Meade ETX-70AT instruction manual Optional Accessories, Astrofinder Software

Page 25

Fig. 18: Astrofinder Software.

Fig. 19: Optional Eyepieces.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

A wide assortment of professional Meade accessories are available for the ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT. Meade accessories greatly extend many important applications to the telescope, from low-power, wide-field terrestrial viewing to high-power lunar and planetary observing. The premium quality of these accessories is well-suited to the quality of the instrument itself.

Meade telescopes and accessories, including optional accessories for ETX telescopes, are available at more than 3,000 dealer locations in the U.S. and Canada and through Meade inter- national distributors worldwide. Once you have identified the accessories you wish to order, contact your local Meade authorized dealer. To find a dealer near you call (949) 451-1450or visit the Meade website at www.meade.com.

#506 AstroFinder™ Software and Cable Connector Kit: Displays more than 10,000 celes- tial wonders – galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, stars, and planets – on your PC, enabling even the beginner to locate and identify objects to observe with the telescope or to print out star charts for use in observing sessions. Operates with any Windows™-based personal computer. The Cable Connector Kit permits connection of the ETX-60AT and the ETX-70AT, Autostar, and PC, for downloading of new software to Autostar or for updating of Earth satellite or other celes- tial object positions. This kit is included with each AstroFinder Software package.

Eyepieces: Meade Modified Achromatic eyepieces, supplied as standard-equipment with the ETX-60AT and the ETX-70AT, permit observing powers of 39X (MA 9mm) and 14X (MA 25mm). Optional eyepieces of the Plössl (PL) optical design yield higher and lower powers, combined with bright, sharp images. Any of these eyepieces may be used in conjunction with the #124 2x Barlow Lens or #128 3x Barlow Lens (below) to double or triple, respectively, eyepiece powers.

Meade Modified Achromatic (MA) and Wide Angle (WA) eyepieces in the standard American- size (1.25”) barrel diameter (Fig. 19) permit a wide range of magnifying powers with the ETX- 60AT and ETX-70AT. Powers obtained with each available eyepiece are shown in the follow- ing table:

 

 

with #124

with #128

Eyepiece

Power

2x Barlow lens

3x Barlow lens

MA 9mm*

39X

78X

117X

MA 25mm*

14X

28X

42X

PL 4mm

88X

176X

264X

PL 5mm

70X

140X

210X

PL 6mm

58X

116X

174X

WA 18mm

19X

38X

57X

 

 

 

 

* Included as standard-equipment with the ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT

Meade Modified Achromatic (MA), Wide Angle (WA), and Plössl (PL) eyepieces are ideal for general-purpose astronomical or terrestrial observing. The typical ETX-60AT or ETX-70AT user may wish to add two or three of these eyepieces to his or her telescope. An introductory selec- tion might include the PL 6mm eyepiece, while the more advanced observer might select the PL 4mm, PL 5mm, and WA 18mm. The Meade Wide Angle 18mm eyepiece yields wide fields of view, perfect for the examination of star fields, diffuse nebulae, or for terrestrial applications.

#124 2x Barlow Lens and #128 3x Barlow Lens: For high-power astronomical applications these coated, amplifying lenses double (#124) or triple (#128) eyepiece magnifying powers without any reduction of image resolution. Example: By itself the PL 5mm eyepiece yields a power of 70X with the ETX-70AT; used with the #128 3x Barlow Lens, this eyepiece yields a power of 210X. Insert either Barlow Lens into the telescope's eyepiece holder, followed by an eyepiece.

These lenses are achromatic, high-performance, short-focus Barlow lenses, perfectly suited to the low-profile design of the ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT. Lens surfaces are coated for maximum image contrast and light transmission.

Optional Accessories 25

Page 24 Page 26
Image 25
Page 24 Page 26
Contents Meade Instruments Corporation Contents QUICK-START Guide If you wish to observe using Autostar’s databases, go toETX-60AT and ETX-70AT Telescope Telescope FeaturesETX Your Personal Window to the Universe Flip mirror control in the up position Computer Control PanelTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar FeaturesAutostar Features Join an Astronomy Club Attend a Star Party How to Assemble Your Telescope Parts ListingGetting Started Choosing an EyepieceManual Operation of the Telescope without Autostar Manual Operation of the Telescope Using Autostars Arrow KeysInitializing Autostar Moving Through Autostar’s MenusAutostar Navigation Exercise Autostar OperationEasy Two-Star Alignment Easy Two-Star Alignment ProcedureTo Calculate Sunset time Observing Exercises Using the Guided TourGo To Saturn Complete Autostar Menu Structure Autostar MenusObject Menu Event Menu Utilities Menu Glossary MenuSurf the Web Setup MenuMenu Daylight Saving, Advanced Features One-Star Alt/Az Alignment Two-Star Alt/Az AlignmentSlew Speeds Photography with the ETX Observing a SatelliteFew tips on photography with the ETX-60AT or ETX-70AT Instrument across the two slots and turn counAstrofinder Software Optional Accessories#882 Standard Field Tripod set in Alt/Az Configuration General Maintenance Maintenance and ServicingStorage and Transport Inspecting the OpticsUnable to see an image through the eyepiece TroubleshootingETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications Meade Customer ServiceAutostar Specifications ETX-60AT/ETX-70AT Specifications contdAutostar Dimensions Polar Alignment Appendix a Equatorial Polar AlignmentCelestial Coordinates Easy Polar Alignment Autostar Polar AlignmentOne-Star Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentTo GO to a user-entered object Appendix B Using Autostar to Enter R.A. and DEC CoordinatesLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World Appendix C Helpful ChartsCity State Latitude City Country LatitudeFurther Study Appendix D Training the DriveEnter Appendix E Initialization ExampleAutostar Glossary Basic AstronomyObjects in Space MoonDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsSeason Star Name Constellation Dec Star LocatorMeade Instruments Corporation

ETX-70AT specifications

The Meade ETX-70AT is a compact, portable telescope that caters to both amateur astronomers and educational purposes. This telescope is part of the renowned ETX series, known for its innovative features and user-friendly design. With an aperture of 70mm, the ETX-70AT is designed to provide clear, bright images of celestial objects, making it an ideal choice for novice astronomers eager to explore the night sky.

One of the standout features of the ETX-70AT is its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design. This design combines a Maksutov corrector plate with a compact cassegrain layout, allowing for a shorter tube length while still providing excellent optical performance. As a result, users can easily transport the telescope to various observing locations without compromising on image quality.

The telescope boasts a focal length of 350mm, which offers a wide field of view, allowing observers to comfortably locate and track celestial phenomena. The ETX-70AT comes equipped with a built-in electronic control system known as the Audio Star, featuring a database of over 30,000 celestial objects. This system not only makes it easier for users to locate specific targets but also enhances the overall observing experience by providing informative audio commentary about different astronomical objects.

Another notable characteristic is its lightweight design, weighing in at just around 5 lbs. This portability factor makes it an excellent choice for stargazers who prefer to travel or hike to optimal viewing locations. The telescope is mounted on an adjustable and stable aluminum tripods, providing a solid foundation for viewing.

The Meade ETX-70AT also includes a variety of accessories, including two eyepieces (26mm and 9.7mm), a finder scope to help users aim accurately, and a variety of optional filters to enhance viewing contrast and clarity. Furthermore, the telescope supports direct connection to a computer for astrophotography, enabling enthusiasts to capture their astronomical observations digitally.

In summary, the Meade ETX-70AT is an exceptional entry-level telescope that combines portability, advanced technology, and ease of use. With its powerful optics, automated features, and impressive accessory offerings, it serves as an excellent tool for any individual or educational institution looking to delve into the wonders of astronomy.
Top Page Image Contents