Fig 27: #827 Right-Angle Viewfinder.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

A wide assortment of professional Meade accessories are available for the ETX-80AT. 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 quali- ty 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 (800) 626-3233or 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-80AT, AutoStar, and PC, for down- loading of new software to AutoStar or for updating of Earth satellite or other celestial object positions. This kit is included with each AstroFinder Software package.

Eyepieces (1.25" barrel diameter): For higher or lower magnifications, Meade 4-element Series 4000 eyepieces yield wider fields of view with excellent edge-of-field corrections and are available in a large range of focal lengths.

Fig. 26: Meade Series 4000 Super Plossl Eyepieces.

#126 2x Barlow Lens (1.25"): For telescopes that accommodate 1.25" eyepieces, the Barlow lens doubles each eyepiece power while maintaining excellent image corrections.

#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.

#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. 30) 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.

64ST T-Adapter:The T-adapter allows you connect a 35mm camera to your ETX telescope. Obtain the T-mount that is correct for your individual brand of camera separately.

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Meade ETX-80AT-TC instruction manual Optional Accessories, Meade Series 4000 Super Plossl Eyepieces

ETX-80AT-TC specifications

The Meade ETX-80AT-TC is a sophisticated yet user-friendly telescope that caters to both novice astronomers and seasoned stargazers. This compact telescope is particularly praised for its portability, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to explore the night sky without the burden of heavy equipment.

One of the standout features of the ETX-80AT-TC is its 80mm aperture, which delivers impressive light-gathering capabilities. This allows users to observe a wide range of celestial objects, from the craters on the Moon to distant galaxies. The telescope’s Achromatic refractor design minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring sharp and clear images across the field of view.

The Meade ETX-80AT-TC is equipped with the AutoStar computer control system, which enhances the observational experience significantly. This technology allows users to locate and track thousands of celestial objects with ease. With a simple push of a button, the telescope can automatically find and track planets, stars, and deep-sky objects, making it perfect for those who are new to astronomy and may find manual navigation challenging.

Additionally, the telescope features a built-in Solar System tour that animates a journey through the solar system, providing educational insights about the celestial bodies in our neighborhood. It is operated via a user-friendly handheld controller with a numeric keypad and an LCD display, making navigation intuitive even for beginners.

The ETX-80AT-TC also includes a durable and lightweight design, with an integrated tabletop tripod for stable viewing. It can be easily set up and taken down, allowing for spontaneous stargazing adventures. The telescope is compatible with various Meade accessories, including additional eyepieces and filters, which further enhance the observing experience.

In terms of mechanics, the ETX-80AT-TC boasts smooth, slow-motion manual controls for fine adjustments and a flip mirror for easy switching between visual and photographic modes. Whether capturing breathtaking astrophotos or enjoying the stars visually, this telescope delivers versatility and quality.

Overall, the Meade ETX-80AT-TC stands out with its thoughtful combination of features, technology, and portability, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the night sky. Whether you are a budding astronomer or a more experienced enthusiast, this telescope provides ample opportunities for wonder and discovery under the stars.