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Supercharging
the
ETX Scopes
As it came from the dealer, my ETX-90 was a fine scope. However, it had a few small problems:
- The GOTO function was a bit off -- the scope would find objects but I still needed to move it around using the up-down-right-left buttons on the controller.
- There was slop in the gear trains that drive the scope, causing it to not track exactly.
I discovered Dr. Clay Sherrod at the Arkansas Sky Observatory. Clay is a professional astronomer who has studied the ETX scopes. He provides a "supercharge" service for these scopes. Basically, he takes the scope apart and puts it back together, assembling the gear train to careful tolerances; he lubricates it carefully; collimates the scope; tests tracking, adjusts as necessary. He charged $225.00 to supercharge my ETX-90 (plus shipping) and it was worth every penny of it. When he sent the scope back to me, I found it to operate much more accurately and reliably.
Here is a link to his site. When you go to his site, look at the Table of Contents on the left -- click on the link to "Services."
You will also find information about Clay's supercharge service on Mike Weasner's Mighty ETX Site.
And -- Clay does not leave you alone. After he has supercharged your scope, you can shoot an e-mail to him and he will answer questions about the scope. He is very helpful and supportive -- an all around good guy.
When he finishes the supercharge service, he even attaches a neat plaque to the scope
