ETX 70 AT
By Meade Telescopes

Now even the most novice amateur astronomer can locate and explore the planets, asteroids, and comets, as well as nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and hundreds of other deep-space objects, all at the push of a button. Meade ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT Astro Telescopes bring the full range of celestial images to your eye with an astonishing level of clarity and resolution. And, carrying on the ETX® tradition of optical and mechanical excellence, 60mm and 70mm ETX models include many of the same features as larger ETX telescopes.

Observing with the ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT: All of the major planets except Pluto are easily observable through the ETX-60AT. Study Saturn and its ring system; the primary cloud belts of Jupiter and its four major satellites, the Moonlike phases of Mercury and Venus; prominent features on Mars; the starlike images of the distant planets Uranus and Neptune. The Moon stands out in stark, almost three-dimensional detail -- craters, mountain ranges, and fault lines. In our galaxy the telescope displays hundreds of nebulae, star clusters, double and multiple stars, and variable stars -- plus dozens of external galaxies in all their variations of form and structure. See the Autostar database listing below for a complete compilation of observable objects.

ETX-60AT or ETX-70AT? For the introductory student of astronomy, or for the casual observer, the Meade ETX-60AT opens up the skies at modest cost to an amazing breadth of celestial detail utterly invisible without the telescope. For a small additional investment the ETX-70AT increases light collecting power by 36% for significantly brighter, more highly resolved images of all the foregoing objects. Through the ETX-70AT, for example, Jupiter's cloud belts, under good atmospheric conditions, take on additional structure not normally observable in the 60mm model; additional satellites of Saturn can be seen; the tenous filaments of the Orion Nebula can be studied in wider extension. Except for their objective lens diameters, ETX-60AT and -70AT models are otherwise identical.

Terrestrial Observing: Meade ETX telescopes also make excellent land-view instruments for the birdwatcher, the naturalist, or for the home with a view. ETX image quality and resolution typically far exceed the levels normally expected of terrestrial telescopes. Terrestrial observers quickly appreciate the advantages afforded by the Autostar hand controller (see below), notwithstanding Autostar's primary applications to astronomical observing. Using Autostar, many land objects can be readily followed, or tracked, from a distance, using one of nine selectable speeds from slow to fast.

Fork Mount with Dual-Axis Drive System: In conjunction with the telescope's Autostar hand controller, precision worm gear systems on each axis permit smooth pushbutton motions of the telescope. Integrated to one of the fork arms, the telescope's Control Panel serves as a central connection point for the hand controller (the HBX port) as well as for the RS-232 serial interface adapter (the AUX port), an adapter included with the optional #506 AstroFinder Software and Cable Connector Kit (see Optional Accessories listing). Using the RS-232 interface, new or revised software may be downloaded through your PC to the telescope; the positions of Earth satellites may be updated for their observation through the telescope; and the positions of newly-discovered objects, such as comets, may be accessed by Autostar.

Optical Systems: ETX 60mm and 70mm models include multi-coated, air-spaced achromatic objective lenses of exclusive Meade design and are manufactured of Grade-A crown and flint optical glass components. Each lens yields razor-sharp images of astronomical and terrestrial subjects.

Flip-Mirror System: For observing in the standard 90° position, flip the internal, optical flat mirror "up." For terrestrial observing with the optional #933 45° Erecting Prism or for photography with the optional #64ST T-Adapter, flip the mirror "down."

Ultraportable and Simple to Use: Easy to carry to any observing location, whether a distant mountaintop or your own back yard, Meade ETX telescopes bring the excitement of astronomy to users of any age. Just place the telescope on any flat surface, do a quick, easy 60-second alignment of the telescope's computer to the sky, and start observing. Six internal (user-supplied) AA-batteries power ETX-60AT and -70AT models for over 20 hours in the field.

Autostar Hand Controller -- "the greatest happening in amateur astronomy yet." For all of their advanced imaging capabilities, portability, ease of use, and contemporary cosmetic design, Meade ETX telescopes are above all uniquely defined by the revolutionary Autostar hand controller.

Included as standard equipment with ETX 60mm and 70mm models, the #494 Autostar controller permits the automatic location of over 1400 celestial objects, just enter the object you wish to observe on to the Autostar display, press GO TO, and watch as the telescope moves rapidly in seconds to place the object in the telescope's field of view. One observing session validates the prediction made by Sky & Telescope that "The ETX/Autostar concept will go down as the greatest happening in amateur astronomy yet."

Objects stored in the #494 Autostar's database include the entire range of celestial phenomena and are designed to keep the active observer busy for many a starlit evening.

Menu Options: Selecting an object for observation is as simple ascalling up the appropriate object menu (Solar System, Constellations, Deep Sky, etc.) stored in Autostar and entering the object on the display. When GO TO is pressed, the telescope moves at 4.5° per second on both axes, simultaneously, to place the object unerringly in the field of view.

Additional Autostar Capabilities: Dozens of Autostar functions add greatly to observing enjoyment and educational opportunities:

Automatic GO TO capability to any astronomical object of known Right Ascension and Declination.

Digital readouts of telescope position, continuously in R.A. and Dec.

Precise sidereal-rate tracking in either altazimuth or equatorial modes. Once an object is located by Autostar, it directs the telescope to track the object, automatically, fully compensating for the effects of the Earth's rotation.

Plus 200 user-defined objects for storing in the database; 9-speed pushbutton, dual-axis operation, from slow 2x sidereal rate to fast 4.5° per second; guided tours of "Tonight's Best Objects;" and over 20 other menu options.

Optional Accessories: Meade ETX-60AT and -70AT models are supplied as complete observing instruments, with two fine Modified Achromatic eyepieces as standard equipment for powers of 14X and 39X. Premium Meade optional accessories are available to expand the telescope's capabilities, including additional eyepieces and Barlow lenses for higher magnifying powers.