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ETX-60AT & ETX-70AT USER FEEDBACK
Last updated: 31 January 2001
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ETX-60AT & ETX-70AT USER FEEDBACK |
This page is for user comments and information specific to the Meade ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT. Additional information on these models is available on the ETX-60AT & ETX-70AT Announcements page. Comments on accessories and feedback items appropriate to other ETX models are posted on other pages. If you have any comments, suggestions, questions 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: Meade ETX-70AT vs Meade DS 114 EC Reflector Telescope Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2001 17:42:38 From: pjmarcelino@hotmail.com (PJ Marcelino) I've been checking out catalogs of astronomical telescopes, both Reflector and Refractor, but I'm not sure what's the difference between the two (power-wise, quality, etc). Anyway, my main question is how does a Meade ETX-70AT compare with a Meade DS 114-EC or any other Reflector Telescope that features a focal length of 700mm to 1200mm (i'm not sure if this is significant, but want to mention it anyway). On which telescopes will the planetary objects be bigger or more detailed? If what I'm going to see with the ETX-70 is the same with something like a 900mm Reflector Telescope, then I would rather buy the ETX-70. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. Thanks, PJMike here: Focal length of a telescope is a measure of how "powerful" it is. The longer the focal length the higher the magnification with a given eyepiece. The formula is:
Subject: Meade EXT-70at Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2001 03:13:50 From: donnajj33@yahoo.com (Janssen Donna) Hi, I came accross your web site while searching for information on the EXT-70AT. I also received the EXT-70AT (which is what's on the box), but the information package inside was for an EXT-70EC. I read on your site where this has also happened to some other people. My search or quest for information, was that while using this scope for land viewing, I can view objects better with my binoculars. I have a beautiful view of some distant mountains, but with the lens that was supplied with the scope, I can not bring the mountains closer in view than what my binoculars already give me. I need to know if, and what I'm doing wrong. Can you HELP!!!! I'm very new to this...since Xmas Could you e-mail a response? Thanks, Donna J.Mike here: What eyepieces do you have with your ETX-70AT? Divide their focal length into the focal length of the telescope (350mm) and you will get the magnification (power) of each eyepiece. Compare that to the power of your binoculars (7X, 8X, 10X, or whatever). That will let you know what the difference should be.
Subject: RE: Questions about ETX-70 and/or eyepieces Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2001 02:17:07 From: mark_patterson@anytimenow.com (Mark Patterson) Just a note for Allen Kezer and his problems with focusing and Barlows. It doesn't sound like a problem with the ETX-70 - I usually get sharp views of Saturn with a 9mm + 2x Barlow (I don't own a 3x). It might be worth getting used to how the telescope focuses by sighting it on a land object during the daytime - the ETX-70 does take a *lot* of refocusing when you're going through the eyepieces. This way you should be able to tell where the problem lies as you shouldn't have this problem if everything is operating as it should be. Mark.
Subject: GOTO problem Sent: Monday, January 29, 2001 18:14:03 From: Markparson@aol.com I have a new ETX 60. When I try to use autostar either to align or search, if I don't press the mode key within a few seconds; the system directs the scope almost straight up, and it slowly skews around. After this starts none of the buttons seem to make it stop; and, I have to shut it off and start all over. Am I missing something, or is this unfixable.Mike here: Further down this page is a similar report. Turned out (posted with this update) that my comment about misalignment was correct. When he did a better alignment, the scope stopped where it should. So, try improving the alignment. Also be certain that the date/time/location are all correct.
Subject: ETX60 Sent: Monday, January 29, 2001 09:59:16 From: mykeyp@earthlink.net (Mike Plafcan) First thing I reall enjoyed your web site... This is my first telescope.. I still don't have a tripod yet.. So I am getting used to the Autostar...The last couple of nights , right above the moon (around 6-7 o'clockpm) there is a bright object... Looking at charts and different sits.. I am thinking that this is Venus...... When I look at this though my ETX60 with a 2X Barlow and a 9mm eyepiece...it is still just a dot... Am I doing anything wrong? Or is this telescope only good for looking at a bird 2 miles away?... Thanks "getting more frustrated by the day"Mike here: Yep, that bright object in the evening sky is Venus. It is exhibiting about a "half-moon" phase right now and is still pretty small. It will grow over the next month as it gets closer to the Earth and changes to a more "crescent" phase. It's apparent diameter is currently about 3/4 of Jupiter (if you seen it, high in the sky, along with Saturn). By the end of February it will appear just slightly larger than Jupiter. Hang in there. And see the "Observations with ETX-60AT" on the Buyer/New User Tips page.
Subject: RE: RE: re: ETX60, 506 cable and downloads Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2001 09:46:48 From: kajones@hiwaay.net (Kevin Jones) Still haven't received anything from Meade. They told me I should have rcvd by last Friday, but no luck. I have a question I can't find in any forum: Can you upgrade the #494 controller on the ETX-60AT to the #497? Are these two compatible as far as the scope itself is concerned? Is Meade so embarrassed by the lack of support with the #494 that they don't even have an e-mail address for Customer Support? I'm getting close to just packing it all back in the box and returning it for a refund! Thanks for a great site, I would have probably pitched it from the top of Lookout Point by now without your site giving me some hope. Thanks again, Kevin kajones@hiwaay.netMike here: See Dick Seymour's message "re: ETX-60/70AT "aux" port and Autostar #494 confusion" further down this "ETX-60AT, ETX-70AT Feedback" page. As to Meade not having an email address for Tech Support, it has nothing to do with the #494 Autostar. Just their current (and past) policy.
Subject: Questions about ETX-70 and/or eyepieces Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2001 02:09:47 From: allenk@sonic.net (Allen Kezer) Today I purchased both the #126 2X and the #128 3X barlow for my ETX-70 which I only purchased at the beginning of January. I'm VERY new at this so I figured I'd test these barlows on Saturn this evening. I've always been able to see the ring around Saturn, albeit very small, with just the supplied 9mm. When the 2X is added I believe that Saturn appears harder to focus and slightly blurrier. When the 3X is added I cannot even get Saturn into sharp focus. I know this might be impossible to diagnose over e-mail, but is this a problem with the 9mm, the barlows, or the scope. With just the 9mm Saturn appears fairly sharp....I can see the ring with a space between the planet and the rings but it still seems that it could be sharper. But with the 3x barlow I can't even separate the one ring I can see with the planet, it just one big blur...and yes, I believe I know how to focus it. I really don't know where to start troubleshooting this. It's 2:00 am and my brain hurts from thinking about it. Is this the limitation of barlows? Should I be expecting a "crystal clear" image of Saturn with this setup? I believe I read another message from a man this evening stating that at 78X he could see a belt around Jupiter. I have never been able to see that type of detail, although I can see it's moon. When I use the barlow setup (3X), the moons aren't as clear as with just the 9mm. Is this a case of having too much power for the aperture? Another note with stars and the 9mm, the stars appear fairly "pinpoint" but there is a flare to the stars (blue in color). I don't know if this means anything but I'll throw it out there. I reading that the maximum power for the ETX70 is about 140X, I was assuming that 117X should at least be usable on an object like Saturn. As you can see...I'm a man with MANY questions. Any help would be appreciated. If you have any questions for me...fire away! -AllenMike here: Two possibilities come to mind: either the Barlows you purchased won't reach focus with the ETX-70AT (and I can't answer that directly since I don't have an ETX-70AT) or you are expecting too much at the max magnification for the telescope. Yes, the theoretical max is about 140X (twice the aperture in millimeters) but fainter objects will appear fuzzy and dim at the max magnification for any telescope. This could be what you are seeing. One other point about operating at the maximum magnification: you need really good atmospheric conditions ("seeing") otherwise objects tend to "break up" due to air turbulence. This can be due to atmospheric conditions or heated roof tops or parking lots that have warmed during the day. As to the color spread, this is typical of a refractor.
And more:
Thanks for you prompt response. I'm just trying to weed out the possibilities of either that I'm asking too much out of this scope or if there is something repairable that I could remedy. I believe I understand that objects will appear fuzzy and dimmer at higher magnifications (I'm saving for that 15" refractor lol;-)) But I was hoping that the #128 3X barlow would give me something useful to look at. I couldn't find anything last night that would focus in sharp with it. I haven't tried it yet (below the horizon) on the moon but I'm think this would be way to powerful as at 9mm I'm pretty much filling my FOV. So are there astronomical object out there that this barlow would be useful for or should it remain as a tool for terrestrial viewing? I know...it's probably subjective but give me your best advice. Appreciate it. -AllenAnd:
Opps, another question. Would buying a 5mm pl. with a the #126 2X barlow be any different (resolution wise) than trying to use a 9mm with a 3X barring the difference in magnification. I guess what I'm asking is I don't see Meade offering a higher quality 3x barlow other than the #128, so is tripling a EP using a barlow just pushing the limitation of that EP? A lotta questions! Thanks for your patience. -AllenMike here: Check out the Moon. It is getting pretty nice now. Multiplying ANY eyepiece will reduce in some image deterioration. Whether it is noticeable or not depends upon the optical quality of the telescope, the eyepiece, and the Barlow Lens. And the more you multiply, the worse the deterioration can be. So, all things being equal, a good eyepiece is better than doubling another to reach the same power.
And:
Great advice! Thanks for the quick responses! -Allen
Subject: Follow up on my "Question about using "GO TO" on EXT-70 Autostar" Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2001 22:11:18 From: kjm96@attglobal.net (Ken Martin) Mike: Thanks for putting me on the right track. You were correct, my initial alignment was not quite right. After first aligning on Rigel, the scope had selected Castor for the second alignment star, and I mistakenly centered on Pollux. (I told you I was a beginner!) Since they are relatively close, the scope thought it was aligned. I got the alignment stars correct tonight, and the GOTO worked perfectly! Thanks again for the advice, and for the great site you have here. -Ken
Subject: Question about using "GO TO" on EXT-70 Autostar Sent: Friday, January 26, 2001 23:44:05 From: kjm96@attglobal.net (Ken Martin) I finally got my ETX-70 aligned. Now that I'm becoming more familiar with star names and locations, that helps! I tried the "go to" feature on Jupiter, and it went right to it, but continued slewing, and within a few seconds Jupiter was out of the field of view. Why did my Autostar continue to slew? Am I supposed to "stop" it? Obviously I'm new at all this, so thanks for the advice. -KenMike here: Did it ever stop on Jupiter before starting to slew again? If so, you may be seeing the "creep after beep" error. What happens when you GOTO other objects? And no, you are not supposed to HAVE TO press any button to stop on a GOTO-ed object.
Added later:
Thanks for your prompt reply. I was so excited about getting it aligned for the first time, I'm not positive, but no, it didn't seem to actually -stop- at Jupiter. The Autostar controller continued to read "slewing". Jupiter was the first object I did a GOTO on. It went right to it, but then kept slewing, so I did not GOTO a second object. I tried turning it off and realigning it, but my batteries were getting very weak, and I was getting cold. If the sky is clear tonight, and I can get it aligned again, I'll give it another try and let you know. Could weak batteries cause a slewing problem?Mike here: Weak batteries can cause all kinds of problems but probably not what you saw. I suspect the original alignment was not quite precise enough or you had an error in date/time/location.
Subject: ETX-70 issues & comments Sent: Friday, January 26, 2001 07:43:39 From: kyle@barks.org (Kyle Barger) I had complained previously (it's in the archives) about my ETX-70 not focusing well at 77x (9mm eyepiece + barlow). I spoke to Meade tech support & after hearing the symptoms, they agreed that it sounded abnormal. I just got the scope back from them "fixing" it a couple days ago. I say "fixing" in quotes because I seem to have the "new" drive unit, with the power switch & autostar jack on the fork rather than the bottom part of the base. So I wonder if I got a new optical assembly as well. There is a considerable improvement. Last night I was able to get a nice view of Saturn and Jupiter. With average (at best) seeing I distinguished three dark cloud bands on Jupiter, and the moons were nice and sharp. I did not take to trouble to align or train it yet, but with regards to Tom Cibelli's problems, if you have done careful training (which took me several tries to get right--one thing that improved my results was using a higher powered eyepiece) you should get good results on finding the deep sky objects. With a reasonbly careful alignment, I was able to find deep sky objects and planets quite accurately. (We'll see if the replacement does as well.) To Mark Patterson, another reason an Autostar system scores for a light-polluted atmosphere is, you just don't have enough stars to star-hop. Sure, I can fine the Pleiades or the Orion Nebula by eyeballing along the tube. But try to find M13 when you can't see any stars in Hercules. The autostar will take you right there. And as for people having trouble with the tripod, I'm not surprised. I seriously considered getting one, but decided it was too flimsy after I saw it in the store. I get good results putting it on a table on my patio or driveway, but most of my property slopes, so I really do need a tripod that can adjust to give a good levelling of the scope.
Subject: ETX60At and eyepiece projection photography? Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2001 18:15:50 From: rich@bearlycomputing.com (Rich) It will become very obvious that I'm in the "newbie" category of astronomy. My wife gave me an ETX60 for Christmas and I've managed a quick peek through some holes in the constant cloud cover since then. Overall, I'm happy with the telescope. Okay, I wish I had the 125 or even the 90, but she did give this to me... The problem now comes when I want to do astrophotography as I'm also an avid amateur photographer. After getting the wrong rear adapter from Rivers and waiting for the right one, I found out that this wasn't the way to go. I can do better than the 350mm with camera lenses (I know the scope has advantages) and the 60 really can't hold the weight of a 35mm that far from the center. So I looked into eye piece projection. I was sure that I saw here and possibly other places that people were doing this with the ETX 60 & 70, so I ordered the camera adapter & parts from Scopetronix. Received them today and gave it a quick test. So far, it looks to me like this just can't work? The camera adapter (same as Meade's Basic Camera Adapter) pulls the eyepiece out of the holder tube by a good inch or more. This changes the focusing drastically. I can almost focus on the tree in my backyard with the adapter installed, but no farther away. I tried connecting the camera anyway, hoping for some optical magic... Of course the camera sees the same thing I do. Tried with and without a lens using appropriate adapter rings. Still no luck. The ETX60 simply won't focus far enough to make up for the change in distance of the eyepiece. Am I missing something very obvious here? Is there any chance of this working? I would sure love to have pictures of those wonderful sights I've caught a brief glimpse of through the scope, but so far it looks hopeless... I did think about the other Scopetronix camera adapter that mounts to the eyepiece tube and holds the camera above it. I just didn't like the idea of all that weight being pulled at an angle on the 60's eyepiece tube. Maybe it's stronger than it looks? Any help would be greatly appreciated. And thanks for this fantastic resource! I've spent a huge amount of time going through all the sections of the site and love it! Thanks again... Rich...Mike here: I suspect that the Scopetronix Digital Camera Adapter is the way to go. I've used it on the ETX-90RA at some rather severe angles. As long as your camera isn't too heavy (and no, I don't know how heavy is too heavy) it could work OK. Adding a counterweight to the other end of the ETX-60AT might be required to reduce the load on the axis locks.
Added later:
Thanks for the quick reply! And for a quick follow-up... I love to 'play' and thought "what would happen if I put a 2X Barlow in the scope first, then the camera adapter?". Well, it changes the focus yet again, but this time almost back to where it belongs! I can't give this a full test yet (perenial cloud cover at night) but I can focus using both the 25mm and 9mm on the Sun (with filter of course). Heck, the rest of those stars can't be much farther away? ;-) But it does look like this will work and the 25 with a 2X is still pretty wide. The focus is down close to the end, but it looks like there's enough room left to reach the stars. Testing with the 5mm eyepice will have to wait. That seems to be a bit short (physically) and deep down into the camera adapter. But with a bit of luck, I'll at least get my pics of the moon, sun and closer planets... Thanks again for your great site! Rich...
Subject: Meade 882 Tripod Problems Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2001 17:30:45 From: mccoyne@zbzoom.net (Michael Coyne) Like others on this forum, I had trouble with my #882 tripod for my ETX-60. The plastic clips on the legs snapped off on my original tripod and on the replacement that I got from the store. Absolutely horrible quality. I called Meade customer support and spoke with a very helpful CSR. He said that there had been a 'bad batch' and that stores were to have returned their stock for replacements. In any case, he asked how many legs I needed and sent them to me via 2nd day air free of charge. The replacement legs seem to have stronger clips; none have broken so far. Hope this helps.
Subject: Newbie with Dumb questions
Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2001 13:39:01
From: bobmin@nidlink.com
Thanks ever so much for your site, its a real joy. Perhaps you can clear
up some issues that this newbie duet (myself and my wife) are having.
Having read the posts on the Ext60/70 and having once tried our hand
with a junk christmas tasco scope, we bought a ext60. It seems to us to
be a great scope despite everyone saying its not a good scope.
What we don't understand concerns the issue of lenses.
Some people are suggesting the maximum magnification for the scope is
only 117X, yet the math suggests otherwise. A 4mm plossl with a 3X
barlow would yeild a 262.5X magnification (350mm/4mm)*3. This is
confusing the heck out of us. What is causing the limitation and why?
I've visited many pages of your site, but there are still some aspects
of the scope which I have yet to figure out. For example what is the
diameter of the eyepiece barrel for an ext60? Can I buy an eyepiece for
a etx90 and have it fit? There were a lot of interesting recommendations
in your eyepiece accessories page, but they seem to always assume
someone is working with an ext90 or 125.
Also the basic etx60 comes without a finderscope. Should we buy one?
Finally I'd like to address some comments to those people that feel it
necessary to bash the 60/70's.
Every field has purists. I remember a time when you weren't considered a
top notch programmer if you couldn't program a floating point
multiplication routine in assembler and do it in less than 128 bytes. I
and my wife are quite happy with our scope, but we're newbies to
astromony, and someday we'll graduate to a bigger and better telescope.
But for now, please don't waste your time telling people they've wasted
their money. All you accomplish is making people feel like a fool. Be a
purist if you want, and expound the joys of your 16inch LX200, we'll get
to where you are someday, all we ask is you let us learn to walk before
you expect us to run.
Regards
Bob Minnick, Northern Webs
http://www.northernwebs.com
Mike here: There is a theoretical max magnification with any telescope. There are two equations that people use: (1) twice the aperture in millimeters (120X for a 60mm telescope) or (2) 50-60X per inch of aperture (118X-142X for the ETX-60AT). With good optics (telescope, eyepieces, Barlow Lens) you can exceed this max on some objects before the object gets too dim and fuzzy. The ETX line (currently) uses eyepieces with a 1.25-inch tube diameter. This is a standard and popular size for eyepieces. (Other sizes are 0.965" and 2".) You may find adding a small finderscope, like one of the red-dot or 1X finders shown on the Accessories - Finderscopes page helpful at times.
Subject: Meade 822 tripod problems Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 17:54:25 From: harras@wwnet.net (Harras) I too just used my 822 tripod for the first time. While putting it away, the leg clamp broke into two pieces. I am returning it tomorrow. Sure seems to be a defect in the quality of materials used in construction. I would like to hear others comments.
Subject: ETX-70AT & Autostar #497 Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 08:29:56 From: weigelj@squared.com I am a beginner to astronomy, and I am considering a Meade ETX-70AT package which is offered through the American Express Rewards program (I would prefer the ETX-125, but this one is not offered by AMEX). I know the package includes the #494 Autostar controller. I would like to know if the upgraded # 497 Autostar controller will work with this scope. I suspect it might, but the Meade site only shows the 497 Autostar as an accessory for the "EC" models. Possibly this is because the ETX70 is a relatively new product. I have read some of the information on your site, and it seems to imply that the Autostar #497 is compatible with the ETX 60/70, but I would like to make sure before I order the upgraded controller. Also, do you have any comments about the ETX-70AT for a beginner? Regards, Joe WeigelMike here: As noted on the Autostar Models page on the Autostar Information page, there is much confusion about what works with what. Not having an ETX-70AT I can't say definitively. As to beginner comments, see further down this page as well as the new ETX-60A posting on the Buyer/New User Tips page.
Subject: Light Pollution Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 06:26:24 From: mark_patterson@anytimenow.com (Mark Patterson) I'd just like to point out to those who feel the ETX60/70 is a waste of time - when you live in a city a good way from decent viewing sites, it's v. handy having a telescope that you pack away in a minute and shove on the passenger seat of a car. My ETX-70 came to Sri Lanka with me over Christmas - no problem taking it on a plane as hand luggage and it performed brilliantly out there. However much I love my ETX70 - I would like more power (who wouldn't?). As I live in central London where the light pollution is horrendous, I've held off investing in a large telescope (by larger, I mean 8"+) - do you reckon it's worth upgrading, or should I wait until I finally own that house in the country where the nights are good and dark... Thanks for a great site. Mark.Mike here: Unless you have a large lorry, many 8" scopes can be a real challenge to transport in small vehicles.
Subject: RE: ETX60AT
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2001 12:09:43
From: HorneGS@phnsy.navy.mil (Horne Gary S PHNS)
To: 2001as@bellsouth.net ('Tony DeLuca')
It is a great little scope. The key word is "portability". Using that
as your main criterion, it's amazing what you can see through it. The
planetary images are very sharp, and suprisingly good color correction,
considering..... The problem with planetary images is that the image is
too small to see much detail, and the aperture is too small to jump up
the magnification you need to make out a lot of detail. For me, 114mm
aperture is the minimum to see anything really interesting. With the
60, I can barely make out the cassini division, and the great red spot.
Deep sky, on the other hand, is a different story. Different rules
apply. Focal length is the main thing you're looking for. Bright, wide
images with a fast focal length (f/5.8) make this a much better deep sky
scope, compared with the etx-90 and 125 with their narrow, high
magnification views through long focal lengths (f/13).
As for details on the DSOs, several things can affect them. You said
that you observe from Orlando? There's probably a lot of light
pollution to deal with, along with internal reflections from the local
lighting. That will cut down the contrast dramatically. You can buy a
roll of project foam (only a few millimeters thick), and make a
light/dew shield to help with the contrast. Make it so that it sticks
out beyond the objective 2 to 3 times the aperture of the scope, in our
case 5 to 7 inches. It makes the scope look wierd, but it helps. Also,
wait till later in the evening, when everybody closes down and turn off
their lights.
Training also helps. I don't know how long you've been observing, but
most people learn how to pick out more detail as they spend time in this
hobby. A long time observer can simply see more than a newbie can, even
though they're looking through the same scope, from the same place. So
just keep at it, and you'll see more. It's definitely worth it.
Gary S. Horne GSM2(SW)
Code 244.1
471-1129
Subject: Meade 822 tripod problems Sent: Monday, January 22, 2001 12:02:04 From: akis229@yahoo.com (Akis Katsanidis) I bought a Meade ETX-70AT with a free #882 tripod, too. Three days later, one of the plastic leg clamps broke, while I was trying to adjust the hight of the tripod. I am afraid there may be a design flaw with the leg clamps. I did not use any force to release the clamp. I took it back and I am still waiting for a new one (it had to be ordered from Meade). Other than this, I am quite happy with my ETX. I used my camera tripod and I was able to get nice and crisp views of Saturn and Jupiter (four moons were easily visible with the 39x magnification). Any comments on how the ETX-70AT compares to Celestron's Nextstar 80GT? They seem to be in the same price range if you add a finderscope to the ETX, but the Celestron has an 80mm apperture. Akis
Subject: ETX70 *NOT* a disappointment. Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2001 16:56:55 From: vergot@adelphia.net (Adrian Vergot) Several of the posters here have stated that "No experienced user would buy an ETX60/70" and "these scopes will *always* be disappointing". I can't see how they can make these statements. I have owned and photographed with a Meade 7" Mak LX-50 for a couple years now. With the extremely narrow field I am offered at the 2700mm focal length, I have a "challenging" time locating deep sky objects to photograph. Subsequently, I purchased the ETX/70 for it's ability to "goto" the area that I will be targeting with my 7" Mak. The ETX/70 has enough light gathering to let me familiarize myself with the surrounding star configurations, which subsequently saves me a LOT of time when I try to target with the larger scope. Also, for visual use I find that open clusters such as the butterfly are pleasing views. Happy with my ETX/70......
Subject: Meade 822 tripod problems Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2001 11:40:36 From: kjm96@attglobal.net (Ken Martin) I received the ETX70-AT and 822 standard field tripod for Christmas. The tripod was included free as a promotional deal. The first time I set up the tripod I found one of the leg clamps was broken. I exchanged it for another tripod. After using it only several times, one of the leg clamps broke even though I was being very careful. I exchanged it again for a new one. So now I'm on my third tripod. I am wondering if other users have had this problem, and if perhaps Meade is aware of a defect? Thanks, great site! -Ken
Subject: Eyepiece question
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2001 23:03:17
From: Kzzz88@aol.com
I just got the ETX-60 with the 9mm and 25mm eyepieces. I know I can get
about twice the aperture (60x2=120) for about max power, but I read
somewhere not to expect better than about 110.
That leaves me wondering which route to take for another eyepiece:
1). A 3x Barlow (9mm/39x3=117-very close to the upper limit and over the
110).
2). A 3mm @117...same deal
3). Just a 2x Barlow (9mm 39x2=78-leaving me wanting to take advantage
of the extra headroom I'm missing by playing it safe).
I live about 10 miles from Boston. No place around here seems to have
these in stock so I may have to buy mail order which is part of the
problem- I have to buy it without trying it. Can I get a good image of
Jupiter and Saturn at 117?
Thanks,
Bill
Mike here: I can't comment on the view at 117X but I would note that a 3X Barlow Lens combined with the 25mm gets you about the same result (8mm) as the 9mm eyepiece. Just something to consider. Another point is that the image will deteriorate slightly with a Barlow versus a good quality eyepiece of the same magnification.
And a reply:
Thanks for the reply, Mike. I know the Barlows tend to duplicate what you have in some cases (ie:25mm@14x+3xBarlow=42 is close to 9mm@39x). I didn't know that it tended to result in a lower quality image, but it makes sense since you're manipulating it more, I guess. In other words the 3mm@117 would probably render better results than the 9mm and a 3x Barlow. Thanks again, Bill
Subject: Right Ascension Setting Circle Loose ETX-70 Sent: Friday, January 19, 2001 14:19:10 From: davidp@AdvanceEnergy.com.au Am I missing something, I would have assumed thaqt the paper strip with the RA Degrees marked on it (that is wrapped around the base of the ETX-70) should be fixed in position so that when the telescope rotates, it follows along as well. This way it slides past the arrow imprinted on the base to give you the RA. On mine this piece of paper slides easily, relative to both the top and bottom, so that even slighlty bumping it, can move it easily. If it is supposed to be like this, then how can I align the telescope. Am I missing something, or does this need to be attached properly? If I need to attach it then how can I be sure I have it in the right place. If this is the way it is supposed to be then how do I align the home position? Thanks for an excellent site. ==================================================== David Peters IT Technical Manager Advance Energy, Australia Ph +61 2 63383569 ==================================================== Microsoft isn't the answer, it's the question. And the answer is NO! ====================================================Mike here: The RA setting circle is used for manually locating objects. It should move to allow adjusting but then stay put as the telescope moves in right ascension. When using the Autostar you probably won't be using the RA setting circle. But if you do want to use it, set up the ETX equatorially, do a polar alignment (without the Autostar) and then point the ETX at an object whose RA is known. Move the circle until this RA is at the pointer. Check that the DEClination setting circle reads the proper declination for the object; if not adjust the DEC setting circle. Now you can locate other objects by setting the RA and DEC using the setting circles.
Subject: ETX-60 Brightness Sent: Friday, January 19, 2001 10:19:21 From: HorneGS@phnsy.navy.mil (Horne Gary S PHNS) The ETX-60 is a 'fast' scope. It has a focal ratio of f/5.6. So the planets are going to be almost too bright to really view. And due to the limited aperture, you can't hike up the magnification for the larger, dimmer images. This scope just isn't designed for it, unlike the ETX-90 and 125 which have, I believe, f/13 focal ratios. On the other hand, the 60 is MUCH better for chasing down deep sky objects, galaxies, nebulae, etc., due to the wide field of view compared to it's larger siblings...... Just wanted to sound off on what the ETX-60 and 70 seems to be made for. I got mine for one purpose. Backyard Deep Sky Observing. For this purpose, the ETX-60AT is possibly the single best scope I could have gotten. I can grab my tripod with the etx mounted on it, and 10 minutes later I'm chasing "faint fuzzies" through the city sky..... The goto is superb on my model, it's light, bright and way way fun! Sure, it's not as good on planets as slower, bigger scopes, but for just about everything else, the 60 is just fine, for a reasonable price. If I wanted to spend half the night driving to a dark sky site, and puttering with my telescope with setup, cooldown, etc, I would buy something different. But for fun, easiness, the 60 is hard to beat...... Gary S. Horne GSM2(SW) Code 244.1 471-1129
Subject: Deep Sky objects with the 60AT Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2001 21:49:57 From: tcibelli@yahoo.com (Tom Cibelli) When I am able to correctly align my 60AT using the Autostar system it tracks stars fairly accurately (in the field of view somewhere). However, it has yet to track any Deep Sky objects even remotely close. For instance, if I select "Rigel" it slews right over to Orion and down then beeps. "Rigel" is right in the field of view. If I next select "Andromeda Galaxy" it slews a few degrees right of "Rigel" and beeps. From what I can tell on star charts the "Andromeda Galaxy" should be much further North of Orion somewhere betweeen the "Pleadies" and "Cassiopeia" (I live in NJ). Right? Any ideas? Thanks, TomMike here: This is definitely incorrect behavior by the Autostar. I suggest resetting and re-entering the initialization stuff, including drive training (if you do that with the ETX-60AT).
And:
Thanks for your answer. I was thinking of returning the 60AT to upgrade to the 90EC. For the extra $250 or so will the quality of my deep sky and planet viewing improve drastically? I really want to see and catalog nebulas (I don't know why). The only one I saw with the 60 was the Orion nebula and it as very faint. Also, would you happen to know if the field tripod (#882 in the Meade catalog) I have for the 60 would work for the 90 or would I have to get a different tripod for the 90? Thanks again, TomMike here: You will be able to see many galaxies and nebula with the ETX-90EC if you have dark skies. Just don't expect to see more than faint fuzzy blobs with most of them. But you will see more and better with the larger telescope. Whether a 90mm aperture will meet your expectations is another matter. And you will want a different tripod. See the Accessories - Tripods page for some reviews.
Subject: Re: ETX 70 Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2001 03:51:27 From: lcurcio@bellatlantic.net (L.C.) No experienced user would buy an ETX60/70. The pleased users evidently don't know their other opportunities. I never said that the scopes can do *nothing*, only that there are many much better options for everything it does. I'll strengthen that assertion. If you threw all the comparably priced scopes into a barrel and drew a scope at random, you'd be exceedingly likely to draw a better one than the ETX60/70. So. Abstract suitability isn't the point. Much better opportunities at the same $ or less is the point. -Larry Curcio etx@me.com wrote: > Actually, there are many pleased users of these models. For some > purposes the ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT are just right.
Subject: Re: ETX 60 not moving in RA Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2001 22:01:08 From: kevin_sterling@bigfoot.com (Kevin Sterling) Thought I replied, the lock lever is tight, even so I followed the procedure on your site and tightened it up some more. The scope does not more at all in RA, you can here the motor spinning but nothing happens. The construction of the base is different from the 90 and 125. There is one large nut (actually it is not a not but some nonstandard fastener) in the middle and three screws under the foot pads. I was hoping that there is something in the base that could be tightened. Sending it to back to Meade is not an option (I'm in Saudi Arabia) as the freight cost would be more than the cost for a new scope. Regards KevinMike here: One more question if I may. When the RA axis is locked, can you easily move the scope in RA? If so, then the lock not engaging at all and something mechanical is definitely wrong. If returning the dealer or Meade is not an option, then seeing if you can remove the bottom is probably the best solution. Whether you will be able to do anything at that point will depend upon what find.
Subject: Focus problems etx70 Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2001 03:35:46 From: rick@hockey2.freeserve.co.uk (Rick) Hello Mike,first of all i'd like to say how informative you're site is especially for those just starting out in astronomy(i.e me). Anyway my problem is that i'm finding it hard to focus in on Jupiter with the two lenses supplied,meade ma 25mm and a meade ma 9mm i'm also using a soligor 2x barlow lense.The image is just too bright to see any colour,could it be that the planet is just simply too bright at the moment.Like i say i'm new to this and i don't even know if Jupiters' brightness does change! In general i like the scope but i'm a little disappointed in the planetary results,although nebula and some galaxies(andromeda) look ok.I'm finding the focusing a problem and i was going to try and use your idea for the etx90 on your tips page to modify the focusing. Many thanks in advance for taking the time to read this note..... p.s i forgot to say that i live in a city (Newcastle,England) with many bright lights although the countryside is only a 10 minute drive,could this help?Mike here: Jupiter is bright, and with the small aperture of this telescope all the image is in a small area. Adding filters can help bring out some details with larger telescopes but I don't know how affective they would be in this small one. Don't expect to see much, if any, color. As to focus, let me know if any of the tips help.
Subject: ETX 60 not moving in RA Sent: Monday, January 15, 2001 05:48:00 From: kevin_sterling@bigfoot.com (Kevin Sterling) Help, Just received an ETX 60 and it worked fine for about a week then it stopped moving in RA. The lock is tight and the motor is turning but the scope does not move. Is there something in the base that I can tighten? How does one go about removing the bottom cover? Thanks KevinMike here: Do you mean it doesn't track in RA or you can't slew in RA or both? In any case, does the lock lever (or knob) seem to fully engage? If it is a lever you can reposition it to allow more movement in the locked direction; at least you can on the -90 and -125 models. Since I don't have ETX-60AT I can't comment on the base removal but will post your message on the next site update.
Subject: addendum to questions from 1/12/01 concerning ETX60AT aneurysm Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 10:55:27 From: laclarke2@juno.com (Lynn A. Clarke) We realized this next bit of information might help you determine the problem. After the telescope slews to the first alignment star, arrow keys become inactive not allowing me to center the alignment star in the eye piece; same as for the second alignment star. The motor sounds like it sits and spins. After going to GO TO Program the telescope moves more slowly than the motor would lead you to believe. Turning off the power and reinitializing manual operation of the telescope using AUTOSTAR's arrow keys the telescope slews perfectly and without meat grinder effect. Thanks for any help you might have for us. The sooner the better, the sky is clear and using a hammer on ETX60AT is sounding like a good option. JeffMike here: Have you tried a faster slewing speed? Are the axis locks fully engaged (but not overtightened)? Just some common questions that come to mind.
Subject: ETX 70 Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 07:26:18 From: lcurcio@bellatlantic.net (L.C.) Mike, I notice you continually warn questioners that the ETX 60/70 may be disappointing - depending on their expectations. I believe that these scopes will *always* be disappointing, as soon as purchasers compare them to other telescopes that they can buy for much less money. Much is made of the optics, but the images from these Meade scopes are significantly worse than images from scopes routinely lambasted on the internet. Snob appeal aside, the short focal length and aperture of the ETX 60/70 make them exceedingly bad choices for anyone - and expectations have nothing to do with the matter, because one can do spectacularly better for less money. If I were you, I should stop making excuses for these models. They're awful. -Larry CurcioMike here: Actually, there are many pleased users of these models. For some purposes the ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT are just right.