You are not logged in. [Login] Forum Archives · Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar Telescope Specific Forums >> Meade ETX Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 Tom Hollett member Reged: 08/03/06 Posts: 12 right ascension scale label loose and swivels       #3244663 - 07/29/09 11:36 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I have a new ETX-125PE and have only taken it out of the box so far to familiarize myself with it. I noticed the label comprising the RA scale on the base is loose and swivels around 360 degrees, quite easily. Is this normal? Should I use some clear tape to anchor it into a particular position? If so, how do I align the scale so it sits properly on the base? (As a newbie, I am still reading up on this, but not finding out how critical it is, if at all.) Thanks. Post Extras:       Treehopper professor emeritus Reged: 07/29/08 Posts: 582 Loc: Upstate NY Re: right ascension scale label loose and swivels [Re: Tom Hollett]       #3244673 - 07/29/09 11:40 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   This should answer all your questions and then some! http://www.weasner.com/etx/ref_guides/setting_circles.html Short answer: it's supposed to be able to move, so please don't fasten it down! -------------------- Tim Champion of small aperture scopes everywhere! Meade ETX-125PE Meade ETX-80 Celestron FirstScope 76mm Mini-dob Updated: 09/16/2009 Post Extras:       Tom Hollett member Reged: 08/03/06 Posts: 12 Re: right ascension scale label loose and swivels [Re: Treehopper]       #3244702 - 07/29/09 11:59 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks Treehopper! I love Weasner's site, but the layout overwhelms me at times. I'll give this a good read, but you're saying the label itself should be able to move around? Whew, that makes me feel better. Learning everyday. Post Extras:       ColoHank professor emeritus Reged: 06/07/07 Posts: 515 Loc: western Colorado Re: right ascension scale label loose and swivels [Re: Tom Hollett]       #3244758 - 07/29/09 12:35 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Since your ETX-125PE has go-to capability, the RA and DEC scales (setting circles) are redundant. Should the go-to function act up or your batteries fail, however, the RA and DEC scales are there to serve as a reliable backup mechanism for navigating the night sky. In short, they would enable you to manually locate objects with known celestial coordinates. For setting circles to function, you'd also have to use the built-in equatorial wedge on your tripod, polar align the scope and calibrate the RA circle. Google "setting circles" and "polar alignment" for more detailed explanations. -------------------- --------------------- Questar 3.5 standard - pyrex and BB coatings Powerguide II 8mm, 12mm, 16mm, 24mm and 32mm Brandons modified Bogen 3030 w/ homebuilt wedge Homebuilt Galileo scope and very large and ugly homemade tripod other odds and ends, including iPod Touch with StarMap Pro (what a marvelous combo)... --------------------- "Nothing exists but atoms and empty space. Everything else is opinion." Titus Lucretius Carus 99-55 B.C. Edited by ColoHank (07/29/09 12:50 PM) Post Extras:       Tom Hollett member Reged: 08/03/06 Posts: 12 Re: right ascension scale label loose and swivels [Re: ColoHank]       #3245485 - 07/29/09 08:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks Hank! I've been doing just that and learning more. Feel a little stupid I missed some of the stuff on Weasner's site, but got a much better understanding now. 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