Etx 90 Pe Views
The Meade ETX-90, in all its variations, has been a best seller since its introduction many years ago. It has been offered in several model variations over the years, most of which are basically similar. As I write these words in 2009, Meade is offering the scope in a Premier Edition, which includes the #884 tripod (previously an extra cost optional accessory) and the AutoStar go-to system (previously optional).
Inspired by the legendary Questar 3.5 telescope, the ETX-90 is a long focal length Maksutov-Cassegrain design on a motorized, swing through fork mount. The optical tube is a royal blue color intended to resemble the Questar, but without the overprinted star map. Here are some features and basic specifications for the ETX-90 Premier Edition:
Judging by the example reviewed here, the ETX-90 is a fine little optical tube married to an abysmal mount. The motor drive system runs on eight AA batteries installed in the bottom of the motor drive base. The claimed battery life is, a"up to 20 hours.v" Maybe, in alt-azimuth mode with little use, but when used in AutoStar mode, my older model ETX-90 depletes its batteries very quickly. Figure a couple hours of operating time. When the batteries are exhausted, you have to turn off the electronics and remove the telescope and fork mount from its tripod, there by un-aligning the scope. You must re-align the AutoStar after replacing the batteries. The motorized fork mount lacks slow motion controls, so both RA and Dec fine adjustments must always be made with the electric four-way controller.
Shortly before I began writing this review, a Meade Customer Service representative refused to sell me parts, claiming that the Company no longer stocked ETX-90 mount parts because the scopes were discontinued, a flat-out lie. A second call to a supervisor was required to get the required parts. Stories like this about Meade Customer Service are depressingly common.
Etx 90 Pe Images
