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ETX USER FEEDBACK - AUGUST 1999
Last updated: 7 September 1999
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ETX USER FEEDBACK - AUGUST 1999 |
This page is for user comments and information of a general nature and applicable to users of both the original ETX model (now known as the ETX-90RA), the ETX-90EC, and the ETX-125EC. Items specific to the ETX-90EC are posted on the ETX-90EC User Feedback page. Items specific to the ETX-125EC are posted on the ETX-125EC User Feedback page. 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: Use of ETX for Astrophotography Sent: Monday, August 30, 1999 14:12:24 From: lrlott@magicnet.net (Loretta Lott) Can you tell me how the ETX performs if a SLR is piggybacked on the scope? I guess you can purchase a bracket from JMI. Most of the pictures I saw on your website had the ETX piggybacked on another scope instead. Thanks, Richard Lott Orlando FloridaMike here: All my piggyback photos were done with the camera mounted on the ETX and the ETX mounted on the JMI Wedge and Tripod. It performs beautifully.
Subject: ETX page updated
Sent: Friday, August 27, 1999 08:12:11
From: jh@brainiac.com (Joe Hartley)
I've finally gotten around to updating my ETX and accessories page at
http://etx.brainiac.com/
I've added reviews of the Kendrick Dew Remover System and the
Scopetronix portable power pack, and changed the pictures of my setup to
reflect the new gear.
======================================================================
Joe Hartley - Computer Consultant - jh@brainiac.com
12 Emma G Lane, Narragansett, RI 02882 - vox 401.782.9042
Without deviation from the norm, "progress" is not possible. - FZappa
Subject: Very Basic Question Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 1999 19:51:57 From: Shopdonos@aol.com I am preparing to purchase an ETX for my first telescope and have no idea what to do about a tripod. Is the small table top model OK to begin with or should I bite the bullet and go for the field unit? Your input will be greatly appreciatedMike here: See the reviews of tripods on the Accessories - Tripod page. There are several excellent products listed. If you have a convenient place to set the tabletop legs then it will work for most visual observations. For astrophotography you may want to get a sturdier mount.
Subject: Meade ETX Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 1999 05:54:28 From: SRBevans@aol.com I'm thinking about purchasing the Meade ETX with the computer controller. Your pictures weren't taken through the Meade lenses, right? You used a separate camera with a telephoto lens? For example, your pic of the horsehead nebula looks pretty good. How does that picture compare with an eye-view through the actual telescope? Better? Worse? Where's a good source to buy the scope and controller? Any internet sites that you know of? Thanks!! Scott BevansMike here: Many pictures were done with a 35mm mounted piggyback (as noted in the descriptions for the photos). That is how the Horsehead was done (which, by the way, can't be seen with the naked eye in the ETX). However, other photos were done at either Prime Focus or using eyepiece or afocal projection with either a 35mm camera or a digital camera. There are many good dealers listed on the Astronomy Links page on my ETX site.
Subject: Observations from a novice ETX owner. Sent: Friday, August 20, 1999 09:18:13 From: bfoy1@clark.net (Barry Foy) I purchased my ETX-90/EC about five months ago. Since then, this excellent web site has been a major asset in helping me use my scope effectively. I have had many experiences that seem to mirror those of other users as reported on this site, but in some cases I have come to different conclusions about ways of effectively using the ETX. First, regarding the Autostar controller. I bought it with the telescope, and after some initial problems found it just as wonderful as its most positive users had reported. I used it for a week, then took it back to the store for a refund. I judged that I would be better off using my limited funds to buy lenses and other accessories. While I can only be classified as a "novice of long duration," I discovered that I could find every sky object I wished to see, using standard methods (my previous experiences with binocular observations were a big help here.) So the Autostar's much-touted (and very effective) go-to capabilities were not really necessary. This was especially true after I began using a Rigel Quickfinder and a 40mm eyepiece. Second, I found the finder scope to be as bad as most people reported. Oddly, the thing I had the most trouble with was the adjusting screws on the mount; I never could get to the inner ones well enough to center the scope perfectly. I followed one suggestion on this site and bought a shotgun telescopic sight (Simmons 2-1/2x). Instead of placing it on the original finderscope mount, I used standard rifle sight mounting rings and base; I used double sided tape to secure the base to the ETX's barrel. The whole assemble is very compact. The combination of the 'scope's long eye relief and precise click adjustments for the crosshairs make this alternative work moderately well for astronomy, and extremely well for spotting and birdwatching. I recently discovered a way of taking advantage of the shotgun scope's long eye relief to improve its usefulness for astronomy: I temporarily taped a star diagonal - without an eyepiece attached - to the ocular of the scope. I now had a right-angle finder scope! I am looking for a short rubber tube of the right diameter to hold the diagonal to the scope more securely, while allowing it to be easily removed for storage and terrestrial use. Ultimately, I will get a good-quality 6x30 or larger RA finder scope, and arrange to attach it with thumbscrews or knobbed bolts, so I can remove it for storage or when using the ETX for terrestrial viewing. The Rigel Quickfinder is wonderful, by the way. Third, I followed another site suggestion and made a simple plywood plate to mount the telescope more firmly to my Bogen tripod. What a difference! Fourth, K-Mart and a local custom canvas shop provided me with cheap and secure storage and transportation for my ETX. I purchased a soft-sided cooler, 18"x10"x12", labeled Arctic Zone. It had a plastic insert to give it stiffness, a zippered lid, and very sturdy web strap handles. Blocks and sheets of surplus dense foam from the canvas shop, cut to shape, now fit the interior. I can carry the ETX and every accessory I have (except the tripod) in something that looks like my picnic lunch, rather than hundreds of dollars of optical equipment. Total cost: About $35. I suspect I could roll it down a flight of stairs and not damage its contents. Fifth, I have found I really love my 40mm ProOptic eyepiece ($45 from Adorama.) Its approximately 30x magnification and relatively wide field make it good for initially finding objects, as well as for much of the deep sky observing I enjoy. It works very well with a broadband light pollution filter. It is also perfect for birdwatching. I am looking forward to a long happy life with my ETX. The only accessory I am anxious to have soon is a JMI "Laundpad". But since I don't have $120 laying around, I am working on designing and making a functional derivation of it, from plywood and Perspex. (Actually, it will be more derivative of the mount for the Celestron C-5+.) If it works, I will post specs. Again, thank you for establishing and maintaining this excellent site. Barry Foy Edgewater, Maryland bfoy1@clark.net
Subject: Need some help. Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 1999 20:04:59 From: Kattomm@earthlink.net (Tom Perrone) I'm sorry to bother you but I'm a little confused. I had my ETX out tonight and I was looking in the north eastern sky for the andromeda galaxy. According to the star maps it's at 42 deg in declination. Why doesn't the setting circle on the etx match that setting? I never did find the galaxy. Thanks, I can sure use some info. Tom Long Island NYMike here: Did you have the ETX in polar align mode or alt/az? Also, when the base is perfectly level and the ETX is perfectly pointed horizontal does the DEC scale show exactly 0 degrees?
Subject: Web Site Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 1999 21:43:30 From: geetduggal@pmail.net (Geet Duggal) Hello, My name is Geet Duggal I first of all wanted to comment on your truly EXCELLENT web site. I purchased an ETX90 EC in May, and I love it. No problems for me. I am also beginning to try astrophotography with the QuickCam CCD I built. If you would like to check out my site and add it to your links section, I would appreciate that. It is a fairly new site, but I am working on a more informative, powerful website soon. go to www.geetduggal.com and click on ETX90/EC on the toolbar on the left. Thanks a lot, and once again, a wonderful website! Geet *************************************************************** Geet Duggal President - Frontier Computers and Services Web Site Services, Computers, and Online Store www.geetduggal.com and geet@geetduggal.com *************************************************************
Subject: Wide Field and 2" adapter ? Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 1999 02:42:44 From: lombry@excite.com (Thierry Lombry) I have a question about the Wide Field adapter you tested some weeks ago in conjunction with the Visual back adapter from Shutan. You did not tell in your report if you used a visual back of 1.25" or 2" diameter. According Al Nagler the ETX (90 and 125mm) DO NOT accept a 2" visual back or adapter... but ONLY 1.25" !!! Do you confirm this ? My question is : can we use a SCT adapter and a 2" diagonal for example (TV or shutan) on the new ETX 125mm ? It's very important because I want to use a 2" diagonal for astrophotography and look at wide star fields using a 35mm or 50mm TV eyepiece (all coming on 2" only). Thanks for your answer. ThierryMike here: The Shutan WFA is 1.25. However, there is a SCT adapter noted on the Accessories - Miscellaneous page. The ETX-125/EC should accept it since the rear port is the same (I believe).
Subject: Re: First Experience with New ETX 90/EC Sent: Sunday, August 15, 1999 16:59:32 From: omega_particle@yahoo.com (Omega Particle) After viewing with the ETX 90 again last night, I'll have to admit that I was left wanting "more aperture" after viewing a few objects (a 125mm model at least). I was using the Meade 26mm eye piece, along with the Meade 2x Barlow. I quickly realized that I didn't even want to use the 26mm alone, as at 48x magnification, I didn't seem to get much detail on objects such as Saturn and Jupiter. Also, I grew impatient with the Autostar, and quickly decided to manually locate objects. The alignment procedure seems to be tricky, however I'm sure it would get easier with practice. I'm debating as to whether I'll keep the 90, or return it and get a 10" or 12" dob for close to the same $$. With our skies here in Nashville, it's likely that I'll have to trek to a dark location regardless, and I'd like to have the most bang for the buck when we do go gazing. Do you ever find yourself "wishing" for a larger scope? I realize this scope is a great portable solution, but I think I could see so much more with something of greater aperture. Thanks for any comments. Tracy Miller === Omega Particle omega_particle@yahoo.comMike here: I'd love to have an LX200 10" or 12" scope. But money and location keep me from it. For now, the ETX-90RA does the job for me. But someday....
Subject: mirror site Sent: Friday, August 13, 1999 14:37:43 From: mariano@arclad.com (Luke Skywalker) A mirror of this site is at: www.arclad.com/etx/ Cordially, Jos Mariano Franco S. Gerente de Sistemas Productos Autoadhesivos ARclad S.A. Carrera 43A #14-27 Of..105 Medelln, Colombia Sur Amrica Correo Electrnico: mariano@arclad.com Sitio en Internet: http://www.arclad.com Tel: (574) 266-8006 Fax: (574) 266-0791
Subject: Is It Just Me, Or Are ETX/Meade Products Troublesome? Sent: Friday, August 13, 1999 14:02:32 From: lking@divorceresolutions.com (Lawrence F. King) I am interested in buying my first telescope as an adult. I was pretty convinced after quick review that a Meade ETX might fit the bill. I subscribed to this listserv and have watched and read for about 2 months. Do you ETX owners REALLY recommend the product? It seems like the list is just bulging with defect stories, maladjustment, repair, instructional deficits, etc. with the scope. Does this just need to be kept in context, or is the scope a bit too complicated or just under-engineered? Honestly, I don't want complexity and a host of constant problems in a first scope. I want a reliable user-friendly well-manufactured unit right out of the dang box. THOUGHTS for a newbie? THANKS! This site is fabulous and maybe its just natural to hear of problems on a listserv, but I have begun to wonder! ****************************************************** Lawrence F. King, J.D. Resolutions(tm), A Center for Mediation "Visions for a Cooperative Divorce(tm)" E-mail: lking@divorceresolutions.com Website: www.divorceresolutions.com 8704 Yates Dr., Suite 220 Westminster, CO 80030-3682 (303) 657-9599 (voice) | (303) 650-6488 (fax)
Subject: ETX125 & eyepieces Sent: Friday, August 13, 1999 08:13:23 From: PUMPJET@aol.com Has anyone ever mounted a bino-viewer to the Meade ETX scope???? If so, where there any problems??? BobMike here: Search the site for "binoviewer".
Subject: Solar Eclipse over Europe Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 14:35:22 From: j.blust@rol3.com (Jrgen Blust) Today was a solar eclipse over Europe. Unfortunately, I was not able to see it completely, because I had to go to work today. At the most places in the zone of the total eclipse, there where only clouds and much rain during the "show". At 11.32 GMT, the moon disk covered the sun up to 98.8 percent for about 30 seconds in Freiburg, Germany (48N 7.51E). I was very lucky, the whole morning it was very cloudy and rainy, but at about 10.20 GMT you could see some few blue spots, and for some short seconds THE SUN! It was very impressing to see the dark moon dish walking slowly and constantly towards the center of the sun. 11.00 GMT was my lunch-break. With light-speed I went to a place where I prepared my ETX and the camera for observing... ...When the slide film is developed, I will send you some shots and a more detailed description of what we could see here with 98.8 percent darkness. Best wishes and clear skies! Jrgen Blust
Subject: Drive Mod Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 11:16:51 From: tmwayment@bibbs.com (Tayler Wayment) I was thinking about performing the "Drive Modification for $10.50" on your tech tips page on the Mighty ETX Site. It consisted of the normally open pushbutton switch and the normally closed pushbutton switch and the wire. You cut the drive wire to the motor and hook it to the normally open switch and hook the normally closed switch to the resistor. I was wondering .... I really don't care about the warrenty being void. I want to know if there is a chance that by doing this I could ruin the circuit board or short it our. Or is this pretty safe to do aside from voiding the warrenty. Please e-mail me back at tmwayment@bibbs.com thanks! TaylerMike here: If you do something wrong, you can mess up the board. So you're on your own. Neither I nor the contributor can be responsible for any damage that occurs. If you do mess up the board, consider that a good reason to get a Scopetronix Microstar II+.
Subject: Jumped a foot! Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 08:25:48 From: jdd411@execpc.com (John Dillon) I was goofing around with on my astro the other night trying to put polaris in focus, after doing a polar alignment. I was using a meade 9.7 eyepiece, I didn't have the barlow in at the time. While looking at the focus, an object went quickly through the fov. I jumped a foot. I looked up and could not see anything in the sky. Judging from the straight line pass, and the speed, I'm sure it was a satellite that I couldn't see with the naked eye. But it sure came as a shock, I wasn't expecting anything but polaris. I laughted at myself because my heart skipped several beats. How often does that happen?Mike here: Actually, with all the planes and satellites above our heads it does happen rather often. It has happened to me a couple of times, but then I've been observing for many years. But it is still a surprise when it happens. Now if only the Lottery would be so lucky for me!
Subject: Base drive motor Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 1999 20:02:28 From: Kattomm@earthlink.net (Tom Perrone) I just recently purchased the ETX not the EC version. Paid $399, not bad. I've been reading alot about how the RA drive is not so smooth, kinda jerky. The mods you list all seem to modify the three pads the base rides on but my scope doesn't have those pads. Meade must have changed the way they did things. My base rides on one center plastic type of bearing. It still has jerky movement. No surprise there. Does anyone know of a mod to possibly fix this type of base? I've tried baby powder and it seemed to help a little. I've also tried dry graphite powder. They both seem to work but I'ld like a few more suggestions. Also, will there be a upgrade to the EC for us with the old setup? Thanks for all the support you give to ETX owners! Tom Long Island, NYMike here: I'm not certain which "pads" you are referring to. If you mean the "teflon pads", many users have replaced them and have smoother movement in RA. Search the site for "teflon". Also, check out the Scopetronix site for the ETX Hints, Tips, Projects, & Products. As noted earlier in the year, Meade does not plan to offer an upgrade from the original model. You can add the dual axis control by adding the Scopetronix Microstar and the JMI MotoFocus for electronic focusing. See the Showcase Products page for both.
Subject: ETX Drive Problems ( drive will run with base plate off) Sent: Sunday, August 8, 1999 16:45:50 From: mhar@cris.com (Max Harrell) Meade told me to put clear finger nail polish around the base plate and let it dry. You can then bolt it back on and the switch should work ok.. Max
Subject: ETX and hobby questions Sent: Saturday, August 7, 1999 22:20:35 From: thompson@leading.net (Gunner) Please pardon this intrusion but you are the first "real person" I've run across in my search for information. First, I'm a rank beginner at this astronomy hobby. I'm on the verge of purchasing an ETX-90 EC and am at the stage I'm simply looking for the "best deal" which isn't necessarily the best price. Any suggestions? Which accessories? Money really isn't an object but I don't want to waste it either!Mike here: Many of the mail order companies offer the best prices and service. Also, your local The Nature Company and Natural Wonders provide excellent service. See the Astronomy Links page on my ETX web site for links to some dealers. Tuthill's extra service is valuable, if you think you need it. As to accessories, check the Buyer/New User Tips page. Lots of good suggestions there. Also, check out the various Accessories review pages. And since you are considering purchasing an ETX-90EC, read through the current and archived Feedback pages for the ETX-90EC and the Autostar.What about this "certification" Roger W. Tuthill does... it appears to cost about $100 more than the going rate, even in a mall store. As you can tell I'm really kind of floundering in a sea of information here. I'll be in your debt if you can cast some pearls of wisdom my way. Besides, we "Mikes" have to stick together! Thanks! -= Mike =-
Added later:
Thanks Mike! As I dug deeper into your excellent site I found the answers to those, and many more, questions. I do appreciate your time!
Subject: Where Sent: Saturday, August 7, 1999 20:29:42 From: art.morton-pc@attws.com (Art Morton) Are you here in Seattle? How much sky time you get during the year? I live in Edmonds and I am considering the purchase of a ETX-125EC. The sky has interested me since I was young. Now I can afford optics, but, is it worth it here, with all the rain? artMike here: I live in California.
Subject: eyepiece evaluation Sent: Saturday, August 7, 1999 09:10:59 From: SMalin1@aol.com Has there been any evaluation of the Scopetronix line of eyepieces. I know you have done the 40mm but I was wondering if any other in the Scopetonix line have been written about by either yourself or readers. I just bought the 2X barlow and the 40, 15 and 9mm. Have not had a chance to use them but hope to at Stellafane next week. Selwyn MalinMike here: No other reports. Anxious to hear yours. Unfortunately it won't get posted until sometime in September when I return from vacation.
Subject: Thrill of pursuit/catch Sent: Saturday, August 7, 1999 08:42:08 From: DonMcClelland@webtv.net (Donald McClelland) I feel compelled to complement you on your comments on the thrill of pursuit and the thrill of the catch in amateur astronomy. It is probably the most eloquent description of the two factions (schools of thought) in amateur astronomy I have ever seen. When I was young I was frustrated trying to use a little department store 2.4 inch refractor in light polluted skies trying to find galaxies, clusters etc. Of course I didn't know better. The autostar is revolutionizing amateur astronomy bringing all these objects to the masses in light polluted skies albeit dimly without the thrill (or frustration) of the pursuit. This, of course, is the electronically assisted (the catch) side of amateur astronomy. The other side of amateur astronomy is the thrill of pursuit that I've been told can be extremely rewarding just using good star charts, a finder or a telrad discovering these objects as they come into your field of view for the first time knowing you found them on your own. Of course, this is best done with dark skies. What the autostar does is allows you to do both (pursuit and catch) if frustration gets the better of you. Again, thanks for a fantastic web site, you're doing a terrific job! Don
Subject: sci.astro.amateur Sent: Friday, August 6, 1999 23:07:35 From: Lninyo@aol.com Great site, thank you. I want to recommend this as a good astronomy place... Deja.com: Read Discussions. Keyword: x48.deja.com/[ST_rn=if]/topics_if.xp?search=topic&group=Mike here: The sci.astro.amateur newsgroup can be read directly by using a newsreader application or, as an alternative, using a web browser by going to the above link.
sci.astro.amateur&GRPP=934005435.1707016259&title=Related&query=S.A.A Respectfully, Bob Smith
Subject: ETX-125 -- A short coming from too short a fork mount!?! Sent: Friday, August 6, 1999 17:58:38 From: GSEALOHA@aol.com I live in Honolulu HI where the latitude as roughly 22 degrees N. I'm #7 on a waiting list with a local dealer, The Nature Co., for an ETX-125 model. However, before I decide to make the purchase (when it arrives) I was hoping to get one more piece of information/feedback fom either you or anyone else reading this message. I was reading a report on the web from Sky & Telescope (www.skypub.com), which did a test preview of the ETX-90. Overall, they were pleased with the model, and when I did a "test run" on it I was also pleased, (minus the whirring of the motor). I even had an opportunity to compare it against a Celestron 4" APO at similar magnifications and founf them to be nearly identical in rresolution quality. However, when I did the test it was set in the altazimuth mode (the base of the telescope being parallel with the ground). According to the test report (and I quote from the article) "At any latitude lower than 45 degrees, a polar-aligned ETX-90/EC cannot view objects near the southern horizon because the optical tube hits the base of the mount." Now I know this is a review of the smaller model, however, I did some calculations based on a computer model of a cut out of the ETX-125 from a magazine, which shows that this same problem would occur. I believe I remember reading about another individual on this site who had experienced this same problem. My question is this, have you Mike or anyone else (especially those who live in the more southern latitudes of the mainland or here in Hawaii) experienced this problem. If this is true, this truely would be a shame and an oversight of the designers of MEADE. Friendly FYI -- I did a comparison of the LX200 series 8" (Meade) on the fork mount, the C5+ and the new Nextstar 5" (both from Celestron), which are on a "single arm" bracket mount (for lack of a better description). All three models passed the computer model test where the mount would not interfere when the telescopes were polar aligned. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I look forward to reading any input you or others may have regarding this issue. Respectfully submitted, G. of Hawaii P.S. Thank you for creating this informative web site!!! Aloha!Mike here: All the ETX models have this "problem" in that the tube will touch the base before reaching some declinations, depending upon the observer's latitude. HOWEVER, when used in Alt/Az mode and using the Autostar on either the ETX-90EC or the ETX-125EC, this limitation is removed. And unless you are doing long duration astrophotography, polar mode is not needed when using the Autostar.
Subject: Drive Noise Sent: Friday, August 6, 1999 11:28:02 From: TSpina@sr.csg.com (Spina, Tony) Mike, does your ETX-90EC make noise when tracking? If so how does this compare to the older ETX? Thanks for the feedback... keep up the great work, it is very much appreciated.Mike here: There is motor "noise" with both models. As I noted in my initial ETX-90EC comments, its drive seems "hesitant" as it tracks. That is, it starts and stops, whereas the original ETX drive ran continuously during tracking. The ETX-90EC is a little louder but the difference in volume during tracking is not significant.
Subject: Sun Finding Sent: Friday, August 6, 1999 09:58:48 From: gmartin@teleport.com (Gordon Martin) I've owned my ETX 90 EC since April of this year. My purchase decision was mainly due to your wonderful sight. I added numerous filters, and eyepieces since then. I have a Thousand Oaks sun filter which I really enjoy. It seems that I have better chance of viewing the sun then night time objects due to the cloudy weather here in Oregon. My tip for viewing the sun is: 1. Always use a filter designed for looking at the sun 2. To align with sun remove the filter, and look for the round light on the main objective. 3. Move the scope by hand or with the controller till the round circle of light is centered in the objective. Using the 26mm eyepiece the sun is almost exactly centered. I left the scope in the back yard for an hour, returned, use this same procedure and the sun was centered again. Gordon Martin Aloha Or.Mike here: Neither Meade nor myself recommends this technique. You can damage the ETX by pointing it at the sun without the filter in place. The preferred technique is to look at the shadow of the ETX or the finder and when it is right, look through the eyepiece. I actually use the front and rear finder mounting screws. When their shadows merge, you are pointed at the sun. But ALWAYS keep the sun filter in place.
Subject: French Translations Sent: Friday, August 6, 1999 00:48:49 From: lehuron@club-internet.fr (lehuron (Alain Gliksman)) I am an ex-editor of sailing magazines, author and translator, and in the last months I developped a passion for sky watching. Congratulations for your nice sites and all that wonderfull information and feedback. Here in France the big brands have exclusive contracts with importers and the importers don't try very hard ! High prices and very little service. I recently bought an ETX EC 90 while in Fort Lauderdale but had to wait to be back in France to get the Autostar (about $200 !). For that price I just got four pages of explanations, and not even the American booklet. I do not even know the reference of the software. I also have a 114/900 and a recent C8, and Celestron does not even replies to my mails or letters about a colimation problem. As for the magazines, they are too much dependant of the advertising and practically never print a test of telescopes or computers, and just relay the advertising in the editorial. For alle these reasons I decided to have my own non-commercial page and offer translations of interesting texts to help amateur astronomers and create some interaction. Ed Ting agreed with enthousiasm to let me print translations of some of his tests. I would like to do the same with some texts from your sites. Of course it would be clearly specified "extract from Mike Weasner site" and the translation would be straight, without interferences from anybody. At the same time I could offer a list of subjects being developped in your own site. And of course I would Email you the translations, which you could use in any way you like. Being on my own, I must admit I shall be able to print only a few pages every week What do you think ? I am writing the same letter to Mel Bartels. Regards lehuron Alain Gliksman, 4 Rue Barbier 78910 Flexanville France Tel 00 33 1 34 87 23 38 - Fax 00 33 1 34 87 39 88 -Portable 06 14 117 228. L'ternit c'est long, surtout vers la fin (X)Mike here: Thanks. Sounds like a nice idea. I have no problem with this but you do need to honor the Copyright notices at the bottom of each one of my site web pages. And you need to include the original submitter's name and email address. I would love to include any English translations of submissions to your site that apply to the ETX models.