I have an older model meade etx astro telescope i see nothing but black when looking through my telescope..the lense cover is off...the mirror is in the up position like it should be....its nothing but black when looking through...im not sure whats goin on

No they do not keep track of serial numbers only the main model number like LX200, LX90, ETX, etc etc--

Everything is ALWAYS upside down in an astronomical telescope. It's normal!

No up or down in outer space. Read my tips on my profile page.

They do make an "erecting diagonal" for terrestrial viewing. Just google "erecting diagonal".

This issue will be extremely hard to diagnose over the net but I'll give it a try. This is from Meade. The link to the online manual is below: http://www.meade.com/manuals/etx90ec/index.html Unable to see an image through the eyepiece:

• Confirm that the lens cover has been removed from the telescope.
• Confirm that the flip-mirror control (16, Fig. 1) is in the "up" position if using the eyepiece holder (4, Fig. 1) so that light is directed to the eyepiece (1, Fig. 1). Confirm that the flip-mirror control is in the "down" position if using the #932 Erecting Prism or doing photography with the ETX-90EC (see Telescope Controls and PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE ETX-90EC).

It sounds like you are correct about a mechanical issue with the knob that moves the mirror. If you need a quick fix try your local camera repair or watch repair shop as the are familiar with intricate parts. The camera shop would be preferable as they know optics. Otherwise you could ship it to me and I could repair it fro you depending on the availibility of parts if parts were needed. Check my picture for my site address and get contact info there for more information.

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

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

This is a known issue with the older ETX scopes. You can use silicon sealant or a small amount of hot glue -- and just put the mirror back on it's small platform.

However you might need to disassemble the rear of the scope to do this. See this web site for instructions on disassembly.

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

Many retailers sell these. The catch is to find one that will MOUNT to the ETX125. Try these two retailers:

http://www.agenaastro.com/

http://www.optcorp.com/

Call them and see what they have.

Meade "might" sell you the replacement part. But most likely they will want you to return the scope for repairs.

Call them:

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

Your best bet is to ship it back to Meade for repair. they may not look it but there are very close tolerances that have to be achieved and takes certain tools for alignment.

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

1. Take off the lens cap

2. Put your lowest magnification eyepiece into the telescope on the TOP eyepiece port-- there is a lever on the side which rotates the diagonal mirror between the top and rear ports --- can you see light through the telescope? If not turn the lever.

3. During the day practice focusing on a distant object at least 100 yards away-- the image will be upside down -- this is not a problem-- no UP or Down in space.!

4. The lowest magnification eyepiece is the one with the LARGEST number on it.

The ETX family (and other Meade LX telescopes), use a moving mirror system for focus. The focus knob moves the main mirror in and out. For smooth operation, there is some slack on the central tube that allows the mirror to rock slightly as it moves. That is a normal condition, and the movement is magnified, the greater the magnification of the eyepiece.