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Last updated: 31 May 2006
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Last updated: 31 May 2006 |
This page is for user comments and information specific to the Meade ETX-60AT, ETX-70AT, ETX-80AT-TC, and ETX-80BB. Additional information 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: ETX 70EC Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2006 09:59:46 From: David Van der Voort (davidv@grouper.com) Wow- what a great site. I was out on Google looking for a replacement mirror for my ETC 70ec and you were the first result. So I guess you are the man to ask- where can I find a replacement mirror for my scope? The one I have now looks like it somehow got a scratch. I tried polishing it with a Qtip and a touch of water. It's definitely a scratch. Any information you may have would be very helpful. Thanks, DavidMike here: Check Telescope Warehouse (link on the Astronomy Links page). Alternatively, contact Meade. I don't know if they will sell you one though; they would likely rather do the repair to ensure the optics are aligned.
Subject: etx 70at focus problem. Sent: Sunday, May 28, 2006 11:50:06 From: Alex Fleak (afleak@gmail.com) Hello and thanks for the great website. I am a recent owner of a used 70AT. I have a problem with it that I haven't found much help on. When focusing I turn the knob one way and focus changes immediately then when trying to focus back the other way I must turn several turns before the focuser engages again. Is this a known problem with this model scope? Is there an easy fix that a novice scope owner could do? I have been googling for info on this but so far haven't seen anything about fixing such a problem. Many Thanks -- Alexander G FleakMike here: The ETX-70 model does take a significant amount of focus knob turning to change the focus. This is especially noticeable when changing eyepieces.
Subject: Polar Alignment Sent: Sunday, May 28, 2006 11:11:59 From: Cox SMTP east (Mdware@cox.net) I have had the Meade ETX60AT for several years now and absolutely enjoy it's portability. However, I did not like the stability of the standard tripod. I recently found a Meade refurbished #844 deluxe field tripod ($60.00 incl.shipping and 1 year warr) and I want to take advantage of the equatorial capability. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to get the alignment correct. I have the standard controller and I made sure POLAR was selected for the mount. It is when I try to physically align the scope per the instructions when things go wrong. (the instructions and illustrations are vague at best) The hand controller says to rotate 180 degrees from the mechanical stop. I have rotated and rotated counter clockwise until I am "Meade blue" in the face and my scope does not appear to have any stops!? So when I try the "easy" align function the only star it knows is Polaris. When it goes looking for the nearest alignment star it ends up pointing below the horizon. (my x-ray vision isn't as good as it used to be). I never had any problem with the Alt/az alignment. Any insight? Thank you, MarkMike here: There are no hard stops on the ETX-70 model. So just place the telescope in the Polar Home Position and put the control panel on the west side.
Subject: ETX-70 Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2006 00:40:57 From: JiY Oborn (oborny@nanotrade.cz) Our new ETX-70 repeatly reports : motor failure" during the moving or the adjusting. Have you some experiences with this problem? Thanks, Jiri Oborny Olomouc Czech republicMike here: Are you saying that the error occurs during the alignment steps or just when GOTOing or slewing to an object? Some typical causes: low batteries (avoid using rechargeable ones), overtightened axis locks, not doing a CALIBRATE MOTOR, loose Autostar cable connection.
Subject: ETX-80 tripod Sent: Sunday, May 21, 2006 16:50:57 From: Scott Madaras (scottmadaras@cox.net) I just bought an ETX-80 and find that the tripod doesn't have a locking mechanism to keep the legs spread in the full open position. Any ideas?Mike here: There is no "locking mechanism" that I know of for the tripod. There is only the accessory tray. I could be wrong though since I have no actually seen one upclose and am only going by the ETX-70 tripod that I do have.
And:
Thanks. Do you have any trouble keeping the tripod legs firmly spread?Mike here: Nope. They do collapse inward when I pick up the telescope but it is easy to spread them out again when setting the telescope back down. They stay spread then.
Subject: ATTACHING AUTOSTAR TO LENS HOLDER ON TRIPOD!!!!! Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2006 22:14:32 From: THOMAS MCNAMARA (THOMASMCNAMARA@webtv.net) have the 882 tripod for etx 70, but how do i attach the hard plastic holder to tripod? i believe i have to unscrew one of the tripod legs then slip it on. am i right? tripod came with case with scope, but no directionsMike here: It just snaps on. Place one side of the "clamp" on the leg and then with your fingers, gently and carefully pull on the other side to open it enough pass the leg and then let go.
Subject: What is the diff. between 80AT-TC and 80BB Sent: Monday, May 8, 2006 13:10:41 From: Mats Williander (mats.williander@goteborg.st) I plan to purchase an ETX-80. I find information about the ETX-80AT-TC on Meade's website. And right now I found that one of their outlets, the Discovery store (shopping.discovery.com/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId= 10000&storeId=10000&langId=-1&productId=59071) sell what they call ETX-80BB. Does anyone know the difference? BR / Mats WillianderMike here: I believe the BB model includes a backpack carrying case (but I could be wrong).
Subject: RE: ETX 80AT specifications Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2006 11:37:15 From: Jon Skidmore (skids@mergedata.co.uk) Your site has been a really great help to me since I was pleasantly surprised to receive an ETX80 from my wife for Christmas. Thanks for all all you do. Lynne was asking about the dimensions of the ETX80. Just measured mine and I make it 46cm high and 23cm wide. Not sure about the size difference between the 80 and the 105 that Lynne has, but I can say that I picked up a 105 at my local astro shop a couple of weeks ago and the weight of the 80 was a lot less than the weight of the 105. Hope this helps and thanks again. Jon (Bristol UK).
Subject: ETX 80AT specifications. Sent: Sunday, April 30, 2006 07:49:37 From: Lynne Carter (l813carter@hotmail.com) I am thinking of buying the ETX 70 0r 80AT for trips. I have an ETX 105 but I am looking for more portability and something that takes up a little less space. I have checked the Meade site and it gives the tube length but I need to know the toatal length with the forks and motor housing included - do you know - or can you direct me to someone who does? Is the motor housing the same size as my ETX 105? Yes, I know I could check it out in the shops but the nearest supplier is two hours away! I enjoy the website - thanks for running it! Cheers from the UK Lynne Carter.Mike here: Hopefully someone with an ETX-80 will respond with the measurement.
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