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Meade ETX 90 Telescope Classic? Made in USA. 90mm X 1350mm F 13.8

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#26 Jae

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Posted 28 January 2025 - 11:55 AM

Great first telescope.

Here's the premier website for ETX tips and everything about the ETX line:

 

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

wow, forgot about this site.  One of the earliest observation reports on there is mine, brings back old memories.  

 

http://www.weasner.c...tips/night.html

 

I still have the scope but it’s now deforked with a Wegat back.  Very sharp and competitive with a Questar.
 

https://wegatoptical.com/shop/


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#27 Universe XY

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Posted 28 January 2025 - 02:09 PM

wow, forgot about this site.  One of the earliest observation reports on there is mine, brings back old memories.  

 

http://www.weasner.c...tips/night.html

 

I still have the scope but it’s now deforked with a Wegat back.  Very sharp and competitive with a Questar.
 

https://wegatoptical.com/shop/

Not a glowing review but this was a originally priced $500 for the basic model. Can't expect it to be a observatory quality.

 

I need to find more lens other than the 26mm this orig came with.

 

Guy through in an old 4 & 9mm.

 

I suppose these came with the series 4000 meade? Do these maks need special lens or will those that work on refractors work?



#28 deSitter

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Posted 28 January 2025 - 02:40 PM

As I mentioned, I believe yours the RA version, which means Right Ascension. The scope has a tracking motor in the base that is either on or off with a switch on the base. There is no hand controller. You have to use the Dec slow motion control to adjust the scope in Dec. 

 

The EC version of the ETX comes with a hand controller as it has motors on both axis (axii??).

There are 4 versions

 

1. RA - no go-to, no hand controller, has to run in EQ mode for tracking. This needs either a tripod, or a set of tabletop legs that allow the scope to be tilted into polar alignment. There are three sockets for the threaded ends of the legs. Two are covered by little plastic plugs.

 

2. EC - go-to, Autostar #494 with no number pad and other restrictions. Can be used with an Autostar #495, #497, or Audiostar (NOT II version - completely different electronics).

 

3. AT - comes with Autostar #497.

 

4. PE - "premium edition" - needs a later Autostar or Audiostar firmware. I think it came with an Audiostar and with LNT (Level North Technology) automatic alignment hardware built in.

 

The OTA is the same on all, and can be easily removed from the base and used with a dovetail bar on a standard mount.

 

The 5th version, the ETX90 Observer, is not from the same series and I think has a different OTA.

 

-drl


Edited by deSitter, 28 January 2025 - 03:54 PM.

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#29 deSitter

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Posted 28 January 2025 - 02:44 PM

attachicon.gif meade lens Screenshot 2025-01-27 085443.png

On closer inspection the 2 extra lens may not be Meade. I assumed not knowing the look of every part that it was original.

 

The 26mm in the eyepiece is stock but what are thes funky lens & a barlow 3X tossed im?

 

Am I going to need to buy better lens?

 

Bummed nowconfused1.gif

Do NOT use that Barlow! One, it is likely junk, and two, it may crash into the flip mirror and leave a nasty gash.

 

-drl


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#30 Universe XY

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Posted 28 January 2025 - 11:12 PM

I'm not using the supplied low end barlow's

 

I bought the #140 Meade Triplet 2X today so I hope it's OK. It was supposed to be descent but I have no idea if some of these are too long for my

90 X 1250 f 13.8

 

https://www.cloudyni...ion/?p=13937973



#31 deSitter

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Posted 29 January 2025 - 03:45 AM

I'm not using the supplied low end barlow's

 

I bought the #140 Meade Triplet 2X today so I hope it's OK. It was supposed to be descent but I have no idea if some of these are too long for my

90 X 1250 f 13.8

 

https://www.cloudyni...ion/?p=13937973

That likely will not work - it's a fine item but it's also long, intended for larger scopes where it can be inserted into a full-sized focuser. You don't need any barlows for such a long focal length on a 3.5" scope. It will also bang against the flip mirror likely.

 

The only barlow that will work for this telescope is the "shorty" version.

 

-drl


Edited by deSitter, 29 January 2025 - 03:46 AM.

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#32 ryanr256

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Posted 29 January 2025 - 10:10 AM

...

The only barlow that will work for this telescope is the "shorty" version.

 

-drl

 

 

The shorty Meade that works with the ETX is the #126 barlow.


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#33 Universe XY

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Posted 30 January 2025 - 02:05 AM

Darn, thanks,,,I can return it...oooh, sorry just don't know & trying to learn..Thanks!

 

Correction 90mm X1250mm F 13.8

 

I'm way out of my comfort zone. Thought it was good but if it is maybe I should keep it for a refractor?

If not I wasted shippingbawling.gif  & will return it. 

 

It was a good price $42 total? I should keep it for when I have a different setup?

 

What would the 140 2X barlow work on? What if I unscrewed it & used it as a 1.5X?


Edited by Universe XY, 30 January 2025 - 03:20 PM.


#34 deSitter

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Posted 30 January 2025 - 09:11 AM

Darn, thanks,,,I can return it...oooh, sorry just don't know & trying to learn..Thanks!

 

Correction 90mm X1250mm F 13.8

 

I'm way out of my comfort zone. Thought it was good but if it is maybe I should keep it for a refractor?

If not I wasted shippingbawling.gif  & will return it. 

I would keep the #140, it is a very nice barlow and would be easy to sell at any time. You may find a use for it later in your astronomy life. Hey you are doing just fine and you will love the little ETX - I have one of the later versions and it's like having a small dog :)

 

-drl


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#35 Universe XY

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Posted 30 January 2025 - 03:24 PM

ETX 90 X 1250 f13.8 should be here Sat by Fed Ex. Worried about Fed Ex as they tend to beat on packages.

 

The Meade 140 2X barlow was local. Even if it can't be used in this scope is it a good enough barlow to keep for when I get something better?



#36 Universe XY

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Posted 30 January 2025 - 03:27 PM

I would keep the #140, it is a very nice barlow and would be easy to sell at any time. You may find a use for it later in your astronomy life. Hey you are doing just fine and you will love the little ETX - I have one of the later versions and it's like having a small dog smile.gif

 

-drl

Thanks, you read my mind.

 

I really want to do some real deep sky. Nebula's but don't know how big I need to go. Seems you need a wider field. So a 13.8 isn't the best.

Can this little guy do some deep sky & what would I need to look for? I'm not ready for the big guns. It's best to learn on this little guy.

I seem to be on a ortho hunt but that's planetary. I want to get a few good eyepieces eventually. Knowing what to get is one thing but sometimes things come up you can't resist. 

 

Should I stay away from the old 60X 900 classic scopes? Probably a waste. Better to put $100 toward another lens or two. 18mm is good?


Edited by Universe XY, 30 January 2025 - 03:30 PM.


#37 deSitter

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Posted 30 January 2025 - 03:42 PM

Thanks, you read my mind.

 

I really want to do some real deep sky. Nebula's but don't know how big I need to go. Seems you need a wider field. So a 13.8 isn't the best.

Can this little guy do some deep sky & what would I need to look for? I'm not ready for the big guns. It's best to learn on this little guy.

I seem to be on a ortho hunt but that's planetary. I want to get a few good eyepieces eventually. Knowing what to get is one thing but sometimes things come up you can't resist. 

 

Should I stay away from the old 60X 900 classic scopes? Probably a waste. Better to put $100 toward another lens or two. 18mm is good?

You need a 40mm Plossl. Low power. Finding things with the tiny finder scope on the ETX can be a struggle without a low power eyepiece. 40mm will give 1250mm / 40mm = 31x. Here is a good choice.

 

https://agenaastro.c...l-eyepiece.html

 

For that scope a good starter set of eyepieces is

 

40mm, 25mm, 12mm, 9mm, 6mm

 

-drl



#38 deSitter

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Posted 30 January 2025 - 04:02 PM

Thanks, you read my mind.

 

I really want to do some real deep sky. Nebula's but don't know how big I need to go. Seems you need a wider field. So a 13.8 isn't the best.

Can this little guy do some deep sky & what would I need to look for? I'm not ready for the big guns. It's best to learn on this little guy.

I seem to be on a ortho hunt but that's planetary. I want to get a few good eyepieces eventually. Knowing what to get is one thing but sometimes things come up you can't resist. 

 

Should I stay away from the old 60X 900 classic scopes? Probably a waste. Better to put $100 toward another lens or two. 18mm is good?

60/910mm scopes are great for beginners. But 76/1200mm is just as easy to handle. Hang around in the Classic Telescopes forum and follow the ads thread. I still think a good 3" refractor is one of the best for a beginner.

 

-drl



#39 Don W

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Posted 30 January 2025 - 05:38 PM

We all know of the various ETX versions, 90, 105, 125 etc.

But how many of you have heard of Telrad ETX?

It was a one off experimental version. I obtained it through nefarious connections and some subterfuge.

 

DSCN1305.JPG

 


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#40 grif 678

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Posted 30 January 2025 - 06:00 PM

If you get one of the first ones made in the USA, the optics are just as good as the Questar, I have read that from several top notch CN members. The only thing that is questionable is the mount. I deforked mine, and have it on the small, lightweight unitron 114 altaz mount, and you can not beat it for optical quality, ease of use, and so easy to take out, with one hand. It is amazing that these OTA's usually sell for around $100 to $150 in excellent condition. What would a questar OTA sell for, and there would be no difference, since the mounts are absent.

Really amazing for the size and the money invested, what you can see.


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#41 starman876

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Posted 30 January 2025 - 06:22 PM

this post reminded me I still have an ETX90.  GoTo I think.  Will have to find where I put it and compare it side by side with my Questar.   I have had several Meade 90mm over the years. I might still have a bare tube model. They were always fun to play with,  


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#42 Universe XY

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Posted 30 January 2025 - 07:38 PM

If you get one of the first ones made in the USA, the optics are just as good as the Questar, I have read that from several top notch CN members. The only thing that is questionable is the mount. I deforked mine, and have it on the small, lightweight unitron 114 altaz mount, and you can not beat it for optical quality, ease of use, and so easy to take out, with one hand. It is amazing that these OTA's usually sell for around $100 to $150 in excellent condition. What would a questar OTA sell for, and there would be no difference, since the mounts are absent.

Really amazing for the size and the money invested, what you can see.

It's made in USA. Doesn't have the remote control.

Most of the others were made in Mexico & then made in China.

Not sure when they stopped making the ETX in USA.

 

You can tell as the lens just says USA, the others have Lens Made in USA but the scope were assembled in Mexico.

Of course the earlier eyepieces Meade 4000 were the best then they were changed but still called 4000. They where then made in Taiwan & then China.



#43 Universe XY

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Posted 30 January 2025 - 07:56 PM

If you get one of the first ones made in the USA, the optics are just as good as the Questar, I have read that from several top notch CN members. The only thing that is questionable is the mount. I deforked mine, and have it on the small, lightweight unitron 114 altaz mount, and you can not beat it for optical quality, ease of use, and so easy to take out, with one hand. It is amazing that these OTA's usually sell for around $100 to $150 in excellent condition. What would a questar OTA sell for, and there would be no difference, since the mounts are absent.

Really amazing for the size and the money invested, what you can see.

Mine was $300 with tax & shipping from epay. Should be here Saturday & then I can see what the 26mm super plossl says. It should be a japan if it's original.

There may even have been a change in the japan models. I think at once point they removed a internal lens. I paid more as I saw it was a USA model & I know/think  the US models have to be better. Also it looks almost like new. I liked the way it was presented & the seller seemed top notch.



#44 6642

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Posted 31 January 2025 - 11:23 AM

Hello
I have two copies of this beautiful little telescope
One complete (telescope, mount, pack and manual original). It is in perfect working condition.
And a simple OTA that I use for telephoto or day observations

 

Pascal

 

ETX90-RA-08.jpg

 

ETX90-RA-07.jpg

 

ETX90-RA-02.jpg

 

ETX90-RA-04.jpg

 

Tube-mak-ET90-06.jpg

 

Tube-mak-ET90-02.jpg

 

Tube-mak-ET90-01.jpg


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#45 Universe XY

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Posted 31 January 2025 - 01:25 PM

Hello
I have two copies of this beautiful little telescope
One complete (telescope, mount, pack and manual original). It is in perfect working condition.
And a simple OTA that I use for telephoto or day observations

 

Pascal

 

ETX90-RA-08.jpg

 

ETX90-RA-07.jpg

 

ETX90-RA-02.jpg

 

ETX90-RA-04.jpg

 

Tube-mak-ET90-06.jpg

 

Tube-mak-ET90-02.jpg

 

Tube-mak-ET90-01.jpg

Wow, nice...the first one is USA made too. Astro I guess was the first model.

 

Love the set up w tripod %& eyepiece on the 2ns one that's probably a Mexico assembled.

 

Both have USA optics but can you notice any differences?

 

I think Meade actually tweaked the later ones in the mount upgrading them.


Edited by Universe XY, 31 January 2025 - 01:29 PM.

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#46 Josephus Miller

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Posted 04 February 2025 - 12:45 PM

Was it delivered? I'm interested to see how it came out. 


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#47 Universe XY

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Posted 04 February 2025 - 01:50 PM

Was it delivered? I'm interested to see how it came out. 

Came yesterday afternoon.

Looks to be in good shape.

Just trying to look everything over & would like to find a manual.

The focus & whatever are just small 1/2 inch knobs that look like aluminum. Tube body is nice heavy aluminum & the plate on the bottom is thick steel. No battery door...have to remove 3 screws. Plastic however is most of the mounting & that's it's weakness.confused1.gif

Traveled well & luckily the big lens is pristine. Front lens cover is heavy screw on metal cap. 

Have to try not to tighten it to tight. I had a hard time unscrewing it as the lens in the tube barrel was loosening. Just some things that need tweaking.

 

The stock eyepiece was rattling & was giving me heart break but I researched CN. Took it apart, It just needed a retaining collar screwed tighter & found it's common & with some help from kind CN.

CN gave me support & so happy it was an easy fix.

 

https://www.cloudyni...000-ser-taiwan/

 

I didn't want to jinx it until I tried it out but yes, it finally got here & thankfully seems to have traveled well. It shipped in its original box inside an outer box. Was padded well. Seller packed it well.

 

Threw out that long 3X barlow. It was the worst plastic tube you ever saw.

I was surprised that the 5X Svony barlow looks well made.

The other 2 small ep are usable but nothing special.

 

Hopefully I can figure it out & test it tonight, The motor works but would not use it. The battery panel was clean with no sign of leakage. Well taken care of. 

 

26mm Plossl rubber is pliable & its made in Taiwan. Must be a 1996 ETX the first year.

The finder needed cleaning. It was a China model. Meade transitioned around this time so

luckily I got a Taiwan 26mm.

 

So far all positive but had to clean the finder. The internal coating flaked & peeled. I took out the black particles & it's clean & usable now.

 

It is a big relief. So far so good...

Meade ETX.jpeg

Meade Lens mak.jpeg


Edited by Universe XY, 04 February 2025 - 02:00 PM.

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#48 Universe XY

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Posted 04 February 2025 - 02:17 PM

Only thing I'm not sure of is one side of the plastic mount doesn't have a plastic over like it does on the other side.

Not likely a functional problem but still don't know why that is.

 

It has it on the side with the metal insert but on the other side it's open & not covered.

 

Meade ETX green.jpg



#49 Josephus Miller

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Posted 04 February 2025 - 03:08 PM

I've never used an ETX, but it looks like a really nice specimen. Maksutovs like this one travel (and ship) well in my experience so collimation may well be just fine out of the box.

 

Have you been able to try it on a terrestrial target during the day? That's what I do when I can't wait for nightfall.


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#50 Universe XY

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Posted 04 February 2025 - 03:28 PM

I'm dipping my feet in slowly. It's a strange little machine but looks well made except for the plastic ABS mount.

I'm trying to research if there is a piece missing from the mount.

 

Want to be careful & not have it come crashing down or out.

 

From what I read the originals had nylon gears which was later upgraded to metal.

 

I first need to know how to move it & tighten it which seem to be by the plastic knobs on the side.

 

Photo of rear

Meade ETXback red.jpg

 

Section of plastic with no cover

Meade ETX side red green.jpg

 

I found manuals for the later version but was looking for this one. Still the manual focus & how to secure & move the tube should be in those.

Just was busy yesterday going through everything.


Edited by Universe XY, 04 February 2025 - 03:30 PM.

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