ShaneAUSTX
member
Reged: 08/24/08
Posts: 18
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I'm strongly considering purchasing an ETX-125 and would like to get a PE. After reading the post regarding Meade's scheduled return to the AT model it looks like I should hustle.
My first question is whether or not there are any functional or production differences between the blue tube PEs and the "Astro" tube PEs. Are the pricing differences due to a general distaste for the styling or is the latest round of blue tubes a newer/better production run?
My second question revolves around the potential for QA problems with Meade scopes. I've got an LX10 and like its fit and finish, but it doesn't have much in the way of electronics. I've seen some fairly strong deals come across A-Mart and the CN classifieds as well as a few decent deals looking in Craig's list archives. I understand there are no guarantees with used equipment, but generally speaking are the QA issues with Meade significant enough to warrant purchasing a new unit with a warranty?
Last question - I have seen a bit of marketing material regarding the ETX-LS line and it looks like 6"+ SCTs on a single-fork. Has anyone heard anything about a 5" or redesigned MCT in the LS line? I'd hate to pick up a 125 three weeks before the new 5" MCT comes out.
Thanks for reading!
SS
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JT5
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/08/07
Posts: 582
Loc: Ozarks of Missouri
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There are no differences between ETX-125PE models (Blue Tube or Astro Tube). Many people felt the Astro Tube "looked" less professional, and sales were slow on this model. Personally I like it and bought one when they were having a deep price cut and full warranty for 1 year after purchase. After 90(?) days, the customer was liable for shipping cost. Meade has had some problems with the LNT design, but I have been able to get mine to work OK. I had a problem with the OLD style LNT design and sent the scope in for repair and they replaced it with the newer style.
Good luck.
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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Treehopper
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/29/08
Posts: 582
Loc: Upstate NY
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I've had my ETX-125PE for almost a full year now. There's no optical or electrical difference between the blue tube version and the NGC-7000 imprinted tube. I have the latter and it looks and works just fine. Like many here, prior to ordering their Meade, they heard horror stories about shoddy QA and even worse customer service. I'm not in a position to refute the stories, but for what it's worth, my 125 performed flawlessly out-of-the-box, and is still working like a champ today.
I've heard speculation that Meade may be re-designating the PE back to the older AT suffix, but have not seen firm confirmation on this, or just what (if any) actual changes will arise in the design as a result. This is supposed to take place some time in August according to what little I've seen on the subject. This shouldn't affect current models already out there, but if you want to make sure before you leap, then just hold off for another month or so.
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Tim
Champion of small aperture scopes everywhere!
Meade ETX-125PE
Meade ETX-80
Celestron FirstScope 76mm Mini-dob
 Updated: 09/16/2009
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rmollise
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 4575
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Quote:
I'm strongly considering purchasing an ETX-125 and would like to get a PE. After reading the post regarding Meade's scheduled return to the AT model it looks like I should hustle.
My first question is whether or not there are any functional or production differences between the blue tube PEs and the "Astro" tube PEs. Are the pricing differences due to a general distaste for the styling or is the latest round of blue tubes a newer/better production run?
My second question revolves around the potential for QA problems with Meade scopes. I've got an LX10 and like its fit and finish, but it doesn't have much in the way of electronics. I've seen some fairly strong deals come across A-Mart and the CN classifieds as well as a few decent deals looking in Craig's list archives. I understand there are no guarantees with used equipment, but generally speaking are the QA issues with Meade significant enough to warrant purchasing a new unit with a warranty?
Last question - I have seen a bit of marketing material regarding the ETX-LS line and it looks like 6"+ SCTs on a single-fork. Has anyone heard anything about a 5" or redesigned MCT in the LS line? I'd hate to pick up a 125 three weeks before the new 5" MCT comes out.
Thanks for reading!
SS
--No...save for not havin' the pretty tube, the scopes are the same.
--No. Not in my judgment. It might be even _better_ to get a scope that's been wrung out a mite.
--No again, but that don't mean much, of course. Since the MCT ETXes appear to be goin' back into production, one would THINK an MCT on the LS fork might be a ways off. But with Meade? And this economy? Who knows? Prob'ly even Meade don't. 
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Uncle Rod
Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!
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ShaneAUSTX
member
Reged: 08/24/08
Posts: 18
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This is excellent information. Thanks for the quick replies folks!
I believe I will start calling around today.
SS
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13808
Loc: CyberSpace
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Meade - ETX-125PE with UHTC - ASTRO TUBE
http://www.telescopes.net/doc/2500/item/0515-03-31
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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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brianb11213
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/25/09
Posts: 2108
Loc: 55.215N 6.554W
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Quote:
I'd hate to pick up a 125 three weeks before the new 5" MCT comes out.
Non comprendo. The existence of a new model won't make it stop working, or work any less well than it would in the absence of the new model.
If you're worried about obsolesence affecting resale values, just give up buying new.
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Treehopper
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/29/08
Posts: 582
Loc: Upstate NY
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That's the same price I paid last summer for my 125. I also got free shipping, which saved me quite a bit as well. Wasn't sure on the S&H on the one from Woodland. Still, not a bad deal, considering most places want in the neighborhood of $900 today for them.
I'm not sure what more they could put on these to make them easier or more attractive. Some of the newer scopes are coming with GPS, but I'm hearing mixed reviews on the necessity of such a thing, particularly if you view from the same place every time.
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Tim
Champion of small aperture scopes everywhere!
Meade ETX-125PE
Meade ETX-80
Celestron FirstScope 76mm Mini-dob
Updated: 09/16/2009
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ShaneAUSTX
member
Reged: 08/24/08
Posts: 18
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Yep, agreed on the price at Woodland. In fact that is why I was curious to see if there were any differences in the product between the Astro tube and the blue one. I have noticed that the pictures show the older viewfinder on the Astro tube rather than the newer one that is enclosed in plastic.
My main concern with a new model coming out stems from my enjoyment of gadgets. The new LS ETX has some neat electronic features but appears to be more bulky. If they added new or updated electronics to the 125 I'd probably give that a try, but at this point I think I'll try and get a 125PE. It seems like a good balance between light collection and portability. I've been poking around on AMart and Craig's List for a day or so now. Balancing instant gratification and economics is tough sometimes.
:-)
SS
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Treehopper
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/29/08
Posts: 582
Loc: Upstate NY
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Quote:
Balancing instant gratification and economics is tough sometimes.
Welcome to my world, bruddah!
I wouldn't necessarily go by pictures at some of the retail sites... they're likely using stock photos, and the 125 has had any number of cosmetic changes (primarily to the viewfinder) since it came out. In fact, I think the original 125 had a traditional finder scope on it. I believe it was after they incorporated the LNT module into the red dot finder that they went through some various incarnations. The one I absolutely hated was the one with just a clear piece of plastic that you "plugged into" the finder by a thin plastic tab. That just kept screaming to be snapped off at the very first opportunity.
The astro-tube version of the PE has the enclosed finder screen, and I'm very happy with it. I like that Meade took the time to put both intensity and flash rate settings on the red LED dot. I do kind of wish they would have put in some additional choices for targeting reticules, but that's a minor issue. It hasn't been a problem, but I suppose if I really wanted to I could slap a Telrad on it, but it'd probably be overkill on such a short tube. 
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Tim
Champion of small aperture scopes everywhere!
Meade ETX-125PE
Meade ETX-80
Celestron FirstScope 76mm Mini-dob
Updated: 09/16/2009
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ShaneAUSTX
member
Reged: 08/24/08
Posts: 18
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Instant gratification wins again. Incoming! SS
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Tom Hollett
member
Reged: 08/03/06
Posts: 12
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Sorry to get off topic and forgive me if I missed this in my searching, but my etx-125 has been in storage and not seen it's first use yet (life, long story) - but is anyone using a netbook to control theirs? I have a Dell Mini 9 running Mac Leopard and would love to use it with the scope and also get an eyepiece camera to do some beginner imaging or maybe figure out how to mount my Pentax K20D dslr. Any advice steering me to the correct thread or resource is MUCH appreciated.
Back to topic though, I think I paid about that price (offered by Woodland) as well. Bought mine from Adorama and think it shipped free also. I can't wait to actually start using it!
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Treehopper
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/29/08
Posts: 582
Loc: Upstate NY
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Quote:
Sorry to get off topic and forgive me if I missed this in my searching, but my etx-125 has been in storage and not seen it's first use yet (life, long story) - but is anyone using a netbook to control theirs? I have a Dell Mini 9 running Mac Leopard and would love to use it with the scope and also get an eyepiece camera to do some beginner imaging or maybe figure out how to mount my Pentax K20D dslr. Any advice steering me to the correct thread or resource is MUCH appreciated.
You might want to check with CN's imaging sub-forums as well as it's speciality forum for Astronomy Software & Computers. I haven't begun to play around with imaging yet, although it's right around the corner for me as well. 
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Tim
Champion of small aperture scopes everywhere!
Meade ETX-125PE
Meade ETX-80
Celestron FirstScope 76mm Mini-dob
Updated: 09/16/2009
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Billydee
super member
Reged: 01/23/08
Posts: 186
Loc: Winter Haven, FL
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You said two nasty words, "Mac Leopard". I think you will have a very hard time finding drivers for begining imaging software and an eyepiece camera. I think you will have to look in the $1,500 plus range to even get started.
Windows based freeware and an older toucam and you can start for about $200 and see if you enjoy the fun stuff.
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Joe Lalumia
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/24/07
Posts: 3611
Loc: Rockwall, Texas, USA
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Yes -- I use a laptop(Netbook, AcerOne running XP) to control my ETX 90 via usb serial cable and with a bluetooth connection wirelessly.
There is a LONG thread in the Software Topic about bluetooth telescope control.
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LX90 8" LNT, SV Nighthawk & TelePOD, SV 80/9D & M4 mount, ETX 90, Orion XT10i, 20x80 binoculars, SV-BV3s-- www.texasastro.org
"Great minds discuss ideas;Average minds discuss events;Small minds discuss people." Unknown
Edited by Joe Lalumia (07/22/09 05:33 PM)
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Fish
sage
Reged: 10/13/07
Posts: 470
Loc: Norridgewock, ME
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Tom,
I have an ETX-125 and a Dell Mini and it's a great, portable combo. Of course, I'm running Windows!
You could consider this. You didn't say whether you had an HDD or SSD but either way, order another one from Dell, install it, load Windows and go for it! Then you can pop it out and the Mac one in when you need to.
You could also install Windows onto an 8 or 16GB USB flash drive and boot from it. It will be a bit slower booting but once up will control the ETX (through the right software) with minimal problems. After all, it's fundamentally just a serial connection.
BTW I keep a complete backup image of the Mini on a bootable USB flash drive. SSD failure: no problem! Replace it, boot from the flash drive and re-image.
Regards, Marc
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Goseck Observatory
Kunming 152 f/5.9 & Baader Wedge
Orion ED80 & LS75FHa2/B1200
Meade 102ED & LS18CaKMDd2
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Tom Hollett
member
Reged: 08/03/06
Posts: 12
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That's a good thought Marc. I obviously hacked the mini to run OSX, but hadn't thought about using my old SSD which is the Dell XP default (I installed a 64gb runcore for OSX). However, I like your idea of a usb boot drive since it would minimize the swapping of the ssd. I'll have to read up on creating one of those. Do you use the Autostar suite then and just scroll up or down due to the resolution? I assume you use a usb to serial cable also with no conflicts?
Joe, thanks - I'll try to find that thread. I note you use XP, so I assume you use Autostar also? I'm trying to find a Mac OSX equivalent that would work like Autostar if such exists, perhaps this is mentioned in that thread also.
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Joe Lalumia
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/24/07
Posts: 3611
Loc: Rockwall, Texas, USA
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Yes I use the Meade Autostar Suite for telescope control. It's the only one that has a "virtual" on screen hand controller; you can actually do an alignment from the software. Cartes du Ciel and Stellarium (with the scope driver software)also work but the scope must be aligned already when you connect.
Here is the add-on software I use with Stellarium-
http://www.welshdragoncomputing.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=31&Itemid=39F
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LX90 8" LNT, SV Nighthawk & TelePOD, SV 80/9D & M4 mount, ETX 90, Orion XT10i, 20x80 binoculars, SV-BV3s-- www.texasastro.org
"Great minds discuss ideas;Average minds discuss events;Small minds discuss people." Unknown
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AlexDJ30
sage
Reged: 09/02/08
Posts: 276
Loc: Monterrey, Mexico
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Joe the add software for stellarium works with the latest release of stellatrium???
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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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Joe Lalumia
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/24/07
Posts: 3611
Loc: Rockwall, Texas, USA
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Yes- it works with version 10.2
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LX90 8" LNT, SV Nighthawk & TelePOD, SV 80/9D & M4 mount, ETX 90, Orion XT10i, 20x80 binoculars, SV-BV3s-- www.texasastro.org
"Great minds discuss ideas;Average minds discuss events;Small minds discuss people." Unknown
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