Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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HI Guys 'n' Gals
I have posted a slightly different question to this on the celestron forum (for what will become obvious in a sec).
I currently have a Celestron NexStar 130 SLT and TBH it is too big (curently occupying a large part of my lounge). I'm looking at both Meade ETX (the 90PE, 105 and 125PE) and Celestron NexStar 4SE & 5SE.
My current scope is rather annoying. The SkyAlign procedure is tedious - especially since I have to input the local time every time I use the scope (I am not sure if this is normal behaviour or not). After you have set up a Meade ETX with your locale, does it keep track of the local time or do you have to do the same as the NexStar software and input that EVERY time you set up?
The second question is about the relative merits of Meade ETX and Celestron NexStar SE's. I know this is the Meade ETX forum, but in people's opinion, which is better for general observation of Sun, Moon, Solar System and a few deep sky objects such as Andromeda Galaxy and Orion Nebula? I'd also like to try some astrophotography with my Canon EOS 400D.
I'm looking at the ETX 90PE or NexStar 4SE (mainly due to cost) but could probably stretch to an ETX 125PE or a NexStar 5SE. I really want a scope that is quick to set up (the ETX's seem to score here) and have excellent quality optics and be suitable for planetary and some deep sky imaging (nothing exotic). Could you offer any advice as to which would probably suit my needs best?
As I am in the UK and not in the States, any prices/deals available would have to be applicable to the UK.
Cheers in advance,
Art
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If I like it, the wife says that we can't afford it!
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Meade ETX105 (a nice "Grab & Go" scope) & Celestron NexStar 6SE with Bob's Knobs.
Various EP's from 6mm to 26mm, Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom, a 2x Barlow, 2" diagonal and 7Ah PowerTank.
MRF and Antares 8x50 RACI finder scope - both for the 6SE's OTA, whilst the ETX gets a plain RDF.
Canon EOS 400D DSLR (un-modded) and SPC900 webcam. Finally climbing the AP Learning Curve!
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ProfMMC
sage
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 289
Loc: London UK
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I have both an ETX-125 and an SE8 - so can't quite do you comparision but can say something useful.
The meades with LNT will keep the time, but to be honest entering the time is not a big deal.
I would not bother with anything less than the ETX-125, or the SE6, and out of the two I would buy the SE6. The SE4 and 5 come with a smaller more flimsy mount.
The Celestron is much more portable since you can break down into 3 parts: forks, mount, and tube. The mount and tube can be transported in their shipping boxes. The Meade is a pain to transport without buying an expensive case. I bust the plastic surround on the LNT on my first field trip as I could not find a nice way of packing it.
You can also put a small 66 - 80mm refractor in the SE mount which is nice.
If you want to do astrophotography don't buy either. In the long run imaging eventually leads to GEM, so you are better off getting the SE6 on a CG5-GT.
Not sure if any of the above will help you.
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Orion Optics UK 350mm F4.7 Dob (dismantled)
Celestron 8SE f10 Meade 5000ED 127mm ETX125 OTA f15
Revelation ED 80mm f6.8 Meade 5000ED 80mm f6
WO ZS66mm f5.9 WO ZS70mm f6
EQ6 Pro CG5
DSI I + II Shoestring GPUSB EQMOD
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
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When you power off the Celestron SE or Meade ETX AT the time and date is lost..However the Meade ETX PE will retain the time and date in the LNT module.
The SkyAlign option basically is a three star alignment procedure. Two star and solar system align is also available in the SkyAlign computer.
The ETX PE can use Auto Align LNT (page 17) or Two-Star Easy Align (page 36).
Both of these alignment procedures use different Telescope Home Positions!
The ETX AT use the Two-Star Easy Align (page 18/19).
According to SE reviews the Celestron SE5/6 image resolution quality is soft most likely from the large center obstruction.
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Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's 
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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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Thanks Prof and StarWars for your responses.
I am puzzled by some of the replies however.
Prof says "If you want to do astrophotography don't buy either. In the long run imaging eventually leads to GEM, so you are better off getting the SE6 on a CG5-GT"
I'm not sure what you mean by "don't buy either". I'm also puzzled by reference to the SE6. Do you mean the NexStar 6 SE?? The CG5-GT is Celestron's computerised heavy-duty Equitorial mount isn't it? If you meant the NexStar 6 SE scope, is this available as an OTA only, if so, I can then get the CG5-GT tripod assembly as funds permit. Finally Prof, could you explain what you meant by "In the long run imaging eventually leads to GEM" as I don't know what this means!
StarWars. You have said "However the Meade ETX PE will retain the time and date in the LNT module." Does the ETX PE come with an LNT module or do you have to purchase one at extra cost. I don't know what an LNT module is!
Thanks in advance guys,
A rather puzzled Art 
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If I like it, the wife says that we can't afford it!
=======================================================
Meade ETX105 (a nice "Grab & Go" scope) & Celestron NexStar 6SE with Bob's Knobs.
Various EP's from 6mm to 26mm, Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom, a 2x Barlow, 2" diagonal and 7Ah PowerTank.
MRF and Antares 8x50 RACI finder scope - both for the 6SE's OTA, whilst the ETX gets a plain RDF.
Canon EOS 400D DSLR (un-modded) and SPC900 webcam. Finally climbing the AP Learning Curve!
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AlexDJ30
sage
Reged: 09/02/08
Posts: 276
Loc: Monterrey, Mexico
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Arthur if you goal on the long run is to do Astrophotography and specially DSO's but ETX and Celestron SE are not up to the task 100% fully, both scopes were made for visuall use, you can do Planet Photography in both easy but DSO's (aka nebulaes, star clusters, galaxies) thats another league of it own and the tracking of both mounts are not so good for that (you need to do Polar Aligment) and make smaller exposure photos (30 secs at most), with a Gem (Lxd-75, celestron ASGT or equivalent Gem mount) can have much better tracking and better imagening capabilities than the ETX and SE mounts, the cons is that the Gem is fairly bigger and heavier (the good thing is that you can disamble it in parts for easy carrying), the good thing is that you can use any OTA on it (interchangable).
So if you want something to use fast and only for visual, some casual planetary Phtoography then ETX or SE would be perfect. You want DSO, then the etx or se would not be to the task.
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Equipment:
- ETX 125 AT
- C6 ASGT
- WO 66mm SD
- 2.5X ED Barlow, 8-24mm Zoom Eyepice
- Canon EOS Rebel XSi
- Celestron Nextimagen
- Orion Starshoot CCD cam
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Lee Jay
sage
Reged: 02/27/08
Posts: 463
Loc: Westminster, CO
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I had a 130SLT before I got my 125 PE. No contest. The Meade has far better optics, a far more stable mount, and is much more flexible, being able to be setup as alt-az or equatorial with the built-in wedge. I also like the ability to release both clutches (something you can't do with the Nexstar's) and use it as either a spotting scope or camera lens like this:
http://photos.imageevent.com/sipphoto/samplepictures/20D28316.jpg
100% crop:
http://photos.imageevent.com/sipphoto/samplepictures/20D28316-2.jpg
I find it extremely portable, especially with the hardcase I have. Basically, the scope, mount, EPs and accessories all go in the hard case, and it comes with a softcase for the tripod. Setup time is 5 minutes, and it will run for well over 10 hours on a single charge of 8 NiMH AAs.
That said, I'm thinking of selling mine (interested?), but not for any deficiencies in this scope itself, and the replacement will be over twice the cost and less portable. I'm struggling with this because I just love my little ETX!
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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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Hi Lee,
I might be interested if you were in the UK but I guess that Westminster, Co means Westminster, Connecticut and as such you would be in the US?
Any idea (in USD or GPB) what you would be looking at (including shipping)?
AlexD
I am only interested in casual observation and possible photography of planets (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn), the Moon, Sun (with appropriate filter) and the odd DSO - such as Andromeda (M31) or The Orion Nebula (M42). I might upgrade to more serious astrophotography later on (with a better scope and better mount).
As such, would the ETX90PE or NexStar 5SE do the job at present?
If you use a wedge and then drive on azimuth only, are these scopes OK for my intended use (including astrophotography)?
Cheers
Art
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Lee Jay
sage
Reged: 02/27/08
Posts: 463
Loc: Westminster, CO
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CO is Colorado, and I have no idea about shipping. My avatar came from this scope, as did the below image of the Moon. You won't be able to shoot M31 with this scope as that object is way, way, way too large.
http://photos.imageevent.com/sipphoto/samplepictures/Whole%20moon%20with%20extension%20final%201920%202.jpg
Driving in eq mode obviously gives you far better tracking, and it is suitable for some short-exposure (15-30s unguided) astrophotography.
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 6763
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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I suspect the overall performance of the Meade and Celestron are similar. Personally, I've always liked the Meade design, but I have to admit the Celestrons are nice, just not my cup of tea.
The ETX-90 is a great little scope; lightweight, very stable, superb optics. The only problem I have with them is you run out of light before you run out of resolution. The ETX-125 is simply a wonderful scope; all the features of the 90 with enough light grasp to spend a serious evening enjoying the sky. I find the way it breaks up into the OTA/mount, and the tripod to the just the right size for quick set-up and tear-down. The LNT is also very handy. At first I considered it a bit of a gadget, but it makes set-up and alignment so easy I really like it.
As for imaging, the long focal length of the Mak design makes the ETX very well suited for lunar and planetary imaging, but deepsky imaging takes patience and a bit of luck. I actually bought mine as a visual companion to my imaging rig, so for me it's a good match. Nothing beats sitting next to my imaging scope (and LXD75 SN6) with my ETX-125PE fitted with binoviewers.
Sooo, from what I've seen of the Celestrons they're fine scopes and either one would work well as primarily visual platforms with some options for imaging, but you can't go wrong with the ETX-90 or 125 PE. Of the two, the extra aperture of the 125 is worth the cost.
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-John
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Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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Thanks for the swift response Lee and sorry for putting Westminster in the wrong state!
That's exactly the sort of image that I'm after! So the Meade 125PE will produce these sort of images - with what eyepiece? I know that this is the Meade ETX forum, but will the Celestron NexStar 5SE produce the same sort of image - or would I need the 6SE?
I can't decide whether to go Meade ETX or Celestron NexStar SE at the moment, so looking for as much help/advice as possible.
Currently I have a Celestron NexStar 130SLT and am a bit disappointed by it (and it is huge) so looking for something a bit better.
The scope is Ok, the GoTo software is just plain "clunky" IMHO.
Art
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If I like it, the wife says that we can't afford it!
=======================================================
Meade ETX105 (a nice "Grab & Go" scope) & Celestron NexStar 6SE with Bob's Knobs.
Various EP's from 6mm to 26mm, Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom, a 2x Barlow, 2" diagonal and 7Ah PowerTank.
MRF and Antares 8x50 RACI finder scope - both for the 6SE's OTA, whilst the ETX gets a plain RDF.
Canon EOS 400D DSLR (un-modded) and SPC900 webcam. Finally climbing the AP Learning Curve!
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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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Quote:
The ETX-90 is a great little scope; lightweight, very stable, superb optics. The only problem I have with them is you run out of light before you run out of resolution. The ETX-125 is simply a wonderful scope; all the features of the 90 with enough light grasp to spend a serious evening enjoying the sky.
Quote:
... but you can't go wrong with the ETX-90 or 125 PE. Of the two, the extra aperture of the 125 is worth the cost.
Thanks John.
This is just the kind of advice I'm after.
I visited a local telescope shop and had a good squint at an ETX90 and liked it. There was a Celestron 6SE a couple of feet away also on display and I didn't like it as much on first impression. Having used Celestron's NexStar SkyAlign over the past few weeks with my 130SLT, I find the NexStar GoTo software rather "clunky" and not too "user-friendly", mechanically the scope is fine.
Art
Edited by Arthur Dent (10/24/08 06:35 PM)
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ProfMMC
sage
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 289
Loc: London UK
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Sorry I sent a rushed post from work.
In my view the ETX range and the SE range are both suited to visual only. Optically I think that you can't say Meade is better than Celestron or visa-versa. Broadly they are similar, but scopes will differ because of the wide range of what gets through quality control in China. The meades are all MCT, the SE are MCT for (I think) the 4 and 5 and SCT for the 6 and 8 which complicates the comparison a bit.
For visual I think 5/6" really is as small as you want to go unless you live under really really dark skies.
I prefer the SE to the ETX simply because the mount and the OTA are two components not one. This really is a big advantage for portability and does allow you to use the mount for other small OTAs. The SE mount for the 5 is too flimsy so I would buy the SE6 over the SE5.
If you start to get into imaging you will eventually buy a GEM mount. Since Celestron sell the 6" and 8" tubes on a GEM mount I would go for 6" on a CG5-GT over the ETX if I wanted to image.
So in conclusion if you are considering ETX v SE: if you want visual only: buy the SE6, if you want to image buy the Celestron 6" on a GEM not the SE mount.
BTW you mention that you are in the UK. It is very hard to find a Celestron seller who will advise. David Hinds is the official UK importer but my visit to his showroom was very disappointing - I was servered by someone who could not answer any of my questions ...
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Orion Optics UK 350mm F4.7 Dob (dismantled)
Celestron 8SE f10 Meade 5000ED 127mm ETX125 OTA f15
Revelation ED 80mm f6.8 Meade 5000ED 80mm f6
WO ZS66mm f5.9 WO ZS70mm f6
EQ6 Pro CG5
DSI I + II Shoestring GPUSB EQMOD
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AlexDJ30
sage
Reged: 09/02/08
Posts: 276
Loc: Monterrey, Mexico
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Arthur the SE version is OK, i guess both ETX and SE are equall on tracking department, on optics that something else. Maks (aka etx) are better for planetary observation, because of his focal lenght of F/1,5 and in less degree DSO's (some dso's are quiet extended and it will not get the full view on the eyepice) , the SE version the 4SE (mak) like ETX the rest of the line (5SE. 6SE and 8SE) are SC (smitchd-cassegraine) that are all around performer (ok for planets ok for DSO's) with a focal of F/10.
The goo thing about the SE is that you can unmount the Optical tube and use another (of course just reading the weight specifaction and not to long that could hit the base) you could use the SC and if you want wider views put a small Refractor (66 to 80mm) on the SE mount, the ETX cant do that you are stuck with the Mak for everything.
Both ETX and SE are capable of planetary photography, on the DSO photography i would put the ETX has bad choice (it can be done but you would need a focal reducer, use a small CCD cam, so no rebel or Digital DSRL because of the weight) and do polar aligment. The SE because you can exchange OTA's you could use small refractor and with that you could imagine a bite better the DSO's ( les focal lennght meanse less time for photos)...
Its your choice really.
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Equipment:
- ETX 125 AT
- C6 ASGT
- WO 66mm SD
- 2.5X ED Barlow, 8-24mm Zoom Eyepice
- Canon EOS Rebel XSi
- Celestron Nextimagen
- Orion Starshoot CCD cam
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Lee Jay
sage
Reged: 02/27/08
Posts: 463
Loc: Westminster, CO
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Quote:
Thanks for the swift response Lee and sorry for putting Westminster in the wrong state!
That's exactly the sort of image that I'm after! So the Meade 125PE will produce these sort of images - with what eyepiece?
Those were both prime-focus - the Jupiter shot with a Phillips webcam through a TV 2x barlow, the moon shot with a Canon 20D, both through the rear camera port.
Quote:
I know that this is the Meade ETX forum, but will the Celestron NexStar 5SE produce the same sort of image - or would I need the 6SE?
I don't know but I can't imagine there is a whole lot of difference between a 5" Mak and a 5" SCT - maybe a bit.
Quote:
I can't decide whether to go Meade ETX or Celestron NexStar SE at the moment, so looking for as much help/advice as possible.
Well, like I said, the Meade mount is better for me. It's got two forks instead of one, it has a built-in wedge, and you can release it for use like a Dob, or as a camera lens or spotting scope. The Nexstar mounts can't do that. However, if those aren't important to you, I've *heard* (but not experienced myself) than the 6SE mount is stiffer than the ETX mount. I found the 4 and 5SE mounts to be horrible myself, and I just hated my 130SLT mount.
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Lee Jay
sage
Reged: 02/27/08
Posts: 463
Loc: Westminster, CO
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By the way, here's an afocal shot with a Canon S3IS through an Astrotech 40mm EP:
http://photos.imageevent.com/sipphoto/samplepictures/S3__9045.jpg
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
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Quote:
Thanks Prof and StarWars for your responses.
I am puzzled by some of the replies however.
StarWars. You have said "However the Meade ETX PE will retain the time and date in the LNT module." Does the ETX PE come with an LNT module or do you have to purchase one at extra cost. I don't know what an LNT module is!
Thanks in advance guys,
A rather puzzled Art
The ETX PE is sold with the LNT module attached to the OTA.
LNT = Level North Technology
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Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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Thanks ever so much for your replies.
I've just realised (when I read prof's 2nd post) that GEM = German Equitorial Mount. Talk about slow for the penny to drop!
The ETX range are Maksutov-Cassegrain (AFAIK) whilst the Celestron NexStar 4SE is a Mak design but the NexStar 5SE and 6SE are Schmidt-Cassegrain. I think that the Maks suffer less from temperature changes to the corrector plate and the Schmidts take far longer to thermally stabilise but as I'm new to this I may be wrong.
I think I prefer the twin fork arrangement and the LNT of the Meade. As I understand it, the LNT whcich comes with the ETX PE scopes has an in-built clock and so keeps track of time AND date.
I know it is a small detail but I find it really annoying that the NexStar hard/software requires you to put the time and date in EVERY TIME you set up.
It is these small niggly details that spoil your enjoyment of something whether that be a car (where the electric windows are one-shot on the driver's side but not on the passenger side [Honda Jazz and Ford Fiesta]) or a telescope where you have to input the time and date every time!
If you find it irritating, you are less likely to use it (except for the cars of course where you just have to put up with their foibles)!
Thanks for the advice, I'll probably be back for more soon.
Art
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If I like it, the wife says that we can't afford it!
=======================================================
Meade ETX105 (a nice "Grab & Go" scope) & Celestron NexStar 6SE with Bob's Knobs.
Various EP's from 6mm to 26mm, Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom, a 2x Barlow, 2" diagonal and 7Ah PowerTank.
MRF and Antares 8x50 RACI finder scope - both for the 6SE's OTA, whilst the ETX gets a plain RDF.
Canon EOS 400D DSLR (un-modded) and SPC900 webcam. Finally climbing the AP Learning Curve!
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rcd47
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 259
Loc: East Texas, USA
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Quote:
Thanks ever so much for your replies.
I've just realised (when I read prof's 2nd post) that GEM = German Equitorial Mount. Talk about slow for the penny to drop!
The ETX range are Maksutov-Cassegrain (AFAIK) whilst the Celestron NexStar 4SE is a Mak design but the NexStar 5SE and 6SE are Schmidt-Cassegrain. I think that the Maks suffer less from temperature changes to the corrector plate and the Schmidts take far longer to thermally stabilise but as I'm new to this I may be wrong.
I think I prefer the twin fork arrangement and the LNT of the Meade. As I understand it, the LNT whcich comes with the ETX PE scopes has an in-built clock and so keeps track of time AND date.
I know it is a small detail but I find it really annoying that the NexStar hard/software requires you to put the time and date in EVERY TIME you set up.
It is these small niggly details that spoil your enjoyment of something whether that be a car (where the electric windows are one-shot on the driver's side but not on the passenger side [Honda Jazz and Ford Fiesta]) or a telescope where you have to input the time and date every time!
If you find it irritating, you are less likely to use it (except for the cars of course where you just have to put up with their foibles)!
Thanks for the advice, I'll probably be back for more soon.
Art
If you go with the Meade, you can spend your time putting the scope in "Home Position" (different positions depending on alignment procedure) or if you go with the Celestron, you can spend your time entering the time and date instead.   I have an older Tasco Starguide with Celestron hand paddle and also a Meade ETX125PE. I understand about the small details that you speak of. They are small details for sure, but like you said...it would be more enjoyable to use if you didn't have to deal with them. If the Meade would mate with the Celestron (Meadelestron), life would be perfect...maybe.
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Randy
Edmund Astroscan
Meade ETX125PE
Skywatcher 102mm F5 & Alt/Az Mount
Orion ST80/Mini EQ1
Tasco Starguide 114/Celestron Hand Paddle
Pentax 10x50 Binoculars
Philips SPC 900NC
Stellacam EX
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rmollise
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 4585
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Quote:
HI Guys 'n' Gals
I have posted a slightly different question to this on the celestron forum (for what will become obvious in a sec).
Some thoughts:
You are not restricted to "SkyAlign" with Celestrons, you can also do a two-star alignment similar to the ETX routine.
The PE ETXes keep track of time and date. You will have to enter position if you move the scope. Entering time/date is not a major task IMHO.
The ETX is IMHO a tad better than the 5SE optically...but it is very close.
If you want to image, forget the ETX. It is just not up to anything more than casual snapshots of the Moon and planets. The NexStar SE is not worlds better in this regard, but it is somewhat better. Truthfully, if you want to do any deep sky imaging, don't get an ETX OR an SE. Look at a Celestron on the CG5 mount as a minimum.
I would definitely choose the 5 or 125. I don't think much of the optics of the 4-inch Celestron, and the 90 is just too small to keep you interested for long.
I have (and love) the ETX 125PE, but if I had it to do over, I would probably choose the NexStar 5SE...it is a somewhat more versatile and better built scope. But, again, I am more than happy with the ETX for what I use it for (grab and go visual use).
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Uncle Rod
Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!
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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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Thinking about the ETX 125PE as the GoTo on the Celestron is very "clunky" IMHO.
Would love something like C8-SGT but cannot afford the £1100 (approx $2000) that this would cost in the UK (but of course, this would involve Celestron's s/ware)!
Several people have said to try 2-star alignment (I am trying 3 star alignment at the moment). Could someone give me some step-by-step guidance as to how to do 2-star alignment from power-on?
Art
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If I like it, the wife says that we can't afford it!
=======================================================
Meade ETX105 (a nice "Grab & Go" scope) & Celestron NexStar 6SE with Bob's Knobs.
Various EP's from 6mm to 26mm, Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom, a 2x Barlow, 2" diagonal and 7Ah PowerTank.
MRF and Antares 8x50 RACI finder scope - both for the 6SE's OTA, whilst the ETX gets a plain RDF.
Canon EOS 400D DSLR (un-modded) and SPC900 webcam. Finally climbing the AP Learning Curve!
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JT5
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/08/07
Posts: 583
Loc: Ozarks of Missouri
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I have three Meade scopes and a Televue Pronto for Grab and Go. I have always held the opinion that Meade has had superior optics.
I believe the current Meade Optics are all made in China and some of their scopes have been as well. I believe they are in the process of transitioning production to Mexico and that facility is showing up on their web site. It has been a rough couple of years for them with new management and turnover in personnel. You might check them out in recent stock market reports online. I think you will also find that a Chinese firm purchased Celestron. I wonder if Meade's supplier in China is the same the owns their competitor. Could be sticky if this holds up shipments to Meade.
My latest scope is the ETX-125PE and has the Level/North Technology. I believe the sensors are accelerometers/ level sensors for level and an electronic magnetic compass. The "home" position should be your most used observing location by zip code or city and state (in the US). If you travel to other reasonably distant locations you would reenter a new location. The time module is very accurate and you have the capability of entering time to the nearest second. They also have sold a small module that receives the time signal from the National Bureau of Standards (WWV) in Boulder, CO. and plugs directly into the side of the LNT module.
Clear skies..
John
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My wife shares my love of the night skies and tolerates all of my other hobbies.
Televue Pronto w/Starbeam pointer and Televue tripod
Meade 2045D, ETX-125PE, 12" Lightbridge
Celestron: 7Amp PowerTank, 15X70mm binoculars
Meade, Swan and Televue Lenses (33, 26, 20, 15 & 9mm), Televue Barlow
Catsperch Observing Chair
Member: Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri
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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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Quote:
...They also have sold a small module that receives the time signal from the National Bureau of Standards (WWV) in Boulder, CO. and plugs directly into the side of the LNT module.
Clear skies..
John
Thanks for the info John. The above won't apply to me here in the UK as I doubt that I would receive any kind of signal (!) however, we have a similar thing broadcast from Cumbria (Lake District) here in the UK (the MSF Time Signal on 60kHz) and there is one broadcast from Frankfurt in Germany (the DCF Time Signal on 77kHz) so maybe the UK version would pick the time info from there?
Art
--------------------
If I like it, the wife says that we can't afford it!
=======================================================
Meade ETX105 (a nice "Grab & Go" scope) & Celestron NexStar 6SE with Bob's Knobs.
Various EP's from 6mm to 26mm, Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom, a 2x Barlow, 2" diagonal and 7Ah PowerTank.
MRF and Antares 8x50 RACI finder scope - both for the 6SE's OTA, whilst the ETX gets a plain RDF.
Canon EOS 400D DSLR (un-modded) and SPC900 webcam. Finally climbing the AP Learning Curve!
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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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Bump
--------------------
If I like it, the wife says that we can't afford it!
=======================================================
Meade ETX105 (a nice "Grab & Go" scope) & Celestron NexStar 6SE with Bob's Knobs.
Various EP's from 6mm to 26mm, Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom, a 2x Barlow, 2" diagonal and 7Ah PowerTank.
MRF and Antares 8x50 RACI finder scope - both for the 6SE's OTA, whilst the ETX gets a plain RDF.
Canon EOS 400D DSLR (un-modded) and SPC900 webcam. Finally climbing the AP Learning Curve!
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rmollise
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 4585
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Quote:
I have three Meade scopes and a Televue Pronto for Grab and Go. I have always held the opinion that Meade has had superior optics.
I believe the current Meade Optics are all made in China and some of their scopes have been as well. I believe they are in the process of transitioning production to Mexico and that facility is showing up on their web site. It has been a rough couple of years for them with new management and turnover in personnel. You might check them out in recent stock market reports online. I think you will also find that a Chinese firm purchased Celestron. I wonder if Meade's supplier in China is the same the owns their competitor. Could be sticky if this holds up shipments to Meade.
My latest scope is the ETX-125PE and has the Level/North Technology. I believe the sensors are accelerometers/ level sensors for level and an electronic magnetic compass.
Clear skies..
John
Meade is transitioning most production to Mexico, but I understand the ETX will stay in China where it's been for some time. The Irvine plant of yore is or soon will be nothing more than an empty husk. 
It has level sensors and a magnetic compass. No need for accelerometers.
For some odd reason, my PE seems to prefer city/state to zipcode...go figger. 
--------------------
Uncle Rod
Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
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Quote:
I have three Meade scopes and a Televue Pronto for Grab and Go. I have always held the opinion that Meade has had superior optics.
I believe the current Meade Optics are all made in China and some of their scopes have been as well. I believe they are in the process of transitioning production to Mexico and that facility is showing up on their web site. It has been a rough couple of years for them with new management and turnover in personnel. You might check them out in recent stock market reports online. I think you will also find that a Chinese firm purchased Celestron. I wonder if Meade's supplier in China is the same the owns their competitor. Could be sticky if this holds up shipments to Meade.
My latest scope is the ETX-125PE and has the Level/North Technology. I believe the sensors are accelerometers/ level sensors for level and an electronic magnetic compass. The "home" position should be your most used observing location by zip code or city and state (in the US). If you travel to other reasonably distant locations you would reenter a new location. The time module is very accurate and you have the capability of entering time to the nearest second. They also have sold a small module that receives the time signal from the National Bureau of Standards (WWV) in Boulder, CO. and plugs directly into the side of the LNT module.
Clear skies..
John
Most likely the LNT will use a electronic compass and then calculate for true north (The closer to north the greater the angle).
--------------------
Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
|
Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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If I was you and you want to stay with a Cassegrain, go with the Celestron 6SE. It's more robustly built when compared to the ETX. It uses metal gears while the ETX uses plastic. The single arm on the SE is made of metal and is quite solid. And you can load up the SE with accessories and it won't tax the gears. I mounted a RACI finder on mine plus I kept the stock RDF. I also went with a 2" WO diagonal which allows me to utilize 2" eyepieces.
Inputting the time and date is no big deal.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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Thanks for the advice Starlighter.
I'm looking at possibly getting one - I have PM'd a guy selling one online and waiting for him to get back to me.
Art
--------------------
If I like it, the wife says that we can't afford it!
=======================================================
Meade ETX105 (a nice "Grab & Go" scope) & Celestron NexStar 6SE with Bob's Knobs.
Various EP's from 6mm to 26mm, Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom, a 2x Barlow, 2" diagonal and 7Ah PowerTank.
MRF and Antares 8x50 RACI finder scope - both for the 6SE's OTA, whilst the ETX gets a plain RDF.
Canon EOS 400D DSLR (un-modded) and SPC900 webcam. Finally climbing the AP Learning Curve!
|
Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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You'll like the 6SE. The goto is very accurate. It has a pretty extensive database of listed objects. And it slews relatively quietly. With that huge 40mm Meade Plossl eyepiece seen in the photo I can take in a much wider view. I added The Wing Thing mount for the hand controller. It's exclusively made and sold by S&S Optika in Denver Colorado. I don't know if they ship to the UK or not. It's well worth it. A similar mount is sold by JMI.
JMI hand controller bracket
S&S Optika (303-789-1089)
JMI (303) 233-5353
(Not sure of the international code)
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 6763
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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I've always liked the clean lines of the ETX...
--------------------
-John
================================================
Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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rmollise
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 4585
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Quote:
I've always liked the clean lines of the ETX...
Me too. You sure have a purty baby. As I've said, I like the SE...but give up my ETX for one. NOSIR BUDDY!
--------------------
Uncle Rod
Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Lines means noting to me. It's how well a scope performs. I like the fact I can use my SE goto mount for my 80 Meade APO. You can't do that with the ETX mount. And so far, carrying a heavy load hasn't put a crimp in the metal gears. It slews quietly and accurately.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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Well boys & girls it looks like I've sourced a scope.
The guy with the NexStar 6SE didn't reply to my email but another guy had an ETX 105 for sale with lots of bells and whistles (solar filter, electric focuser, etc) and it looks like we've reached a deal.
I also appreciate the fact that people have also given honest opinions on Celestron scopes on a Meade ETX forum!
As I said originally, I am initially looking for a "grab and go" scope and the ETX series seems to fit that bill.
I know that much larger scopes produce better images but I'd probably not use them so much (the Celestron 130 SLT that I had briefly was a bit of a beast and took up far too much of the lounge TBH). After all, the best telescope that you have is probably the one that you'd use the most often and a small Mak or SCT is probably what I would use right now.
Maybe when I retire in a few years time I'll buy a larger scope but right now I'm a bit too busy and need something that can be set up in minutes.
Thanks to all that have offered help and suggestions.
Art
--------------------
If I like it, the wife says that we can't afford it!
=======================================================
Meade ETX105 (a nice "Grab & Go" scope) & Celestron NexStar 6SE with Bob's Knobs.
Various EP's from 6mm to 26mm, Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom, a 2x Barlow, 2" diagonal and 7Ah PowerTank.
MRF and Antares 8x50 RACI finder scope - both for the 6SE's OTA, whilst the ETX gets a plain RDF.
Canon EOS 400D DSLR (un-modded) and SPC900 webcam. Finally climbing the AP Learning Curve!
|
Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Good luck and remember it's not so important which scope you own, but that you get full enjoyment from it.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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rcd47
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 259
Loc: East Texas, USA
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Yep, it's true. the best scope is the one that gets used the most...and that's different for everyone. Quick and easy setup has become important to me too. I got to where I never took my larger scope out. Now that I have an ETX, I go out more often. My Astroscan got used a lot until I became addicted to go-to and tracking. I still wouldn't part with it though. I love that little red beauty!
--------------------
Randy
Edmund Astroscan
Meade ETX125PE
Skywatcher 102mm F5 & Alt/Az Mount
Orion ST80/Mini EQ1
Tasco Starguide 114/Celestron Hand Paddle
Pentax 10x50 Binoculars
Philips SPC 900NC
Stellacam EX
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
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Quote:
Well boys & girls it looks like I've sourced a scope.
The guy with the NexStar 6SE didn't reply to my email but another guy had an ETX 105 for sale with lots of bells and whistles (solar filter, electric focuser, etc) and it looks like we've reached a deal.
I also appreciate the fact that people have also given honest opinions on Celestron scopes on a Meade ETX forum!
As I said originally, I am initially looking for a "grab and go" scope and the ETX series seems to fit that bill.
I know that much larger scopes produce better images but I'd probably not use them so much (the Celestron 130 SLT that I had briefly was a bit of a beast and took up far too much of the lounge TBH). After all, the best telescope that you have is probably the one that you'd use the most often and a small Mak or SCT is probably what I would use right now.
Maybe when I retire in a few years time I'll buy a larger scope but right now I'm a bit too busy and need something that can be set up in minutes.
Thanks to all that have offered help and suggestions.
Art
Enjoy your ETX-105AT.. 
--------------------
Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
|
jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 6763
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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Wellll, as a design engineer clean lines is one thing I look for as it's a sign the engineers paid attention to detail (and in some cases it's a sign they paid more attention to function than form). But you're right, that doesn't mean much if the cleans lines are covering questionable engineering. I have zero problems with plastic gears; modern engineering plastics, elastomers, and thermosets are very good at what they do if properly selected. In a small telescope, if the bearings and shafts are properly designed to bear their intended loads there's no need for metal gears.
The ETX 105 should be a fun scope. It sounds like a good match for what you were looking for.
Have fun!
--------------------
-John
================================================
Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Then why so many stripped gears on ETX's? Last I was at my local scope store when a fellow brought one in with that very problem. The store salesman told me it was the second ETX in a week with the same problem.
By the way, the new iOpton goto MiniTower comes with metal gears.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
|
Quads
sage
Reged: 09/07/08
Posts: 296
Loc: Central Sands, Wisconsin
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Quote:
Then why so many stripped gears on ETX's?
None stripped on mine. Works great.
--------------------
I'm a "just for fun" photographer that also takes nighttime sky pictures.
Meade ETX-80AT-TC-BB
Canon PowerShot SX100 IS
Affordable Astrophotography
Powered by Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries
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Lee Jay
sage
Reged: 02/27/08
Posts: 463
Loc: Westminster, CO
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Quote:
By the way, the new iOpton goto MiniTower comes with metal gears.
And costs more by itself than my ETX 125 PE with OTA, RDF, eyepiece, and Autostar suite, doesn't go as high, and doesn't include a wedge.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Doesn't go as high? If you mean the height of the unit with its legs extended, then yes, its three inches shorter. But for me that's no big deal. I use an adjustable chair when viewing. The rest of the specs are superior. The MiniTower will hold a maximum weight of 25 lbs. Its goto is incredibly easy to setup. I've seen it in action. It comes with a nice aluminum case.
If you say bought a used 6" SCT OTA for around $300, then added the $795 iPotron Mini Tower, you'd end up with a far better mount, more aperture and far more flexibility. And you really wouldn't have spent that much more than purchasing a ETX-125 PE.
The specs are very impressive. It comes with an internal GPS device, metal worm/gears, dual scope setup with two dovetails, manual operation, high accuracy level indicator with a three-point level adjustment, automatic over current protection, and a data base for 130,000 objects. Typical GoTo accuracy: 1 arc min.
Heck! I just might buy one! 
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
|
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Quote:
Heck! I just might buy one!
You mean an ETX-125PE ... 
--------------------
Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
|
Lee Jay
sage
Reged: 02/27/08
Posts: 463
Loc: Westminster, CO
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That just isn't so, and I am looking into it. The wedge on the ETX is highly valuable to me, and adding one to the mini will be difficult and expensive. I already find the ETX too short so the lower height is also a problem. Once all is said and done, buying a mini, a wedge, a tripod, and a C6 will end up somewhere north of twice what I paid for a new ETX 125 PE. Certainly, that would be a more powerful system, but it should be for more than double the money.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Are you doing Astrophotography? If not, why use a wedge? If so, I can understand why it's nice to have. And with the height issue, try an adjustable observing chair. I had no idea how valuable they are until my wife gave me one for my birthday. Now, I never have to adjust the tripod height on any of my rigs. I can sit almost on the ground or all that way up which is high enough that my feet barely touch the ground.
MiniTower - $799
Used C6 - $300
Total - $1,099
I don't think there's a wedge available for the MiniTower. The MiniTower includes a very robust steel tripod. Unless you bought your ETX when Astronomics had them for under $700, the cost wouldn't be more than double. Right now, new ETX-125PE's are selling for $899. That's a difference of only $200.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
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Starlighter..
Here's your last chance to own a ETX-125PE.
Meade ETX Blowout Sale
--------------------
Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
|
Lee Jay
sage
Reged: 02/27/08
Posts: 463
Loc: Westminster, CO
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I did get mine for under $700, I do some photography, and an adjustable observing chair would have zero benefit to me as far as height goes, since I need that height for terrestrial photography such as this:
Edited by Lee Jay (11/11/08 06:28 PM)
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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I can think of a better way to spend over $600.
13mm Ethos
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
|
StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
|
|
Quote:
I can think of a better way to spend over $600.
13mm Ethos
OUCH!!! ... 
--------------------
Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
|
Lee Jay
sage
Reged: 02/27/08
Posts: 463
Loc: Westminster, CO
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How will a 13mm Ethos help my photography?
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Quote:
I did get mine for under $700, I do some photography, and an adjustable observing chair would have zero benefit to me as far as height goes, since I need that height for terrestrial photography such as this:
Great shot! At first for a second or two I thought it was going down in flames! I was just watching a terrific WW I movie about Americans who served in the Lafayette Escadrille.
Why do you need so much tripod height? I can sit using my longest refractor with the mount's tripod legs not all the way out and easily look at objects at or near zenith.
The seat moves all the way down. Seen here in mid position. That's Floyd my official vibration checker. Now with wooden legs on the Porta Mount, he can rub all night long and it doesn't show up in the eyepiece.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Lee Jay
sage
Reged: 02/27/08
Posts: 463
Loc: Westminster, CO
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I need to be able to walk around the scope to track airplanes and satellites.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Quote:
How will a 13mm Ethos help my photography?
Well, you could use a wide angle camera lens, using a projection eyepiece setup. It just might work.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
|
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Quote:
I need to be able to walk around the scope to track airplanes and satellites.
I must be extremely lucky when it comes to viewing satellites. I usually see three to five an evening and find I can easily track them manually. Of course it tends to sometimes force me down onto the ground moving around on my knees looking somewhat Like José Ferrer in "Moulin Rouge"!
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Lee Jay
sage
Reged: 02/27/08
Posts: 463
Loc: Westminster, CO
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Yeah...I'm trying to avoid nasty crawling around on the ground positions.
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
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Quote:
I can think of a better way to spend over $600.
13mm Ethos
Starlighter
Buy two for your Binoviewer..
--------------------
Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
|
Lee Jay
sage
Reged: 02/27/08
Posts: 463
Loc: Westminster, CO
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Quote:
Quote:
How will a 13mm Ethos help my photography?
Well, you could use a wide angle camera lens, using a projection eyepiece setup. It just might work.
Seems to work okay with a $20 eyepiece.
http://photos.imageevent.com/sipphoto/samplepictures/S3__9045.jpg
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Terrific shot of Luna!
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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rmollise
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 4585
|
|
Quote:
Lines means noting to me. It's how well a scope performs. I like the fact I can use my SE goto mount for my 80 Meade APO. You can't do that with the ETX mount. And so far, carrying a heavy load hasn't put a crimp in the metal gears. It slews quietly and accurately.
To each, his/her own. I like the SE, but the ETX works for me and the optics are, well, "scrumptious."
--------------------
Uncle Rod
Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!
|
rmollise
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 4585
|
|
Quote:
Then why so many stripped gears on ETX's? Last I was at my local scope store when a fellow brought one in with that very problem. The store salesman told me it was the second ETX in a week with the same problem.
By the way, the new iOpton goto MiniTower comes with metal gears.
Preceded by plastic gears and other plastic components in the train.
Certainly I've seen various and sundry ETX problems over the years, but "stripped gears" are not one of them. 'Course people do odd/dumb things with their scopes and all bets are off in that case. 
--------------------
Uncle Rod
Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!
|
StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
|
|
Quote:
Then why so many stripped gears on ETX's? Last I was at my local scope store when a fellow brought one in with that very problem. The store salesman told me it was the second ETX in a week with the same problem.
Starlighter
You shouldn't Speculate like this unless you have definitive proof from Meade..
Other wise it is just hearsay.. 
--------------------
Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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I suggest you ask the people who sell them. Three separate dealers in my area have told me they're very problematic with return rates double that of Celestron's Nexstar series. I merely go by what I'm told. I do not speculate. I'm just the messenger so don't shoot me. Read all the complaints such as on Amazon.com from disgruntled owners. Listed are complaints about the nylon gears as well as image shift when focusing. I've used an ETX and found it had some image shift and I disliked the focuser. It felt notchy and not as fluid as what I have on my Nexstar. And my Nexstar has zero image shift when focusing. I've played with the focus knob on several displayed ETX's and they all have the same feel. Then there's the plastic housing. The whole scope mount is plastic.
Originally I was planning on buying an ETX 125 PE, but was steered away from it. Now that I've set up my Nexstar to my liking, I see that would have been very difficult, if not literally impossible to accomplish with an EXT.
That said, I realize the optics of the ETX 125 are excellent. It's a great planetary scope, but I tend to view nebulas and open clusters so with a focal length of 1900mm, an ETX wouldn't suit me that well. As it is, with my Nexstar 6SE with its focal length of 1500mm, I need to use 2" wide-angle low power eyepieces in order to properly view the entire Double Cluster or take in much of the Pleiades.
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Mike Cook
member
Reged: 07/13/08
Posts: 75
Loc: Moncton NB (Cloud Central)
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One of the reasons I like my ETX 125PE is that I can easily unlock the clutches and manually point the scope; no power needed, nice for those quick grab and go moments or daytime observing. I can't understand though why the eyepiece tube wasn't extended just another 1/4 inch, (Or a circular cutout with decent clearance on the plastic casing holding the LNT) so fat eyepieces like the Hyperions would sit properly. Other than those nits, I do like the scope, she's been trouble free so far. ~Mike
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Meade ETX125PE Maksutov
Meade series 5000 80mm triplet on AT Voyager alt-az
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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I'm glad your ETX has been trouble free.
I see where JMI sells a metal stabilizer for the LNT module that keeps it from breaking off. Dealers have told me half the returns come from customers where the LNT broke off. JMI charges $40 and it sounds like it's well worth the money.
I realize that in order to keep the cost down, Meade fashioned many of the parts on the ETX out of plastic. But I feel there's just too much plastic on an ETX. When I see older vintage gear, I notice far less use of plastic.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Mike Cook
member
Reged: 07/13/08
Posts: 75
Loc: Moncton NB (Cloud Central)
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I agree with you on the flimsy LNT mounting.. in fact I considered fashioning my own sort of stabilizer so it would be more secure. If there's one thing that I do like about the plastic, is that it isn't spray painted with some ersatz simulated metal look that will eventually rub off as in many consumer items.. it is honest plastic! ~Mike
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Meade ETX125PE Maksutov
Meade series 5000 80mm triplet on AT Voyager alt-az
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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The metal JIM mounting bracket for the LNT module:
Mounting bracket
Looks substantial. Also, JMI sells a nice motorized focus unit for the ETX that's housed in metal:
motofocus
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Mike Cook
member
Reged: 07/13/08
Posts: 75
Loc: Moncton NB (Cloud Central)
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The JIM bracket looks good, quite similar in concept to what I was thinking of scratch building.. as long as it allows the 'floating' upper part of the LNT to move for adjustment while keeping the base secure. Cheers ~Mike
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Meade ETX125PE Maksutov
Meade series 5000 80mm triplet on AT Voyager alt-az
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rcd47
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 259
Loc: East Texas, USA
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Thanks for posting that link to the JMI bracket. I didn't know there was such a thing available. I may have to ask Santa for one.
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Randy
Edmund Astroscan
Meade ETX125PE
Skywatcher 102mm F5 & Alt/Az Mount
Orion ST80/Mini EQ1
Tasco Starguide 114/Celestron Hand Paddle
Pentax 10x50 Binoculars
Philips SPC 900NC
Stellacam EX
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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JMI sells all kinds of goodies. I bought a case from them for my Nexstar. Only problem is, I've never used it! The scope has seen continuos use. Funny how that is.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
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Quote:
Then why so many stripped gears on ETX's? Last I was at my local scope store when a fellow brought one in with that very problem. The store salesman told me it was the second ETX in a week with the same problem.
Starlighter..
I believe the main design issue here is that the ETX fork mount incorporates hard stops on both DEC and RA axis.
This prevents the motor mount from moving beyond these hard stops which could damage the gear train.
However, To remedy this problem simply read the owners manual..
I hope this answers your question..
--------------------
Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
|
Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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I don't think it's that simple. Otherwise there wouldn't be so many returns for repair.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
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Quote:
I don't think it's that simple. Otherwise there wouldn't be so many returns for repair.
The ETX owner must calibrate motors and train drives before operation of the scope.. 
The ETX is a Precision optical instrument!
--------------------
Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
|
StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
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Quote:
I don't think it's that simple. Otherwise there wouldn't be so many returns for repair.
Starlighter
You spend allot of time here on the ETX forum...
And you would of been delighted with a new ETX-125PE.. 
--------------------
Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
|
Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Like I said, my first choice was an ETX 125 PE, but the more I looked into it, the Nexstar better suited my needs. And so far, it's operated well. And I don't have to 'train' the drives either. I just turn it on, make sure it's properly leveled, input the correct time and date, set it to Auto-Two-Star Align which takes only a couple of minutes and then it tracks well enough to keep the object in the center of the FOV. And it slews to whatever I select and puts it in the FOV. Can't ask for more.
Now this new ETX-LS is interesting. If it turns out not to be loaded with bugs and my finances allow for it, I just might buy one.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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rmollise
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 4585
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Quote:
I believe the main design issue here is that the ETX fork mount incorporates hard stops on both DEC and RA axis.
This prevents the motor mount from moving beyond these hard stops which could damage the gear train.
There is only one reason for the hard stops: to prevent the internal cables running up to the fork from the base from getting twisted and broken. No more to it than that.
--------------------
Uncle Rod
Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!
Edited by rmollise (11/16/08 12:51 PM)
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rmollise
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 4585
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Quote:
I suggest you ask the people who sell them. Three separate dealers in my area have told me they're very problematic with return rates double that of Celestron's Nexstar series.
Nobody' shootin' you.
I'm just saying that "stripped gears" are NOT a common ETX problem.
--------------------
Uncle Rod
Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
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Quote:
Like I said, my first choice was an ETX 125 PE, but the more I looked into it...
Now this new ETX-LS is interesting. If it turns out not to be loaded with bugs and my finances allow for it, I just might buy one.
Starlighter..
As I recall the Salesman Strongly recommended his Overstocked 6SE...
--------------------
Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
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Rob_G
sage
Reged: 10/12/06
Posts: 247
Loc: Syracuse, NY
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--------------------
Rob
Bausch & Lomb Legacy 10x50
Meade ETX 125-AT
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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As I recall, I had to wait for a new shipment of SEs. On the other hand, there were plenty of ETXs. 
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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Quote:
Now this new ETX-LS is interesting...
Hi Starlighter,
What is an ETX-LS??
Can you post a link please?
Art
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If I like it, the wife says that we can't afford it!
=======================================================
Meade ETX105 (a nice "Grab & Go" scope) & Celestron NexStar 6SE with Bob's Knobs.
Various EP's from 6mm to 26mm, Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom, a 2x Barlow, 2" diagonal and 7Ah PowerTank.
MRF and Antares 8x50 RACI finder scope - both for the 6SE's OTA, whilst the ETX gets a plain RDF.
Canon EOS 400D DSLR (un-modded) and SPC900 webcam. Finally climbing the AP Learning Curve!
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Check the thread on it right here on the ETX forum.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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Quote:
I have both an ETX-125 and an SE8 - so can't quite do you comparision but can say something useful...
I would not bother with anything less than the ETX-125, or the SE6, and out of the two I would buy the SE6.
Hi Doc
Update: Ended up getting an ETX-105 AND a NexStar 6SE. The ETX makes a great "Grab & Go" scope (I can set it up in a couple of minutes providing I can see the bubble in the spirit level) and I love it. The 6SE is a beautiful bit of kit and I'm really happy with it. It also takes only a couple of minutes to set up but it feels far more of a "quality" bit of hardware.
I think that my heart now belongs to the Celestron!
Art
--------------------
If I like it, the wife says that we can't afford it!
=======================================================
Meade ETX105 (a nice "Grab & Go" scope) & Celestron NexStar 6SE with Bob's Knobs.
Various EP's from 6mm to 26mm, Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom, a 2x Barlow, 2" diagonal and 7Ah PowerTank.
MRF and Antares 8x50 RACI finder scope - both for the 6SE's OTA, whilst the ETX gets a plain RDF.
Canon EOS 400D DSLR (un-modded) and SPC900 webcam. Finally climbing the AP Learning Curve!
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violini
member
Reged: 10/03/08
Posts: 61
Loc: Winnipeg, Canada
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I am thinking to up-grade my scope. The purpose of the scope is 70% terrestrial and 30% celestial viewing. I am considering ETX125 and 6SE. Would 6SE be suitable for land viewing?
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Own a poor man's Questar:ETX90 RA
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 6763
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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Most modern MCTs and SCTs are baffled well enough to work well as terrestrial telescopes. The same issue (background light flooding into the eyepiece) used to cause problems with lunar observing with CATs and classical Cass's and Greg's. Sooo, the SE should work pretty well for daylight viewing, though you might get better answers to questions about the SE in the Celestron forum.
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-John
================================================
Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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Arthur Dent
Galactic Hitch-Hiker
Reged: 10/23/08
Posts: 1184
Loc: South Yorkshire, UK
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Hi violini
Yes, should be OK. Bear in mind that you will get an inverted image unless you use an erecting prism in the light path.
You can even connect a camera (via a T-ring & SCT adapter) and have a huge telephoto lens! You can then take photos of garden birds in the next village lol
Art
--------------------
If I like it, the wife says that we can't afford it!
=======================================================
Meade ETX105 (a nice "Grab & Go" scope) & Celestron NexStar 6SE with Bob's Knobs.
Various EP's from 6mm to 26mm, Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom, a 2x Barlow, 2" diagonal and 7Ah PowerTank.
MRF and Antares 8x50 RACI finder scope - both for the 6SE's OTA, whilst the ETX gets a plain RDF.
Canon EOS 400D DSLR (un-modded) and SPC900 webcam. Finally climbing the AP Learning Curve!
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violini
member
Reged: 10/03/08
Posts: 61
Loc: Winnipeg, Canada
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The accessories I already have can be used on the new scope such as Meade 4000 series eyepeices 26, 32, 40mm, UW80 16mm, two brand new 2" 15 and 30mm eyepieces (need a 2" dielectric 90 deg. diagonal), a 45 deg. diagonal.
Celestron 6SE is a faster scope (f/10) and therefore would have a wider field of view. As shown in other thread, starlighter installed a 2" diagonal on his 6SE and used 2" wide angle EP.
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Own a poor man's Questar:ETX90 RA
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rmollise
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 4585
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Quote:
Hi violini
Yes, should be OK. Bear in mind that you will get an inverted image unless you use an erecting prism in the light path.
Art
SCTs with star diagonals...or the ETX produce upright but mirror reversed images.
--------------------
Uncle Rod
Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 6763
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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That's one thing that took some getting used to when I was using a homebuilt Gregorian; the image was correct up/down and left/right.
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-John
================================================
Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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violini
member
Reged: 10/03/08
Posts: 61
Loc: Winnipeg, Canada
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For land viewing, left/right reversed image is OK (except for reading street sign). Sometimes I screw on the 45 degree diagonal, but it degrades the image. I wonder if there is a 45 deg. prism which will perform as well as a dielectric coated star diagonal.
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Own a poor man's Questar:ETX90 RA
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violini
member
Reged: 10/03/08
Posts: 61
Loc: Winnipeg, Canada
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I build a concrete pier on the observation site at my cottage. When I put the old ETX90RA with 3 table top legs on the pier, it is perfectly polar aligned. Therefore, LS and LNT are redundant to me. If I can find an old ETX125 EC or AT, it will work also with 3 table top legs. But I am still waiting for ETX-LS just because it's an ACF with a parabolic 2ndary mirror. It's optics would be a shade better than the plain SCT. 5 or 6" is the biggest I will go because I have no interest in observational astronomy. I am more interested in black holes (which you cannot see), cosmology, string theory etc.
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Own a poor man's Questar:ETX90 RA
Edited by violini (01/17/09 04:36 PM)
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 6763
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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LNT equipped scopes operate the same as AT scopes if you opt to do a 1- or 2-star alignment instead of the auto-alignment when you power the scope up. The only difference is the LNT module will keep track of the time, and even that you can update yourself. All of the previous Autostar variants are subsets of the LNT command set in the Autostar handbox, so if you prefer the earlier variants they're still there.
It's neat to see the ACF being offered in a 6" scope, that makes for a very nice line of OTAs. Even the LXD75 SC8 now uses the ACF optics.
--------------------
-John
================================================
Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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Kubota
newbie
Reged: 10/26/09
Posts: 1
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I currently have a Celestron Nexstar 6se. It is a great scope. Easy to set up. Tracks beautifully and is decently stable. Weighs less than 20lbs all put together so it is very portable. You do need to use a power pack or AC adapter, it will chew up the AA's in no time at all. I am probably going to sell it for a decent price since I have access to a very large telescope.
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