[PRICE REDUCTION - new $800+, orig $490, now $450] I have reluctantly decided to part with my ETX80. It was my first Goto scope which I bought while in the USA. I spent many nights learning the northern skies with this magic device, and would like to see it go to a good home where its portability and multiple functions will be able to be used. I am now on a SN10 and the ETX80 is not getting enough use to justify holding on to it.
The ETX80 is a 3.15" (80mm) achromatic refractor of 400mm focal length, with multi-coated optics, a 2x barlow built-in which can be flipped in or out, and a flip-mirror for right-angle or straight-through operation.
Unlike the ETX60, the focuser knob is at right angles to the tube axis and is easily accessible throughout altitude excursions. The scope is a fast f/5 and shows a relatively wide field of view well suited to a beginner's needs. I found M31 to be well displayed in the 26mm Plossl, though I needed a fair bit of dark adaption to appreciate this near galaxy properly.
I obtained the Meade deluxe tripod with the scope as well as the original "backpack" tripod. The deluxe tripod is much more stable and appropriate for observing. The backpack tripod is very light and OK for carrying long distances in the backpack, but it does not handle wind or anything but the lightest touch.
The Autostar which comes with the scope is the original #495 device. I found it to be quite usable, but the scope suffered from lack of a finderscope. I added the Meade #827 8x25 right-angled finderscope which made things much better especially for initial setting up. The bubble-level eyepiece is also included to assist with setting up.
I obtained the #506 PC connect cable to allow the scope to be controlled from Stellarium (etc) so you can use this as a fully computer controlled scope.
I also obtained a Meade LPI + Autostar suite which is a good imaging unit that is OK for brighter objects if you use a PC. As I am on a Mac I did not use Autostar Suite.
The one caveat I would advise potential buyers about is that this scope needs to be carefully balanced in Altitude if you wish to strap on heavier eyepieces or cameras. The motors struggle under heavy loads. If you maintain a reasonable balance then it will perform well. I did not use the scope in Polar cofiguration as the ETX80 hand-control does not offer this option, even though the deluxe mount will operate as a Wedge.
What you get is:-
ETX80 f/5 achromatic refractor + Goto fork mount.
Autostar #495
PC connecting cable #506
Meade deluxe tripod + carry bag
Meade backpack tripod + Meade backpack (holds scope + some access + tripod)
Meade #827 RA 8x25 finderscope
Meade #933 45 degree erecting eyepiece adapter
Meade 26mm Plossl eyepiece
Meade LPI + Autostar Suite + all cables.
Original cost for this package was over $800, I am selling at $450 + P&H. I would prefer pickup but have the original boxes if shipping is necessary.
Prospective buyers may contact me via email to tbm2007 AT aapt DOT net DOT au for further information.
Regards,
Tony Barry
Sydney
Last edited by tonybarry; 05-06-2010 at 05:55 PM.
Reason: Price reduction.
