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How to Use a Meade ETX

The ETX is a series of telescopes manufactured by the Meade corporation. The ETX telescopes are designed to be an easy-to-use and transportable telescope with an aperture of 90mm or 125mm as of 2011. They both use a Maksutov-Cassegrain that collects the light using a mirror at the back of the telescope and bounces it on the front element of the telescope to redirect the light to the eyepiece on the back of the telescope. The telescope is motorized in both axes and comes with a remote to control it.

Things You'll Need

Meade ETX telescope and legs
Bubble level

Instructions

Preparation
- 1
  Remove the cover under the ETX and install five AA batteries. Close the cover.
- 2
  Connect the cable provided with your ETX to the "HBX" port on your telescope and the right port on your remote. Turn the telescope on using the switch on the base of the telescope.
- 3
  Press the "Enter" key until "Country/State" appear on the remote. Use the scroll down and up keys on the bottom of the remote to select your state or country. Press "Enter" when found.
- 4
  Insert an eyepiece in the telescope.
- 5
  Point the telescope to a point far away, ideally the top of an antenna or tall building a mile or more away. Use the arrow keys on the remote to put that object in the middle of your eyepiece.
- 6
  Loosen the screws on the finder mount. Insert the finder in the mount and tighten the screws. Check if the finder is aligned with the object you have your telescope pointed at. If the finder is not aligned, use the screws to align it.
Night
- 7
  Extend the legs of the tripod that come with your ETX telescope so the height is comfortable to you. Use the bubble level to level the tripod.
- 8
  Install the ETX on the base and secure it by screwing the two bolts under the tripod base. Turn the telescope on.
- 9
  Use the arrow keys to point the telescope in the general area of the object you want to see. Look into the viewfinder to fine tune the telescope. Look into the eyepiece.

Astronomy