Meade ETX-125 User manual

Instruction Manual
ETX OBSERVER SERIES
ETX-125
ETX-90
ETX-80

WARNING!
Never use a Meade®ETX
telescope to look at the Sun!
Looking at or near the Sun will cause
instant and irreversible damage to your
eye. Eye damage is often painless,
so there is no warning to the observer
that damage has occurred until it is
too late. Do not point the telescope at
or near the Sun. Do not look through
the telescope or Red Dot Finder as
it is moving. Children should always
have adult supervision while observing.
BATTERY SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
• Always purchase the correct size and grade of battery:
“AA-type” Alkaline batteries (ANSI 15A, 15AC/
IEC LR6).
• Always replace the whole set of batteries at one time,
taking care not to mix old and new ones, or batteries of
different types.
• Clean the battery contacts and also those of the device
prior to battery installation.
• Ensure the batteries are installed correctly with regard to
polarity (+ and -).
• Remove batteries from equipment which is not to be
used for an extended period of time.
• Remove used batteries promptly.
• Never attempt to recharge primary batteries as this may
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• Never short-circuit batteries as this may lead to high
temperatures, leakage, or explosion.
• Never heat batteries in order to revive them.
• Remember to switch off devices after use.
• Keep batteries out of the reach of children; small
batteries may be ingested.
• Seek medical advice immediately if a battery has
been swallowed.
Caution: If batteries or parts are swallowed, see a
doctor immediately.

SetupMenu...............................31
Advanced AudioStar Features
AddingObservingSites......................34
FindingObjectsNotIntheDatabase...........34
GoTo a User-entered Object..................34
Observing Satellites ........................36
How to Create Your Own Guided Tour ..........36
Writing a Tour .............................37
Landmarks ...............................40
Identify . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Two-StarAlt/AzAlignment....................42
One-Star Alt/Az Alignment....................43
Browse..................................43
Optional MEADE® Accessories
Choosing Eyepieces ........................44
Power Supplies............................45
Other Accessories..........................45
Maintenance
Basic Maintenance .........................47
StorageandTransportation...................47
Inspecting the Optics........................48
TroubleShooting...........................48
Appendix A:
Training the Drive ..........................50
Appendix B:
BasicAstronomy...........................51
Appendix C:
6SHFL¿FDWLRQV .............................53
Appendix D:
Equatorial (Polar) Alignment ..................56
Appendix E:
Latitude Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Appendix F:
Optical Systems ...........................62
Recycling:
How to recycle.............................63
Meade Warranty
OneYearLimitedWarranty...................64
Meade Customer Service
Howtogetincontact........................65
® The name “Meade,” “AudioStar” and the Meade logo are
trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark
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90”, "ETX 125, "ETX 80", and “Tonight’s Best” are trademarks
of Meade Instruments Corp.
Patents:
US 7,277,223, US 7,079,317, US 7,092,156
US 6,304,376, US 6,369,942, US 6,392,799
© 2016 Meade Instruments Corp.
CONTENTS
Introduction
The ETX Observer Telescope.................4
Getting Started
Assembling and Using the ETX Telescope
Assembling the Tripod........................5
Mounting the Telescope ......................6
Installing the Batteries........................6
Secure Vertical and Horizontal Locks ............7
Attaching Accessories........................7
Your Telescope is now Fully Assembled..........7
Using the Red Dot Finder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Adjusting the Red Dot Finder ..................9
Aligning the ETX ............................9
The ETX Home Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
FindingNorth..............................10
Moving Through AudioStar’s Menus............10
Initializing AudioStar ........................10
Easy (Two-Star) Align . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
How to Perform the Easy Align Procedure .......12
GoToSaturn..............................13
Using the Guided Tour ......................13
ETX Observer Key Features
Telescope
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Key Features Explained .....................16
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scope....................................18
Key Features Explained .....................20
AudioStar Handbox – Basic Usage
Buttons, Display and their functions ............22
Observing Using AudioStar’s Keys.............24
ObservetheMoon..........................25
Terrestrial Observing........................25
ETXObserverTips.........................25
AudioStar Operation
AudioStar Navigation Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Entering Data into AudioStar..................27
Guided Tour Menu..........................27
Object Menu ..............................28
AudioStar Menu Tree .......................26
EventMenu...............................29
GlossaryMenu............................30
Utilities Menu..............................30

INTRODUCTION
The ETX Observer Telescope
An advanced, computer-controlled telescope system
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need to explore the Universe we live in. Meade’s concept was to create a telescope that would be simple enough
for anyone to use, yet capable enough for the experienced amateur to stretch their knowledge and skills. With the
ETX’s advanced set of features, you will have plenty of room to learn and expand your interest in astronomy and
not out grow your telescope. Here are a few of the features that set the Meade ETX Observer telescope system
apart from all others.
Optics: ETX telescope optics produce superlative, optical performance and resolution. Optics so high in
contrast, image brightness, and resolution that the ETX optical systems often outperform many
telescopes of larger apertures. With the ETX 80 & 90's new removable optical tube assembly, you
can now take these optical tubes with you wherever your adventures take you. Mount the 80mm
or 90mm directly to any photo tripod using 1/4-20 mounting screws, and observe more of your
adventure from afar.
Mechanics: Fork Mount with standard-equipment dual-axis drive system andAudioStar Controller. The rigid fork
mounting of the ETX Observer telescope includes high-torque DC motors on both telescope axes.
Computer: TheAudioStar handbox gives you complete control of your ETX system from the palm of your hand.
With a database of over 30,000 objects, you will never run out of things to explore. The enhanced
AudioStar hand controller adds Meade's Astronomer Inside audio content. Listen through its built-
in speaker as it reads you fun and informative descriptions of over 500 night sky objects as you
actually view them in the eyepiece. A quick and easy 2-minute alignment on the night sky allows
automatic tracking of astronomical objects.
If you are like us, you can’t wait to get outside under a dark sky to try out your new ETX telescope. We have
provided a Getting Started Guide that will get you up and running in the shortest amount of time possible. After
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entertained for many years to come.
Clear Skies,
The people at Meade
a
d
e
INTRODUCTION
4

GETTING STARTED
You may want to perform the ETX telescope assembly indoors in the light so that you become familiar with the
parts and operation before moving the telescope outside into the dark for observing. Just follow the simple steps
below and you will be up and running before you know it. It is best to set up the telescope in twilight or before
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Take the telescope and tripod outside. Set the telescope in a large open area where you can see lots of sky. Don’t
setup right next to a building or a wall. Make sure the ground is stable and is approximately level. It is best to set
up the scope away from bright nighttime lighting. Bright lights will spoil your night vision and impede your ability
to see the sky.
Please note the ETX 80 & ETX 90/125 have different
tripods. As a result, there are subtle differences when
setting up the tripods and installing the telescope
mount. Follow the steps below noting when there are
differences between the two telescope models and
proceed accordingly.
Assembling the Tripod
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Stand the tripod vertically with the tripod feet down
and with the tripod still fully collapsed. Grasp two of
the tripod legs and, with the full weight of the tripod
on the third leg, gently pull the legs apart to a fully
open position. ETX 80 users may need to loosen
the black lock knob located on the center shaft of the
tripod. Rotate counter clockwise to loosen if needed.
2 ETX 80 USERS ONLY: Loosen the leg lock latches
on each leg (three per leg) and extend each leg
segment until the top of the tripod is level and at the
desired height. Re-lock the leg lock latches to secure
each leg segment.
ETX 90/125 USERS ONLY: Loosen the lock
knobs on each leg (one per leg) near the foot
GETTING STARTED
5
of each tripod leg. Use the lock knobs to vary
the height of the inner, extend-able tripod leg
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not over-tighten.
3 ETX 80 USERS ONLY: Tighten the center column
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knob prevents the tripod legs from being collapsed
inward into the storage position.
Lock Knob
ETX 80
Tripod ETX 90/125
Tripod
Lock Knob

ETX 90/125 USERS ONLY: Remove the end nut from
the spreader shaft and slide the spreader in between
thetelescope legs.Attach the end nutandhandtighten
until the telescope legs are held snuggly in the most
spread position. Position the tripod where you want the
telescope to be and check that the top of the tripod is
approximately level. Use the included bubble level/
compass to level the tripod head.
Mounting the Telescope
4 ETX 80 USERS ONLY: Thread the supplied bolts
about two or three turns through the underside of
the telescope base. Line up the bolts over the key-
like holes on the top of the tripod and slide the bolts
into the holes. Rotate the telescope counter-clockwise
GETTING STARTED
6
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ETX 90/125 USERS ONLY: On the tripod, loosen the
latitude control knob and lift up the tilt-plate so that you
can easily access the underside of the plate. Re-lock
the latitude control knob, so the assembly doesn’t slip
while you are attaching the telescope.
Take the ETX 90/125 from its packaging and line up
the mounting holes on the base of the telescope with
the tripod attachment knobs. Thread both attachment
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feel only.
Unlock the latitude control knob and lower the tilt-plate
until it is level (push the tilt-plate down until it stops;
this is the level position). Lock the latitude control
knob.
Installing the Batteries
5Lift the battery cover located in between the mount
fork arms. Gently remove the battery holder from the
compartment so you don’t accidentally pull out the
wires attached to the holder. Insert 6 user supplied
“AA” batteries (ETX125 uses 8) in the holder. Refer
to the diagram on the holder to orient the batteries
properly Replace the holder back into the battery
Latitude control knob
Spreader Shaft
Spreader Bar End Nut
Lock knob
Thumb-Screws
Align
Align
Mounting bolts

GETTING STARTED
7
compartment and replace the lid.
CAUTION: Use care to install batteries as indicated
by the battery compartment. Follow battery
manufacturer’s precautions. Do not install batteries
backwards or mix new and used batteries. Do not mix
battery types. If these precautions are not followed,
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installed batteries void your Meade warranty. Always
remove the batteries if they will not be used for a long
period of time.
Secure Vertical and Horizontal Locks
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feel” only, do not over-tighten. These locks engage the
telescope motors so the ETX can be moved using the
AudioStar hand controller.
Attaching Accessories
7 Be sure the telescope master power switch is in
the off position. Remove the AudioStar handbox and
the coiled interface cable from the packing materials.
Plug one end into the HBX port of the control panel
and plug the other end into the Handbox port on the
AudioStar handbox.
8Place the 26mm eyepiece into the eyepiece
holder on the telescope and tighten the attachment
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holder on the top surface telescope and tighten the
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Your Telescope is now Fully Assembled.
Follow the battery
polarity (orientation)
as indicated by the
molded icons
Vertical Lock
Horizontal Lock
Connect the Audiostar
Insert the eyepiece
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Arrow
Keys
Number
Keys
Slew Speeds:
Speed 9: Fast
.
.
.
Speed 5: Medium
.
.
.
Speed 1: Slow
Using the Red Dot Finder
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to know exactly where your telescope is pointing
by simply looking at it. To help you point the
telescope quickly and accurately, the ETX has a 1X
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The Red Dot Finder will aid you in pointing your
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heads-up display. To turn on the Red Dot Finder,
carefully rotate the power switch until you feel it click
on. Turning further clockwise will increase the dot
brightness. Adjust the dot to the minimum brightness
where it can be easily seen. This will extend its
battery life and make it easier to see faint stars in the
background.
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red dot superimposed on your view. Using the direction
keys on the handbox, move the telescope until the red
dot is on the target you want to view in the eyepiece.
As you get close to your target, select a moderately
low speed, like speed 5, and move the scope to center
yourtargetasyoulookthroughthetelescopeeyepiece.
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keys without removing your eye from the eyepiece.
On/Off &
Brightness
Adjustment
GETTING STARTED
8
Using the ETX Observer.
10 Now remove the dust cover from the front of the
telescope tube. Be careful not to touch the glass lens.
11 Flip the Power Switch on the computer control
panel to the ON position. The copyright message
lights on AudioStar’s LCD display.
12 “Press 0 to align or Mode for Menu” displays. You
can use the Arrow keys to slew (move) the telescope
up, down, right, or left. To change the telescope’s slew
speed, press a Number key. “9” is the fastest speed
and “1” is the slowest speed. See page 24 for more
details. Or you can Press “0” to begin EasyAlignment.
See page 11 for more information on AudioStar.

ALIGNING THE ETX
Aligning the ETX
To automatically track and locate objects in the night
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to set up the telescope in twilight or before sunset the
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large open area where you can see lots of the night
sky. Make sure the ground is stable and approximately
level. It is best to setup the scope away from bright
nighttime lighting. Bright lights will spoil your night
vision and impede you ability to see the sky.
The ETX “Alt/Az” Home Position
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to initialize AudioStar, set the telescope into the home
position, and perform the Easy Alignment in order for
the ETX to successfully locate celestial objects.
The home position for the ETX is with the telescope
optical tube level and pointed in the direction of either
True North or Magnetic North. See Figure 1. Correct
telescope placement in the home position will ensure
the successful location of the alignment stars.
a2
Finding North
Method #1: Finding True North using the North
Star (Polaris): 7R ¿QG7UXH 1RUWKLQVHUWWKHEXEEOH
level/compass into they eyepiece holder and point
the telescope tube towards Magnetic North. See the
"Locating Polaris" diagram above, which directs you
to the North Star (Polaris). Looking towards Magnetic
North locate the Big Dipper; follow the two stars in the
bowl of the Big Dipper to the North Star. With the tube
still level, rotate it so that it points in the direction of the
NorthStar.Lockthehorizontallock.Thetubeispointing
True North and now in the Alt/Az home position. 9
Adjusting the Red Dot Finder
Now,withoutmovingthetelescope,adjusttheindicated
thumb screws until you have put the red dot on the
object at which you were looking. It’s that simple.
Now use the hand controller to put the laser dot on a
new target. Check to see that the desired target is in
the eyepiece and adjust the focus knob until the object
is in focus.
NOTE: Be sure to turn off red dot when not in use.
Adjustment
Screws
Focus Knob
Focus Knob
ETX 80 Focus Knob
ETX 90/125
Focus Knob
Telescope
Tube is level
True or Magnetic
North
Figure 1: Alt/Az Home Position

When performing the Easy Alignment, select 1=True
when prompted. See Figure 3b.
Method #2: Finding Magnetic North using a
Compass: True North and Magnetic North differ and
will vary from location to location. In order to correctly
compensate for these differences you would need to
know the magnetic declination adjustment based on
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alignment routine and AudioStar now allows you to
point the telescope directly at your local magnetic
North as a starting point for the alignment.
Using the included magnetic compass, determine
the direction of magnetic North. The red arrow on the
compasswillpoint toward magnetic North. Note: Stand
away from large metal objects as this will interfere with
the compass reading.
Now unlock the horizontal lock knob and rotate the
mount until the OTA points toward magnetic North.
Lock the horizontal lock. The tube should now be level
and pointing toward magnetic North. The ETX is now
in the Alt/Az home position.
When performing the Easy Alignment, select
2=Compass when prompted. See Figure 3b.
Moving Through AudioStar’s Menus
TheAudioStar database is organized in levels for quick
and easy navigation.
• Press ENTER to go deeper into AudioStar’s
menu levels.
• Press MODE to move back toward the top
menu level. This is similar to a back button.
• Press GOTO to move to objects in the
database. Use this after you perform a night
sky alignment and have selected an object
from the Audiostar database.
• Press the central Arrow keys to electronically
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use the central Arrow keys and number keys
to enter characters and digits when inputting
information.
• Press the bottom Scroll keys to move up and
down through the options available for each
level.
Initializing AudioStar
This section describes how to initialize AudioStar.
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or after performing a RESET (see “RESET” page 33).
1. Verify that AudioStar is properly connected to
your telescope. See “Getting Started” page 7.
2. Turn the telescope power switch to the ON
position.
The AudioStar beeps and the display screen
is activated. Then AudioStar takes a few
moments to start up the system.
ALIGNING THE ETX
10
Polaris
Little Dipper
Big Dipper Cassiopeia
Figure 2: Locating Polaris
Compass
needle is
pointing to
Magnetic
North
Bubble is
centered
Figure 3a: Bubble Level/Compass
Figure 3b: Choosing North Method