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[NoobWatcher]

Greetings all,
I have spent several hours reading your post and would appreciate your input. I am a extreme novice. I had a Marlboro telescope a couple of years ago that gave me this itch. I was only able to deal with playing with the device a few times due to the fact pain of sticky manual adjustments and object moving thru the FOV before I could show someone. I had takin the unit camping though and my neices and nephews continue to hound me to bring it camping again. I camp frequently during the summer and been wishing for a decent unit to bring as well as use at home. My wife made an purchase attempt for this christmas but I sent due to no motorized alignment.
Now that the night sky hardware issue was put back in my face I did some web surfing and settled on the Meade ETX 90AT. It should ship out tommorrow I was attracted to some big honkin scopes in the 2-3k range but considerd it prudent to start smaller and see how it goes. It has the auto star feature with goto, tripod, and I orderd a hard travel case. From what I can understand from reading it is a good all around unit. I found it online for under $500 for that complete set up ( case was $99 extra ). Of course now that I bought it, being site unseen, did I make a decent choice? What else do I really need to ease the learning curve? Books and or charts?

Your input is greatly welcome. I hope its not the millionth you answerd the same questions
I have read so much I am unable to distill it.

[TheCriticalEye]

WEll NoobWatcher my advice would be ....
Fist thing .. if you are serious join an asronomy club there is volumes of wealth shared between all the members.
Second .. ditch the ETX ( just so you wont waist your $ and get disapointed)

Third buy a few books on astronomy and a chart wheel and some charts the more you read the more you know.

Fourth .. If you want to jump right in with both feet i suggest getting a decent Dobsonian. My 2 favs. are Orion and Hardin Optics. Orion for the XT line ( intelliscope) Hardin for the superior optics focuser and just best bang for buck. I have heard and seen nothing but good from these scopes.

Fifth get celestron eyepiece kit Thats a decent kit for the $ filters barlow ad all the eyepieces you will need to start ... and the rest you will pickup along the way ...
Clear skys .. and i hope its helped ..
( i could ramble on even why not the ETX ) maybe in another topic or message me

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Scott - (Noobwatcher),

Thanks for your first post and good questions to start with. We have several members here who own ETX scopes, and they are happy with them. The goto feature to great, but don't let that prevent you from learning the night sky. Get a good star map or chart and turn off the goto. Learn to find the brighter and easier targets on your own. Star hopping is the preferred technique.

It was a good choice to start out smaller, than to begin with a giant scope. The dob's are the best bang for the buck....large apertures and brighter images, but they are a bit cumbersome and normally are not fitted with motor drives. It's all manual there.

Bill I see has some reservations on the ETX I see. I would like to read his reviews, but on the whole, the ETX will serve you well. Perhaps Chicago Astronomer members who own one will chime in on it's performance. I know that Chicago Astronomer Douglas has one, and brings it out to our activities. His goto/tracking motor is comforting to listen to. And the views that I have seen through them is acceptable and good.

Check out the "Astronomical Links and Software" board on this forum for recommendations on FREE software and astronomical resources...including charts.

Let's see what comes with the ETX. I agree on the Celestron eyepiece kit as well. Many here will offer their own preferences on kits and individual eyepieces. Also check out: www.cloudynights.com There they review all types of astronomical equipment.

And wow.....you have spent hours here on my site....I feel that I need to offer you a cup of coffee or something! Thanks for joining the Chicago Astronomer family, and hope to see you here often!

[Doug]

Scott,

I also have the ETX 90 with AutoStar and the Tripod. This is also my first telescope, so I don't have much to compare it to. But overall, I am very happy with it. The autostar does make it very easy for a newbie like myself to find things in the Chicago night sky that normally would be difficult to pinpoint. I agree with Joe that this could be a crutch, in that you don't find these things yourself, but I would rather have it than not have it. The goto is pretty good about putting the selected item in your eyepiece, although it is not always centered.

A few things I don't like about the ETX90 -- it comes with a straight viewfinder which is pretty unusable. If you are pointing at something near the zenith, you basically have to get down on your hands and knees to look through the viewfinder. So I paid 50 bucks for the right angle viewfinder and tossed the old one. Also, I find that the focus knob is hard to access when the scope is pointed near the zenith. It's hard to get your fingers in there to turn the knob. You can also buy a special extender to the knob that I've seen on ebay for about 10 bucks.

But overall, I think the ETX90 is a good starter scope. It has a good focal length of 1250 mm, so you can get pretty good magnifications. The aperature is not huge, so for deep sky objects it isn't great, but I have seen a number of nebulae and clusters through it. The tripod is very sturdy, and allows you to easily go into equatorial mode. Also, since it is very lightweight, you don't break your back hauling it around.

Lastly, I also have the Celestron kit which is a good starter kit. There are a couple of eyepieces which I hardly use (I think they are 4mm and 6mm) because the eye relief is pretty bad. But the rest of the eyepieces are pretty solid.

Let us know what you think of the scope once you get it. And feel free to post any questions. Have fun!

-Doug

[NoobWatcher]

Thank you all for your honest input. I kinda figured with the small size I may give up some deeper objects. That is ok for now I can accept it. It does appear that I can learn all the basic skills with the etx90 unit. I did consider getting something else but decided to stay with my first choice.

I went to a shop today that offerd a wide range of telescopes and accessories. I can see the sky is not the limit on spending money. Well for now I need to focus on finishing equipping my current purchase.

I am very interested in some of the items that some of you recommended. The Celestron eye piece kit, does it have a model #? I have be shoppin around and getting confused. Mostly I see individual pieces.

In addition should I invest right away in any filter? If yes which one(s)?

By the way I live in Lindenhurst IL ( by Gurnee Mill, Six Flags ) I sure hope the sky clears up ;D. Thanks again for all your help.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Scott,

Glad to have you in the close vicinity. You certainly must join us for our get togethers and mini star parties.

I would hold off on the filters until you get better acquainted with your targeted objects in the eyepiece. Come along with us, and look what we use and see if that's what you like. Sometimes the filters do good, sometimes they do not. If you have blue-blocker or polarizer sunglasses, you can try them on brighter objects such as the moon and planets. It will start you off in some sort of direction. I have an adapter for an old pair of polarizers that I use. I place it between the secondary mirror and the focuser. It brings out the maria's on the moon very nice. You just have to rotate it until you get the darkest contrast.

I'm sure your scope will come with at least two eyepieces. One Low and one medium magnification. You will use the lower one mostly. When you join us, you can try out our various eyepieces on your scope.

I would order catalogs from the manufactures. I think Chicago Astronomer DeWayne here has an eye patch that he uses. And there is a red goggle thread somewhere in here.

What telescope store did you visit? Shutan?

I wait with great anticipation along with you for your new scope.

[stargazer]

Scott,

I also have eye patches that I use all the time while searching the Heavens. As for the filters I have everything from two different color sets to the Moon Polarizing. An Narrowband and Skyglow. The set I HIGHLY reccommend is the Stargazer Deluxe from Orion. For the money it is worth it. ($100.00) my other set is from Meade. I most often the use the set from Orion. Now living in Light Polluted Skies like we do if you really want to see anything with detail I would get the filters. When I got my scope 3 years ago I was also told to wait to get the filters. What a mistake that was. I didnt know what I was missing in just the Orion Nebula let alone any of the other DSO's you can see with a small scope. No I didnt start out with a small scope but what I had planned for it I couldnt. Now as I pack for my trip to Fla next month I am reminded of how great they will come in handy. You will be missing alot of detail if you do wait to get them. If you want IM me and I will help you figure out which ones you need or want. The different colors do different things to the Planets and with the Nebulas's. You can start out with just 4 filters from Meade for about $ 45.oo. But I reccommend get the Poliarizing Moon filter it will help you on nights you want to Observe the full Moon. Also somewhere in here I posted a challange to the gang. Joe says he has started but I still have no word if he finished it or not. There is a Lunar 100 list from Sky and Telescope Magizine. All it is is to locate 100 craters. Just for fun but it will give you something to start with that is easy. I have been told I did not nor could I spot one of the craters on the list. I have a 10" scope and had to find the same crater for the Lunar Cert from the AL. Speaking of Certs Joe are you going to be able to do what we talked about and what I sent you.

Ok enough of my 2 cents and my opinion.
B

[TheCriticalEye]

Just take into consideration and check it out for yourself the ETX 90mm and on up wich are all muskotov cassegrains are all f/15 .. wich the apature and focal ratio is fine for planetary observing but not much more than that.

For deepspace observing it is rendered useless.

Again it is what you want to do with it and Yes .. the $$ amount is endless.

[JRLAstro]

As another Newbee, I won't lead or mislead you into something. I experienced as fist thing, that touching the telescope is not good, a sturdy stand is most important. The joy is hard to describe, when you pick out an object on a map and starhop till you find it. Finding Venus in daytime, is a good training session as well. MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, is to get in touch with and join a club, and you are safe.
Regards from Denmark

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

JRLAstro,

Thank you for your first post and input on telescope preferences. I hope to see you here often. Also...I like your little dog avatar.


All good points regarding the ETX, but I have observed good targeting with them through the scopes of our members. Yes, we all agree that aperture rules, (bigger always better), but for portability, ease of use and coupled with the proper eyepiece...you will get good views of any target.

Scope vibration is an important consideration. My 4.5 acts like a wind sail in strong winds even with a strudy tripod. And tube handling causes my tagets to dance around for a few seconds. The ETX is stubby enough to be pretty steady. I think you will like it.

Becks...I will work on your certs soon, haven't forgotten. And... I have left off at around 45 on the S&T Lunar 100. Perhaps when it gets warmer I shall resume.

[Al Degutis]

Chicago said:

but for portability, ease of use and coupled with the proper eyepiece...you will get good views of any target.

Portability is a benefit unless you have a permanent set up like an observatory. I've used my binoculars 10 times more in the last 3 months than my 8" SCT because of the time necessary to haul it out and set it up. I'd get a smaller scope for quick use if I could get the funds approved.

[NoobWatcher]

The waiting is driving me nutz! I now have a UPS # with an estimated arrival date of Thursday. I plan to purchase a few accessories once I have the first shipment arrives. Well the sky is so cloudy and snow is on the way I guess I couldnt play much anyway.

And yes I had stopped by Shuttan camera in Vernon Hills. MMMM big honkin scopes. I'll be back once I get it.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

It is a well known fact that when inclement weather arrives and stays for days....that someone has received or is about to receive a new telescope or piece of equipment....

Thanks a lot Scott...I'll remember you when I'm shoveling snow in a bit!

[timothy]

Scott
Hi, and welcome.
I,m sure your going to be thrilled with your new scope, and I'm also sure you'll be looking for a 6-8" scope within the next year, which is fine because then you'll have your grab and go scope already.
One thing I would suggest getting A.S.A.P, is a pair of binoculars, and a tripod for steady views. Not only do they make it easy to find things because of the wide field of view, They give you fantastic views of open star clusters.
You don't have to spend much either. I just received a pair of 10-50 wide angle binoculars from Orion, on sale for $35.

Tim

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I spend many an hour peering through the eyepiece of my scope, but everyonce in awhile I like to put it all away and just leisurely scan the skies with a tripoded binocular.

I use the 10x50's and enjoy the low powered tour of clusters, nebulae and star fields.

Every astronomer needs a pair in their bag.

[NoobWatcher]

I have a nice set of binaculars in my camper (not sure what power ). I had never even considerd lookin up at night with them. Doh! In addition I have a Leupold spotting scope which spends all its time in a case. Doh! You guys have been a great help.

Shipment is now due to arrive tommorrow, but I wonder if the snow is going to delay it. I will know before lunch tommorrow.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

You must let us know the moment you get the chance to set it aside. It is always the biggest thrill when a new scope arrives at your home and the selfish joy of putting it together. It almost surpasses the actual first observational session.

Binoculars show you the way in the sky, while the telescope investigates the target. I always have my 10x50's with me, as they work together just nicely. And with targets such as Macholz, it is almost a necessity.

Your spotting scope should also be of good value as well. You could keep that in the trunk of your car for quick views and unexpected sights.

Waiting along with you.

[NoobWatcher]

Woot! I got it! I have the unit assembly and have completed several mind melds with the operating instructions. ;D I understand enough to be dangerous.
Of course it is total overcast up here
Tommorrow the wife and I will run out and buy some accessories. Overall so far I feel that this purchase will be a good educational tool. It will travel well camping and provide additional enjoyment to the experience.
Talk to yas soon!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Excellent, just excellent. But you have caused all of us the overcast skies just by receiving the new equipment. That's the astronomer curse, and never fails.

I anticipate a detailed desciption of your new toy and the fun experience that goes along with it.

Congrats on the arrival!

[NoobWatcher]

Today I picked up a set of 7 Meade Super Plossel eye pieces in a nice case . It was on sale and it appeared a decent price vs buying seperate. Also I purchased a Meade color filter set as well as a Luminos moon filter, light pollution filter(UHC), lens pen and a sky wheel (planishere). The light pollution filter was kinda pricey so the solar filter will have to wait for the next purchase trip.

For the record ( for those who may be interested ).
My current equipment cost to start up the little scope:
Meade ETX-90 with tripod, autostar, purchased online under $ 500
Hard case $100
Meade eye piece set (7) $249
Meade filter set $50
Lumicon moon filter $18
Lumicon UHC fliter $100
Misc $25
Current total under $1100

Yet to purchase Solar filter $80ish
Flex focus knob $20ish
Right angle spotter $50ish

I currently think I have a basic understanding on the setting up of the unit. It appears to be a sturdy set up and not extremly difficult to calibrate. Today a played with training the drive motors by looking at an eye on a basketball hoop down the street. Now all I need is 70 degrees and a clear sky!

Btw the guy at Shutan Camera in Vernon Hills was very helpful and did not mind all the silly questions I needed to ask.

Thats all for now until the sky opens.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Wow....! Thanks for the detailed breakdown of your purchases. Yesterday, I and other Adler telescope operators assisted the public with their scopes that were brought in. One couple had an ETX 70, and it was pretty much straighforward in setting up. The the firmware was different, as newer versions require different approches. But we got it to slew properly and the views were nice.

A detailed narrative of the nights activities upcoming on the Adler board here.

You have a great assembly there, and the sky awaits.

[timothy]

Wow! you are all set. Come on clear skys

[jglover]

NoobWatcher said:

Meade filter set $50
Lumicon moon filter $18
Lumicon UHC fliter $100
Misc $25
Current total under $1100

Yet to purchase Solar filter $80ish
Flex focus knob $20ish
Right angle spotter $50ish

Based on my personal experiences, the filter kit is not something that will really make that much difference. The moon filter is a must, and the Lumicon UHC is one of the best out there. Those two filters should serve all your filtration needs.

For the ETX scopes I think the flexifocus is almost a must have item as well. Trying to focus when aimed near the zenith is incredibly demanding without it, and I've found the focus knob on my ETX105 to be so-so at best. The flxifocus certainly makes it much easier to achieve critical sharpness. You might see if you can return the filter kit and exchange it for the flexifocus. You will get much more use out of that than the colored filters.

One other thing that is a must for me is a portable power pack. I use a 7 amp-hour battery jump start kit and an cigarette lighter adpater from Radio Shack tp power my scope. The internal batteries will work, but not for very ong, and when the volatage starts to drop, the scope does funny things.....wild, ruawat slews, loss of alignment.....etc. I can run for several nights on one charge on the jump starter. Not that I've had nay nights at all to observe in recent weeks though!!!

John

[jglover]

Oh yes, one other valuable thing for your new scope.......

and this one is a freebie, though it will most likely cause to spend more cash!

www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html

The best source of info, modifications, gear reviews, etc., geared towards the ETX.

John

[NoobWatcher]

Thats a great web-site thx alot. I will definatly pick up or make a Flexi Focus ( I own a small machine shop ). There are many nice additions I will piece meal in as I become more confident in my abilities. Have you had any exposure to the Meade Auto Suite imaging software? I was wondering if it is worth the $150ish bucks? My wife loves to take pictures and if the night sky interests her I will need to know my options.

The Sky is still Blocked in Lake County

[jglover]

NoobWatcher said:

Thats a great web-site thx alot. I will definatly pick up or make a Flexi Focus ( I own a small machine shop ). There are many nice additions I will piece meal in as I become more confident in my abilities. Have you had any exposure to the Meade Auto Suite imaging software? I was wondering if it is worth the $150ish bucks? My wife loves to take pictures and if the night sky interests her I will need to know my options.

The Sky is still Blocked in Lake County

Same way here in northern Will County.

I bought the LPI along with my ETX105 from Shutan, but really have not had much of a chance to use it yet. When I bought it last summer, it was definitely worth the price,as getting a modified webcam to do the same task was about the same cost. However, with the new DSI Imager out from Meade for $300, I'd lean more towards purchasing the DSI if I were interested in imaging. I have picked up a piggyback mount for my 105 off Astromart to try some wide field piggy backed shots with my DSLR, but the weather has yet to cooperate!

[NoobWatcher]

That again is good advice. As I am currently not in a hurry to purchase an imaging software package so I can wait and see how people feel about the DSI package. From what I read it would fit on almost any scope. So if I were to upgrade I could still utilize the purchase. Did you not Like the LPI set or just never found the time to go through the learning curve?

[jglover]

NoobWatcher said:

That again is good advice. As I am currently not in a hurry to purchase an imaging software package so I can wait and see how people feel about the DSI package. From what I read it would fit on almost any scope. So if I were to upgrade I could still utilize the purchase. Did you not Like the LPI set or just never found the time to go through the learning curve?

I've just not had the time to set it up properly and learn how to use it. I do enjoy iaging as photography has been a hoby since high school. Heck, at one point a I had seven SLR bodies and 22 lenses! Sold off most of that to get my DSLR and get back into astronomy.

I think I'll like using the LPI once I get it up and going. Supposedly some of the brighter DSO can be imaged as well and I've seen some stuff others have done through an ETX70 no less.