Storage and Transport
When not in use, store the telescope in a cool, dry place. Do not expose the instrument to excessive heat or
moisture. It is best to store the telescope in its original box with the vertical and horizontal locks (6 and 10, Fig. 1) in
the unlocked positions. If shipping the telescope, use the original box and packing material to protect the telescope
during shipment.
When transporting the telescope, take care not to bump or drop the instrument; this type of abuse can damage the
optical tube and/or the objective lens. It is highly recommended to use the #765 Soft Carrying Bag or #774 Hard
Carrying Case to transport the telescope (see
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
).
Inspecting the Optics
A Note About the "Flashlight" Test:
If a flashlight or other high-intensity light source is pointed down the main
telescope tube, the view (depending upon the observer's line of sight and the angle of the light) may reveal what
appears to be scratches, dark or bright spots, or uneven coatings, giving the appearance of poor quality optics.
These effects are only seen when a high intensity light is transmitted through lenses or reflected off the mirrors, and
can be seen on any high quality optical system, including giant research telescopes.
The optical quality of a telescope cannot be judged by the "flashlight" test; the true test of optical quality can only be
conducted through careful star testing.
Troubleshooting
The following suggestions may be helpful if there are difficulties with operation of the Electronic Controller or ETX-
90EC telescope.
The power indicator light does not come on or there is no response when pressing the Electronic Controller
arrow keys:
•
Verify that the computer control panel power switch (1, Fig. 4) is in the ON position.
•
Verify that the Electronic Controller cord (4, Fig. 5) is firmly connected to the HBX port (3, Fig. 4).
•
If using internal power (batteries), verify that the batteries are installed correctly and that they have sufficient
charge (see
Assembly Instructions
).
NOTE: If the batteries are getting low on charge there will be a marked difference in the slew speed. The
speed indicator lights may also flash and the speed may change. If any of these symptoms occurs, turn the
power off and replace the batteries.
•
If using an external power source, verify that it is properly connected between the 12 volt connector (4, Fig.
4) and either a wall plug (AC source) or a car lighter (DC source).
•
If the Electronic Controller does not respond to commands, place the power switch to OFF and then back to
ON.
•
If the telescope does not slew after power is applied or if the motor quits or stalls, verify that there are no
physical obstructions that would impede telescope movement.
•
If all physical obstacles are removed and the telescope still does not move properly, turn off the power and
unplug the Electronic Controller. Plug the Electronic Controller back in and turn the power back on.
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
).
