Meade ETX60AT Telescope w/Tripod (Obsolete)

by Meade

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 24 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000059Z5M
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,034 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Whether you want to study Saturn and its ring system, the primary cloud belts of Jupiter, or mountain ranges and other terrestrial objects, the Meade ETX-60AT gives you extraordinary power for the price. It offers a 60mm multicoated, air-spaced achromatic objective lens manufactured with Grade A crown and flint optical glass components. The flip-mirror system lets you observe in the standard 90-degree position. Just flip the internal optical flat mirror up, and you'll be set for sky viewing.

It's easy to carry, so you can take the Meade ETX-60AT to a distant mountaintop or to your own back yard. It only needs a quick 60-second alignment for setup. This telescope includes an Autostar hand controller that permits the automatic location of over 1,400 celestial objects. Just enter the object you wish to observe and watch as the telescope moves rapidly to place the object in your field of view. The Meade ETX-60AT also includes a serial interface, so you can download new software through your PC to the telescope. This way, the positions of Earth's satellites may be updated for observation, or newly discovered objects, such as comets, can be located. This model also comes with a sturdy, adjustable tripod.

Manufacturer Product Description

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

Terrestrial Observing: The Meade ETX-60AT also makes an excellent land-view instrument for the bird watcher, the naturalist, or for the home with a view. Image quality and resolution typically far exceed levels normally expected of terrestrial telescopes. Terrestrial observers quickly appreciate the advantages afforded by the Autostar hand controller (see below), notwithstanding Autostar's primary applications to astronomical observing. Using Autostar, many land objects can be readily followed, or tracked, from a distance, using one of nine selectable speeds from slow to fast.

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

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

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

Optical System: The ETX-60AT includes a multi-coated, achromatic objective lens of exclusive Meade design and manufactured of Grade-A crown and flint optical glass components. The lens yields razor-sharp images of astronomical and terrestrial subjects.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Amature or pro? Doesn't matter with this telescope, April 25, 2001

By 

"mewtrainer1" (Antioch, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Meade ETX60AT Telescope w/Tripod (Obsolete) (Electronics)

This telescope is one of the best I've ever looked into. Even trying out a beatup floor model at the local Discovery Channel Store, it was a dream. It is a great starter for amatures, but still delivers power and great features for the more experienced. The DS-60EC is a nice one too, but it is a bit bulky. The ETX-60AT is a lot smaller, lighter, and easier to move around. Trust me, if you get this one, you won't regret it.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for Beginners, December 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Meade ETX60AT Telescope w/Tripod (Obsolete) (Electronics)

Great for beginners.
Easily transportable.
Lots of add ons if you want them.
Some of the optional items will also work with more expensive models should you decide to upgrade later.