade accessories. C. Handbox (HBX) Port - for the Electronic Controller or the optional Autostar handbox. D. The 12v connector, designed to accept an external power supply such as the optional AC Adapter or Power Cord. E. LED power indicator light. 11. Base Housing - Supports the telescope for placement on a flat, level surface, such as a tabletop or optional tripod. 12. Holes for Optional Tripod - See your tripod’s instruction sheet for mounting information. 13. Right Ascension (R.A.) Setting Circle. 14. Flip-Mirror and Flip-Mirror Control Knobs - ETX telescopes include an internal mirror. With the flipmirror control in the “up” position, light is diverted to the eyepiece. With the flipmirror control in the “down” position, as shown in Fig. 2b, light proceeds straight out the photo port for photography. 15. Photo Port - Attach any 35mm camera with a removable lens to this port using an optional adapter. 16. Declination Setting Circle (on left fork arm). 17. Viewfinder Alignment Screws - adjust these screws to align the viewfinder. 18. Viewfinder Alignment Bracket. 19. Dust Cap 20. Battery Compartment (not shown, underneath base).

Customer Review: 5 stars!
Okay, I know nothing about telescopes. But my husband and I bought this last summer because he thought it’d be fun to star gaze. When we did, it was truly one of the most wonderful experience ever! It allows you to observe celestial objects in brilliant resolution. It wasn’t complicated and simple to use. But you do have to read the manual. I will recommend it for beginners.
Customer Review: Meade Does It Right
The Meade ETX90EC lives up to its billing. It’s a high-quality piece of gear that exudes craft and workmanship. The bundled package w/Autostar and Tripod gives you most of what you need. If you have any intent of doing terrestrial viewing, you should consider the 45 degree erecting prism. Also, the package does not come with any power adapters. If you plan to be out for a long evening of star gazing, you will probably want the adapter that lets you plug into a cigarette lighter. I wish Amazon had the UHTC version available, but no luck. Finally, I haven’t been able to find the correct T-mount adapter for this scope on Amazon. I do want to use it for photography eventually. The main thing I would say is that this is not a toy, but it is ideal for beginners to intermediate enthusiasts. I’ve had more fun in just a couple sessions than I’ve ever had before.

Posted in Astronomy