233 replies to this topic

[deSitter]

I've been looking at an ETX90 locally that has an unfamiliar finder on it. Carefully scanned through all the photos but I don't find optics made in usa like i've seen on others. Were some made else where ? Any good ? 

Thanks

 

461320795_1677553279702577_8471911278853427431_n.jpg

Looks like a typical reflex sight type finder. Like the straight-thru stock finder it will be hard to get your head down there pointed upward. A right-angle finder is a practical necessity. The ETX right-angle finder is pretty bad optically and makes a reversed image but at least you can look through it!

 

For a deforked ETX I think the best finder solution is to use the top port for a diagonal and low-power eyepiece, like a 40mm Plossl, and use the back port with the right adapter and visual back for viewing. The diagonal undoes the reversal of the flip mirror giving a true RACI view.

 

-drl

Edited by deSitter, 01 October 2024 - 10:38 PM.

[deSitter]

It’s nice to note that the Wegat plates are still available. If I were to buy another scope, (which I'm not), it would be a deforked ETX 125 with a Wegat back. It would be like having a poor (wo)man’s 5” Questar field model, (that is sadly never going to happen now that Questar seems to have scrapped plans for the Q5).

Prices - ETX125, $125 - ETX105, $105 - ETX90, $90

 

-drl

[gelkin]

Is the lack of made in USA a concern ?

[deSitter]

Is the lack of made in USA a concern ?

I don't think so - the AT and EC go-to scopes are from Taiwan I believe. Mine is outstanding! IIRC only the original non-go-to scopes are US-made. The fit and finish on mine are superior, as are the optics.

 

-drl

[jragsdale]

I don't think so - the AT and EC go-to scopes are from Taiwan I believe. Mine is outstanding! IIRC only the original non-go-to scopes are US-made. The fit and finish on mine are superior, as are the optics.

 

-drl

I have one that says ETX-90AT on the manual, ETX-90EC on the box and it has Optics made in the USA, assembled in Mexico.

[deSitter]

I have one that says ETX-90AT on the manual, ETX-90EC on the box and it has Optics made in the USA, assembled in Mexico.

I have the EC but no box. I will look on the bottom when I get home.

 

-drl

[gelkin]

I bought that local ETX 90. Nice crispy views. Freaky crisp.   Didn't mess much with the Autostar but it appears to be working. Everything seems to function. I need to get a compass though. Don't trust my iphone due to its showing north between 20 and 30 degrees off Polaris.  ??  

I also bought a Meade erect image prism through a wanted ad. I was told ahead of time there was an issue with the prism. that it was not aligned. Being at a very good price I figured it was worth the risk. This is what I found. 

 

In the case where the point of the prism sits in. there appeared to be excess glue holding the prism up and to one side slightly. After scraping out the glue with the point of a needle file and constantly rechecking till it lined up perfectly. This fixed both the side to side and vertical alignment.  One big reason for wanting an ETX was for terrestrial viewing. All good now.

 

[deSitter]

I bought that local ETX 90. Nice crispy views. Freaky crisp.   Didn't mess much with the Autostar but it appears to be working. Everything seems to function. I need to get a compass though. Don't trust my iphone due to its showing north between 20 and 30 degrees off Polaris.  ??  

I also bought a Meade erect image prism through a wanted ad. I was told ahead of time there was an issue with the prism. that it was not aligned. Being at a very good price I figured it was worth the risk. This is what I found. 

 

In the case where the point of the prism sits in. there appeared to be excess glue holding the prism up and to one side slightly. After scraping out the glue with the point of a needle file and constantly rechecking till it lined up perfectly. This fixed both the side to side and vertical alignment.  One big reason for wanting an ETX was for terrestrial viewing. All good now.

 

erecting diagonal repair.jpg

You should disassemble and check the altitude axis ASAP before doing any serious tightening. While doing that make sure the friction surfaces are clean of grease. Look for hairline cracks near the base of the plastic axle. If you get ahead of it, those cracks can be repaired with acetone used as plastic weld. If that axle fails the base is useless.

 

-drl

[Universe XY]

Joining the Meade EXT-90 registry. Ordered one today made in USA. Think it's the EXT 90 M or RA?

 

Can't wait until it arrives in about a week?

 

Hopefully the Los Angeles skies will have cleared by then.

 

Photo's on the link to my post. Been coming CN & found this thread. It was an impulse buy as I loved how compact it was & it screamed Queststar looks.

 

https://www.cloudyni...138/?p=13934481