Meade Telescopes

Research-class aperture for the field or observatory combined with legendary, state-of-the-art LX200GPS-SMT features, including 145,000-object database, Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser, GPS Alignment, and High-Precision Pointing. Designed for demanding applications, the Meade 14" LX200GPS-SMT is superior astronomical instrumentation for field or observatory use. The enormous light-collecting aperture of the Meade 14" LX200GPS-SMT gathers 36% more light than Meade 12" models and 96% more light than 10" models. The superior resolving power and light grasp produces images that will amaze the visual astronomer and take the astrophotographer to a whole new level.

Meade 14" LX200GPS-SMT models include all of the features of the 12" model: accurate GPS alignment; onboard 145,000-object database accessible in seconds through the Autostar II hand controller; 4-speed Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser; High-Precision Pointing to within one arc-minute; fast pushbutton slewing on both telescope axes, simultaneously, and at any of almost 200 drive speeds; Smart Drive in RA and Dec.; and, in addition, the rock-solid Meade Giant Field Tripod to allow rapid setup of this research-class telescope at any location one desires.

All LX200GPS-SMT Models

For the advanced amateur, new Meade LX200GPS-SMT telescopes offer absolutely state-of-the-art optical, mechanical, and electronic performance unmatched by any competing models.

Standard-equipment features include: Precision GPS Alignment: Telescope alignment is accomplished automatically using integrated true-level and North electronic sensors in combination with a 16-channel GPS receiver located in the left-hand fork arm. Magnetic declination compensation is designed into the software and automatically engaged. Just press the ENTER button on the Autostar II hand controller and watch as the telescope slews at 8°/second to its first alignment star. Competing GPS telescopes use a 12-channel receiver (resulting in slower and less reliable position acquisition), do not include any magnetic declination compensation, and can easily result in first-alignment- star errors of up to 20° or more. Revolutionary new rear-cell systems designed for the advanced visual observer, astrophotographer and CCD imager — systems that enable new levels of precision in focusing in all applications and in image centering on CCD chips:

Primary Mirror Lock: Flip a knob located just above the manual coarse-focus knob and lock the telescope’s primary mirror rigidly in place. Used in conjunction with the Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser (below) the primary mirror lock completely cancels any residual image shift while focusing during visual, photographic, or CCD imaging applications.

Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser: Now you can obtain the most precise image focus possible — truly to a microscopic level — during visual and astrophotographic applications, and, during CCD applications, simultaneously maintain precise image centration on even the smallest CCD chips. Included as standard equipment with all LX200GPS-SMT Schmidt-Cassegrain models, the Meade Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser operates at 4 different speeds from extremely slow to fast; the entire microfocusing operation is actuated through the Autostar II handbox. Coarse manual focusing is effected through the telescope’s manual focus knob.

Autostar II: The new Autostar II control system provided with LX200GPS-SMT models includes all of the features that made previous LX200 models the largest-selling serious telescopes in the world. In addition, Autostar II includes an expanded 3.5 Megabyte memory, permitting a greatly enlarged database of more than 125,000 celestial objects, a database that is immediately accessible on the Autostar II display. Use the optional Autostar Cord to connect your Autostar to your PC. This will allow you to update the software in your Autostar using the program on Meade's website.

NEW! Smart Mount: Meade's revolutionary software enhancement constantly improves pointing accuracy with every object centered and sync'ed. This simple routine refines pointing accuracy for the entire sky with your equipment configuration and alignment. Refined data can be saved and reused for permanent and portable setups. Smart Mount works with both equatorial and altazimuth configurations.

NEW! LPI Imager: The new Lunar, Planetary Imager (LPI) combines the power of an electronic astronomical imager/autoguider with the simplicity of a webcam. It is easy to operate and fun to use, providing real-time images on a computer screen of prominent crowd pleasers like Moon craters, planetary surface phenomenon, brighter deep space objects and interesting terrestrial detail. The LPI is a sophisticated imager with Magic Eye software-assisted focusing, automatic and manual exposure control, automatic multiple exposures, automatic selection of best images, automatic aligment of multiple images and stacks them into one superior image, and also functions as an autoguider for long-exposure astro-images.

NEW! Autostar Suite: Meade's new software package includes powerful tools to help you get the most from your Meade telescope: included planetarum program has over 19-million objects, automatically slews a telescope to the desired object selected on the computer screen, control all Autostar functions from your computer, software translates Autostar text to synthesized speech through the computer speaker, automatic point-and-click Autostar tour creations, remote telescope control over the internet, and includes cables to connect your Autostar-equiped telescope to a computer.

Note: The 7" model is f/15, the 8", 10", and 12" models are f/10 in standard configuration. A 10" f/6.3 model is available by special order.

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Meade LXD55 Schmidt-Newtonians open up the skies to images and capabilities previously unavailable in telescopes of their aperture and price level. Consider what a Meade LXD55 telescope can do for your observing program:

Specifications: 6", 8", 10" LXD55 Series Telescopes - Each complete telescope includes 6" f/5, 8" f/4, or 10" f/4 Schmidt-Newtonian optical tube assembly with EMC super multi-coatings; quick-attach cradle ring assembly with locks; 6x30mm achromatic viewfinder; all metal rack and pinion focuser with eyepiece holders for both 1-1/4" and 2" eyepieces; Series 4000 Super Plossl 26mm eyepiece.
LXD55 German-type Equatorial Mount - comes with worm gear drives and electric slow-motion controls on both axes; micrometric controls for azimuth and elevation adjustments; illuminated polar alignment finder with reticle, variable-height field tripod with accessory shelf. Autostar dual-axis control system with digital readout display; 9-speed drive controls; 30,223-object celestial software library and automatic GOTO object-locating. The battery pack accepts eight (user supplied) D-cells.

Don't want to wait for the LXD75? The 10" LXD55 w/UHTC is in stock!
Extra shipping charges apply since it is normally a drop ship item.

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Meade LXD75 Schmidt-Newtonians

   We are proud to announce our new Meade LXD75 Series Telescopes, a line of high-quality equatorially mounted telescopes with computerized operation. The new LXD75 mount holds similarly configured, but improved optical tube assemblies and mounts to the previously offered LXD55 telescopes.

   New Design LXD75 Equatorial Mount: Designed for high-performance observing and astrophotography, these telescopes set a new Meade standard in their price class for sturdiness, precision operation, and smoothness of movement. With the LXD75, Meade engineers have created a virtually backlash free equatorial mount incorporating heavy-duty castings and four high-precision stainless steel ball bearings in both RA and Dec axes.

   New Design LXD75 Drive System: The reliable LXD75 drive system has enhanced precision alignment of the motor gear assembly for greatly reduced backlash and tracking smoothness.

   New Design Heavy-Duty Tripod: The new heavy-duty, all-metal field tripod utilizes a locking spreader bar (with three 1.25" eyepiece holders) to lock each leg in place, virtually eliminating flexure. Each leg has two anodized aluminum leg extension locks with an internal brake to eliminate slipping of the internal extending leg. These locks are inward facing so that no accidental bumping of the leg locks can occur.

   New Optical Tube Assemblies: The LXD75 Schmidt Newtonians (6" f/5, 8" f/4, and 10" f/4) are supplied with an upgraded 8x50 viewfinder, and the standard precision all-metal 1.25"/2" O.D. rack & pinion focuser.

   Autostar Suite/LPI Included: Adding significant value to the LXD75 Series, Meade's popular Autostar Suite and LPI Imager/Autoguider is an included feature. Now you can start immediately taking advantage of controlling your Autostar-equipped LXD75 telescope from your laptop PC. Updating the Autostar controller for the latest objects and custom-authored tours is a breeze, as well as downloading amazing high-resolution images of the Moon and planets from the telescope.

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Meade 8" LXD75 SC-8AT Schmidt Cassegrain

   All the optical performance of the Meade 8" LX200GPS-SMT Schmidt-Cassegrain, mounted on the Autostar-controlled LXD75 German-type equatorial mounting. The SC-8AT is perfect for the serious amateur astronomer on a more limited budget, or for the more casual observer who nonetheless demands the very finest in optical performance on a computerized GO TO mount.

   New Design LXD75 Equatorial Mount: Designed for high-performance observing and astrophotography, these telescopes set a new Meade standard in their price class for sturdiness, precision operation, and smoothness of movement. With the LXD75, Meade engineers have created a virtually backlash free equatorial mount incorporating heavy-duty castings and four high-precision stainless steel ball bearings in both RA and Dec axes.

   New Design LXD75 Drive System: The reliable LXD75 drive system has enhanced precision alignment of the motor gear assembly for greatly reduced backlash and tracking smoothness.

   New Design Heavy-Duty Tripod: The new heavy-duty, all-metal field tripod utilizes a locking spreader bar (with three 1.25" eyepiece holders) to lock each leg in place, virtually eliminating flexure. Each leg has two anodized aluminum leg extension locks with an internal brake to eliminate slipping of the internal extending leg. These locks are inward facing so that no accidental bumping of the leg locks can occur.

   Autostar Suite/LPI Included: Adding significant value to the LXD75 Series, Meade's popular Autostar Suite and LPI Imager/Autoguider is an included feature. Now you can start immediately taking advantage of controlling your Autostar-equipped LXD75 telescope from your laptop PC. Updating the Autostar controller for the latest objects and custom-authored tours is a breeze, as well as downloading amazing high-resolution images of the Moon and planets from the telescope.

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   With an objective lens that will resolve to the theoretical limit of its aperture, the Meade 5" LXD75 AR-5 f/9 Achromatic Refractor present all of the diffraction-limited optical performance obtainable from the classical 2-element achromat design. Observing with a Meade 5" refractor is an experience unlike that with other telescopes, as the refractors' large unobstructed clear apertures enable a level of resolution and high contrast normally reserved for larger instruments of other types. Deep-space images, in particular, are rich in resolution and contrast, with a minimum of chromatic aberration. The AR-5 yields satisfying images of the Moon and planets: use the Autostar slow-motion pushbuttons to rove over the surface of the Moon at high power or to resolve surface detail on Jupiter and Saturn.

   New Design LXD75 Equatorial Mount: Designed for high-performance observing and astrophotography, these telescopes set a new Meade standard in their price class for sturdiness, precision operation, and smoothness of movement. With the LXD75, Meade engineers have created a virtually backlash free equatorial mount incorporating heavy-duty castings and four high-precision stainless steel ball bearings in both RA and Dec axes.

   New Design LXD75 Drive System: The reliable LXD75 drive system has enhanced precision alignment of the motor gear assembly for greatly reduced backlash and tracking smoothness.

   New Design Heavy-Duty Tripod: The new heavy-duty, all-metal field tripod utilizes a locking spreader bar (with three 1.25" eyepiece holders) to lock each leg in place, virtually eliminating flexure. Each leg has two anodized aluminum leg extension locks with an internal brake to eliminate slipping of the internal extending leg. These locks are inward facing so that no accidental bumping of the leg locks can occur.

   New Optical Tube Assemblies: The 5" f/9 Achromatic Refractor is supplied with an upgraded 8x50 viewfinder, and the standard precision all-metal 1.25"/2" O.D. rack & pinion focuser. The refractor also has an improved metal dew shield and a heavier duty objective cell. In addition the 5" has had a system of collimation screws added to the main objective cell.

   Autostar Suite/LPI Included: Adding significant value to the LXD75 Series, Meade's popular Autostar Suite and LPI Imager/Autoguider is an included feature. Now you can start immediately taking advantage of controlling your Autostar-equipped LXD75 telescope from your laptop PC. Updating the Autostar controller for the latest objects and custom-authored tours is a breeze, as well as downloading amazing high-resolution images of the Moon and planets from the telescope.

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   This is the latest model in the DS Series of telescopes. This model has many of the features found on more advanced GO TO telescopes. The DS2114ATS features a 4.5" f/8.8 primary mirror and fully computerized pointing and tracking. The new altazimuth mount has a streamlined single-tine fork providing smoother and more rigid motions in altitude and azimuth. It also includes the #494 Autostar control system with a 9 speed controller and GO TO capabilities to any of over 1,400 celestial objects. It includes internalized motors, cords, gears and a battery compartment. Other accessories include: MA25mm and MA9mm 1.25" eyepieces, a 6x30mm viewfinder with rubber eyecup and free StarNavigator software. The tripod features quick release adjustability with an accessory shelf.

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	ETX-90AT shown on left, ETX-125AT shown on right.

Meade ETX-125AT Telescope

FREE ETX Accessory Kit with purchase of this scope - Click for Details

Specifications - 127mm (5") clear aperture Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics - Focal Length: 1900mm - Focal Ratio: f/15 - Meade EMC super-multi-coatings on all optical surfaces - Primary Mirror: 138mm Diameter, Pyrex^® glass - Maksutov meniscus corrector lens: BK7 optical glass (Grade-A) - Electronic 4 Speed, Dual Axis Slow Motion Controls with Hand Controller - Internal Flip-Mirror System for either straight through or 90° observing position. Standard Accessories - Meade Series 4000 1¼" Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece (73x) - 8x25mm Right Angle Viewfinder (#825).

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