The
494 Controller (standard with the ETX70) requires a different cable than other ETX models. Cables
for the 497 controller (#505 cable) can be made up by the user. The 494 controller requires a #506
cable which has a "dongle" type device fitted on the cable.
For this reason it was necessary to buy Meade's connector kit.
An alternative to buying the #506 cable would be to use a 497 controller with the ETX70. The 497 offers many features not found on the 494 but the main one is regular updates. It is up to the user to deceide whether this added expense is suitable for their situation.
The kit comes with relevant software, in my case it was Starry Night Bundle Edition. Upgrading to Starry Night Pro (if within your budget) is highly recommended and it works well with the ETX70. The Astronomers Control Panel (ACP) was also included with the #506 package which is fully functional. The voice control part of ACP is a trial version and expires after a limited number of uses - a great novelty say "Go to Jupiter" and the scope slews to Jupiter and responds "Scope is now pointing to Jupiter".
Meade's ASU software works great in downloading files on the net and allowing you to transfer them to the ETX handbox.