Meade ETX-60AT instruction

Fig 20: #773 Hard Carry Case.

Fig 21: #64ST T-Adapter.

Fig 22: #827 Right-Angle Viewfinder.

#3200 Lunar & Planetary Color Filter Set: Meade optical glass color filters increase image contrast and resolution of the Moon and planets. The #3200 Set includes light yellow, very light red, very light blue, and neutral density filters. Each filter threads into the barrels of all Meade MA, PL, and WA eyepieces and is packed in a separate plastic case for secure storage.

#773 Hard Carry Case: For secure portability in the field, the #773 Hard Carry Case (Fig. 20) is fully lined with fitted foam inserts and accepts the complete ETX-60AT or ETX-70AT Astro Telescope, plus optional accessories. In order for the telescope to fit in its optional Hard Carry Case, the telescope’s objective lens must be fully retracted.

#64ST T-Adapter:The #64ST T-Adapter (Fig. 21) is the basic means of photography through the ETX-60AT or the ETX-70AT. Attach the #64ST T-Adapter to the rear cell of the telescope, followed by a T-Mount appropriate to your 35mm camera body, and the ETX-60AT or ETX- 70AT is a supertelephoto lens of 350mm focal length. See “PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE ETX,” page 23.

#827 8 x 25mm Right-Angle Viewfinder and Bracket: For easy sighting of terrestrial or astro- nomical objects prior to their observation in the main telescope, the #827 8 x 25mm Right- Angle Viewfinder (Fig. 22) displays a wide 7.5° field of view. Includes a crosshair eyepiece and precise helicoid focusing; the included viewfinder bracket attaches to the main telescope in seconds.

#933 45° Erecting Prism: The ETX-60AT or ETX-70AT includes an internal optically-flat mir- ror to reflect light to the telescope’s 90° astronomical observing position. In this position, the telescope’s image is upright, but reversed left for right. For terrestrial observing with the ETX- 60AT or ETX-70AT, the #933 45° Erecting Prism (Fig. 23) results in a fully correctly oriented image and a convenient 45° observing angle. The #933 Prism threads on to the telescope’s photo port (16, Fig. 1). An eyepiece of any focal length (magnifying power) may be inserted into the #933 Prism. The #933 includes an internal relay lens which increases each eyepiece power by 2.4x. Note that the flip-mirror control (15, Fig. 1) must be in the “down” position (Fig. 2b) for use with the #933 Prism.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In the most discriminating applications, such as in observing delicate bird feather structure at long distance, the telescope’s internal, optically- flat mirror yields a higher-resolution image than is possible with any prism, includ- ing the #933. In these special cases, users are advised to observe with the eye- piece in the standard 90° eyepiece-holder (15, Fig. 1), with the flip-mirror control in the “up” position (Fig. 2a). This admonition applies only to situations requiring extraordinarily high optical resolution where the observer’s eye is well-trained to observe very fine detail. In typical terrestrial applications, no image differences between the two eyepiece locations can generally be noted.

#670 Dew Shield: In moist climates, water in the atmosphere may condense on the tele- scope’s lens. Dew formation may be reduced significantly by the addition of a #670 Dew Shield (Fig. 24), which threads into the front cell of the telescope.

Fig 23: #933 Erecting Prism.

Fig 24: #670 Dew Shield.

Fig. 25a: #882 Standard Field Tripod set in Alt/Az Configuration.

Fig 25b: #883 Deluxe Field Tripod set in Polar Configuration.

Tripods: Manufactured of strong, lightweight extruded aluminum, the #882 Standard Field Tripod (Fig. 25a) and the #883 Deluxe Field Tripod (Fig. 25b) allow standing or seated observations. The heights of both tripods are continuously adjustable from 34” to 54”. Micrometric controls in both azimuth and ele- vation-angle of the #883 Deluxe Field Tripod permit precise Polar Alignment of the tele- scope’s fork mount for advanced astronomical applications. When Alt/Az Alignment of the tel- escope is desirable, the tripod head of the #883 tilts and locks at 90°. Both tripods include all the rigidity and stability required for high- power observing through the telescope.

26 Optional Accessories

ETX-60AT specifications

The Meade ETX-60AT is a compact, portable telescope designed for amateur astronomers and budding astrophotographers. Known for its ease of use and exceptional optical performance, the ETX-60AT combines innovative technologies with user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for stargazers of all skill levels.

One of the standout characteristics of the ETX-60AT is its 60mm aperture, which allows for impressive light-gathering capabilities. This telescope is equipped with a high-quality Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design that delivers sharp, clear images with minimal distortion. The multi-coated optics enhance light transmission, ensuring brighter images with better color fidelity, which is essential for planetary and deep-sky observations.

The telescope boasts a lightweight and compact design, making it highly portable for on-the-go astronomy. Weighing only about 4.5 pounds, the ETX-60AT comes with a sturdy, adjustable tripod that provides stable support during observation. The telescope is also equipped with a unique fork mount that includes Meade's AutoStar technology, allowing for automatic tracking of celestial objects. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it simplifies the process of locating and tracking stars and planets.

Meade’s AutoStar system is a highlight of the ETX-60AT, featuring a database with thousands of celestial objects. This intelligent computer control allows users to simply input the desired object, and the telescope will automatically position itself accordingly. The intuitive hand controller enhances the viewing experience by offering guided tours of the night sky, enabling users to discover and appreciate various astronomical wonders, from the moon and planets to distant galaxies and star clusters.

The ETX-60AT also includes a diagonal mirror, which provides comfortable viewing angles and helps in locating objects above the horizon with ease. The telescope comes with a variety of eyepieces, enhancing versatility and giving users options for different magnifications based on their observing needs.

In addition to its impressive optical and technological features, the Meade ETX-60AT is built with durability in mind. The telescope's construction withstands environmental challenges, allowing users to explore the night sky in a range of conditions.

Overall, the Meade ETX-60AT offers an outstanding balance of performance, portability, and user-friendliness, making it a perfect introductory telescope for amateur astronomers. Whether you are a seasoned observer or just starting your journey into astronomy, the ETX-60AT provides a reliable platform for exploring the universe.