ETX-90RA ON/OFF SWITCH ADD-ON Last updated: 23 September 2007

Subject:	Switch for ETX-90 on Meade Tripod
Sent:	Saturday, September 22, 2007 03:34:49
From:	Maurice Collins (mauricejscollins@hotmail.com)
About a year ago I made this switch so that I could turn the tracking on
and off easily without taking the ETX-90/RA off the tripod. I had to
replace the batteries the other night so thought I would take a photo of
it for others to try.

The switch is made from a piece of shirt box plastic (or any childs toy
box), and one of those foam spacers that come with packs of cdroms. I
used the clear plastic as it makes it unobtrusive visually to the
telescopes appearance. Cut the plastic to length, cut a small square (or
round) hole for the switch, tape the round spacer around the hole.

The tricky part comes with getting it to stay in place while you put the
ETX on the tripod. I find just tapeing it to the side of the ETX's base
works, then remove the tape when secured on the tripod.

The pictures should show how it goes. The switch is operated but just
sliding the plastic up for on, and pulling the bottom of it down for
off. An inexpensive (like no cost) way of turning the drive on and off
if you like to leave the telescope mounted on the tripod.
 
Regards,
Maurice Collins
Palmerston North,
New Zealand

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