ETX-90/EC ANNOUNCEMENTS Last updated: 9 February 1999

ETX-90/EC Press Release (1/28/99)

ETX-90/EC Accessories (1/28/99)

ETX-90/EC Press Release

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 1999--Meade Instruments Corp.
(Nasdaq/NMS:MEAD) Wednesday announced its new ETX-90/EC Astro Telescope,
with, as standard equipment, a microprocessor-controlled motorized drive
system permitting multispeed dual-axis operation via a small hand-held
controller.

The new telescope will be available by month-end at retailers such as
The Nature Company, Discovery Channel Stores, and Natural Wonders, as
well as at hundreds of other retail-store locations. Like the original
ETX, whose high-resolution mirror-lens optical system it shares, it will
be priced at about $595.

With the addition of the optional Autostar(tm) Computer Controller with
fully automatic GO TO capabilities (also hand-held, and expected to have
a retail price of approximately $149), the telescope will automatically
locate and track more than 12,000 celestial objects, including planets,
asteroids, comets, galaxies, nebulae and individual stars. The ETX-90/EC
will also feature an RS-232 serial port to facilitate operation of the
telescope through a personal computer using Meade's Epoch 2000(R)
astronomical software or other software of the user's choice.

Moreover, with the serial port one will be able to input orbital data
for Earth satellites and thereby locate and track, for example,
space-shuttle missions and the space station they will be servicing.

John C. Diebel, chairman and chief executive officer of Meade
Instruments, said he expects that the ETX-90/EC will, like its
predecessor, quickly prove to be a revolutionary product.

"For years casual amateur astronomers have had difficulty locating
objects as familiar as Jupiter, Saturn and the Orion Nebula. With the
ETX-90/EC and the Autostar(tm) controller, they will now be able to find
these objects -- and thousands of others -- at the push of a button.

"The GO TO feature will become even more accessible to beginning
astronomers as, over the next few months, we apply it as well to many of
Meade's less expensive refracting telescopes," he said.

Meade Instruments is the leading designer and manufacturer of telescopes
and accessories for the beginning to serious amateur astronomer. Meade
also offers a complete line of binoculars for everyone from the casual
observer to the serious sporting or birding observer.

The company distributes its products worldwide through a network of
specialty retailers, mass merchandisers and foreign distributors.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: The matters discussed in this news release contain comments
and forward-looking statements based on current plans, exceptions,
events, and financial and industry trends that may affect the company's
future operating results and financial position. Such statements involve
risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified and that
may cause future activities and results of operations to differ
materially from those discussed above. Any historical results achieved
are not necessarily indicative of future prospects of the company. For
additional information, refer to the company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

            --30--tjm/la*  les/la

            CONTACT: Meade Instruments Corp.
                     Brent W. Christensen, 949/451-1450
                       or
                     Silverman Heller Associates
                     Philip Bourdillon/Eugene G. Heller, 310/208-2550

            KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
            INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS COMED RETAIL PRODUCT

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ETX-90/EC Accessories

Subject:	 ETX-90/EC Tripod Adapter Available
Sent:	Wednesday, January 27, 1999 19:37:05
From:	jblessin@worldnet.att.net (Jordan Blessing)
I have to stand by you on the Meade bashing, really getting sick of
hearing it and believe me all you winey "classic" ETX owners, this new
ETX has cost me MUCH more than it will ever cost you ; ) !! In the end
we will all benefit by Meade pushing the limit.

Anyway I just wanted to let all the new ETX owners that use a photo
tripod know that an adapter is available. The new ETX has a battery
compartment where the center hole used to be so it is almost impossible
to mount on a photo tripod without an adapter. The adapter also includes
a knob set for easy on/off use. There is more info at my website. I
don't like to just send you an advertisement, but I have seen this
question brought up so many times now that I feel it is a public service
to get the word out.

--
Jordan Blessing 


    ETX & LX50 Owners Come Take a Look:
      Hints, Tips, Projects, & Products
         http://www.scopetronix.com

From:	questions@astronomics.com (Astronomics)
We here at Astronomics are not trying to sell you our products (that's
why no prices are listed) and degrade the open conversation forum
established here, we are just trying to inform all of the ETX owners of
what is going to be available in the next few weeks.  So please excuse
our intrusion.
Clear Skies,
Mike/astronomics

Here is the list of the new Meade accessories available for the ETX and
ETX-90/EC. (The Autostar computer is unable to work with the standard
ETX.  It will only work with the ETX-90/EC.  Alas, if your ETX is not
the new ETX-90/EC then it can't be retro-fitted to accept the computer.)

ETX-90/EC
New fork mount design with built in dual axis drive system.
Pushbutton electronic hand controller w/ 4 dual axis speeds
reaching as high as 5 degrees per second.
Runs on 8 AA batteries or optional 25ft. auto cigarette
lighter cord.
#497 ETX Autostar Computer Controller
Automatic dual-axis GO TO function at 5 degrees
per second.
12,000 object database.
9 speed dual-axis operation from 2x sidereal to 5 degrees
per second.
RS-232 Serial Port in the base for remote operation from a
personal computer.
#880 Equatorial Table Tripod
#883 Deluxe Full Length Tripod
(not a new product, just a new price)
#825 8x25mm Right-Angle Viewfinder
#774 Hard Carry Case
#1244 Electric Focuser
Focuser can be run off of the ETX-90/EC hand control

--
Astronomics/Christopher's Ltd. - Norman, Oklahoma 73069
Fax: (405) 447-3337
Tech: (405) 364-0858
Orders: (800) 422-7876
Open Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (8:00 during holiday season.
Late October to
Mid January.) Showroom closes at 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: Showroom is closed, but phone lines are open 12:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m.

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