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Last updated: 31 January 2009
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Last updated: 31 January 2009 |
This page is for user comments and information specific to the ETX-LS. Items that are applicable to all ETX models (RA, EC, AT, BB, PE, LS) will continue to be posted on the other appropriate feedback 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.
Mike here: Although the new Meade ETX-LS telescope is not scheduled to be available from Meade until March 2009, I thought I would start this feedback page to allow current and prospector ETX owners to chime in on their thoughts about the new model. If you don't already know about the ETX-LS, check out these web sites:
And before you ask, no, I don't have one. But I am interesting in learning more about this new ETX model. If the automatic alignment works as well as Meade instends, then it will bring a new level of technology to a wider base of amateur astronomers. However, the price is certainly not my idea of "Everyman's Telescope" (the original concept behind the ETX, and hence its name, when it was first released in 1996). But the price is not that out-of-line given the aperture and capabilities of the ETX-LS 6" ACF telescope.
If you have any feedback or opinions about the ETX-LS or if you KNOW you will be getting one when it is available, drop me a note at etx@me.com. Lets start a discussion on this new era of the ETX.
Subject: Re-meade forum Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 08:17:00 From: aol (Stpferris@aol.com) Hi mike, with the new LS scope, looks like you have you work cut out all over again!! All the best with it. By the way, do you know of any advise site other than M4, that deals with Meade LX200 GPS scopes? regards Steve.Mike here: There are some Yahoo Groups for the LX200GPS telescopes. I subscribe to the one at:
Subject: ETX-LS Feedback Re:Autostar III Sent: Friday, January 9, 2009 09:23:49 From: Richard Blaisdell (blaisdell25@charter.net) I wonder if this is a stand alone unit like the 497 or is it a dumb terminal? I'd like to get one for my other 497 scopes if it would work.Rick BlaisdellMike here: Good question. I have my doubts that it would work with older telescopes. I'm beginning to think it is a USB-connected AutoStar. I could be wrong though. I took a closer look at a high-res image of the ETX-LS and the AutoStar HBX cable still has the RJ-45 connector. So I guess it is still the same old connection method. But whether the AutoStar is a dumb terminal or a full computer remains to be determined.
Subject: ETX-LS Feedback Sent: Friday, January 9, 2009 02:01:30 From: Yoshi-K (yoshi@galaxies.jp) The link of international CES was brought together. http://dvice.com/archives/2009/01/powerful_etx-ls_1.php http://www.gearlog.com/2009/01/ces_2009_meades_etxls_telescop.php http://www.ohgizmo.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-meade-etx-ls-telescope-with-lightswitch-technology/ http://gadgets.softpedia.com/news/ CES-2009-Meade-ETX-LS-Telescope-Shows-You-the-Stars-Doesn-039-t-Take-All-Your-Money-658-01.html http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2009/01/07/lapin.ces.preview.lklv.cnn movie!! http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/01/new-meade-teles.html http://gizmodo.com/5086873/meade-etx+ls-motorized-gps-telescope-basically-does-astronomy-for-you from Yoshi's ETX Site http://etx.galaxies.jp/ Thank you.
Subject: ETX-LS Central Obstruction Sent: Thursday, January 8, 2009 11:35:05 From: John Farrant (johnfarrant@gmail.com) I thought the attached picture might interest you. The central obstruction on the new ETX-LS looks a lot larger than our ETXs'. I'm not sure we're missing a lot! Pun intended .. Regards as always John
Subject: ETX-LS Feedback Sent: Monday, December 29, 2008 18:37:37 From: Ken Martin (CLEARSKY03@msn.com) I considered a pre-order on this scope a few weeks ago, but decided to wait for more info. Glad I did, considering the following info from astronomics.com website.... "The camera does not shoot high power images through the scope optics, but rather takes complementary wide angle panoramas of what you are observing through the scope itself. This helps to put the close-up objects in context against the larger celestial background." I think this is valuable information to post on your ETX-LS feedback section, so others know its imaging limitations. If I'd placed a pre-order, I would be canceling it now that I know the facts about the camera. Go to the astronomics web site http://astronomics.com/main/product.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/5KTFHB132AKT8LUQ09MW1DRD44/product_id/ETXLS6 Scroll down and click on: Close-up of the red dot finder and the under-barrel location of hte ECLIPS CCD camera's wide-angle lens. Best regards, Ken Martin ETX-70AT LX90
Subject: ETX-LS Sent: Sunday, December 28, 2008 07:47:13 From: Henrik VAN HOLTHOON (henrik.van.holthoon@wanadoo.fr) I have looked at the site OPT concerning ETX LS you mention an Autostar II but they mention Autostar III. It looks a interesting instrument. Regards HenrikMike here: Oops! You're right! The Anacortes site also says AutoStar III. I'll update the reference.
Subject: ETX-LS Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2008 20:03:27 From: Bill VanOrden (beevo@cox.net) Coming on the heels of the ETX-PE, of which I have seen 6 and none of them would point at all accurately and the MySky of which I have seen three and all three didn't work, I have a bad feeling about the new scope. They had a winner in the ETX125 with Autostar and went downhill from there. Glad I have my ETX125 and none of the new stuff. You should think about another Mighty EXT star party, hold it at Farnsworth Ranch when they have the Messier Marathon, or possibly in the fall at the same location. Huge area to set up. I'd help out! Beevo (aka Bill VanOrden) K7BVOMike here: I'd like to do another Mighty ETX Star Party but right now, new home construction and then the observatory, are the priority!
And:
Well let me know, as I said I would help with logistics etc. That building a house crap can really be a PITA. I have two friends who stick built a house each in the last year and I got tapped for all sorts of things. At least the attic work on the A/C install was done in the late fall. Beevo (aka Bill VanOrden) K7BVOMike here: We have a great consultant who does a lot for us.
Subject: ETX-LS Feedback Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 23:15:32 From: chris brown (chrisbrown4@cox.net) Still a big fan of the original ETX-90, but I thought Id' get your opinion on the "ACF" optics on the new ETX-LS... First, I have always considered the MAK-ETX line as "coma-free" as demonstrated by the excellent images and sharp stars to the edge, using eyepieces of the most basic design. Secondly, the large central obstruction on the new ETX-LS bothers me...I know it is of little concern for imaging, but will a drop in contrast be noticed when using the telescope visually? I know you have tried 8-inch compound telescopes with both standard S-C and ACF designs, which has the greater CO, and which do you prefer for visual use? Kindest Regards, Chris Brown (Maksutov fan)Mike here: I didn't notice any change in contrast from the 8"SC to the 8"ACF. I suspect most users with most equipment will not see much, if any, change in the ETX-LS.
Subject: ETX-LS Feedback Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 10:56:03 From: Jim Szczodrowski (jim@2047.org) As a ETX-125 owner, I am greatly interested in this new scope. If it is made as well as the ETX-125, it will be a home run. If it is as problematic as the MySky, it will not be worth the money or the headaches. I'll have a wait and prove it to me attitude that meade has forced me to. If proven to be a quality, well made telescope WITH Apple Macintosh support, I'll buy one. Anything less and I will go to a competitor for my new scope.Mike here: I too would like to see Mac OS X support. iPhone support would be cool!
And:
Iphone/Ipod Touch support would be a home run!
Subject: meade etx ls acf Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 08:51:00 From: lee critchley (cockknows@hotmail.co.uk) hi mike im wondering if you have any info on the new meade etx ls acf especially the lightswitch alignment system it all sounds too good to me that a scope can align without the help of our own eyes i currently own a couple of meade scopes 70at and the 125 pe can you tell me if it would be wise to purchase this scope or stick to the 125 and my lpi from across the pond lee critchley great site (and book using the meade etx very helpful!!!) clear skys mike!Mike here: I have no experience with the ETX-LS (obviously, since it has not yet been released). But check the ETX-LS feedback page. There are links to info there.
Subject: ETX-LS Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 09:57:11 From: John Farrant (johnfarrant@gmail.com) All the best for the holiday season to you and the better half. A bit more information about LightSwitch technology. Thought you might be interested - heavy reading though! http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=% 2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=meade&s2=telescope& OS=meade+AND+telescope&RS=meade+AND+telescope Regards, John
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