The use of high-quality optics yields the impressive views that you see through the ETX. This multireflected light path results in the compact design of the ETX, yielding a much longer focal length (optical length) than is otherwise possible. This last reflection sends the light back towards the rear of the ETX OTA where, using a “flip mirror”, it is directed to the normal eyepiece position or out the rear port on the back of the ETX tube. It then proceeds down the tube to a mirrored surface (the primary mirror), where it is reflected back up the OTA only to be reflected again from a small “spot” (secondary) mirror on the inside of the corrector lens. Light enters the telescope through a coated corrector lens at one end of the ETX optical tube assembly (OTA). ) (Diagram not to scale) Inside the Meade Autostar and Starfinder. Shop online for a wide selection of Celestron telescope repair parts with High Point Scientific todayDear Mr. The Maksutov-Cassegrain design uses a lens and mirrors to focus the light, as shown in Figure 1.1. The Meade Premier Edition ETX-90PE, ETX-105PE and the ETX-125PE are extremely versatile, high-resolution telescopes. The original ETX brought this efficient design to many more amateur astronomers at an affordable price. The Maksutov-Cassegrain design of the original ETX was used previously in the highly sought after but pricey Questar 3.5-inch telescope. Other telescopes were available that used alternative designs, but they were typically expensive and not appropriate for the mass-market amateur astronomer. Prior to the ETX, most inexpensive consumer telescopes came in two varieties: the refractor telescope, which uses a glass lens at the top to focus the light, and the Newtonian reflector telescope, which uses a curved mirror (actually a spherical surface) at the bottom to reflect and focus the light.
Etx 90ec meade autostar 494 issues in the year 1996 series#
The ETX 90 and ETX 125 Observer telescopes returned with many upgrades in 2016 continuing the legacy of the ETX series for years to come.Patrick Moore’s Practical Astronomy Series Production of the ETX 105 ended in November 2009 and the ETX 125 followed suit in October 2011. Retail price of the ETX telescope has been constantly going down since its original 1996 introduction while capabilities and included accessories have increased dramatically. Production of these final versions was in China. The mounting points for the tabletop tripod were deleted as well. These scopes were assembled in Meade's new facility located in Mexico.įinal versions of the ETX-PE (after January 2007) used a revised (framed viewfinder) LNT module and Autostar controller (#497ep), made the UHTC coatings standard and went back to blue optical tubes. These Premier Edition telescopes had an image of the North American (ETX125) or Orion (ETX90) Nebulae printed on the optical tube. The small right-angle finder scope was replaced on these models by a LNT (Level North Technology) module which included a level sensor, a magnetic north sensor, accelerometer, real-time clock and a frameless red-dot viewfinder. In October 2004, Meade announced the new ETX-PE or Premier Edition. This coating improves light transmission by about 15%. Meade's UHTC (Ultra High Transmission Coating) treatment was first offered as an option on "EC" model telescopes (part of the "AT" bundle) in 2002. Not officially a new model but rather a package (which eventually became standard), the "AT" package included an ETX-EC telescope bundled with the #497 Autostar controller and a stronger "deluxe" #884 tripod. A "standard" #883 tripod was available as an optional accessory. An optional #497 Autostar package was offered and would replace the simple electric controls, turning the ETX-EC into a fully computerized "goto" telescope.
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In January 1999, Meade introduced the ETX-EC which included electronic control of both axis through a small hand-controller. Also included were tabletop tripod legs similar to the Questar.
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The original 1996 model, now referred to as the "RA" or "classic" model, had a clockwork mechanism to track movement of the earth with an equatorial wedge, but it cannot be retrofitted for computer control. The line has come to take advantage of " goto" telescope mount technology, making it very popular with amateur astronomers. The ETX started out as a 90 mm (3-1/2") Maksutov Cassegrain telescope (first produced in 1996) and took advantage of high volume mass production and simplified optical and parts construction to open a new market for a cheap alternative to the very expensive Questar 3-1/2 Maksutov Cassegrain The ETX "line" has been expanded to 105 mm, and 125 mm Maksutov Cassegrains and achromatic refracting telescopes in sizes of 60 mm and 70 mm, but these two models were later replaced by an 80 mm model.