after market smart finder for ETX 125?

[danneskjold76]

Hello all.

Very Newb here. I've recently purchased a used ETX 125 with a broken Smartfinder. I've heard others say the Smartfinder is junk. Meade wants about $80 to replace it. It is wired into the body of the telescope and I think has something to do with how the scope levels and/or orients itself. I've heard good things about Telrad finders and they seem to be much less expensive. As far as I can tell, if I bought an aftermarket finder (like Telrad), I would get a better finder, but would lose the orientation feature on my telescope. Is this right?

Also, anybody know where I can get a set of instructions for Meade ETX 125?

Much thanks.

[Capricorn]

www.meade.com, Support, Software and Manuals, Telescopes.

ETX series is about half way down.

As for the question about losing functionality try Weasners site or the Cloudy Night forum and ask in the scope specific section for Meade scopes.

Easier: http://www.meade.com/software-manuals/telescope-manuals/etx

[danneskjold76]

Just what I needed, Capricorn. Thanks!

[bobgunnis]

I had a Meade ETX 125AT. I took the red dot finder that came with the scope and replace it with the Telrad ~~ far far better. Google Might Mike Weasners site lots of good info to do with Meade