ETX TECHNICAL TIPS Last updated: 19 March 2004

ETX 105 tune up experiences

Date: 3/19/04, 16:13
From: Tomas Hekkers <(tomashekkers@hotmail.com>)
here a little contribution over my 105. This time no 'starlight
experience' but a technical one. I hope I can make a contribution to our
worldwide fellow ETX-users in sharing 'some of my personal instrumental
struggles and homemade things and thoughts'. If you have any tips,
questions or comments, please let me know. I added some pictures of my
ETX.

as usual best wishes and clear skies,

Tomas J. Hekkers, Netherlands.





Owning my second ETX now, I switched the 90 for a 105 UHTC, some
thoughts occured my mind in doing some tune ups on the 105. The reason
for this is when you're handy, you can make your own custom made
accesoires in your own style. It gives a personal touch to your
instrument. Second reason is that I like things practical and handy.
Handy in usage and transportation, customized to my own standards. Good
looks are nice, but the main reason I bought my ETX is to look at the
skies after sunset. Last reason is that I think that accesoires are
prized at ridiculous prices.

Developing ideas in my head, I already did the following tune-ups;
 
1.powersupply
Buy a universal adapter( for around the house),they are much cheaper
than the Meade version. However, pay attention to the right voltage and
current. A 'stabilized' adapter is recommended for smooth and stable
autostar runs. For 'in the field' I still use batteries, but I am
thinking of buying Celestron's powertank. If you have any tips or
experiences on powertanks for me, let me know.
 
2.dew-cap
Number one neccesity here in Holland. I bought the Meade version for the
90 in 2003. I costs about $ 30 which I think is way to much for a piece
of plastic. For the 105 I made my own from a piece of plastic and
adhesive felt and velcro. It makes a dewcap that is retractable and
needs no removing. It protects your OTA as well (see picture).

As a finishing touch I sticked a label with the magnification of my
eyepieces on the dewcap, which gives me a quick reference in the field.
 
3.velcro
Velcro, the self adhesive version, is a must tune up for every ETX-user.
You can use it on your tripod, the back of your handboxes (autostar) etc
in order to keep things together in the dark.
 
4.bubble level
The thing I miss on the ETX (and Tripod) is a round bubble level. It
provides a very accurate leveling of your instrument with earth's
surface. This is useful for the outlining of autostar. I applied one on
my tripod and the ETX. Make sure it is attached to the flat surface. My
local telescope shopdealer got me one from a broken
Optisan-telescope.....(see picture)
 
5.OTA rings
The diameter of the 105 OTA is 125 mm and I had hard time finding this
diameter OTA tube rings. The only one who makes them is Vixen. A set of
two of these rings costs $ 200! I went to the local tool and hardware
store and got me two rainpipe clamprings of exactly 125 mm. I sticked
some felt on the inside and use it now as the mounting ring for my red
dot. (see picture)
 
6.Red dot
The viewfinder on the 105 is a good one. However, when centering stars I
think the red dot is a very easy and handy gadget for centering stars
and sky area's. It is also handy when you do not use autostar. Centering
objects goes easy and fast! (see picture)
 
7.download cable
Made my own version using the helpful info on Mike's site. It works
fine!
 
8.case/bag
For the 90, I made a beautiful 'japanese style' wooden case. It was
lined with foam and felt, but very bulky and not handy. My telescope
dealer wants to sell it together with my old 90. The 105 is much
heavier, and I think it is best transported in a Pelicase or the
standard Meade case. For a good transport I recommend a hard case for
the 105. I am still considering, for the moment I transport the 105 in $
5 armybag with a foam bottom.

For so far my own updates. I hope I made a useful contribution. Any
suggestions are welcome. Goodluck and clear skies.

Tomas J. Hekkers, Holland

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