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Meade ETX-90AT, ETX-105AT, and ETX-125AT models build on the original ETX concept to create the most advanced electronically-controlled telescopes including automatic GO TO object-location with the Autostar Computer Controller ever produced in their price range. And yet without sacrificing any of the user-friendly features that started the ETX revolution. Optical Systems: Manufactured at the Meade Irvine, California, facility, ETX Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes produce superlative, diffraction-limited optical performance and resolution. Optics so high in contrast, image brightness, and resolution that ETX-90AT, ETX-105AT, and ETX-125AT models often outperform many telescopes of larger apertures. Fork Mounts with Standard-Equipment Dual-Axis Drive System and #497 Autostar Controller: The rigid fork mountings of ETX Maksutov-Cassegrain models include high-torque DC motors on both telescope axes, permitting electronic operation from the standard-equipment Autostar controller. With the telescope placed in the altazimuth mode on a table, astronomical object-tracking may be accomplished automatically, after a quick and easy 2-minute alignment of Autostar to the sky. Alternately, the telescope may be mounted in either the altazimuth or equatorial modes on the standard-equipment #884 Deluxe Field Tripod. Cordless Field Operation: The drive base of each telescope accepts eight (user-supplied) AA-batteries that power the telescope for about 20 hou

TE2) ETX-80AT W/AUTOSTAR & TRIPOD

One year after their introduction, Meade ETX-Series Astro Telescopes, like this 105AT, became the most popular modern telescopes in the world. All the ETX's are stunningly beautiful, ultraportable, and highly versatile telecope systems with unprecedented optical resolution and performance. The included Autostar Computer Controller is one of the important advances in telescope aiming control in the past 25 years, allowing you easy, automatic viewing access to thousands of celestial objects.

An impressive optical tool to observe continually changing celestial phenomena through effortless pushbutton electronic control.

Level: Serious, Intermediate Amateur Users interested in a high-quality, versatile, easily-upgradable telescope - Also a great portable field tool for Professionals

Optical Class & Design: Mirror-lens (Maksutov- Cassegrain) - BK7 corrector lens, Pyrex primary mirror and EMC super multi-coatings,and UHTC

Aperture: 127mm (5")

Focal Length: 1900mm

Focal Ratio: f/15

Eyepiece Size: Uses 1.25" eyepieces

Unique Features: Superclear BK7 Optical Glass for studies into the Ultraviolet Region, Portable, Flip-Mirror Optical System for "straight through" or standard viewing (Automatic Tracking also with Deluxe Field Tripod, Advanced Field Tripod or Table Tripod)

Electronic Control: Included Autostar Controller Enables 9-Speed Electronic Slow Motion Control for Tracking, Slewing, Centering and Locating - Also with "GO TO" Object Locating and Automatic Tracking<p>Mounting: Fork Mount with Dual Axis Drive System<p>Included Accessories: 8x25mm Right-Angle Viewfinder, Super Plossl 26mm Eyepiece

What You Can See: Detail of Jupiter, a wider extension of deep space objects, discernable structure of all 110 objects in the Messier listing, increased brightness levels and super-clear distant objects. Overall greater detail and resolution of all astronomical subjects over the ETX-90AT due to increased light collection.

The latest model in Meade's popular ETX line, the ETX105EC with premium Ultra High Transmission optical coatings (UHTC), is one sweet portable package. The included Autostar controller delivers excellent tracking and pointing. The #884 Tripod combined with the aluminum frame and ball-bearing chassis delivers vibration-free viewing. And the optics are simply the best I've ever seen in a small Maksutov-Cassegrain or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.

Although Meade recommends the UHTC coatings package for improved brightness, I find the improved contrast is much more impressive. I compared the ETX105EC, at 4.13 inches of aperture, side by side with my 5 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain. The view of Saturn at 200X magnification in both telescopes was nearly identical. The Cassini division in Saturn's rings was obvious, and I could see 5 moons around Saturn with both scopes. The inner moons Tethys and Dione were easier to spot with the larger SCT. The ETX105EC with UHTC, however, was the clear winner on contrast and color. The UHTC coatings simply eliminated much of the scattered light that robs contrast from the views in my SCT. Saturn's equatorial belt was the same apricot color in the 4 inch ETX that I see in much larger scopes. When I looked at Jupiter with the ETX105EC, the pale orange-tan color of the famous Great Red Spot was plainly visible.

The Autostar controller delivers excellent pointing accuracy. My usual set-up starts with centering Polaris in the scope, then leveling the optical tube. This automatically sets the telescope's "home position" within one degree of true North and level. After a careful setup the other night, the "easy align" routine put the first alignment star, Rigel, inside the field of view. And the second star, Procyon, was just outside the edge of the field. Easy as can be. (Nightwatch by Terence Dickinson will introduce you to these brighter stars by name.) Even w

Until now, the stargazer's two biggest challenges to enjoying the night sky have been aligning their telescope and finding objects. Meade's ETX Telescope eliminates these two challenges and makes astronomy as easy as pushing a button – right out of the box. Setting up your scope is a snap with the Easy Alignment system – just enter your zip code and set your scope level and pointing north. The time is set automatically by the AT feature. When you're ready to begin observing, scan the vast database of the included Autostar Computer Controller – choose from over 30,000 celestial objects. Find the object you want, then hit the GO TO button. Your telescope will automatically locate the object and place it in the center of your eyepiece. Autostar Controller and Software Package Plug Meade's #497 Autostar Computer Controller into your ETX scope and quickly locate more than 30,000 celestial objects at the push of a button. The Autostar's dual-axis GO TO function automatically slews your scope at a smooth 5° per second, placing the desired object in the center of your field of view. Find galaxies, nebulae, asteroids, periodic comets and more – without the hassle of fumbling with star charts or maps. Used in conjunction with the Autostar Controller, Meade's Autostar Suite software for your PC offers even more observable objects – over 19 million – enabling point-and-click telescope control right from your desktop. Ultra-High Transmission Coating (UHTC)UHTC is a new technology that builds upon the already high-quality reflectivity and transmission of Meade standard optics. Through the use of vacuum-deposited exotic coatings on all four optical surfaces, UHTC increases light transmission by roughly 20% when averaged over the entire visible spectrum. Image brightness of the 10" LX200 GPS, for example, is effectively increased by about one full inch of aperture.Meade #884 Deluxe Field TripodThe full-length Meade #884

Whether you want to study Saturn and its ring system, the primary cloud belts of Jupiter, or mountain ranges and other terrestrial objects, the Meade ETX-60AT gives you extraordinary power for the price. It offers a 60mm multicoated, air-spaced achromatic objective lens manufactured with Grade A crown and flint optical glass components. The flip-mirror system lets you observe in the standard 90-degree position. Just flip the internal optical flat mirror up, and you'll be set for sky viewing.<p> It's easy to carry, so you can take the Meade ETX-60AT to a distant mountaintop or to your own back yard. It only needs a quick 60-second alignment for setup. This telescope includes an Autostar hand controller that permits the automatic location of over 1,400 celestial objects. Just enter the object you wish to observe and watch as the telescope moves rapidly to place the object in your field of view. The Meade ETX-60AT also includes a serial interface, so you can download new software through your PC to the telescope. This way, the positions of Earth's satellites may be updated for observation, or newly discovered objects, such as comets, can be located. This model also comes with a sturdy, adjustable tripod.