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Last updated: 4 November 2003
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Last updated: 4 November 2003 |
Subject: How to Tell a New ETX-125EC Sent: Monday, April 15, 2002 0:24:35 From: yeringto@pacbell.net (Robert) Great site you've got here. There has been much confusion about how to tell the old style 125 with the plastic, sheet-metal reinforced forks, from the new model with cast aluminum forks and ball bearings. I know, I went to almost ten stores in the LA area trying to find a new one - no Discovery store had a new model in stock (!), but I did finally find some at Woodland Hills Camera. I saw a total of three new 125's and about a dozen old models. First, here are some supposed clues that don't work: Date Code on the box: - It's not really a date code and I saw one model with a January "Date" that was the old model. Another had a code that could not possibly be a date. Old manual with a picture of two scopes (no 105EC), rather than the new manual with a picture of all three models: - I've seen three new 125's and ALL of them had the old manuals. The number of manuals printed and scopes made are not equal, so they packed new scopes with old manuals. Pointer arrows molded into the plastic on both forks rather than just the setting circle fork: - All three new 125's had arrows on both forks, just like the old models - this doesn't work either because the plastic fork covers are interchangeable on the new and old models. They will use the old covers on new models until they run out. Now, the easy, foolproof way to tell a new ETX-125EC without taking the scope apart or voiding the warranty. It's very simple - just unscrew either the large knob that holds the setting circle (the left hand fork from the viewing position) or the knob that is the declination clamp (the knob on the right hand fork from the viewing position) and look at what's underneath: On the old model you will see nothing but black plastic and a small plastic ring. On the new model you will see a hole in the plastic about 2 inches in diameter where the knob attaches. In this hole you can see part of a metal ball bearing and a cast aluminum fork. This is incontrovertible evidence that the 125 is the new, improved model. Here are two photos, one of the old 125 fork (left), and one of the new 125 fork (right), that show what it looks like on the declination clamp side:
 "Old" model |
 "New" model |
Subject: ETX125 Old vs New Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2002 20:50:47 From: Toby-Eastwold@houston.rr.com (Toby Eastwold) I just received my 125 mailorder from the Discovery Store warehouse. Their web site advertises that: "The Meade ETX has been recently re-engineered " and "New Fork Mount Design" Reading the descriptions on their site, their customer service rep assured me that I would receive the new model 125ec. Alas, I did not. I called Meade customer service and they told me that there are 3 ways to tell the old from the new. The first two are by physical inspection. Removing the vertical lock knob and looking underneath for the bearings and aluminum support arm (as we already know). Second by a small oval indentation in the recess for the horizontal lock. The third way to tell is by the Meade P/N above the UPC bar code on the outside of the box. Original 125ec: Meade P/N 0515-03-01 Newest 125ec: Meade P/N 0515-03-03 The scope that was shipped to me failed all of these tests. I tend to believe what the Mead tech told me. Discover has agreed to take back my scope and order one directly from Meade. They are quoting a delay of 3-4 weeks before they can ship one. I think that this is Gods way of trying to teach me patience. I think it's too late for that. Thanks for your great site and I hope this helps! Toby Eastwold Houston, TX
Subject: NEW 125EC Corrections Sent: Friday, June 14, 2002 21:35:39 From: Toby-Eastwold@houston.rr.com (Toby Eastwold) After about 6 weeks, I just recieved my new 125EC and it indeed is the new model. I wanted to correct the statements made in my original letter. "I called Meade customer service and they told me that there are 3 ways to tell the old from the new. The first two are by physical inspection. Removing the vertical lock knob and looking underneath for the bearings and aluminum support arm (as we already know). Second by a small oval indentation in the recess for the horizontal lock." Both of these checks are true. The third way to tell is by the Meade P/N above the UPC bar code on the outside of the box. Original 125ec: Meade P/N 0515-03-01 Newest 125ec: Meade P/N 0515-03-03 The scope that was shipped to me failed all of these tests. I tend to believe what the Mead tech told me. This statement is not entirely true. First of all, the UPC with the Meade P/N on the outside said 0515-03-01. The packing list and the invoice from Meade both indicated Meade Product Number 0515-03-03 consisting of: 40-6400-05 ETX-125 Metalized Production. Meade knew exactly what I was talking about and did order the appropriate unit for me. It appears as though they have not run out of the previous box for the 125. The UPC is part of the printed artwork of the box itself and not a sticker. They are simply packaging the newer design in the old box. Hopes this helps clear up my previous statements! Toby Eastwold Houston, TX
Subject: ETX125EC old vs new Sent: Tuesday, November 4, 2003 06:10:04 From: wes.trimble@sympatico.ca (Cecily & Bud [Wes Sr.]) Thanks for the great site and all your work. In regards to telling old from new ETX125EC's it states that one sure way to tell is by the numbers 0515-03-01 [old] And 0515-03-03 [new]. Well, I have a Product # 0515-03-01 that is definitely a new model, so even the product numbers do not seem to mean a whole lot. Respectfully yours, Wes Cecily & Wes Sr. Trimble Toronto, Ontario
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