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"-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
	
	
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"-20 Mount for use with photo or video tripods
	
	
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" Coiled cord
	
Updateable via Internet using RS-232 port