I Tested the Meade ETX 70: My Honest First-Hand Review of This Compact Telescope
When I first came across the Meade ETX 70, I was immediately drawn to the idea of a telescope that promises a lot of capability in a compact, approachable package. For anyone curious about astronomy, it’s the kind of instrument that can spark excitement right away—whether you’re just starting out or looking for a portable way to explore the night sky. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Meade ETX 70 such a popular point of interest and why it continues to stand out for stargazers who want a blend of convenience, versatility, and celestial discovery.
I Tested The Meade Etx 70 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Xiusiyt USB RS232 Serial Adapter Cable for ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90, Meade 505 Compatible, 1.8m/5.9ft
GizMac Replacement 12V 2A Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord
Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord
USB RS232 to RJ10 4P4C Control Cable with CP2102 Chip for Meade ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90 Autostar Audiostar Upgrade Cable (3m)
Yustda Car Adapter Replacement for Meade ETX-60 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC DS-2000 DS-2060 DS-2070 DS-2076 DS-2102 DS-2114 DS-2090 DS-2130 NGS StarNavigator Battery Charger
1. Xiusiyt USB RS232 Serial Adapter Cable for ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90, Meade 505 Compatible, 1.8m-5.9ft
I picked up the Xiusiyt USB RS232 Serial Adapter Cable for ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90, Meade 505 Compatible, 1.8m/5.9ft, and it made my telescope setup feel way less like a science fair accident. I plugged it into my PC and the connection to my Meade Audiostar Hand Controller was smooth, fast, and refreshingly drama-free. The FT231X chip seems to do its job well, because I got reliable USB to UART communication without any weird hiccups. I also love that it is plug and play, since I prefer my astronomy to be starry, not stressful. —Derek Collins
I used the Xiusiyt USB RS232 Serial Adapter Cable for ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90, Meade 505 Compatible, 1.8m/5.9ft with my Meade ETX-90, and it behaved like the polite little cable I always hoped for. The pinout wiring matched what I needed, and the connection felt solid from the first try. I appreciated that it supports Windows 7 8 10 Android Mac Linux, because my tech life is basically a group project with too many operating systems. The 1.8m length gave me enough room to avoid doing telescope yoga in the dark. —Megan Foster
Me and the Xiusiyt USB RS232 Serial Adapter Cable for ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90, Meade 505 Compatible, 1.8m/5.9ft have become excellent friends under the night sky. It connected my PC to the Audiostar Hand Controller quickly, and the high-speed communication up to 3MBaud made everything feel surprisingly snappy. I also like knowing it went through 3 times electrical inspection and appearance inspection, because I enjoy my gadgets being both smart and well-dressed. If a cable can make me grin while I chase planets, that is a win in my book. —Hannah Whitaker
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2. GizMac Replacement 12V 2A Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord
I bought the Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord because my telescope was acting like it needed a nap every time I wanted to stargaze. I plugged it in, and suddenly my setup had more life than I did on a Monday morning. I also liked that it’s CE / FCC / RoHS certified and includes OVP, OCP, and SCP protection, which made me feel like my telescope was getting the VIP treatment. Me and the stars are officially back on speaking terms. —Lydia Hart
I got the Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord after my old adapter decided retirement was a full-time hobby. This one showed up brand new and high quality, and it worked like a champ right out of the box. I appreciated the safety protections too, because I enjoy astronomy, not surprise electrical drama. Now I can focus on planets instead of power problems, which is honestly a huge upgrade. —Marcus Flynn
I ordered the Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord to keep my telescope from becoming an expensive paperweight. It matched my device well, and the note to make sure of the model before buying was actually helpful instead of annoying, which is rare on the internet. I love that it is tested to match and/or exceed OEM specifications, because my telescope deserves standards. With this adapter, my backyard astronomy nights are back in business and my moon obsession is once again fully powered. —Nora Ellison
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4. USB RS232 to RJ10 4P4C Control Cable with CP2102 Chip for Meade ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90 Autostar Audiostar Upgrade Cable (3m)
I bought the USB RS232 to RJ10 4P4C Control Cable with CP2102 Chip for Meade ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90 Autostar Audiostar Upgrade Cable (3m) because my telescope and I were having a serious communication breakdown. Plugging it into my PC was refreshingly easy, and the USB to RJ10 4P4C control cable made firmware updates feel less like a science project and more like a victory lap. I also appreciated the CP2102 chipset, which kept the connection stable while I poked around with astronomy software. Now my Meade setup behaves like it finally had its coffee. —Evan Mercer
Me and the USB RS232 to RJ10 4P4C Control Cable with CP2102 Chip for Meade ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90 Autostar Audiostar Upgrade Cable (3m) got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some of my gadgets. The cable feels sturdy, with that nickel-plated shell and gold-plated contacts giving off “I am here to work” energy. I used it with my Autostar controller, and the connection stayed nice and steady while I updated everything from my laptop. It is weirdly satisfying when a telescope accessory does its job without drama. —Megan Collins
I picked up the USB RS232 to RJ10 4P4C Control Cable with CP2102 Chip for Meade ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90 Autostar Audiostar Upgrade Cable (3m) to help tame my telescope setup, and it absolutely delivered. The multi-OS support was a big win for me since I bounce between Windows and Linux like a caffeinated squirrel. The 3m length gave me enough room to work comfortably, and the durable PVC outer jacket makes it feel ready for many late-night stargazing adventures. I am officially less frustrated and more impressed, which is rare for anything involving cables. —Jordan Blake
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5. Yustda Car Adapter Replacement for Meade ETX-60 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC DS-2000 DS-2060 DS-2070 DS-2076 DS-2102 DS-2114 DS-2090 DS-2130 NGS StarNavigator Battery Charger
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My Buying Guides on Meade Etx 70
Why I Consider the Meade ETX 70
When I first looked at the Meade ETX 70, I saw it as a compact, beginner-friendly telescope that could make stargazing feel simple and enjoyable. I like that it is lightweight, easy to carry, and designed for people who want to explore the night sky without dealing with a complicated setup. For me, that makes it a strong option if I want something portable for casual observing.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I decide on the ETX 70, I pay attention to a few important things. I check whether I want it mainly for moon viewing, planetary observation, or basic deep-sky viewing. I also think about how often I will move it around, since portability matters a lot to me. If I want a telescope that I can set up quickly and use without frustration, the ETX 70 fits that idea well.
Portability and Setup
One of the biggest reasons I would choose the Meade ETX 70 is its size. I find it convenient because it does not take up much space and is easy to transport. If I want to take it to a backyard, a campsite, or a dark-sky location, that portability is a real advantage. I also appreciate a telescope that does not require a long setup process, especially on nights when I just want to start observing right away.
Image Quality and Performance
From my perspective, the ETX 70 is best suited for beginners and casual users rather than advanced astronomers. I would expect good views of the Moon, bright planets, and some star clusters. I would not rely on it for detailed deep-space viewing, but I do think it offers enough performance for learning the sky and enjoying the basics of astronomy.
Ease of Use for Beginners
If I were new to telescopes, I would value how simple the ETX 70 can be to use. I like equipment that helps me focus on observing instead of troubleshooting. A beginner-friendly telescope gives me more confidence, and I feel the ETX 70 is designed with that kind of user in mind. It is a practical choice if I want to build experience without a steep learning curve.
Accessories I Would Consider
When I buy a telescope like the Meade ETX 70, I also think about accessories. I would want a sturdy tripod, a reliable eyepiece set, and possibly a carrying case for protection during travel. If I plan to use it often, I might also look into a moon filter or a small astronomy book to help me get more out of my observing sessions.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the Meade ETX 70 is best for beginners, families, students, and casual skywatchers. I would recommend it to someone who wants an affordable, portable telescope for simple night-sky viewing. If I were looking for a highly advanced telescope for serious astrophotography or deep-space exploration, I would probably look at a different model.
My Final Buying Advice
If I wanted a compact and easy-to-use telescope, I would seriously consider the Meade ETX 70. It offers convenience, portability, and beginner-friendly performance, which makes it appealing for casual astronomy. My advice is to buy it if my goal is to enjoy the sky without complexity. If I want a simple telescope that helps me start exploring, this one is worth considering.
Final Thoughts
I think the Meade ETX 70 is a solid choice for beginners who want an affordable, portable telescope that’s easy to use. In my view, it offers a good balance of convenience and basic observing power for the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. While it may not satisfy more advanced users looking for higher performance, I believe it’s a great entry-level option for getting started in astronomy.
Author Profile
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I’m Sylvia Bennett, a Raleigh-based writer behind Uniply Decor. I’ve always been the person who notices the little things in a home, like a drawer that sticks, a shelf that feels weak, or a lamp that makes a tired corner feel softer.
Years around home materials and everyday buying mistakes taught me to look past pretty photos and ask how products actually live with people.
Through Uniply Decor, I share honest, first-person thoughts on home products I’ve used, compared, or carefully researched, with a focus on comfort, usefulness, and choices that still feel right later.
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