Optional coatings, increase light transmission and reflectance still further. High transmission magnesium fluoride(MgF2) coatings on both sides of the correcting lens, as well as aluminum/silicon monoxide coatings on the primary and secondary mirrors, are provided as standard equipment. This lens is individually hand-figured by a Meade master optician to achieve an optical null in combination with the Pyrex primary mirror. Alternately, the telescope may be powered from an automobile cigarette lighter plug, using the optional #607 Power Cord.įlip the internal, optical-flat mirror "up" for observing in the standard 90° position flip the mirror "down" for terrestrial observing with the optional #932 45° Erecting Prism or for photography with the optional #64 T-Adapter.ĮTX optical systems include a Maksutov meniscus corrector lens of Grade-A BK7 optical glass. The drive base of each telescope accepts eight (user-supplied) AA-batteries that power the telescope for about 20 hours of normal usage, negating any requirement for an external power source in the field. Alternately, the telescope may be mounted in either the altazimuth or equatorial modes on the standard-equipment #884 Deluxe Field Tripod. With the telescope placed in the altazimuth mode on a table, astronomical object-tracking may be accomplished automatically, after a quick and easy 2-minute alignment of Autostar to the sky. The rigid fork mountings of ETX Maksutov-Cassegrain models include high-torque DC motors on both telescope axes, permitting electronic operation from the standard-equipment Autostar controller.