Telescope Reviews: Positive insight to ETX (was New (but old) 105...)

Hi all :-)

As requested, a short note (actually longer than originally intended but you are under no obligation to read!) re my understanding of the Mead ETX series following successful resolution by the South African importer / distributor (Lynx Optics) of a problem with eyepiece holder contrasting with various ‘negative’ comments regarding the ETX product as noted in various forums / discussion groups.

First let me make clear that I am a NOVICE where things astronomical are concerned, secondly I have no hidden agenda regarding my positive outlook on the ETX and the following comments are my own based on interpretation and analysis of available data.

As an introduction I believe it important to establish WHY I chose an ETX 105 as my ‘first’ telescope as this point (the WHY) should be (in my opinion) fundamental to ANY decision making process be it telescope, motor car or whatever…
So, what were my decision criteria? After reading LOTS of material, research on the world wide wait plus life long interest in all things scientific and couple visits to planetarium / star party / astronomy club get togethers, I determined the equipment best suited for MY AMATEUR ASTRONOMY NEEDS would be a) portable b) adequate performance (optically) c) affordable d) provide a ‘learning’ platform.

Why the ETX 105? To me, the ETX appear as a SYSTEM approach in that not only is the model a GOOD (debatable according to some reports but this is MY assessment based on MY research!) optical device but also combines the EDUCATIONAL ability of having required electronics and capability of GOTO function. Size wise the 105 seemed to be most appropriate as a “grab n go” unit especially when considering cost difference for the next (ETX 125) model in the range.

Why NOT! Some of the ‘negative’ comments I have read regarding the ETX series (not just 105) albeit AFTER I had made purchase (mid 2006!) include poor build quality, poor design (e.g. no hard stops on drive), better value (optical) to be obtained by not having the GOTO functionality, unreliable (e.g. erratic sensing of ‘position’) and in general several authors commenting would “not buy again”…

So after my recent experience (see topic "New (but old) 105 with problem eyepiece fitting...") and request to ‘reveal’ my ‘enlightenment’ the ‘insights’ I obtain during my chats with and visit to Glenn (technician at Lynx Optics South Africa) are (in no particular order or importance nor that spectacular):
1 - Design of ETX DOES include ‘hard stops’ despite some reports to the contrary. Perhaps the unlucky author of comments such as these obtained their ETX as a pre owned with who knows what history?
2 - Lack of any electrical PROTECTION e,g fuse or diode is an accepted ‘cost saving measure’ and apparently as a business (Mead) the decision to continue manufacturing WITHOUT this enhancement is purely economic… (this is one of the ‘iffy’ points) and when apparently debated (by technicians from around the world attending Mead factory training) the answer is always the same – cost!
3 - Although of sound design (which I believe the ETX is), assembly can (and does in all forms of manufacturing) affect end user experience and there is acknowledgement that there have been times when quality control (or I suspect ‘lack of’!) has resulted in batches of models that do not meet end user expectations. An example could be the base wiring that was ‘faulty’ resulting in the many reported cases of ‘stripped insulation and subsequent failures’ or ‘too much grease on the gear train resulting in the optical encoders not working as designed’. Would seem that you can only obtain a hand built (blueprinted in engineering terms) assembly if you pay for ‘bespoke’ labour and I would guess that 99.9% of ‘choice’ made by amateurs is based on price so hence “get what you pay for”! I can add that when chatting to Glenn prior to submitting this post (as a courtesy) he informed me that due to some ‘quality issues’ production (of all or part I do not know) of Mead equipment has moved from China back to Mexico…
4 – As a LEARNING PLATFORM what would be better? I can (will soon – promise <smile>) explore the heavens as my fancy takes me, I can benefit from those who are MUCH more knowledgeable and go on THEIR GUIDED TOURS and see the WOW! I can learn to appreciate the limitations of the particular optical configuration (long focal length and all other aspects of the design including limited aperture) such that if I want to specialise or enhance my viewing in the future, I have a reference point on which to make a sound decision. I can EXPERIMENT with a host of readily available accessories including modified web cam photography (already have my Philips Tucam pro ready for modification!) or whatever becomes my preferred aspect of the hobby.
I could probably write MUCH more but that will take time that could be better spent completing other tasks that once will enable me to USE WHAT I HAVE (the Mead ETX 105), which according to many is the BEST equipment to own (USING what you have, not the ETX 105!!)! Here endeth my mutterings. Have FUN and as always, KEEP SMILING :-) Nigel R