ETX USER FEEDBACK - DECEMBER 1998 Last updated: 31 December 1998

If you have any comments, suggestions, or answers to questions posed here, e-mail them to me and I'll post them. Please use an appropriate Subject Line on your message. Thanks.

Subject:	 Personal (and subjective) observations with an ETX
Sent:	Thursday, December 31, 1998 18:46:14
From:	wdx2sw@prodigy.net (Steve Black)
Here's a newbie's initial "take" on what can be seen with a modest Kat:
all observations with a Meade ETX with Meade SP 26mm, UW 14mm, UW 8.8mm,
or UW 6.7 eyepiece:

1. Moon:  Incredibly sharp definition of features, particularly along
the limbs and the terminator. The crater Alphonsus, with its prominent
central peak, was particularly striking in the shallow sunlight of
Christmas night, as was the mountain range to the notheast. Other
features  to the east which were in more overhead lighting, while
slightly less defined,  were enhanced by the use of a polarizing filter,
and yielded satisfactory results. (All with a Meade UW 8.8mm occular;
142X)

2. Jupiter:  A noticeably visible disk (quite brilliant!) with one major
cloud band discernable.Three of the four Gallilean satelites were
plainly visible ( I believe Callisto was behind Jupiter at the time ),
usuing the supplied 26mm SP eyepiece ( 48X ). With the UW 14mm eyepiece
( 89X ), there were three to four cloud bands visible (as seeing
condition changed) with the planetary disk still quite bright, and all
three moons prominent in the field of view. Maybe it was imagination
taking over, but there may have been enough light for some color to 
register slightly at this viewing. The UW 6.7mm ( 186X )yielded a larger
disc with vastly deteriorated definition, only one or two fuzzy cloud
bands were defined.

3. Saturn.  Holy smokes, what is there left to say about THIS view. All
there is to be said about this planet has already been said, many times,
and far better than I could ever possibly express. Yet... This exquisite
sight is eminantly visible with the ETX and its supplied eyepice, so
bright and with so much basic definition that I had trouble tearing
myself away from it! Under the best seeing of the night, the planetary
disc was prominent (oblation and all) and the rings were perfecly
executed, although only as a single entity. Titan was a bright point of
light. With the 14mm lens, Saturn truly shone! The Cassini division in
the rings was seeable most of the time (it wavered in and out with
atmospheric turbulence) and two prominent cloud bands were seen. The 6.7
mm piece yielded, again, a larger image with a concomitant loss of
definiton

4.M42 (The Great Nebula in Orion): Here is where this little scope
really strutted its stuff. With the supplied SP, the nebula was a
bright,  fuzzy area of light, fairly narrow in apparant diameter, with a
bright center. A shift to the 14mm eyepiece yielded a well defined
glowing nebula with three stars of the Trapezium easily seen as
moderately bright points. A breathtaking view! The 8.8 mm piece dimmed
the nebula to a fair degree, but four stars in the central cluster were
now defined (although the fourth, the dimmest, reqired using slightly
averted vision to be made out).

Now, here's my question to you seasoned ETX'ers... Have you had any luck
with deep-sky objects? For example, is the Ring Nebula in Lyra a viable
object? I would be interested in seeing some of you posts here in the
newsgroup.

Thanks in advace, and

Clear skies,

Steve Black
Latham, NY, USA

Subject:	 ETX
Sent:	Thursday, December 31, 1998 14:39:43
From:	Jolley.Mike@worldnet.att.net (Mike Jolley)
I received the new etx tripod for Christmas. I like it except for the
legs. They would be more rigid if they had two clamps each. Even tubular
legs would be better. Has any one asked about the 7" Meade scope of the
same design as the ETX?  Thamks, Mike

Subject:	 Meade's Instruction manuals for all scopes now online
Sent:	Thursday, December 31, 1998 7:23:13
From:	gozumm@jeflin.tju.edu (Gozum at Wills Eye)
209.170.16.193/manuals/index.html

Hi Mike,  they're all well laid out!

Subject:	 Viewing the Moon/Planets
Sent:	Thursday, December 31, 1998 0:27:46
From:	jimoneal@earthlink.net (Jim)
First of all, let me say that I am very much a novice when it comes to
telescopes. I got an ETX for Christmas and I am very pleased with the
optics, but I have to admit that I am disappointed by what I can
actually see with the telescope. I guess I have been spoiled by hubble
photographs and long exposures with cameras. I have been able to see
Saturn and Jupiter and while I was very moved by seeing them for the
first time I must admit I was disappointed by what I could actually see.
The only thing that I am satisfied with, as far as size and detail, is
looking at the moon.  Can you recommend a less expensive telescope or
high powered binoculars that can give me a similar view of the moon and
perhaps be able to see the planets as well. As far as deep sky objects,
I most certainly know that I won't be satisfied until I get a much
larger aperture telescope. I don't want to spend a huge amount of money
right away, and I can already tell that I will want to have several
"specialized" telescopes  that excel at different aspects. Any help
would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the great web site.

Subject:	 EYEPIECES
Sent:	Wednesday, December 30, 1998 18:37:14
From:	mcharla1@nycap.rr.com (Mark Charland)
How can I order my eyepieces from Meade? I'd like to buy them online
somewhere if possible from Meade, but I checked out their web page and I
didn't see an option like that. Or can I get them elsewhere online? Any
help is greatly appreciated.

Happy New Year!

Mark Charland

Subject:	 Lowepro Vidcam 6
Sent:	Tuesday, December 29, 1998 19:32:40
From:	guhler@chesco.com (GU)
I saw Thaxton Beesley's post regarding the "Deluxe Soft Case for Meade
ETX".  I also had percieved its true identity as a LowePro video bag
called a "Vidcam 6".  Since Thaxton brought the cat out of the bag, I
thought your readers might also like to know that this case is available
from Camera World for $49.99 and there is free shipping if you order
over the Internet. Camera World also sells the Meade ETX tripod for
$129.99, and shipping is free.  No, I don't work for Camera World - just
know a bargain when I see it.  I did order from them and received my
package in perfect condition in three business days.

                                            Gene

Subject:	 Meade 9.7mm SP eyepiece defect
Sent:	Tuesday, December 29, 1998 18:58:48
From:	bnakata@cybcon.com (Brian Nakata)
I agree with Jeffrey Nutkowitz in his dissertation on the 9.7mm defect. 
I noticed it in mine a long time ago, but only when viewing the planets.
I always had to keep the image out of the center and thought that it
was caused by the central obstruction of the scope.  After reading about
so many other people who have observed this and how _some_ of the
eyepieces did NOT have the defect, I took Jeffrey's advice and returned
to the place where I bought it, the Nature Company, who looked at it
through their ETX and verfied the defect.  Luckily, the first brand new
replacement that they pulled out of the drawer was good in that it did
not show the defect.

I'd like to echo Jeffrey's sentiments that no one should accept this as
normal and should exchange the eyepiece ASAP.  I'd further recommend
that everyone who owns one of these to verify that theirs is good by
looking at a planet of their choice.  Looking at terrestrial or star
images does not make the defect readily visible.  Verify _at the store_
(unless you mail ordered it, of course) that the replacement is good
before accepting it unless you like driving back and forth to the store!
The defect manifested itself in my eyepiece as two concentric circles
exactly in the center of the field.  The space in between these circles
was brighter than the space inside the "inside circle" of the pair. 
When a planetary image falls into this defect, it is completely
distorted.  Note that you cannot tell if the eyepiece is defective just
by looking through it - there is no readily apparent defect visible on
the glass surfaces.

Brian Nakata

Subject:	 Bogen tripods
Sent:	Tuesday, December 29, 1998 18:38:18
From:	billkamon@sprintmail.com (Bill Kamon)
Great site. I've been on board with you for about a year now and
purchased my ETX back in April. Am in the process of deciding on a
tripod. I had hoped to actually see & touch the Meade tripod at our
local Nature/Discovery Channel store, but they're on back order. I was
also hoping to use the 20% Master Card discount. Although they didn't
have the Meade tripod they did have the Manfretto(Bogen) Model 3170 for
$190($152 with the discount). It seemed pretty sturdy but I wanted to
check pricing first. I came home and searched the WEB for some sites and
found one that appears to have a great price ($114) on this model. The
site is

http://www.advancedvideosystems.com/

I called them up and they said their normal price for this tripod is
$140, but they were running a special through 12/31/98. Just checked
them again and it looks like it's their January special also. I haven't
ordered one yet so I can't vouch for them. The price looks too good to
be true, and I always get nervous when I see that. I'm considering
jumping up to the next model which, they claim is sturdier and also has
more height (since I'm 6'5"). Their price is $150. By the way if you
visit this site, they have only the retail pricing for Bogen tripods.
You actually have to call them to get their pricing (The 3170 pricing is
listed on their "Specials" page. If anyone's had experience with
Advanced Video Systems, I'd like to know.

Thanks again for maintaining this great site.

Bill Kamon

Subject:	 9.7mm eye piece
Sent:	Tuesday, December 29, 1998 17:58:44
From:	dragon48@webtv.net
it's tom again. just thought i would tell you about the eye piece, that
i could see the reflection of the center of the main lens in. for some
reason sometimes dirt gets stuck in the coatings of the optics. on mine
it looked like i could see the  small mirror on the front lens in the
eyepiece. this is not so. so my advice is to hold the eyepiece up to the
light and check for these small dirt particles in the middle of the eye
piece.  i hope this is helpful to everybody out there.
//////the dragon////// 

Subject:	 zenith
Sent:	Tuesday, December 29, 1998 10:32:52
From:	mju@club-internet.fr
I bought an ETX some months ago; it seems very hard to search a star at
the zenith, because it's very difficult or impossible to look at in the
searcher. Do you have a cheap solution?

I'd like to know how to clean it safely.

It's an amazing telescope for planetary observation.

Thanks. I live in France and I'd like to receive emails from ETX users.

mju@club-internet.fr

Subject:	 Oceanside Photo and Telescope
Sent:	Tuesday, December 29, 1998 9:33:15
From:	jh@brainiac.com (Joe Hartley)
Just wanted to mention that I had an excellent mail-order experience in
obtaining the #126 Barlow lens from Oceanside Photo and Telescope
(http://www.optcorp.com) in Oceanside, CA.

I'd tried a number of local shops and mail order places mentioned on the
site, and Oceanside was the first that had the lens in stock.  The staff
was courteous and thorough.  Delivery was very fast; I ordered it on
12/22 and it arrived on 12/29.  Price was reasonable; the lens was $50
and shipping was $7.50 for UPS ground.

I'd be happy to do business with these folks again.  I was very happy
with the service on this relatively small order.

========================================================================
        Joe Hartley - jh@brainiac.com - brainiac services, inc
 PO Box 5069 : Greene, RI : 02827 - vox 401.539.9050 : fax 401.539.2070
  Without deviation from the norm, "progress" is not possible. - FZappa

Subject:	 ETX carrying case
Sent:	Monday, December 28, 1998 23:29:15
From:	jamestoomey@usa.net
A suggestion for those shopping for an ETX carrying case: try using an
Army ammunition box. I picked it up at an Army surplus store for only
$20 and it works great. I just had to line it with thick foam bought at
a fabric store so the ETX fits snugly inside. Since the case is solid
steel, the ETX is completely safe inside--I take it on camping trips and
put it at the bottom of the trunk, then pile everything on top. Even
better, the box doubles as a chair at the campsite. The box would be
impractical for plane trips, of course, but for car trips it's
magnificient.

Also, I completely disagree with the negative ETX review (at
www.scopereviews.com) which prefers a 4.5 Newtonian. I took my ETX to
Joshua Tree and had a night of magnificient viewing, while my 4.5
Newtonian-bearing friend toiled in frustration, finally joining me at
the picnic table with the ETX. It was cold out, and he quickly tired of
moving that awkward scope scope back and forth--with the ETX, we just
wrapped a blanket around ourselves and took turns at the eyepiece,
sweeping it all over the sky, without ever standing up! (Try that with
the Newtonian). We also carried it while hiking to watch rock climbers
and coyotes across the ridge. For me, this telescope does everything I
want it to.

Subject:	 meade ETX
Sent:	Monday, December 28, 1998 19:32:03
From:	eileengpi@hotmail.com (Eileen Muus)
I've been looking though your site on the ETX. I'm looking at one to
take photos with, of wild life I have a Minolta 530 SI the current lens
doesn't get me as close as I would like. Can you tell me the difference
between the ETX Astros Telescope and the ETX Spotting Scope they both
seem to be the same except the Astros has a motor. And will the spotting
scope work for pictures of wild life? Hopefully same day I can learn
more about the stars and plants too, maybe take pictures of them.

Thank You
Eileen

Subject:	 intro.
Sent:	Monday, December 28, 1998 18:19:47
From:	carolloc@millnet.net (Carol Locascio)
I feel fortunate to have found your ETX page.  I received a Celestron
something-or-other as a Christmas gift a few days ago.  I had wanted a
decent and portable telescope for beginning star gazing.  The day after
Christmas I returned the Celestron and got an ETX.  My situation is
this:  I am a beginner.  Rather that go trial and error, I like to get
some basic instruction in the use of my new scope.  Any suggestions?

Subject:	 Amateur!
Sent:	Monday, December 28, 1998 11:15:46
From:	gardner@plains.net (Paul and Ann Gardner)
Thanks for the info page.  Quick question though, my only experience is
with a cheep tasco.  I would like to get involved w/o much expense.  Are
there used telescopes available anywhere?  Are they reliable?  Would
appreciate your insight.  Thank you from the corn belt.

Cory

Subject:	 Astronomy books
Sent:	Sunday, December 27, 1998 21:49:45
From:	chiang@worldnet.att.net (William Chiang)
My name is tim paulus.  I'm a huge fan of your totally awesome meade etx
web page.  I just got one too, $600 bills is practically a bargain for
all of the things that I'm gonna do to it.  I was wondering if you could
tell me a good book to read to learn about stargazing.  Ideally i want
to be able to look at the stars and navigate my way around.  Also i'd
like to learn to find planets, constellations, etc w/ my Meade.  If you
could respond to me at paulus@bc.edu, I'd appreciate it.  Thanks buddy!
                                 tim

Subject:	 Corrector Lens Blemishes
Sent:	Sunday, December 27, 1998 21:23:46
From:	cdumas@capecod.net (Chris Dumas)
I have had an ETX for a few months and have used it quite often.  So
far, everything has been excellent.  Within the last week though, I have
noticed what look like blemishes on the corrector lens...they were not
there before.  The lens has not been touched by human hands, though I do
leave the scope to sit (after a viewing session) with the lens cover off
at times to allow condensation to evaporate.  What should I do?  Do I
use photographic cleaner and see if they really are defects in the
coatings?  Do I send it back to Meade without a "cleaning"?  How much
will blemishes affect the image quality?  Any advice here would be
helpful.  Thanks.

Subject:	 etx
Sent:	Sunday, December 27, 1998 21:19:29
From:	dragon48@webtv.net
tom here. just got my etx for christmas and i have to say i think it's
great. just one question. when i look through the eye piece using the
<9.7mm> i can see the reflection of the small mirror in the center of
the lens. is this normal?

o.k. back to the etx. the last couple nights were very clear so i went
out to give the etx a try. my first target was the moon. the views were
sweet. my next target was jupiter also sweet. and then saturn. i have to
say that i am very impressed with the etx. i've been using the 26mm,
9.7mm, and a barlow. every image i have checked out has been great.
just thought i should tell you about this.

thanks for the great site.///////////////   
             <<<<<the dragon>>>>>

Subject:	 New ETX!!!!!
Sent:	Sunday, December 27, 1998 21:13:34
From:	kodiak@sgi.net (kodiak)
I couldn't stand it.....had the fever bad.  I went to a local Service
Merchandise Store today and found an ETX.  Wrangled the store manager
down to $535.00.  I think it's a great deal.  What a beautiful
instrument!

I have visited your web site.  Very, very nice.  Thanks again for
everything.  I am really exited.  You won't be hearing from me unless
I've got a question (the web site should take care of any that might
arise) or I've got something to add.  Just wanted to say thanks again.

Shalom,
gw

Subject:	 buying on the internet
Sent:	Sunday, December 27, 1998 20:29:40
From:	bowen@neclinical.com (bowen)
hi-great site.
I'm looking to buy an etx and have been exploring astromart. Is this a
good place to buy a telescope? It seems well attended and I would like
to get a scope with some accys. Also, have upgrades been made to the etx
that would make buying an older model unwise?
Frank

Subject:	ETX
Sent:	Sunday, December 27, 1998 12:01:48
From:	Giggshome@aol.com
Please advise me if you can.  Last month I got an ETX after conversing
by e-mail with you and other people.  The sharpness and clarity are
great but I have difficulty with the focusing knob.  As soon as I touch
it, and before even turning it, the object which I am trying to bring
into focus moves. It's as though the slightest touch is causing
vibrations?  Is this a result of something which I am doing, or have
done,wrong, or should I contact Meade? This occurs whether I am using
the short table-top tripod legs or the full floor-size tripod.  Please
let me know what you think.

Thanks a lot.

Alan Schaffer  ( a very frustrated beginner)
e-mail  giggshome@aol.com

Subject:	 ETX Eyepieces
Sent:	Sunday, December 27, 1998 7:30:29
From:	dick@dwalters.com (Dick Walters)
Looking for a high power, wide exit pupil eyepiece for my new ETX. A 
Vixen 10mm LV was recommended over Meade Ultra Wide. Any opinions?

Thanks,

Dick Walters

Subject:	 ETX site
Sent:	Sunday, December 27, 1998 7:18:50
From:	rpm@wag.caltech.edu (Richard P. Muller)
I've wanted an ETX since it came out, and I've had your web site on my
list of bookmarks for a couple years. I just got one for Christmas, so I
can finally fully appreciate your site. Thanks for taking the time to
put such a great site together.

Rick

Subject:	 RE: ETX with Canon EOS100
Sent:	Sunday, December 27, 1998 7:16:37
From:	andrewj@netvigator.com (Andrew Jackson)
Thanks for posting my previous email. I had a reply from Peter Rathmann,
who was quite right to say that the pictures would be fine. So if any
one else has this problem with the viewfinder they should not worry. I
did find that the photographs were a bit were a bit soft, this maybe due
to the shutter speed being too slow (though it should have been fast
enough) it was a sunny day.  The photographs I took were during the day
of terrestrial views. I was a little disappointed with the results. Am I
expecting too much from my telescope or is there something else I should
be doing?

Once again thank you for your help. Have a happy New Year.

Andrew Jackson

Subject:	 sp 6.4m/m?
Sent:	Sunday, December 27, 1998 0:59:25
From:	hb@earthlink.net (hb)
Nice web site, i was wondering if you have ever tried the sp6.3m/m
eyepiece or the uwa 4.7m/m (266x), I just bought a etx asto and was
going to update to higher magnifications, thanks.....looking forward to
your input.
Bill    hb@earthlink.net
-- 
"Mind Over Matter"

Subject:	 Re: Mede ETX
Sent:	Saturday, December 26, 1998 17:11:20
From:	kodiak@sgi.net (kodiak)
Thanks for the prompt reply.  I had one in my hands tonight but the
store manager wouldn't let the display model go.  Shucks!  Your
endorsement is all that I needed.  I'll check your site.

Happy New Year!
George

Subject:	 ETX site
Sent:	Friday, December 25, 1998 17:52:31
From:	tnm@datasync.com (Tommy Mills)
Found your site listed on Yahoo.  Just got an ETX for Xmas and wouldn't
you know it is raining here in Pascagoula, Miss. You have an excellant
web sit and I have enjoyed reading about the ETX as I cannot use it yet.

Glenn Mills
gmills@lsumc.edu

Subject:	 Meade ETX
Sent:	Friday, December 25, 1998 11:10:00
From:	kodiak@sgi.net (kodiak)
My wife and daughter bought me a Meade refractor telescope (60mm) for
Christmas.  I told them that I was thinking of returning it and getting
an ETX.  I have read some good reviews and I like to get your opinion.

I have never owned a telescope before and I would like to know what you
think of the ETX, especially as a first telescope.  One thing that
interested me about the ETX was the terrestrial and photographic
applications as well as it's compact size.  Also, could you please
direct me as to what I should expect to pay, what accessories are
advisable and where to get the best price.

Thank you and Merry Christmas,
George Wilson

Subject:	 Meade ETX tripod, viewing and camera
Sent:	Friday, December 25, 1998 4:24:41
From:	foxcroft@corryong.albury.net.au (Terry and Tracey)
Excellent page mate. Great info. I have a couple of questions and
comments.

I've just saved some pages for later reading offline, so I apologise if
the answer is going to crop up there.

Is the focal lenght path to the straight through and angle viewers the
same? If I had a camera in one and an eyepiece in the other, can I flip
between them without refocusing?

I noticed some comments about placing a compass on a tripod. The
manufacturers probably don't want to do this, as compasses are
calibrated for 5 zones of latitude. So a compass bought in England is
not accurate here in Australia. I was geographically embarrassed by that
one.

What is the high latitude viewing limit? I have been to Antarctica and
want to go again. This scope would be ideal, but our bases are higher
than the Antarctic circle.

Just looking at hte scope it seems to suffer from a lack of space. You
cannot point below a certain declination depending upon your latitude.
Am I right on this?

Thanks again for a lot of great info.

I live in rural Australia, in the Snowy Mountains, with great dark
skies.

Terry Foxcroft
Khancoban
Australia

Subject:	 Black Line in camera
Sent:	Thursday, December 24, 1998 22:58:18
From:	OptiquesJeff@worldnet.att.net (Jeffrey Nutkowitz)
"From:	andrewj@netvigator.com (Andrew Jackson)
 I recently bought an ETX with some accessories. In particular I wanted
 to take some photographs with my Canon EOS, so I bought the
 appropriateadapters. When I look through my camera viewfinder
 (orientated for landscape not portrait) I see a black line at the top
 of the screen. When you rotate the camera the black line rotates with
 the viewfinder image and remains in the same respective position. This
 looks like the image from the telescope is not centred on the EOS
 correctly. I was wondering if you had come across this before or if you
 have any comments or suggestions for a fix?Andrew Jackson"

It is very possible that this is little more than the common 'mirror
cutoff' experienced by many 35mm cameras when using LONG telephoto
lenses (600mm to 1000mm or longer) in combination with a typically
undersized reflex mirror. I suggest taking some terrestrial test photos,
preferable slides, and see if the entire frame is exposed or if there is
a cut off line in the exposed test image as well. In all likelihood, you
will see an entirely, correctly exposed frame.

Jeffrey Nutkowitz/Optiques Classic Photographic Imagery
Freelance Outdoor and Nature Photography Emphasizing a 'Sense of Place'
http://members.aol.com/OptiquesJN

Subject:	 Focus Knob replacement
Sent:	Thursday, December 24, 1998 22:52:47
From:	OptiquesJeff@worldnet.att.net (Jeffrey Nutkowitz)
Scopetronix, www.scopetronix.com, the same place that makes the
Microstar Guider, is now marketing a larger replacement knob
specifically made for the focus shaft on the ETX. Costs around $13.00

Jeffrey Nutkowitz/Optiques Classic Photographic Imagery
Freelance Outdoor and Nature Photography Emphasizing a 'Sense of Place'
http://members.aol.com/OptiquesJN

Subject:	 9.7mm eyepiece defect
Sent:	Thursday, December 24, 1998 22:48:48
From:	OptiquesJeff@worldnet.att.net (Jeffrey Nutkowitz)
I also purchased one of the 9.7mm 4000 Super Plossl eyepieces and
experienced the same problem. At the time I purchased my ETX (only a
month or so ago)and the 9.7mm, my eyepiece collection then consisted of
the 26mm and 9.7mm Meades, 18mm, 12.7, and 7mm Criterion (remember that
company?!?)A.R. (Achromatic Ramsdens, or Kellners), and a 40mm Kellner,
the source of which I have long since forgotten. NONE of the eyepieces
except the 9.7mm showed any bizarre optical defects such as the one
described, in or out of the scope, which in my case could best be
described as the focus aid in the center of a 35mm camera focus screen.
It definitely interfered with planetary and lunar observing on the one
or two occasions I got to use it. I took it back to the place I bought
it, and the salesperson made the exact same comment. It could be seen
like that when in the telescope, and as some other weird but noticeable
effect when just aimed by itself at a light source. I examined another
9.7mm eyepiece, in and out of the scope on display, and it did not
exhibit the defect, so I exchanged mine for it. Unfortunately, I have
not had any opportunity to actually observe with it since. I feel pretty
confident that this is not a design error in the eyepiece, but probably
an assembly error, perhaps with one of the lens capsules/elements being
occasionally or repeatedly installed backwards or something, and I am
fairly confident that the unit I got in exchange will function properly.
If not, it will go back directly to Meade this time, after they send a
new one (which appears to be their policy- you send the defect back
after the replacement arrives. If it was an actual design flaw, and not
a quality control/assembly problem, then EVERY one of them would exhibit
this problem. As it seems that the 9.7mm is a VERY popular second
eyepiece for the ETX, with many being sold, and if every one was
defective, it would get far more widespread mentions than just the few
posts I have seen (three or four, here and there). If you have a 9.7mm
eyepeice that has this defect, do NOT accept it as normal. Get a
replacement, and check it, from where you purchased it, or from Meade.
It is not acceptable for ANY eyepiece, even a cheap one, to perform that
way.

Jeffrey Nutkowitz/Optiques Classic Photographic Imagery
Freelance Outdoor and Nature Photography Emphasizing a 'Sense of Place'
http://members.aol.com/OptiquesJN

Subject:	 Thank You!
Sent:	Thursday, December 24, 1998 5:56:34
From:	wmaf@ids.net (William A. Ford)
Love your page, keep up the good work.
WmAF

Subject:	 New ETX Owner
Sent:	Wednesday, December 23, 1998 21:50:57
From:	lcurtis@frazmtn.com (Linda Curtis)
I am just so thrilled to find you.

Linda

Subject:	 Couple of ETX Questions PLs.....
Sent:	Wednesday, December 23, 1998 18:12:33
From:	info@chameleongrfx.com (Scott Boucher)
Hi Mike....great site BTW.  I am just purchasing my ETX after great
deliberation and wondered if you have any experience with either the
Meade and/or the JMI tripods.... yup, saw your reader's comments but I
would like to know which is the better of the two before I plunk down a
couple hundred bucks.  Also, do the Meade Ultra Wide Angle Plossels work
with the ETX as well?

Hey, thanks alot.

Scott

Subject:	telescopes
Sent:	Wednesday, December 23, 1998 12:26:40
From:	MFutia1@aol.com
I was browsing for telescope information when I came across you site.

I have just purchased (today) the Meade ETX for my 7-yr old and I in the
hope that we could cultivate a hobby together (I am an absolute novice).

While browsing today, I came across one review that indicated I may have
made a mistake in selecting the ETX. Do you have an opinion on the use
of the ETX for someone like myself and/or how about the Meade Model
4500.

If you decide to respond, I thank you in advance!

Mike Futia
McKinney, TX   

Subject:	 Meade has Taken the ETX Manual Off line
Sent:	Wednesday, December 23, 1998 7:05:08
From:	gozumm@jeflin.tju.edu (GozumPC at Home)
Meade has Taken the ETX Manual Off line, there's another copy from
someone's local site, but he's scanned each page into a GIF! its huge
and not very clear copy; better than nothing though .... if you want the
URL, let me know [mighty Weasner's site seems to have everything!]

-- 
warm regards,

=============================================================
Marv Gozum

Added later:

Found it Mike.

his.etri.re.kr/~cwyoon/Astro/myscope.html

Maybe you should mirror it on your site so it doesn't disappear too!

Subject:	 meade etx
Sent:	Tuesday, December 22, 1998 14:13:11
From:	gclv@bellatlantic.net (lisa viera&jerry; colangelo)
found you site and have a ?. Pls respond to colangel@cnboe.com if it
before xmas.

Purchased an etx for my wife as a xmas gift. Was curious if you could
use a digital camera to take photos. We have a sony mavica. Talked to a
few shops and they said it would not work, need a regular camera. It
seems you have used a digital and was curious if you could give any info
as to how and parts needed.

Going to the caribbean in early Jan and just want to be prepared if she
wants to take photos. Any help would be great!

thanks! jerry

May I also ask, I have a super possial eye part too. Dies she need a
barlow too to use with it?

Subject:	 Meade ETX Recommendation
Sent:	Monday, December 21, 1998 19:50:25
From:	qconsultant@twave.net (Steve)
Would like someone to finally make a recommendation on how I might spend
$150 for my Meade ETX scope. With all of the expertise out there surely
someone has some ideas.

Requirements:

1) Want to view Jupiter and be able to see at least some of the moons in
a wide angle at about 250 power 2) Want to be able to get a close up on
the Andromeda Galaxie

Do I buy one Barlow and one eyepiece or what. Need help. Thanks.

Subject:	 ETX Hanger Bolt Mod
Sent:	Monday, December 21, 1998 10:28:52
From:	ebaldini@earthlink.net (Ernest A. Baldini)
Thanks for your site! I have scoured every Lowe's, Home Depot, Scotty's,
Ace, and specialty fastener companies in our Space Coast, Florida area
and no one stocks 8-32, 1 1/2 in. hanger bolts. So I went on line and
for three bucks, I'm getting a box of 100! If anybody gets desperate,
like me, for the hanger bolt and can't find 'em, send me 32 and I'll
ship em one. Ernest Baldini, 245 Country Club Dr., Melbourne, FL,
32940-7626, 407-757-3094.

Subject:	 want to meet ETX owners living near Equator (latitude <12)
Sent:	Monday, December 21, 1998 7:05:11
From:	fsotoma@center.fis.ulima.edu.pe (Fernando Sotomayor)
My public apologies to Eilleen  Chun for a nasty comment I made, based
on ignorance, about a  message she sent to the site.

I would like to meet ETX owners living close the equatorial line,
latitude below 12; in order to hear their experiencies using the ETX,
including specific problems, solutions and accesories. I still do not
have the ETX but I already decided to buy one.

Thanks again and Happy Holydays

Fernando Sotomayor

Subject:	 Meade Astro ETX
Sent:	Monday, December 21, 1998 5:26:26
From:	michael.nacincik@mail.va.gov (Nacincik, Michael)
I am considering my first telescope purchase and steps into the world of
amateur astronomy.

Right now the ETX is high on my list of possible 1st telescopes based on
what comes with the scope, accessories available and price.

I've been doing my telescope research recently and your page has been a
great help providing information about the ETX from people who are
actual users/owners of  the ETX vs what Meade thinks about it.

I believe that what I'd like to be able to do is view planets and look
at deep space objects.

Based on the astrophotography pages of yourself and your guests:

Are the only planets viewable with the ETX Venus, Mars, Jupiter and
Saturn?

Is that common for most telescopes in the 3.5 to 4 inch size?

Also are the astrophotography images shown on your page what you see in
the eye piece or is the color and resolution of saturn, jupiter and the
M42 Nebula in Orion due to the exposure time of the film?

Finally everything that I've read about telescopes has mentioned the
size of the aperture as the most important feature for gathering light
and thus seeing objects.  Is the ETX 90mm/3.5 inch aperture small for a
telescope? Being a true neophyte here I don't want to come off as
ignorant but it seems it isn't much larger than a set of 50 mm binos?

Would you recommend the ETX for a 1st time buyer?

Yesterday I went to the University of Maryland observatory open house.
They have it twice a month.  A short 30 minute general class by one of
the professors then some viewing time on one of their 4 scopes.  (I know
you must be thinking an observatory inside the DC beltway???  I guess in
the 60s the observatory was in the country now the city lights encircle
it.)

Their largest is a 20 inch reflector (built in the early 60s) with a ccd
that outputs to a tv screen for capture as an electronic file.
Unfortunately it was cloudy last night so no observing was possible, but
hopefully I can make again when it isn't cloudy.

Your page is excellent keep up the good work and keep the good
information the ETX available to all!

Michael Nacincik
voice (202) 273-5735
fax (202) 273-6702
mailto:michael.nacincikx@mail.va.gov
http://www.va.gov/pubaff/vetday98/vetsday.htm

Subject:	 Image shift
Sent:	Monday, December 21, 1998 5:07:40
From:	ljanowicz@metrohealth.org (Larry Janowicz)
I've noticed two recent posts to your site about images shifting when
ETX users change focus directions. This "image shift" can occur with any
telescope that achieves focus by moving the main mirror. The mirror
moves forward and backward along a central tube when the focus knob is
turned. Since the focus knob moves the mirror from only one side the
mirror may wiggle on the tube.This wiggle is what causes the image to
shift from side to side when the focus direction is changed. The better
the machining of the instrument the less chance for the wiggle. If it is
not too objectionable to a user I would not return it to Meade unless
there are other problems evident. I have even seen this problem occur to
a small extent on a few Questars.

Larry Janowicz
MetroHealth Medical Center
(216) 778-4053
ljanowicz@metrohealth.org

Subject:	 Largest Object
Sent:	Sunday, December 20, 1998 7:22:30
From:	ericegan@earthlink.net (Earth Link)
First I would like to say what a great site you have.  I hope you are
not tired of hearing that yet. We are very new at this new hobby we have
started about a nth ago.

My first question is what are the Messier objects that can be enjoyed
with the ETX? What is the highest magnitude it can view well?

Our second question is about moving up to a larger scope.  Currently the
ETX is our first and only scope.  We want to see deep space objects and
take photos. We defiantly want a computerized scope that can "Go To" an
object. Or at least some type of digital help.

I was looking at the LX200 and the 16" Mead Starfinder Equtoral with the
Magellan II.  I have read the LX type scope is the best "All around"
scope but it better be incredible for the price.

Can the 16" Starfinder Equtoral see more than the 12" LX200?  Or
basically what is the pros and cons of the two besides the price.  Would
the LX200 12" be worth the price compared to the 16" Mead Starfinder
Equtoral?

We are going to try to wait a year before buying one of the two to see
if the new hobby sticks.  But I must say so far I am somewhat
disappointed with what deep space objects I can find or see so far.  But
I don't even know if I have found Andromeda yet?!  What I have found
looks nothing like the pictures. What I have found is just mist.  I
thought it would at least be oval mist. What I have found in looking for
Andromeda looks more like M33. Orion is great though.  Is the RA and Dec
on the ETX very accurate?  Any suggestions to making finding stuff
easier?

I have found some great Messier links:
seds.lpl.arizona.edu/messier/data.html
crux.astr.ua.edu/gallery2.html


Unfortunately I already sent for the Mead soft case for our ETX before I
ready your reviews.  I think it's a rip-off r $50!  Also it looks like
it offers almost no protection. I also picked up a $17 BB gun wit a red
dot. A lot better that the finder scope the ETX comes with.  But the red
dot is a little too bright even on the low setting. And the lens is
slightly tinted. Absolutely great on planets and other very bright
objects.  It's the Crossman Copper head.

Well this turned out to be a lot longer than I planed.  If you get a
chance to answer my questions I appreciate you taking the time.

Thank you,

Eric Egan

Subject:	 Feedback on Meade ETX and Meade 9.7 mm Super Plossl
Sent:	Saturday, December 19, 1998 21:02:07
From:	mikewrobel@harborcom.net (Michael Wrobel)
Great Site, I check it every week.  Especially the user feedback.

The Meade ETX is my first scope since I owned a 60 mm Jason Refractor as
a boy (many moons ago).   I have used the Meade ETX with both the
Standard 26 mm and 9.7 Series 4000 Meade Super Plossl.   I too have
observed a central blurry distortion with my 9.7 mm Plossl.   It moves
around visually opposite of where I have my eye centered relative to the
central axis of the optics. I have gone to the extent of gentlly
cleaning the optical surfaces to no avial.  The central distortion is
still present.  Visually with my eyes the distortion appears to be about
the same size as the image of the secondary mirror (visable while
looking at the moon),   I also have difficulty with the small eye relief
of the 9.7 mm Super Plossl.   To be fair and accurate, I suffer from
nearsightedness that is more than what is typical.  I do use contacts
while observing.   I have no problems at all observing with the 26 mm
eyepiece.   Don't get me wrong, I can still utilize the 9.7 mm eyepiece
for planetary work, but I do not find it comfortable to use.   If I had
it to do over again, I would have opted to go with either a 6.7 mm or
8.8 mm Series 4000 Ultra Wide Angle  Plossl.   As a matter of fact, I
would be interested in seeing some user feedback or reviews from anyone
who has used the Meade Ultra Wide Angle Plossl with the Meade ETX.

Thanks for the Website & Clear Skys to Everyone.

Subject:	 Photography
Sent:	Saturday, December 19, 1998 13:10:04
From:	w1828@erols.com (Harold L. Williams)
I have some questions about doing eyepiece projection photography with
the ETX. I'd like some suggestions about reducing vibration at high
powers beyond what I've already tried. I've tried hanging weights from
the tripod. I've also bought a shutter release that uses air to depress
the button on the camera. Any other suggestions?

I also would like some suggestions about a good eyepiece to do high
power photography of the moon and sun. I have a 9mm Lanthanum that I
like a great deal for observing but it won't fit inside the adapter. So,
for photography, I need to find a skinnier eyepiece. Since I will only
be using it for photography, eye relief won't need to be considered.

Thanks,

Harold Williams

Subject:	 ETX Focusing
Sent:	Saturday, December 19, 1998 12:13:52
From:	w1828@erols.com (Harold L. Williams)
I'd like to put a larger knob on the focusing shaft to make adjustments
easier. Can anyone tell me the size of the shaft? Also, are there any
suggestions about where I may obtain the ideal knob?

Subject:	 ETX with Canon EOS100
Sent:	Saturday, December 19, 1998 1:37:23
From:	andrewj@netvigator.com (Andrew Jackson)
I recently bought an ETX with some accessories. In particular I wanted
to take some photographs with my Canon EOS, so I bought the appropriate
adapters.

When I look through my camera viewfinder (orientated for landscape not
portrait) I see a black line at the top of the screen. When you rotate
the camera the black line rotates with the viewfinder image and remains
in the same respective position. This looks like the image from the
telescope is not centred on the EOS correctly.

I was wondering if you had come across this before or if you have any
comments or suggestions for a fix?

Andrew Jackson

Subject:	 45 Deg erecting prism
Sent:	Friday, December 18, 1998 9:55:30
From:	snotty.one@aquila.com (scott.claerhout)
I've owned my ETX for about a month now, and am finding all the little
problems that people have spoke of...I just bought a -Meade- 45 deg
erecting prism and noticed that when looking at stars I get a defraction
of some sort that creates a line of light straight accross the bright
stars, the line extends across the whole field of view from both
sides... It looks cool but I dont thinks its supposed to be there... The
normal 90 deg eyepiece does not have this effect... Terrestrial objects
look normal through the erecting prism.. Is this a normal effect of the
prism?

Scott C.

Subject:	 Central distortion in Meade 9.7 mm eyepiece?
Sent:	Friday, December 18, 1998 6:18:11
From:	LeeK@NMRIPO.NMRI.NNMC.NAVY.MIL (Lee, Kelvin)
Enjoying your site as always!  After a month of owning an ETX I am
completely hooked.  Which means late night out in freezing weather
(maybe there should be a League of Sleep Deprived Hypothermics). 
Anyhow, I just bought a Meade 4000 SP 9.7 mm eyepiece and I've noticed
right in the center of the field there is an area of severe distortion
(complete blurring) about the diameter of Saturn. I've not seen this
with the 26 mm eyepiece +/- 2X Barlow.  Do you know if this is due to
the central obstruction in the scope (ie this is normal?) or do I have a
defective eyepiece?

v/r
Kelvin Lee

Subject:	 PERFECT PARTY SCOPE!
Sent:	Thursday, December 17, 1998 23:30:25
From:	mfoulks1@san.rr.com (Michael Foulks)
I found the ETX at the Learning Smith for 20% off and couldn't resist
the temptation to buy. Less than 2 weeks later I hosted our annual
holiday bash complete with backyard ETX viewing for those who were
interested. It was a huge hit. I must admit some fear at the thought of
smashed party animals teetering around the scope, but the reactions of
the people was well worth the risk. In fact, one attendee is a principle
on Star Trek DS9! This (nameless) person had never even looked at Saturn
or Jupiter through a telescope before! That would explain the awestruck
reaction which reminded me of my little nephew. Astronomy is so fun when
we share the views with others!

I just spent $53 bucks on the Barlow 2X and quickly aimed at Saturn. Was
it my imagination, or do we lose some sharpness with the doubler? It was
getting stormy, so I don't know how to attribute the slight blur. Any
thoughts?

Happy Holidays,

Michael Foulks

Subject:	 Focus Question
Sent:	Thursday, December 17, 1998 20:58:48
From:	rduke@gulf.net (Guy Duke)
Some comments please.  Im new to astronomy, and have an ETX for about 2
weeks now.  I have seen some comments about having the image "move"
while trying to focus at higher powers, which my scope does do.  Should
there be any movement of the object with focusing?  If not, should I
seek out Meade and send the scope in for possible repairs, or is there
anything I could do?
Thanks
Guy Duke
rduke@gulf.net

Subject:	ETX Telescope question
Sent:	Thursday, December 17, 1998 20:08:20
From:	Slayeret@aol.com
Hi, I recently purchased an ETX & I had a question regarding the best
eyepieces -- I'm mostly interested in viewing the planets, particularly
Saturn & Jupiter. With my old telescope I could barely even see them,
they were so faint and small, now that I've purchased this telescope,
I'm looking for the best ETX-compatible eyepiece for viewing planets,
while it's also useful for viewing other objects such as the moon and
the Orion Nebula -- basically, I'm looking for the highest magnification
that would work on almost anything, I've read that some eyepieces can go
higher than 300X, but I'm not sure if that's best for viewing the
planets, or if it's best for viewing deep-space objects -- if you could
give me a few recommendations, I'd be so grateful. Thanks for your time
:)

-Colleen

Subject:	 camera world
Sent:	Thursday, December 17, 1998 17:00:52
From:	irharris@hotmail.com (Ivan Harris)
On the subject of Camera World, I have purchased several items there in
the past but they have been scratched off my list. My complaint is that
all they want to do is sell you something new and after the sale you are
on your own. As an example, I had a problem with the camcorder I
purchased there but it was out of warranty. There solution is to give me
the name of a repair company; they don't do any service warranty or
otherwise. I have had several other problems "after the sale" so I am
buying elsewhere now.

Weather is lousy here so I have given up on the sky for the time being.
Maybe next year.

Clear skies.
Ivan Harris

Subject:	 Polar Alignment and Magnetic Variation
Sent:	Thursday, December 17, 1998 12:25:02
From:	Michael_P._Lingenfelter@oa.eop.gov
I don't have a clear bead on Polaris for doing Polar Alignment.  So, I
decided to use a compass.  But then I read all the comments on Magnetic
Deviation.  So, in trying to find out the deviation for my area, I ran
across a couple of sites on the Internet that provide info on variation
and charts that show the variation for the entire world. (Pretty much) 
These may be of use to other ETXers.

www.geolab.nrcan.gc.ca/geomag/e_magdec.html
All about Magnetic Variation

geomag.usgs.gov/usimages.html#US_image_D
US Chart showing variations

pangea.stanford.edu/~mac/igrf.html
World Chart, in color

I've had my ETX for a week and I was finally able to do some observing
last evening.  Wow! Even with the 26mm eyepiece I could see two dark
bands on Jupiter, along with at least two moons.  M42 was bright, but I
was wishing I had a 2X Barlow - which I ordered today.   Given the
suckiness of the finder scope, I didn't go searching for much else. 
Sure hope it's clear tonight so I can get polar aligned and use the
setting circles.

Michael Lingenfelter

Subject:	 Update my e-mail pse
Sent:	Thursday, December 17, 1998 11:42:41
From:	copido@tin.it (Corrado Pido)
sorry but my EMail was changed

the new are:

copido@tin.it
corrajak@tin.it

thanks

Subject:	 Various
Sent:	Thursday, December 17, 1998 11:17:10
From:	ron@datapage.com (Ron McCafferty)
I too would like to rave about the Cambridge Star Atlas.  It has made
finding objects much easier.  I got mine from Amazon.com.  It was $5
cheaper than Orion and I had it in 3 days.

I also have a mirror moon map and a laminated Messier card from SkyPub
that are handy.

I have the 26mm, a 9.7mm lens, and a Barlow.  By far my favorite is the
Barlow and the 26mm.  I have a Paul Rini 16mm lens but it doesn't fit in
my Barlow so I asked Santa for a Meade 16mm lens.  I'm looking forward
to that.

Ron McCafferty

Subject:	 Your Web Site
Sent:	Thursday, December 17, 1998 9:48:24
From:	Warren_Pugh@css.mot.com (Pugh Warren-CFIN25)
I bought my ETX 3 weeks ago, and so far have enjoyed it immensely. I
find the tips and hints on your page very helpful for the brand new
Novice that I am. Keep up the good work!

Warren 
Buffalo Grove, Illinois
kc9il@aol.com

Subject:	 Re: Question
Sent:	Wednesday, December 16, 1998 10:47:51
From:	etm8@erols.com (Pastor Al Horta)
Al:

Be careful about the ETX -- did you read my review?

http://www.scopereviews.com

I think any 4.5" Newtonian is a better buy than the ETX, and will be
more useful in the long run.  The ETX has good optics but you'll never
get to appreciate them due to the scope's awkward, frustrating, and
inconvenient design.  Also, it is not as portable as you think.  The
thing is made of plastic, which means they had to increase the size of
everything to make the mount rigid enough.

If you still want one, and have a Learningsmith near you, they have 20%
off all telescopes, including the ETX.  Just don't say you weren't
warned.

-Ed
----------
Mike, Thanks for your time and imput in helping me make the right
decision. The above e-mail I received from someone who has a webpage and
experience with telescope. This is what they say. Is there any merit to
this?

Subject:	 Re:  Your ETX
Sent:	Wednesday, December 16, 1998 7:57:12
From:	gozumm@jeflin.tju.edu (Marv Gozum)
Your personal experience is most treasured; as a dedicated pioneering
ETX user what you continue to use daily speaks for its value.  To your
sites' greatness!! Your's is the best!

I read all items on your site down to archives from Dec 1997; it took a
week!

To thank you I will submit reviews of PalmPilot astronomy software for
your approval [its also reviewed in the January 1999 Sky&Telescope;].

If you have the time, some last questions [BTW: your site convinced me
to get an ETX] that weren't on your site:

Meade ETX case: After two years, are you concerned about the
padding-protection it provided?  In retrospect would you have gotten a
foam-lined hardcase instead?  Is a hardcase as easy to travel with as
the tiny Meade ETX case?

JMI Wedge+tripod versus Meade Tripod:  Which is more stable?  If had to
choose only one to use, which would it be?

Added later:

After 2 years, then, your ETX has been fine with the Meade ETX case,
yes?

Subject:	 Super Plossl 9.7mm
Sent:	Tuesday, December 15, 1998 19:06:07
From:	rbaines@usa.net (Rich Baines)
I've read your review of this eyepiece, and am thinking of getting one. 
I spoke to someone at Shutan and he suggested a 20mm + Barlow
combination due to the "poor eye relief" of the 9.7 (which you also
mentioned).  I could do that, and get magnification similar to the base
9.7, but that's it.  So, I have 2 questions:

1. Is the 9.7 really that hard to work with?  I don't wear glasses (use
contacts, though).

2. Can I realistically expect to get much use of the 9.7 + Barlow
combination to get 258X?  That's really what I'm looking for.

Rich

Subject:	 Question
Sent:	Tuesday, December 15, 1998 12:35:58
From:	etm8@erols.com (Pastor Al Horta)
I am considering purchasing a Meade ETX 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Astro
Telescope and Spotting Scope. Can you tell me whether I am making a good
choice or is there something better for the price. Also what extra
eyepieces do you recommend as extra pieces? I appreciate your site and
your time.

                                       Thanks,
                                         AL

Subject:	 Your ETX
Sent:	Tuesday, December 15, 1998 6:24:01
From:	gozumm@jeflin.tju.edu (GozumPC at Home)
Superb and Wonderful Site!

With all those reviews what do you personally use as accessories:

Bag?
Tripod?
Camera?
Eyepieces?
-- 
warm regards,

marv

=============================================================
Marvin E. Gozum, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email   : gozumm@jeflin.tju.edu
WWW Page: http://oac1.oac.tju.edu/~gozum/gozum.shtml

Subject:	 Astro mount :)
Sent:	Monday, December 14, 1998 20:29:56
From:	thilgen@worldnet.att.net (Wm. G. Thilgen Jr.)
Hey Mikey,
(and anyone else who likes to jury rig or tinker around inside of their
MIGHTY ETX ASTRO)

I did something no one to my knowledge has done before with the MIGHTY
ETX. After reading all of the problems with the fork mount and the
different ways of overcoming them, I have decided to stave off the
expensive alternatives, and just took the darn scope off the fork mount.

I have decided to place the MIGHTY ETX scope on a Sky View Deluxe EQ
Mount and aluminum tripod by Orion. It works really swell now! (No
offense, Mr. Meade)

Does anyone that you know want or need an extra MIGHTY ETX fork mount
and motor? I would be willing to let it go real cheap (plus shipping of
course).

Seeya later,
Clear skies,
Wm. G. Thilgen Jr.

Subject:	 I'm looking for info on a Meade Mod. 2045
Sent:	Monday, December 14, 1998 13:35:14
From:	lmcintyre@rocketmail.com (Leroy McIntyre)
I have been considering the purchase of a better telescope, and the
Meade ETX seems to be a good choice from what I have read on the Net.
However, I have run into a good buy(maybe) in a Meade Mod. 2045
Schmidt-Cassegrain scope. I can't find any info on it at the Meade
website, and am wondering if this was a forerunner to the ETX? Any info
or reference you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,
Leroy McIntyre

Subject:	Need advice FAST!
Sent:	Monday, December 14, 1998 13:18:28
From:	FM68@aol.com
Our 11 year old son has become interested in astronomy and has been
reading about telescopes to purchase.  Our initial decision had been on
an Orion 6" Dob, which we've ordered with filters, Barlow etc. However,
the ETX caught his eye in the camera store.  Mom knows nothing about
accessories for this product and their website is not as user friendly
for ordering compatibles as Orions'.  What would you advise we add for a
novice astronomer (from where?) for around another $500. as many other
family members are depending on these accessories to be gifts from them?
 Help ;-) !!!

Added later:

Thanks for your prompt response.  Have a local camera store w/ the etx
in stock, but not many accessories. We'll check w/ Shutan tomorrow for
the extras! The website was most informative.  We printed info for
future reference.  The site was extremely helpful and well organized. 
Thanks again : )

Subject:	 I have to sell my ETX
Sent:	Monday, December 14, 1998 12:27:27
From:	buzz@qni.com (Buzz)
Unfortunately, I have to sell my ETX for reasons beyond my control. It
has been used approximately 10 times and includes a 2x Barlow along with
9, 12, 16, 26 and 45 eyepieces.

If anyone is interested, it can be found at:

cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item;=49351045

Thank you,
Buzz Burgess

Subject:	 Used ETXAstros 
Sent:	Monday, December 14, 1998 9:47:09
From:	mrki@pacbell.net (Mark Isaacs)
There is a great site for used astronomy equipment that your readers
could check out. They often have used ETX's (and many other scopes). The
site is http://www.astromart.com.

Also, you should mention Astronomics as a good mail order dealer. I
purchased an ETX about three weeks ago and they had over 85 in stock.
http://www.astronomics.com.

Thanks,

Mark Isaacs

Subject:	 Discovery Channel/Nature Center
Sent:	Monday, December 14, 1998 8:32:21
From:	wpletke@winstar.com (Bill Pletke)
I recently purchased an ETX at the Discovery Channel Store here in the
Chicago area.  They also honored the MasterCard 20% discount.  I wanted
to buy from Shutan but they did not have the scope in stock and wanted
list price as well.

I am new to astronomy and had been using Celestron binoculars prior to
buyin the ETX.  The weather here in the midwest has been clear so I
thought I'd try out my new scope last night.  Wow!  Using the supplied
the 26mm eyepiece, and the #126 Barlow, I could actually make out the
Jupiter's Bands and saw Saturn's rings for the first time.

I'm hooked!!!

Bill Pletke

Subject:	 Question about ETX
Sent:	Monday, December 14, 1998 6:23:28
From:	giorgio_giuntoli@it.ibm.com (Giorgio Giuntoli)
i have found your site but i have some problem to read it today. I have
only one question, i want to buy one telescope that is my first
telescope, id like very much photo and i want to do some photo and some
observation with it. i must decide between Vixen 910 114 telescope and
the Meade ETX Astro Telescope, wich did you think is better  (i'd like
to observe a lot about the moon and Planet and the refractor are very
excpensive) This telescope will be the telescope of my life because i
didn't think to change it in the future.

My best regards, Giorgio
E-Mail:  giorgio_giuntoli@it.ibm.com

Subject:	 ETX Eyepieces - $150 Investment
Sent:	Sunday, December 13, 1998 19:45:32
From:	qconsultant@twave.net (Steve)
I've owned my ETX for about a year now and have have enjoyed using it
with the standard 26mm eyepiece. I have about $150 to spend for one or
two eyepieces. My objective is to use the full capability of the scope
to view Saturn, Jupiter's moons and, some of the more predominant
galaxies. What recommendation could you make for this investment...
perhaps one additional eyepiece combined with a Barlow? Your advice
would be greatly appreciated.

Subject:	 etx question
Sent:	Sunday, December 13, 1998 14:11:25
From:	chart@tezcat.com (Me)
I'm soon to be getting an etx, but i'm wondering this:

I can see the north star from my backyard, but my best observing is to
the south.  If I align the scope to the north, how can I then see things
(like orion) that are off to the south?  Does the scope flip over, or am
I missing something?

John

Subject:	 info about equipment outlets
Sent:	Sunday, December 13, 1998 1:37:46
From:	scheifer@earthlink.net (Paul Scheifer)
In reference to the person who complained about Eileen Chun's perfectly
reasonable posting letting us know about a low priced camera store, I
say please disregard this complaint and continue to list postings such
as hers.

You are quite right that these large mail order camera stores have
plenty of equipment relevant to astronomy, and letting us know about
such outlets is a good service to us.

This person who complained should lighten up; he's taking things far too
seriously. He checked it out and found it not useful to him. Fine. So it
used 45 seconds of his time. Big deal.

For my part, I checked it out and immediately bookmarked it for future
reference. It is definitely a place I will check out the next time I'm
looking for any number of accessories I'll need for my ETX.

Thanks Eileen for taking the time to let us know about it! I appreciate
it.

_________________
Paul Scheifer

Subject:	 used etx's
Sent:	Sunday, December 13, 1998 1:27:22
From:	scheifer@earthlink.net (Paul Scheifer)
To:	rseldon@air-dc.org
Saw your posting on Mike Weasner's ETX site asking about finding a used
ETX.

Check out www.astromart.com

There are usually 1-3 used etx's being offered for sale. If there aren't
any when you first try, go back on a daily basis. You'll see some within
a day or two.

I'm surprised Mike didn't mentioon this to you. This site is an
important resource for etx owners. Plenty of used everything: eyepieces,
finders, tripods, star map books, software, you name it.

______________________
Paul Scheifer

Subject:	 Daisy Red Dot BB Gun Sight
Sent:	Saturday, December 12, 1998 16:22:43
From:	robertd@ns.sympatico.ca (Robert  Dickie)
I bought a BB Gun sight at Walmart and installed it on my ETX.  It works
like a charm and makes it much easier to find stars, etc. but the winter
here, in Nova Scotia is pretty cold.  The sight is powered by a little
watch battery and at 10 degrees F the little diode blinks off after
about five minutes out in the cold.  After about five minutes back in
the house, it comes back on again.  This would be really awkward out in
the field on a cold night. I partially solved the problem by placing a
disposable "hot pad" hand warmer against the battery compartment of the
sight which kept the diode on for 10 to 15 minutes (at which time I came
in because of the cold).  This may not work at colder temperatures or
for longer periods. Any ideas?

Subject:	 ETX site
Sent:	Saturday, December 12, 1998 2:42:31
From:	broadscp@bigbear.com (Martin P. Broad)
I don't know how you did this but your site is definitely out of this
world.  I haven't bought my ETX yet...very soon... but I have been
reading reviews on all the accessories and tripods, etc., and checking
out your photography... This is a very excellent, if not the best, damn
close to it, site. Congratulations on all of your work!

If you have a moment to breath, could you tell me what tripod you use
and what filters you find the best?    A am planning to do a lot of
astrophotography. I have tried in the past but have been unsuccessful. 
I believe that I succeed using the information you have provided.  I am
sending others to your site  Thanks again for a super site.......... 

Marty

Subject:	 Have you seen one of these
Sent:	Friday, December 11, 1998 20:59:25
From:	wayneh7974@earthlink.net (Wayne Hale)
Came across a clever gadget for the kid who has everything at a Nature
Company last night, wonder if you have seen one yet.  The kids running
the store didn't want to open one up and let me take a closer look at
it, to expensive they said.  Of course, they had an ETX perched rather
precariously on a cardboard box on a table, go figure. check out Night
Navigator at www.excaliburelectronics.com/news.html#december .

Merry Christmas,
Wayne

Subject:	 bad use of the site
Sent:	Friday, December 11, 1998 18:48:38
From:	fsotoma@center.fis.ulima.edu.pe (Fernando Sotomayor)
I just read the email sent  Sunday, Dec 6, by Eilleen Chun, in which she
recommends a website. I saw that website, and to my surprise it does not
have anything to do with the ETX nor even with telescopes in general.
What she did is like if I would use your site to recommend a website for
buying cars or dogs with good prices.  I think she made bad use of your
site.

Thanks  a lot.
Fernando Sotomayor

Subject:	 bad finderscope?
Sent:	Friday, December 11, 1998 17:30:19
From:	ekeup@utk.edu (Erik Keup)
I just got my ETX 2 weeks ago and it's GREAT!! I've used your site to
buy the Doskocil X-Large case and it's perfect!!  Anyway, my problem is
that my finderscope WILL focus, but it has double images.  The second
image is transparent and almost as bright as the first image.  The
second image will circle the first image as I turn the end of the
finderscope (how you normally focus).  Anyway, I can't seem to get rid
of this second image.  The second image disappears if I look into the
finderscope at a high angle.  There isn't a secondary image in the
extreme lower part of the finderscope, but that doesn't help me any. 
So, is this a BUM finderscope or is there something I have forgotten to
check?

Erik Keup
- kire@technologist.com

Subject:	 ETX spotting scope
Sent:	Friday, December 11, 1998 11:38:41
From:	eldorado@UDel.Edu (Stephen Tanis)
I am interested in purchasing a Meade ETX spotting scope but have had no
luck with mailorder suppliers on the web.  They all say they are
awaiting shipment and that I should reserve one with my credit card.  Do
you know of a reliable web merchant that actually has an inventory and
will do an honest transaction?  Your help would certainly be
appreciated.  ST
ps. I enjoy your websight and astrophotogallery.

Subject:	 Used ETXAstros 
Sent:	Friday, December 11, 1998 11:11:30
From:	rselden@air-dc.org
I am trying to find a used ETX Astro for my son, who is a sophmore
astrophysics major.  Are there web sites or other sources for finding
them used?

Thanks a lot for any help you can provide!

                                Sincerely,    Ramsay Selden
                                rselden@air-dc.org

Subject:	 20% OFF ETX until Dec 14th.
Sent:	Friday, December 11, 1998 6:13:41
From:	Michael_P._Lingenfelter@oa.eop.gov
There is a store here in the Washington, DC area called Learningsmith
and until Dec 14th, all Meade scopes are 20% off.  I just pickup up my
ETX and I'm anxiously watching the cloud cover outside.  Total with tax
was $502. The case was discounted also, so I got that.  I'm sure they'll
go fast, so could you post this info on your sight.

Thanks

Michael Lingenfelter
Executive Office of the President
Washington, DC

Subject:	 Help!
Sent:	Thursday, December 10, 1998 13:23:06
From:	mfrid34132@aol.com (Marc Fridley)
First off, thanks for your site. Since I first saw the ETX in the back
of a magazine I have wanted one and thanks to your site, I am now as
familiar with the etx as if i had owned it for years. I am however not
very knowledgeable about star maps, polar alignments or RA, DEC as i
should be. Do you know of any source, online or otherwise that could be
of advantage to the beginner. I really would like to be able to find
some of the beautiful things that you and your readers see.
Thanks 
Marc Fridley

Subject:	ETX Competition
Sent:	Thursday, December 10, 1998 13:08:49
From:	BVarney123@aol.com
I want to buy a good spotting scope for celestial and terrestrial use. I
was just about to buy a ETX when I found some other Maks. about the same
size and price.  One was the new celestron G3 and G5. The other was  an
Astro Rubinar 100 manufactured in Russia, that I was told can out
perform the ETX. I wanted to here from some one who has tryed any of
these scopes before I fork out $500 +.

Thanks, Bryan
bvarney123@aol.com

Subject:	 Focuser Question
Sent:	Thursday, December 10, 1998 11:47:37
From:	ccantu@softtek.com (Carlos Cantu Chapa)
Reply-to:	ccantu@softtek.com (ccantu@softtek.com)
I'm a new ETX astro user, I don't know if this is a mechanical problem
or not, when using powers over 100x  and have to change the eyepiece and
there is need to re-focus the image through the eyepiece moves to the
left or right depending of the movement of focus knob. In low power
mags. the shift is almost zero. In about 190x the shift is enormous.

Have you some advice on this?

I will appreciate your help

Ps   You have a great site

Thanks

Carlos Cantu Chapa
Mexico

Subject:	 more
Sent:	Thursday, December 10, 1998 11:08:32
From:	bhardin@bellarmine.edu (Hardin, Dr. Bill)
At URL
	
www.interoz.com/usr/suiter/kestner.jpg

is a set of pictures for star testing your optics.  This identifies
defective optics as well as perfect optics.  From the comments I have
seen on your page, several people will be happy to look at these.

	Bill Hardin

Subject:	Thanks
Sent:	Wednesday, December 9, 1998 19:41:43
From:	SAASA@aol.com
Thought I would take a minute to thanks you for all your work on etx's.
I have enjoyed many of the pictures and articles. I have it bookmarked
and plan to visit it often.

Thanks again 
Steve

Subject:	 viewing from close the equator
Sent:	Wednesday, December 9, 1998 17:12:05
From:	fsotoma@center.fis.ulima.edu.pe (Fernando Sotomayor)
I think I need more help from you. I live in Lima, Peru whose latitude
is just 12. Can I use the ETX only with its legs? If  I buy the MEADE
tripod for the ETX, is still necessary to buy a wedge?

I will appreciate your help.

Fernando Sotomayor

Subject:	 CCDs
Sent:	Tuesday, December 8, 1998 14:44:55
From:	dashmanc@idt.net (carl)
There was a recent article in either  Sky and Telescope or Astronomy on
doing the same thing using the CCD from a Connectix b/w golfball sized
camera.  A film canister was used as the case.  It has the advantage of
being ready to hook to a PC complete w/ s/w.

Just got the new junior geared head from Bogen.    It can move by gear
or be released in 3 dimensions, each with an angle scale.It's wonderful
but doesn't quite fit on theETX.  I'm looking to make a u-shaped bracket
from a chunk of 3/4" aluminum stock to attach to the ETX a la Meade's
tripod. Pete's Camera, about $125. (but you need a tripod with a 3/8"
mount.)

Also just got the Pelican 1520 hard case from B&H;.  The basic case is
less than $110 with pluck-out foam.  The JMI case does very poorly in
comparison and costs more--I have one and have talked about its
drawbacks--the locks are worthless and it's made from polyethelene.
JMI's main advantage is that the foam is precut and won't shed any foam
dust, whereas pluck-out foam might.  The divider version may work better
but costs a good bit more than the JMI. It would take a power saw to cut
through the Pelican. I thought about the 1550--about $120. but it's too
big to be considered a carry-on--just beyond the fudge factor on limits.
 You can padlock the Pelican with two real hardened padlocks (not the
1/8" shank kind).

Well the  weather has been lousy in NJ--warm and cloudy to raw and rainy
so there's no opportunity to check out the new head.

ATB,
Carl Dashman

Subject:	 Cameras and the ETX
Sent:	Tuesday, December 8, 1998 13:37:48
From:	thor@interclan.net (Antonio Mier)
I have an ETX, i dont know much about astrophotography, and i have a PC
500 camera from EPSON, this is digital, the dealer from MEADE told me i
cant use it in the telescope, but i saw one casio in your web, can you
help me and tell me where can i buy an adapter for that camera, or who
can help me in this?

i live in mexico, but i can buy it in USA

Antonio

Subject:	 Camera for the etx
Sent:	Tuesday, December 8, 1998 3:08:53
From:	terjelarsen@c2i.net (Terje Larsen)
What camera would you recomend for use with the etx? I tried my Minolta
Dynax 500si,but no success.The camera did not do anything (too much
electronics).

Clear skies
Terje Larsen
Kr-sund.N
Norway.

terjelarsen@c2i.net

Subject:	 Go-to Technology
Sent:	Monday, December 7, 1998 22:40:24
From:	dan@creativematters.com (Daniel Gore)
I'm an ETX user who just convinced a friend to buy an 8" LX200.  Aside
from a slightly slower moving image, I am most jealous of the go-to
technology this offers.

As an extreme amature can you lead me to an accessory which might do
this for my ETX.  I've enjoyed the moon, Jupiter, and Saturn, but would
like to find more--easily.  I'm not so adept with the star-chart, yet.

I searched your site, via the Java interface, and had no luck.  Can you
help me?

Dan

Subject:	 ETX new user
Sent:	Monday, December 7, 1998 22:23:40
From:	rduke@gulf.net (Guy Duke)
So much info!  First I want to say is that I missed the JC Penny sale
but was able to find the ETX at Sams club for $579, which included the
25mm and 9mm eyepieces. Second, I know nothing about using it, but my
wife had an old department store one 10 years back or so and loved it.
She just could not wait to try it out, so I moved an old clothes dryer
out in the middle of our back yard(with many trees blocking most of the
sky).  Not sure what to do, I pointed it up to the brightest object I
could see and found Jupiter and could see 2-4 objects that appeared very
close.  Next, I pointed to another bright object, and before I could
focus it, I knew I had Saturn in our sights.  Without having aligned the
scope, Saturn was a bit harder to keep in my field of view(moving across
the fov and up thrugh the fov). All this on first day with the ETX! It
was outstanding! Would love to hear from anyone.
Guy
rduke@gulf.net

Subject:	 Meade ETX finderscope swap
Sent:	Sunday, December 6, 1998 14:12:37
From:	formula1@primeline.com (charles gates)
I got a crazy idea and swapped the factory supplied finderscope for the
Meade 6x30 finderscope off of my Meade 8'' dob.It slid right into
place,only it is held at the back of the finderscope tube where it is
narrower in diameter.The extra eye relief of the 6x30 makes all the
difference in the world(although the image is now upside down ).But i
can live with it! It looks like it was made for it except for being
white in color.Just thought some of your readers might like to know this
little ''trick''.By the way  your site is great,it made me decide to go
for it and get a ETX,which i am very happy with!

Subject:	 Meade ETX
Sent:	Sunday, December 6, 1998 14:01:16
From:	raddogz@earthlink.net (Eilleen Chun)
I just had to drop a "hello" off to you.  Your web page is very
impressive; it is one awesome page.  I just bought a Meade ETX and I
love it.  The info on this page guided me into buying one ( first
scope).  I cannot thanks enough on the info on your page.

There is a website out there that is pretty comparable to B&H; photo, it
is called cameraworld.com and they have some pretty good prices.  The
best thing about it is, outside of the low prices, absolutely free
shipping and handling.  There is also a 14 day return policy.  I hope
this info is useful, and might want to add it into your web page.

Eileen

Subject:	 ETX - poor mans tripod
Sent:	Sunday, December 6, 1998 8:52:34
From:	mccool@connecti.com (Brian McCool)
Hello, my name is Brian McCool.  I have always wanted a telescope ever
since I was a little kid.  My wife bought me an ETX for my 32nd
birthday.  I really have the star-gazing bug now!  I had to make a
choice between more eyepieces or a field tripod.  I chose a zoom
eyepiece.  To get around the lack of a suitable tripod, I made some
minor modifications to a Black & Decker Workmate 225 work bench.  With a
pack of playing cards, I can level the surface pretty well.  The bench
is very stable and folds up really good. You can usually find these
between $60 - $80.  If you are interested in the modifications that I've
made and are in the process of making, just let me know.

I'm also looking for a cheap way to take pictures of the things that I
see with this telescope.  I'm considering taking a digital camera's CCD
out of the camera and placing it into an eyepiece.  Do you know if
anyone has tried this, yet?  Do you have any suggestions or ideas?

Thanks,
Brian McCool.

Subject:	 movement
Sent:	Sunday, December 6, 1998 6:25:48
From:	butler03@mindspring.com (Tom Butler)
I have a JMI motofocus I have been using for a year with my ETX. The
last two nights when I have been out viewing I noticed when I am
focusing the image moves in the view(eye piece).  Especially if I go
past focus and have to reverse the motor direction for focusing. What do
you think? Great web site?
Tom Butler

Subject:	ETX
Sent:	Saturday, December 5, 1998 14:17:25
From:	DPJB@aol.com
I got this scope a month ago and love it!  I also have the Meade 9.7
eyepiece and the Meade 126 Barlow.  I am trying to figure out what all
this collimation business is about.  I have searched your sight for info
on this and basically gotten more confused.  I have tried to look at
stars and see this "airy disk" when I go in and out of focus, but I just
see a pinpoint of light when its focused and a brighter circle with a
dark spot in the middle when its not focused.  I haven't ever seen a
diffraction circle, which I am assuming would be similar to what you see
when looking through a diffraction grating.  I would be grateful for any
help you could give me on this.  At any rate, the moon and all
terresrtrial objects I look at have been razor sharp; Jupiter has a
couple of bands visible although Saturn's Cassini division has eluded me
so far.  I guess the thing can't be too far out of adjustment.  Thanks
for your help and your website.

Subject:	ETX web site
Sent:	Saturday, December 5, 1998 10:03:09
From:	DGMINK@aol.com
Thank you, thank you!  I just bought an ETX this Thursday after much
agonizing (I don't really have a lot of money, but it was 20% off, and I
just couldn't pass it up).  Your web site provided much needed
information and prepared me for the scope's flaws as well as it's
assets.  Last night I took it out for the first time, and was simply
awed by the sight of Jupiter at 96x.  Even though the viewing was not of
the best from my back deck (Clouds were moving in from the west), the
scope outperformed my expectations.  I can't see Polaris from my site
(and even if I could, I'd have to hang off my deck about 10' up from a
concrete floor to make the sighting), but I found a simple compass
alignment was all that was really necessary.

I do have some questions, if you don't mind.  It's obvious I'm going to
need some more powerful eyepieces (on a very limited budget), but what
is the difference, really, between a Plossl and a Super Plossl (other
than about $30 apiece).  Will the less expensive work nearly as well, or
is the more expensive really worth it (I'll be doing mostly
in-city/suburb viewing, although I may be going to Arizona this summer
and taking it with me.)  If I buy the cheaper lens will I be wasting my
money, or would I notice enough difference to matter?

Carrying cases - It's obvious the Meade case is not worth the $50, but I
was wondering if perhaps a rugged carry-on bag would work as well as a
more expensive camera bag.  What do you think?  (The scope only weighs 9
lbs.  It's much lighter than, say, a bowling ball, or the average weight
of a woman's necessaries.)  I thought about getting some foam to line it
with.

Thanks so much, again.  I know this scope is going to give me years of
pleasure.

Kate Halleron
Atlanta, GA

Subject:	Orion Soft Case
Sent:	Saturday, December 5, 1998 8:32:53
From:	LawmanAG@aol.com
Hi,  Just purchased an ETX.  I was wondering if you have an opinion on
the Orion Soft Case for the ETX of any other suggestions.

Thanks.  Great site!!

                                                        AL

Subject:	 Nice site/ What a wedge is?
Sent:	Friday, December 4, 1998 16:01:18
From:	fsotoma@center.fis.ulima.edu.pe (Fernando Sotomayor)
I was thinking to buy a telescospe for about 6 months. Since I am
interested in planetary and  terrestrial viewing I almost decided to buy
a 90mm refractor but when asked for opinion a dealer told me without any
explanation: "I would buy de Meade ETX".

Then I remembered the ads in Astronomy magazine, and serching for more
information I found your site. Just by seeing the amount of people which
talk about de ETX I decided in a definite way to buy the etx. I think it
has a nice portability, and for that same portability it is best
telescope.

I live in Lima,  Peru, South America. When I wanted to buy from U.S.
dealers by internet all them told me that Meade does not allow them to
ship outside the U.S. Do you know why?

Could you tell me please  what a wedge is? Can I use a telescope without
a wedge? Congratulations for creating and maintining this site.

Fernando Sotomayor

Subject:	 Re: Meade ETX vs. 4.5" Reflector - 1st (Good) Telescope
Sent:	Friday, December 4, 1998 15:43:02
From:	arcaxis@aol.com (ArcAxis)
I did go to your web site and I guess that's where my interest started
to stir about the ETX. I did end up ordering a 4.5" Orion Skyview
reflector and am at this point considering purchasing an ETX as well due
to its portability and optics.

Thanks for your response.

Mark Farrell
Brookfield, MA 
ArcAxis@aol.com

"You can't just turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again."

Subject:	 "Binocular" type eyepiece?
Sent:	Friday, December 4, 1998 12:58:19
From:	rmandes@mindspring.com (Rich)
I am looking into getting an ETX for Xmas.  My son, who has some trouble
with his eyes, is really interested in looking through the scope (we
borrowed one in November to try).

I think an eyepiece that allows you to use both eyes to look at the
image would be great for him.  Do they make a "Binocular" type eyepiece
for the ETX?

Any other ideas that would help him see the scopes image would be
welcome!

By the way, great site!

thanks,

rjm

Subject:	 some superb quickcam astronomy software
Sent:	Thursday, December 3, 1998 22:53:10
From:	roland@cobaltgroup.com (Liem Bahneman)
I'm not sure if anyone's already mentioned this to you, but I stumbled
across some wonderful quickcam software. I know a lot of ETX users are
using their quickcam's as cheap CCD, well this software gives them some
of the features you find in professional CCDs (emulated in software).

Astro QuickCam
found at: http://perso.club-internet.fr/uranos/drivereng.htm
and http://perso.club-internet.fr/uranos/evoila.htm

(sorry, its in french...)

some things it has:

dark and white frame removal (on the fly)
multiple image compositing (on the fly)
LX200 guidance
turbulence measurement (delta)
uses existing quickcam low-level drivers (bw, color, vc)

Its pretty good stuff, I've been experimenting with it lately, though I
haven't had a chance to test it on any deep-sky objects, I can say it
works great on planetary objects.

- liem

============================================================================
Liem Bahneman	                                      roland@cobaltgroup.com
Senior Systems Administrator	  	  http://www.cobaltgroup.com/~roland
The Cobalt Group					 (206) 269-6363 x300
Seattle, Washington					F(206) 269-6350

Subject:	 Image reversal
Sent:	Thursday, December 3, 1998 13:03:51
From:	aturner@netunlimited.net (Alex Turner)
What is the best procedure for dealing with the reversed image of the
ETX? It's no problem with moon and planets,but I seem to be lost when I
try to find my way using some of the sky maps. Any suggestions? BTW just
got the Meade tripod and I think it's great.

Alex Turner

Subject:	 Meade ETX Manual
Sent:	Tuesday, December 1, 1998 21:47:29
From:	BKerns@intint.com (Brian Kerns)
There is a new version of the ETX manual at meade.com at:

http://www.meade.com/manuals/etx/index.html

Check it out,
Brian Kerns

Subject:	 JMI Information
Sent:	Wednesday, December 2, 1998 9:35:10
From:	machad@amcham.com.br (Jose Luis Machado)
I really did appreciate a lot your site!

I am from Brazil and purchased recently an ETX, and after learn about
its features (most information from your site), I am considering the
possibility to buy a lot of stuffs from JMI, but I am not finding the
JMIs address or any store(Internet) that sells their products
specifically designed for the ETX.

Do you have the JMIs address or e-mail, or recommend any site to
purchase the JMIs for ETX products?

Thanks a lot.

Jose Luis Machado
E-mail: machad@amcham.com.br
Sao Paulo-Brasil

Subject:	 Great Site!
Sent:	Tuesday, December 1, 1998 19:29:37
From:	srise@iconnect.net (Nanette)
I just wanted to tell you how helpful your site is.  My family purchased
the ETX as a present for my father's 80th birthday in August.  I was
left in charge of figuring it out.  I have learned more from your site
tonight than I have in the past few months.  After reading your section
on tripods, I feel confident shopping for one.

Thanks for all your work.  I will be visiting often.

Nanette  

Subject:	 Thing to look at and an eyepiece review
Sent:	Tuesday, December 1, 1998 12:57:49
From:	sdaofwpp@radiks.net (Warren Performance Packaging)
I've been a long time reader and observer of this site and have
benefited tremendously from some of the insight it has provided.  I
wanted to respond to a couple of messages that I've seen posted.

Some people seem to be unhappy with  or are expecting too much optical
performance from the scope.  Frankly, I am amazed with what I can see
with this 90 mm scope.  Since I purchased the scope in September, I've
seen numerous deep-space objects.  Here is an abbreviated list:

M57 Ring Nebula (very easy to find and see doughnut shape)
M27 Dumbbell Nebula (very impressive and easy)
M31 Andromeda Galaxy (easy, can even see through finderscope)
M31's companion galaxies
M51 Galaxy (very faint, needs a good dark night to be sure you aren't looking at a star)
M81
M82
M13 Hercules Cluster (very faint, no appreciable detail but fairly easy to find)
M92
Double Cluster (Wow, extremely beautiful)
M42 (best deep space object except maybe Double Cluster)
M45 (way larger than FOV of 26 mm Super Plossl)
North American Nebula(have to use your imagination a little)
Many, many more NGC XXXX numbered clusters.
Several more Messier globular clusters I can't remember the numbers to
Jupiter and 4 moons
Saturn and 1-2 moons
Earth's Moon

Again, this is the short list.  With a good star atlas, a circle
template, and a little determination you can find about anything with a
magnitude of 9 or better.  Things fainter than a magnitude of 9 are a
little tough but you can still find them.

Speaking of a good star atlas, I have two.  I have the field edition of
Sky Atlas 2000.0 which is a great star atlas.  However, I have found the
Cambridge Star Atlas is a perfect companion to the ETX.  Every star in
the atlas is visible through the finder.  I have found that a 9/16"
circle template closely matches the FOV of the stock finderscope.  I
actually like having the straight through, erect-image view even if the
finder is a little tough to use.  The Cambridge Star Atlas also lists
the size and magnitude of all of the deep-space objects that are shown
in the atlas.

The other thing I wanted to talk about was my new  eyepiece.

Yesterday, I received a new Pentax SMC XL 7 mm eyepiece.  I can
unequivocally say that this is a tremendous eyepiece.  At 179X power,
the views of Saturn were spectacular.  I could make out the Cassini
division as seeing permitted.  I could also see 1-2 moons.  Next, I
moved to our moon which was nearly at its' highest point in the sky. 
The views were so sharp and bright that the scope begged for the Barlow
lens.  Even at 357X, the views of the moon were incredible.  With a moon
atlas I could very easily identify craters no more than 20 km in
diameter.  If I could have identified all of the crates, I am sure that
I could resolve to at least 7-8 kilometers, perhaps even better.  I was
totally blown away by this eyepiece.  But even  better than the views
was the eye relief.  With my glasses on, I could easily make out the
entire FOV.  It's kind of like the description of the Paul Rini 45 mm,
you don't so much look through the eyepiece as you look at it. The only
disadvantage of this eyepiece is it's enormous size and weight.  I have
nicknamed it "The Hand Grenade" due to it's size and weight.  It is
nearly as large as a closed fist and probably weighs 14-16 ounces.  You
could never use it with a camera to do eyepiece projection  photography
but hey, just looking through it made me  believer.  If I could afford
to, I would buy the entire Pentax line. Again, I can't stress enough how
bright and clear objects are through this eyepiece.  It provides
superior views to the 9.7 mm Super Plossl that I have, even at the
higher magnifications.

Scott Anderson

Subject:	 Worried
Sent:	Tuesday, December 1, 1998 6:26:12
From:	saatchi@unet.com.mk (Saatchi & Saatchi)
I don't know did I have a problem or not, I was worried about one think
since I get my ETX. Problem is: When I turn the focus knob
counterclockwise after while, at one point I can detect on my fingertip
as well as hear scratching (tickling)or something like that, turning the
focus knob clockwise I detect at the same point the same tickling.

Thanks for great page,Love your web.

Best Regards

Dino        saatchi@unet.com.mk

Subject:	 Camera Focus!
Sent:	Tuesday, December 1, 1998 4:55:12
From:	jsdailey@indy.net (Jim Dailey)
Focus alignment through the cameras viewfinder is nearly impossible when
utilizing projection lenses in a Tele Extender. Would it be possible to
align a viewing lens on the vertical mount to the same distance as the
cameras film plane to enable focusing through an eyepiece rather than
through the camera?

Jim Dailey

Subject:	 ETX help request
Sent:	Tuesday, December 1, 1998 4:49:36
From:	Sergio.Pissavini@sulzer.com (Sergio Pissavini)
I am an italian happy user of ETX but now I need to improve  it by
better and reliable RA and Dec motion. I am looking to either buy an
Orion SkyView EQ mount with RA motor, plus a JMI motofocus or apply  the
Microstar 1 and JMI motofocus. I have already ETX mounted on a manfrotto
tripod and using a italian made wedgepode. what did you recoomed as more
reliable solution?

Best regards and thanks for the usefull site you have done and maintain.
Ciao
Sergio

Subject:	 Visual Back & Tele-Extender!
Sent:	Tuesday, December 1, 1998 4:43:10
From:	jsdailey@indy.net (Jim Dailey)
I recently purchased the Visual Back & Tele-Extender from Shutan, per
recommendation of this site. I must say that the Visual Back is GREAT!
The ability to use eyepieces on the back of the scope is a must have for
anyone. The ability to view from the rear of the scope is great for
children, as climbing a ladder to look through the vertical eyepiece
always leads to leaning on the scope and sometimes creating the
necessity to realign!

However, I do not share this opinion with regard to the Tele-Extender.
There are no provisions for proper vertical/horizontal orientation of
the camera on the Tele-Extender! When I assemble all the pieces,
including the camera, I must unscrew one of the elements to align the
camera in a proper vertical or horizontal format. This leaves the
connection of the elements rather sloppy, with the possibility of
movement while making camera adjustments a real problem! I noticed in
the accompanying literature from Meade that their offering for 
Tele-Extendershas a set of locking screws for both camera orientation as
well as magnification.

Is it possible to use the Shutan Visual Back with Meade's Tele Extender?

Jim Dailey

Subject:	ETX dec slop
Sent:	Monday, November 30, 1998 22:51:50
From:	Mwebbber@aol.com
Thanks again for all the great info on your site.  It appears that my
problem with base wobble wasn't the teflon pads, but with the small
sheet metal screw that holds the base to the fork assy. It was loose, so
I tightened it a little bit, and now all the RA slop is gone.

Now I have another problem, though.  Now I notice that there is quite a
bit of up and down (dec) play in the scope.  Is there a fix for this? 
Also, I don't like the fact that the only thing keeping my telescope
from falling to the ground is a small cheesy sheet metal screw.  Do you
know of any mods in this area?  Ant help would be great.  Again, thanks
for the great site!

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