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ETX CLASSIC FEEDBACK
Last updated: 31 March 2012
This page is for comments and user feedback about ETX telescopes. ETX models discussed on this page include the ETX-60/70/80/90/105/125 (EC, AT, BB, Premier Edition). This page also includes comments and feedback of a general nature. Comments on accessories and feedback items appropriate to the ETX-90RA, DSX, and DS models are posted on other pages. If you have any comments, suggestions, questions or answers to questions posed here, e-mail them to me for posting. Please use an appropriate Subject Line on your message per the Site Email Etiquette. Thanks. Remember, tips described on this site may invalidate the warranty on your telescope or accessories. Neither the submitter nor myself are responsible for any damage caused by using any contributed tips.
Subject: ETX 90 Smartfinder Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 11:56:21 From: Ted Witt (tcwwitt@me.com) Finally getting back into astronomy after a lengthy hiatus, and I'm resetting up my ETX-90 PE with new AA's, etc. But, for the life of me, when I'm attempting to set up the Smartfinder, I cannot see the red dot. I've set it for continuous at the max intensity, and I see nothing. Is there some trick to doing this? Thanks so much, Ted Witt
And an update:
Forget the last. I found it! I had Blink Off set to 00.0, and I changed it to 00.5. Worked like a charm!
Subject: ETX 125 focus problem Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 14:42:41 From: Dennis Martin (dmartin@mccmail.biz) I have a Meade ETX 125EC telescope. The unit slews up down, left right, no problems. The focus will not get to the "sweet spot", close but not enough to say that is dead on. Is this a correctible problem? Is this due to the collimation being off? Please help. Thank you. DennisMike here: You can easily check the collimation by doing a "star test". See the collimation section on the Helpful Information: Telescope Tech Tips page. Be certain to let the telescope reach "thermal equilibrium", which can take up to 30 minutes for each inch of aperture.
Subject: Re: LNT Module blown up Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 08:54:28 From: Max Catterwell (maxcatterwell@o2.co.uk) It turns out that Telescope House is the main agents for Meade in the UK. They aren't supposed to, but will supply a complete LNT unit for £75 inclusive of VAT and postage. There will be no guarantee with this, unless you get them to do the work; this will of course incur a not inconsiderable extra charge. I was told by them that the only thing that would have caused the LNT to blow, would be a fault in the wiring loom. Well, I removed the wiring loom and did a continuity test, and all leads were continuous with no shorts, so I'm puzzled. I don't fancy buying a new unit, only to find it blows up on connection. So I think I'll have to just make some rings (I can't find any the right size to buy) and mount it on my HEQ5 Pro. Not the ideal solution, because the whole point of this scope was to have something of quality that was easily portable. But there you go, life got in the way again. All the best Max
Subject: ETX or not ETX? Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 11:51:59 From: mpatti2401@aol.com (mpatti2401@aol.com) Meade LS 6" ACF Telescope with LightSwitch Technology My UK dealer advertises this as "Meade's revolutionary ETX-LS LightSwitch telescope uses advanced technologies like GPS, LNT and ECLIPS CCD imaging to do what no other consumer telescope has done before". Is this an ETX scope or not as there is little or no reference on the site. Sounds like a reasonable upgrade from my ETX 125PE! Mark EnglandMike here: The LS model was initially released by Meade as part of the ETX Family. But in late 2009, they removed it from the ETX Family (although some dealers still erroneously call it the ETX-LS).
Subject: The Relative Value of the ETX 105 over the ETX 90 Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2012 12:55:10 From: Allen Kneale (knealeka@yahoo.com) This is my first post on this website, which by the way appears to be a tremendous resource. I am the owner of a 32 plus year old Edmund Scientific 6 inch F6 Newtonian Reflector and I am in the process of purchasing a Meade ETX. I live in the northern suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. We have a fair amount of light pollution and I find that my interests largely fall into planetary observation with also viewing of double stars and globular clusters. I have many eyepieces and filters from previous purchases, which I expect to use with my ETX. I am settling on the ETX scope as it seems to give me the best of various worlds regarding a number of factors including portability, optical quality, name recognition with available accessories, and Go-To capability. Overall, I understand that Meade's customer service is rather poor. Hopefully, this has changed as many posts that I have read paint a discouraging picture. Regardless, I look forward to my ETX. However, I am at a loss to make a decision on one factor. I have come across a number of used ETX 105 models on the Internet that look like a good buy. I am tempted to go after one instead of buying a new ETX 90 as I keep coming back to the idea that the extra aperture is worth the risk of buying used. However, I am concerned that issues involving a lack of warranty, possibly worn internal drive components, bad drive training, etc., are a nightmare that I want to avoid. With this being said, I was hoping to get some input as to whether there really is much value in going with a used ETX 105 (5 + years old) or just going ahead with a new ETX 90. I have viewed your 2008 on line presentation on what can be seen with an ETX and have found the differences to be negligible. If you have any information to share, it would be most appreciated. Thanks. AllenMike here: A well kept ETX-105 should be an excellent telescope. You get slightly more aperture in a slightly less portable telescopes. Drive training should not be an issue since you can easily retrain using the AutoStar. Of course, any used equipment purchase can be fraught with dangers. I have no experiment with the latest ETX-90 model but it should still be of the same optical quality as previous models of the ETX-90.
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Thanks. In your experience, have you found the gear wear issue and the customer service challenges to have improved in recent years? Most of the on line comments I have seen do appear to be older (5-7 years), although I have seen some as recent as 2010 that were unfavorable. I am not sure if the bad internet reviews are overblown or not. Having worked with others such as Orion before, I know there are some very good customer friendly equipment providers. I have used Meade products before (e.g., eyepieces, reticle eyepieces, and filters) and found their product to be very good. I am a little surprised that this reputation for poor service exists. Hopefully its not justified. You have a very nice website with lots of information. I appreciate the quick response AllenMike here: When dealing with ANY company's customer service, you will find many excellent and some not-so-excellent customer support reps. Meade is no exception. Keep in mind that most users will write to ask questions or complain about problems; very few people write in to praise their equipment or customer support experiences. So, the "negative" appearances are way more prevalent than the positive reports. I have not experienced any gear issues with my 1999 model ETX-125AT, nor with my 2005 model ETX-105PE, nor with my ETX-90RA (1996), nor with my ETX-70AT (2001).
Subject: having a problem finding a maker of finder scope rings Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 22:28:33 From: shirley feickert (sfeickert1@gmail.com) I am having a hard time finding the guy who makes aluminum wedges and finder scope rings? Jim FeickertMike here: Do you mean ScopeStuff? (http://www.scopestuff.com)
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No I think I found him "Wilburn" thanks JamesMike here: Do you mean Millburn Wedge? Web site: http://milburnwedge.com/
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Yes
Subject: Comment about your page Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 21:12:20 From: Nelson Estrada (cyberelfw@hotmail.com) Hi! I own an ETX 125 and I found that your site is the MOST recommended place!! I salute you. But... I must say its the ugliest page of all. The idea of copy+paste plain text of the received emails maybe was a fashion in the past days but no anymore. I get confuse reading trough the page and very often loose the interest. Any font format could help, maybe some color... Please dont get me wrong!! I tell this like a constructive critic, no offense by any means. I know you do it for free, but I am sure lots of your fans would be PROUD of helping you to "pimp" your great site. Just a comment, again, It is not my intention to sound like a troll or something. Kind regards!! P.S. You are the best!! Thanks for your site!!!Mike here: Hello from my observatory. I am imaging the M95 galaxy supernova. Glad you like the Site. Thanks. And thanks for the feedback.
Subject: Re: ETX-105 PE smart finder lens Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 17:17:40 From: John Binder (jcbinder@comcast.net) No response from Telescope Warehouse about getting a replacement lens for the smart finder - I'm sure my request is pretty obscure (and not a great profit margin to boot). I'm thinking of strapping on a generic scope on the side of my tube to make it easier to find the planets we would like to look at. Unfortunately, my son and I have never been able to align auto star correctly, even after changing the battery. Thanks for your patience with a true beginner. John BinderMike here: For help on alignment, see the Helpful Information: AutoStar Info page. Lots of alignment tips there.
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Cool, thanks Mike.
Subject: Didymium Filter (Light Pollution Filter) Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 03:38:45 From: Erwin Matys (erwin@matys.at) we stumbled upon a great yet inexpensive Light Pollution Filter for urban/suburban astrophotography. Our test report of the Didymium Filter can be found here: http://www.project-nightflight.net/tests.html Clear Skies Erwin Matys, Vienna
Subject: ETX Finderscope - Balance Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2012 03:53:28 From: mpatti2401@aol.com (mpatti2401@aol.com) I have just purchased an Orion 6x30 Right Angle Finderscope for my ETX 125PE. Attaching the base plate has not been a problem, but I have yet to use it in anger. However, I have had an awful thought, will the extra weight, towards the rear of the OTA, affect adversely the GOTO performance using Autostar? I suspect it might! Has anybody any advice to submit? It will be most appreciated. Mark St.Albans EnglandMike here: Extra unbalanced weight can cause slippage in the friction axis locks. That can affect GOTOs and tracking if the telescope slips or stalls during movement. I don't recall any reports of add-on finderscopes causing this however.
Subject: Power Supply ETX-90 EC Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2012 00:01:35 From: B E P (bepeltier@bellsouth.net) Do you happen to know if this will work correctly for the ETX-90 EC version? The seller seems not to know. Thanks http://www.ebay.com/itm/Global-NEW-AC-Adapter-Meade-RCX400-ETX90-PE-ETX- 125PE-Power-Supply-Charger-/120842168447?_trksid=m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI %26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid% 3D7059085096202181673 Additionally I found that the Autostar plug (phone line) to the paddle (from the 9 prong p/c connection) is too large and is 6 prongs and too wide. Thanks BrianMike here: As I implied earlier, the RS-232 jack on the AutoStar does not use the RJ-11 size connector. The "phone cord" referred to in some of the articles on the Helpful Information: AutoStar Info page is a "phone handset cord", not the wall jack cord. As to the power supply, although the image was blurry, it looks like the amperage is 1.6A. That is fine for the ETX-90. However, just a caution: do you want to test your equipment to an unknown power source? I'd suggest getting an AC Adapter for the ETX from a telescope dealer, Meade, or ScopeStuff.com.
Subject: EXT 125PE Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 13:41:52 From: Roger Dyer (r.j.dyer@btinternet.com) Have found a great deal on the Meade EXT 125 PE over here in the UK. But I have heard that this model is discontinued, do you think that's a problem if anything goes wrong with it, or if new parts were required? Many thanks, RogerMike here: Yes, the ETX PE models were discontinued. At some point, parts will become a problem, just like with any product no longer made. But if the item is new, it is still covered under the manufacturer's warranty as long as purchased from an authorized dealer.
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Thanks Mike.
Subject: Meade Series 4000 Super Plvssl 26 millimeter eyepiece Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 17:04:42 From: B E P (bepeltier@bellsouth.net) In your opinion, do you think that the Meade Series 4000 Super Plvssl 26 millimeter eyepiece will be sufficient for extra terrestrial use with the ETX-90EC? Is it limited and should be looking some something more optimal? If so what perhaps should seek? Thanks, BrianMike here: The standard 26mm eyepiece will be fine, depending on what you want to observe. When doing terrestrial observing, especially during the daytime, distortion from air movement will limit the magnification that can be effectively used. But any eyepiece you use for astronomical use can be used for terrestrial use.
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Thanks for your cool and astute speedy reply Mike. What can one expect to see and how far into the universe and time with this eyepiece? Im getting closer to hooking it up to the computer. It appears that the 9 prong adapter and phone line will not plug into the head of the etx-90. The Autostar plug in appears to be ok. The other two are too small for the standard plug being used on the 9 prong hook up. Am I missing an additional part? It seems like I might be. THANKS BrianMike here: You will be able to view objects millions of Lightyears away. Enjoy! As to the connections, you need to use a #505 serial cable with the smaller RJ-10 jack on the AutoStar end. For more info on the #505 serial cable, see the Helpful Information: AutoStar Info page. Keep in mind that this is a RS-232 serial connection. If your computer has only USB, then you will need a USB-serial adapter. But not all adapters work reliably with the AutoStar. See the article "AutoStar and USB" on the AutoStar Info page.
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COOL & THANKS! IM REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THESE NEW EXPERIENCES! I will read up on this and see where to go. BRIAN
Subject: ETX 125 Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 12:33:26 From: michael m (michael2272272000@yahoo.com) I'm Mike Marion from Salem, In, we have emailed before. If you have the time I would like to ask you a few questions. I had bought an LX200 but it was so heavy I sold it and bought a ETX 125 online. The bottom cover had a lot of hard use. It had been taken off lots of times, cracked and holes cut into it. Anyway, do you have diagrams, parts list, or instructions for the RA unit or modifications for 125's. thank you mike marionMike here: Lots of articles on the Helpful Information: Telescope Tech Tips page.
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Thanks, lots of readingMike here: Yep, as with anything you want to get good at.
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Mike would you mind looking at my parts and telling me if I have the correct ones? On the back of the tube it is marked 01/10/05 their are no other markings. thanks
Subject: Where would I find an eyepiece holder thumbscrew for an Etx 125? Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 10:11:37 From: ANDREW PATTIE (apattie@optonline.net) As I stated in the subject line, I'm in need of a thumbscrew for the eyepiece holder on a etx 125. Do you have any idea where I could find one? Thank you for your assistance, love your site and have been a reader for years. Regards Andy PattieMike here: See the "Q. What is the size of the eyepiece holder screw?" on the ETX FAQ page.
Subject: looking for meade etx-125 Table Top Legs Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 16:43:03 From: Jim Stitley (Jim@ThePerfectYou.us) I saw these legs referenced on your website but did not see another source. Now that Pocono Mountain Optics are out of business, do you know where else I can get these table top legs for the etx-125??? Also looking for an etx-125 easy Mount. Could not find on Shutan camera website - also referenced on your website. I LOVE your website! The best in this industry!!! Thanks SO much for you help, Jim StitleyMike here: Dave Randall mentioned that the Meade's outlet store has them for $20:
Subject: Meade ETX125 sloppy in verticle axis. Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 19:51:44 From: David Brickner (dbrickner3@woh.rr.com) Hi: You have a great site. Much info. I have a problem. After tightening the right knob I still have a slight rocking of the optical tube. Under that knob and plate there are three screws that appear to be holding the aluminum mount for the brass worm gear. Is there ANY adjustment in this mount to bring the gears closer together to eliminate this movement? This is not clutch slipping. Thanks much Dave Brickner Fostoria, OhioMike here: Some movement is normal if you push on the tube with the axis locked. But if the movement is excessive, there are some articles on the Helpful Information: Telescope Tech Tips page that cover DEC axis play.
Subject: LNT Module blown up Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 10:47:07 From: Max Catterwell (birder@gotadsl.co.uk) My ETX 125 PE LNT module went up in smoke the other day. Is it possible to get another anywhere please? I only need the circuit board really, but any help would be appreciated. Regards MaxMike here: Try Telescope Warehouse (link on the Astronomy Links page on my ETX Site). Keep me posted.
Subject: ETX-105 PE smart finder lens Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 07:47:21 From: John Binder (jcbinder@comcast.net) The tongue of my smartfinder lens has broken off into the LNT module. I called Meade, and they said that they had no replacement parts anymore since the model had been discontinued. Any idea where I can purchase another one? Sorry if you have covered this already somewhere on your website, I couldn't find it. Thanks for providing such a great resource. John BinderMike here: Try Telescope Warehouse (link on the Astronomy Links page).
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Great, thanks Mike!
Subject: Re: ETX 70 FLIP MIRROR Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 14:44:53 From: boody (davebood@gmail.com) Thanks Mike for your reply, i have now sorted out the issues with the scope, would you like a link on my site www.astronomy-wise.com thanks Dave
Subject: External power source and drive training persistence ambiguity Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 14:22:42 From: Garth B. (garthb@gmail.com) Thanks for the terrific resource that is the Mighty ETX Site! I got one of those external power tanks to power my ETX 125 AT (#497 Audiostar, #884), and it's been great. I also took the batteries out of the ETX. Does powering down now mean I lose any drive training sessions I had with the telescope, or create inconsistencies anywhere? Certainly some information about the telescope's settings are persisted (perhaps in non-volatile RAM somewhere), but do I need to change my training regiment with the telescope? Thank you! GarthMike here: Settings and training values are stored even with no power.
Subject: [none] Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 12:35:15 From: B E P (bepeltier@bellsouth.net) Hi Do you have avail the Meade Etx series #884 Spreader Tray? Thanks, BrianMike here: My apologies for the delay in responding. As you might expect, your email was DELETED UNREAD as SPAM due to the blank subject and the message text. As noted on the ETX Site home page, I am not a dealer for any accessories. And as noted on the Electronic Mail Etiquette and Submittal Guidelines, emails with blank or other SPAM-like subjects are likely to be deleted as SPAM. I'm sure you understand. As to the tripod tray, you can try Meade. Or try Telescope Warehouse (link on the Astronomy Links page). Good luck and keep me posted on your efforts. If you want to re-write your message as a WANTED item, I'll be happy to post it on the WANTED page on the ETX Site. Let me know.
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Sorry for the etiquette. I like the picture on your website of you and the giant telescope. Its pretty amusing. Will the erectimg prism be necessary with this model? or is it built in already? Im just treally seeing what I have here and what I need to acquire. I was sold an incomplete package. Thanks for your halp on this Mike. BrianMike here: As to an erecting prism, for astronomical use it is not required. For terrestrial use, it may or may not be necessary. The ETX-90 has an upright but mirror-reversed view from the top eyepiece hole. And that is actually a Wide Field Adapter on my "Mighty ETX".
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Thanks for being so cool. Nice meeting you. Im looking forward to getting this thing going hopefully sooner than later. Do you think this is a decent unit?Mike here: If I hadn't thought that the ETX-90 was a great telescope, I would never have created the Mighty ETX Site over 15 years ago. Enjoy!
Subject: ETX-125EC: 8 x 25mm Right-Angle Viewfinder Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 12:42:46 From: mpatti2401@aol.com (mpatti2401@aol.com) I have recently bought a ETX 125PE. I think this a simple question but here goes! Q1.Where can I still find an ETX-125EC: 8 x 25mm Right-Angle Viewfinder? Q2.Will it fit a 125PE? The curent red dot view finder is of little use when objects are near the zenith. I live in the UK but all seraches yield little.Mike here: You would have to make a mounting to attach any finderscope to the PE model. As to the old 8x25 finderscope, try Telescope Warehouse (link on the Astronomy Links page). For alternative finderscopes, see the Accessory Reviews: Finderscopes page as well as the Helpful Information: Telescope Tech Tips page.
Subject: ETX 70 FLIP MIRROR Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2012 05:52:13 From: david bood (davebood@gmail.com) i need some help please the flip mirror has fell off and i need to know how to get to it, its bit of a crap design. Any info would be good cheers daveMike here: See the Helpful Information: Telescope Tech Tips page on the ETX Site; there are two articles on "Flip Mirror Repair". There is also the "ETX-70AT Repair Guide" article.
Subject: ETX 125 PE lens problem (I think) Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2012 12:39:49 From: Steve Biggs (wight.imarketing@gmail.com) Just came across your site whilst googling, was wondering if you can help. I have a ETX 125PE I've not had it long and I'm just getting into viewing the night sky. The question I have is I can only seem to focus and get a reasonable image through the eyepiece when using the 26mm lens. When I use anything else the image is blurred obviously I try and re-focus but the image stays the same. Now being new to all of this am I missing something? I understand field of view etc but surely if you have the image of whatever your loking at focussed with the 26mm going up or down in the scale you should be able to get some clearer image whether it be closer or further away by refocussing?? Any help greatly appreciated. Steve BiggsMike here: You didn't say what focal length eyepieces you are using besides the 26mm eyepiece. Keep in mind that there is a theoretical maximum magnification for all telescopes. If you are unsure how to determine that, see the ETX FAQ page. As you approach and exceed this max, the image will get fuzzy and less sharp. You can sometimes exceed the maximum magnification on a bright object (like the moon) on nights of excellent seeing.
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Thanks for answering so quick, the lens I've used are the 32, 40, and a couple of the lower numbered ones, the moon is great just with the 26. I know you can over magnify, I suppose I'm expecting too much from a little scope believing you could possibly get the views like in the magazines. When I get a good clear night again I'm going to try every lens I have on one object and take it from there, trial and error. But thak you anyway for replying now off to examine your site.Mike here: The ETX can provide (and should) provide high quality views with those eyepieces. You might notice the central obstruction (secondary mirror) with the 40mm eyepiece. Let me know how things go with your tests. Be certain to let the telescope reach "thermal equilibrium). At least 30 minutes; for best results use the rule of thumb of 30 minutes for each inch of aperture. Planets or the moon will provide a good test WHEN well up in the sky.
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Thank you for that, didn't realise or give it a thought about the scope being the right temperature! I'll leave it out on a good night for a couple of hours and then try my different lenses as I said with as you say the objects well up in the sky. I'll certainly let you know how I get on. Regards, Steve Biggs
Subject: ETX 125 Dec. Gear and motor modal Sent: Wednesday, March 7, 2012 19:29:07 From: Ron Harries (rharries@telus.net) Do you know if anybody has submitted directions on reassembling the above modal. I believe mine had been before I purchased it. There were a number of things wrong including the fact that it was gushing lubricants. I've looked over your site but have been unable to find anything. Thanks for any help Ron Harries rharries@telus.netMike here: There are many disassembly/assembly and gearbox repair articles on the Helpful Information: Telescope Tech Tips page. You can probably find what you need in one of those articles.
Subject: Telescope question Sent: Wednesday, March 7, 2012 11:22:39 From: McPhatter, David R CTR PEO IWS IWS1AQ (david.mcphatter.ctr@navy.mil) I currently have a Meade ETX 125ec. I have had this for 10 years. It was my first telescope. I can only see the moon clearly with it. I have the barlow, and zoom lenses as well. I tried to see Mars and other planets, but it comes in very small and I cannot see any features on Any planets. I am thinking about getting the LX-200, 8' or 10'. Do you think the 8' or 10' will be able to see Planets better with this telescope. Also, Will I be able to use my Barlow and zoom lenses that I have on My ETC 125 for the LX-200, 8' or 10'. Thanks for your time. DavidMike here: Mars is very small on this close approach. Certainly nothing like it was in 2003. Seeing details on Mars will require good seeing, and having dark features rotated into view. The North Polar Cap has shrunk significantly in size over the last month and is a difficult object. You should be able to see the phases of Mercury and Venus, cloud bands on Jupiter, the Ring System and cloud bands on Saturn, and with luck, a small disk for Uranus and Neptune. If you can see these with your telescope under good seeing, you should do a "star test" to check the collimation (see the Helpful Information: Telescope Tech Tips page). Upgrading to a larger telescope will help, but if your ETX is performing well, then perhaps your expectations are exceeding the telescope's capabilities. With any telescope you can afford, don't expect to see details that you see in astrophotographs. Yes, your Barlow Lens and eyepieces will work with the LX200 models since they accept 1.25" accessories.
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If I get an 1.25" to 2" adapter and then Get an 2" Eyepiece, will this make the image/planet Bigger and Clearer? Do you recommend a zoom lenses or any lenses that is 2". I have a 8-24mm 1.25 lens and a 26mm 1.25 lenses right now. Also, do you recommend a Dew Shield for the ETX-125ec and a CCD Imaging for the ETC-125ec. Sorry for so many questions. Thanks for your response and info, I will check out you recommendations. Thanks DavidMike here: Using a 2" eyepiece won't necessarily improve the view. Keep in mind that there is a theoretical maximum magnification for any telescope. See the ETX FAQ page if you are unsure how to calculate it. Exceeding that magnification will result in fuzzy views with less details visible. As to dew shields, see the Accessory Reviews: Miscellaneous page. You can also easily make one; see the Helpful Information: Telescope Tech Tips page. As to imagers, see the Helpful Information: Astrophotography; lots of info there.
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Mike, Will do, There is store near me that does trade-ins. I think I will trade in my 125etx, for a LX-90, 10'. I think this is modest upgrade. Thanks DavidMike here: The LX90 10" is a serious upgrade from an ETX-125. Enjoy! Just don't get more telescope than you can handle. Remember, the best telescope is the one that gets used. If the telescope is too large for you to move and set up, then it will end up not being used.
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Thanks, I will look at that aspect as well. The ETX125 is very mobile and light. I am 39 year old male, I think I can handle the LX-90, 10', but we will see. I will look at other mobile telescope as well. You are correct as the mobile is concerned. I do use the ETX125 more cause it not a big deal to move it..
Subject: [none] Sent: Wednesday, March 7, 2012 06:20:40 From: jim gallagher (galljj1@hotmail.com) Thanks for the ETX site. With an upcoming eclipse, Venus transit and an active sun period, I really need a screw in solar filter for my ETX105. Any ideas? Jim GallagherMike here: First, please read the Email Etiquette; your message was originally DELETED UNREAD as SPAM due to the blank Subject. Thanks for understanding. Regarding a screw-on solar filter for the ETX-105, I found this online:
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Sorry, I should have known better than send out a blank subject. Thanks for the info. I guess I'll just glue a #14 welders' filter to one of those screw-on blanks. I was just hoping there would be a dedicated solar filter available. We have an upcoming annular eclipse and the Venus transit and I'd like to look through the ETX as well as through my PST. JimMike here: I'd still recommend the Baader material.
Subject: Long Time No See Sent: Sunday, March 4, 2012 13:25:07 From: espinosl@comcast.net (espinosl@comcast.net) I just ran across an old e-mail that I sent to you on 11 Mar 04 just after the Winter Star Party. We were trying out Al Nagler's eyepieces during the star party. I particularly remember trying out the zoom eyepieces and his bino viewer. Also, you drove an Acura CL and I drove an Accord Sedan V6. I just got back from the WSP a few days ago. It was the best viewing I have seen in the 13 years I have attended. We had one night when the usual haze on the southern horizon dissipated and we could see Crux and Alpha & Beta Centauri too the water line! What a night that was. You have a very interesting web site. Take care, Len EspinosaMike here: Not me. Never been to the WSP.
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Wow! What a strange coincidence. Are you sure you don't have a twin out there somewhere? LenMike here: Probably, but not on THIS planet.
Subject: Red Dot Finder - Upgrade Sent: Saturday, March 3, 2012 09:03:38 From: mpatti2401@aol.com (mpatti2401@aol.com) Can you recommend a suitable upgrade for the Red Dot Finder on my ETX 125 PE? Budget is not an issue. I would like to retain the "red dot" concept, but feel the finder supplied as standard is just a bit to flimsy. Would there be any complicated electronics involved as I am a bit dim on that front? Best regards Mark Pattinson St.Albans EnglandMike here: I am not aware of any "upgrade" to the LNT SmartFinder that integrates with its electronics. However, there are alternative finderscopes, red-dot and other. See the Accessory Reviews: Finderscopes page. You might like th Rigel QuikFinder; many do. There are also some add-on finderscope articles on the Helpful Information: Telescope Tech Tips page.
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