Meade ETX80 Observer Telescope with AudioStar hand controller and Backpack (124129)
80mm Achromatic Refractor Telescope
400mm Focal Length, f/5 Focal Ratio
Fully Multi-Coated Optics
Dual-Fork Motorized Alt-Az Mount
AudioStar GoTo Hand Controller
Updateable 30,000+ Object Database
Guided Tours, Multiple Alignment Options
Adjustable Aluminum Tripod
Two Eyepieces and Red Dot Finder
OTA/Mount Backpack, Dew Shield
With the ETX80 Observer 80mm f/5 Achromat Refractor GoTo Telescope, Meade gives you a complete computer-controlled motorized observation rig, including the means to safely store and carry your gear. The achromat optical design corrects spherical and chromatic aberrations to produce crisp and clear high-contrast images with true color rendition across its entire distortion-free field of view. For those who want to use it for astrophotography, an internal mirror flips down to direct the optical path straight back for prime-focus photography using a DSLR camera body and optional adapters. The upper eyepiece holder has an integrated 2x Barlow lens that will effectively double the magnification of any eyepiece put in it.
This version of the ETX80 features a removable optical tube assembly to increase its usability. With the OTA removed, it can then be mounted on any photo or video tripod with a 1/4 inch-20 mounting screw. This enables photographers to carry only one tripod out in the field for taking pictures with their DSLR and switching to digiscoping with the ETX. To use the OTA as a spotting scope, Meade includes a 45° erecting prism diagonal.
The brain of this system is Meade's revolutionary AudioStar hand controller. Equipped with a two-line LED display and 20-key red backlit keypad, it controls the motorized mount for precise GoTo capabilities. Its internal 30,000+ object database is updateable via the internet, and has the capability to take you on a hands-free guided tour of the night sky above, including audio tours through the use of the built-in speaker. To consult star charts, logs, or to change eyepieces and filters, the controller also has a built-in red LED utility light that will not affect your night-adjusted vision.
This kit includes two eyepieces that produce 15x and 41x magnifications for well-rounded observational options, plus a red dot finder which, with its exceptional field of view, makes finding objects faster and easier. To complete to package is a sturdy aluminum tripod to support all the gear, plus a backpack for the mount, OTA, and accessories. The tripod will not fit in the pack, but it does have a convenient carry handle on one of the legs.
- Optical Performance
- Aperture: 80mm
- Fast f/5 focal ratio
- Focal length: 400mm
- Achromatic refractor optical configuration
- Achromatic configuration virtually eliminates chromatic and spherical aberrations for true color fidelity, reduced ghosting and halos, and no distortion
- Fully multi-coated optics reduce light loss and increase color fidelity and contrast
- Resolution: 1.45 Arc sec
- Close Focus Distance: 17 ft (5.2m)
- Internal 90° flip mirror with integrated 2x Barlow lens on upper eyepiece holder
- Motors and Mount
- Motors:
Dual DC servo motors with encoders
Bearings: Altitude (Acetal); Azimuth (Nylon)
Runs on six user-supplied AA batteries with a max runtime of 20 hours when using the AudioStar - Mount:
OTA is removable from mount
Dual fork, alt-az
Vixen-style dovetail saddle and plate
1/4 inch-20 Mount for use with photo or video tripods
- Motors:
- AudioStar Hand Controller
- Full GoTo capability
- Two-line red LED display
- Built-in speaker
- Twenty-key alphanumeric keypad, red LED backlight
- Multiple tracking and slew speeds
- 30,000+ Object Database:
User-friendly menu-driven system navigation
Multiple alignment methods
Guided tours
Guided audio tours - Powered by mount to be lighter and easier to use
- 24 inch Coiled cord
- Updateable via Internet using RS-232 port
- Included Accessories
- Red dot finder for fast and easy alignment and aiming
- Erect-image 45° prism corrects vision for terrestrial use
- Eyepieces:
1.25 inch Diameter barrel
26mm Super Plössl produces 15x
9.7mm Super Plössl produces 41x
Accepts most 1.25" filters and accessories - Tripod:
Adjustable height
Aluminum legs
Center post hook to add extra weight for increased stability - Combination bubble level and compass
- Backpack for OTA, mount, and accessories
- Removable dew shield
Meade ETX80 Observer Telescope
AUDIOSTAR COMPUTER CONTROLER w/SPEAKER
Bubble Level/Compass
9.7mm Eyepiece
26mm Eyepiece
45° Erecting Prism
Red Dot Finder
Aluminum Tripod
Dew Shield
Backpack for Mount/OTA