Customer Reviews

Using the Meade ETX: 100 Objects You Can Really See with the Mighty ETX (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)

5 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately it's not worth the paper it's printed on. There is more and better information available free on Mike Weasner's terrific website (referenced on almost every page of the book). Nor does the book provide a valuable and handy reference - the long text articles about tuning the scope etc lack diagrams, illustrations, useful pictures... I almost laughed when the Seasonal Name Star Charts appeared several to a page and so small as to be utterly useless. Want to know how to carry your ETX outside? This book is for you. Want to know anything about accessories, programming the AutoStar, what the inside of the ETX looks like, CCD imaging, or similar topics? Forget it, it's not in there. Conclusion: If you want a good astronomy book, consider "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide" or "NightWatch". If you want ETX-specific information, visit Mike Weasner's website. And save your money until a useful ETX book is published - there is a need for one, but unfortunately this is not it.

If you are new to astronomy or new owner of a Meade ETX, this book assumes no prior knowledge and gives very concise description of what you can and cannot do with the ETX, as well as instructions on maintenance and set up that go far beyond the owners manual. Full of links and with a detailed bibliography that will take you as far as you want to go in the world of ETX or other small telescopes. Highly recommended.

This eagerly awaited book has finally arrived! Best of all, it is specifically directed to those of us who own and you use one of the Meade ETX scopes. It is an essential tool/accessory for anyone who uses an ETX to view the universe, and I'm sure others will no doubt find it helpful, as well. For those of us familiar with Mr. Weasner's site on the Internet, we all know that it is an invaluable source of information for any amateur astronomer, regardless of level of experience or equipment used. There is something for everyone, from the very first-time night sky watcher, to the novice beginner or the advanced user of the most complex and expensive gear available. As many times as I will return to that web site, now I have a handy, well organized, clearly written and equally useful compendium of information that I can carry with me and read anywhere at all (without having to download page after page and print, to bring with me in the field, or elsewhere). Great features are the wonderfully organized table of contents and useful index to quickly locate the kinds of things I want to know while using the book as a reference, whether away from the scope, or actually out observing the stars and celestial bodies, etc. The book is a "fast read" if you choose to 'devour' it that way (I did!) Thanks Mike!!!

I eagerly awaited this book, but then I deeply regretted that I've bought it. It's definitely not worth the paper. Well, the book contains everything I knew before, but all I want to know in addition (and there is still a lot!) is not adequately addressed. Very sparse technical information, no drawings, bad illustrations, no hints at all, nothing but ridiculously simple explanations.
In summary, there is no need to buy this book, except for a very beginner.