New Meade ETX Premium Model!!!

Post by **Airconvent** » Sat Oct 09, 2004 6:25 pm

http://www.optcorp.com/cart/ProductDeta ... uctID=4256

Seems Meade has taken the next gen ETX one step further by introducing an auto North alignment...sounds suspiciously like a gps module since it AUTOMATICALLY sets the time for you...
It has also enhanced the plain purple OTA shell with images similar to the Astele Lomo maks...
The lousy finder has now been replaced with a red dot finder (not too sure if this is any better since a red dot finder is quite useless in singapore skies..)
I only hope they will sell an upgrade for existing users!

rich

anat · Post by **anat** » Sat Oct 09, 2004 8:28 pm

The red-dot finder (smartfinder) looks interesting because the view is not limited by its frame. I am curious to know if Meade will sell the smartfinder as an accessory.

Anat

Post by **weixing** » Sat Oct 09, 2004 8:58 pm

Hi,
The SmartFinder does looking interesting... I wonder why it call "Smart" Finder?? Does it also show other info such as RA and DEC on the finder... like a fighter jet's HUD?? Ha Ha

!! Anyway, I think it should have no actual improvement over other red-dot finder.

Seems Meade has taken the next gen ETX one step further by introducing an auto North alignment...sounds suspiciously like a gps module since it AUTOMATICALLY sets the time for you...

May be it just have a built-in internal clock with rechargable battery and remember the date and time when you first key in. Auto north alignment is simple since it got a built-in magnetic compass and level sensor.

Also, I wonder why Meade never mention these new model in their own website?

Have a nice day.

Post by **VinSnr** » Sun Oct 10, 2004 11:38 am

not just the ETX models...the LX-90 also has the new features.

Post by **Airconvent** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 11:09 pm

Odd....alot of publicity on Optcorp but not a whimper from Meade.
In anycase, here is the print advert expectec to appear in the next issues of Astronomy and S&T.

http://www.optcorp.com/pdf/Meade/ETXPE.pdf

Initially, I thought they replaced the finder with a red dot finder but seems they are using something called a "smart finder" which is integrated to the level and northup module. The finder consist of what appears to be a lens protruding from the module.....interesting....very fragile design...

rich