Meade ETX-90EC (325 x 90mm) Telescope - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

This type of telescope is viewed from the small tube at the rear. Use the longest lens you have. Most people think that they need magnification, but that is not accurate. A 5 mm lens will only have 1/6th the field of view (how much sky you see) compared to a 30 mm. The picture below was taken through a 50 mm lens.

See link below They know everything about the ETX Weasner Mighty ETX Site

The bolt is stripped away from the plastic knob-- TAKE THE vertical lock knob off and inspect the bolt head-- you can use a STRONG glue to fix it -- epoxy or something similar.

The flip mirror has fallen off inside the scope. This must be returned to Meade for repair. Here is their customer service phone number:

http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

There is a tiny setscrew on the side of the knob. Tighten this screw and the knob will stay on the rod coming out of the scope.

www.telescopeman.org
www.telescopeman.us

There is a small (tiny) set screw on the side of the knob. Make sure the screw is tight.

It is very simple.Their is one shaft appear near eyepice.please you go at electronics componant shop and buy a knob which is suitble to fix.You focus button ready to work.

Go to the Mighty ETX web site:
http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html

There are many pictures and technical documents there that will show you how to dis-assemble and reassemble these telescopes.

The contrast and brightness can be reset --- here is the manual -- how to do this is listed in the manual. If this does not repair the controller then you will need to buy a new hand controller-- the 497 hand controller is available used on Ebay from time to time.

http://www.meade.com/manuals/TelescopeManuals/ETXtelescopes/ETX-90%20w-autostar%20man.pdf

Manual down load above--

Meade usually will not sell you parts. However you can call them and ask.

http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

Usually they want you to return the scope for repairs. They can fix this but you may not like the charge which is usually about $150- $175.

Unfortunately, you will probably have to send the unit in for sevicing, to restore this function. This type of scope is a highly precision device, and parts can wear, causing a loss of certain functions. I wouldn't recommend trying to take the unit apart, unless you're a super mechanical person. Even if you did, you'd have to identify the worn or failing part, and that would be a challenge without the tools and replacement parts they have at their repair facilities. Some cities have "sky clubs" and some of the people are avid skywatchers, and might know something about this particular problem, and may be of help, but that might your best alterntive to having it serviced right away. Often times, a switch or part can get slightly compromised by dust, or lint, and require a minor cleaning.
Here's Meade's Support Site, in case you don't have it:
http://www.meade.com/support/auto.html
Good luck, and hope this helps.

The gears could be stipped inside the scope. Make sure the shaft isn't broken also, when you take it apart to inspect it. If you find a damaged gear or broken part, contact Meade to see if that part is available. If you have trouble inspecting the unit to find the problem, you could take it into a camera repair shop, and see if they can assist you in determining the problem. Here's Meade's support site:
http://www.meade.com/support/auto.html
Good luck, and hope this helps.

Meade can repair these scopes but they will want you to return the scope--

Contact them here:
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

Try another one-- some work and some do not. The one sold by scopestuff.com works.

www.scopestuff.com

There is a "BOLT" do it yourself fix for this on the Mighty ETX web site. Seach for DEC Fix --- or send Mike an email.

http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html

here is a direct link:
http://www.weasner.com/etx/techtips/etx_90_dec.html

Take the scope outside during the day time. Put the eyepiece with the largest number written on it into the TOP diagonal. There is a "flip" switch on the back that changes between the rear photo port to the TOP eyepiece port.

Flip it one way or the other until you can see light through the TOP eyepiece. Practice focusing on a distant object during the day time.

Here is the manual:
http://www.meade.com/manuals/TelescopeManuals/ETXtelescopes/ETX-90%20w-autostar%20man.pdf

No, however this is actually an easy repair for anyone who repairs electronics. You just need a new switch. There is a small spring inside that compresses when you plug in an external 12 volt battery (source) with the proper cable.

It may be slightly stuck DOWN or broken.

Here is Meade's customer service number--

http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

If you broke the forks then it will never track properly. You can return it to Meade for repair.

Here:
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

It broke off of the circuit board. Actually I PURPOSELY cut both of the battery wires OFF! This makes it much easier to work on the internal gears.

Just buy a separate 12 volt power pack and stop using the internal batteries. The scope functions better on a regulated separate power pack. Buy the proper 12 volt cigarette lighter style power cord.

I never use the internal batteries and have removed them completely from the scope. If they leak they will ruin the circuits inside the base of the scope.

Gently use pure acetone (no perfume or dye) on a q-tip. just dampen the q-tip and only use one stroke per q-tip do not use any pressure as this will damage the mirror surface Use distilled water to rinse mirror. LET AIR DRY!