Weasner's Meade DS, DSX, Older Models User Feedback

DS, DSX, OLDER MODELS FEEDBACK

Last updated: 25 June 2012

This page is for user comments and information specific to the Meade DS, DSX, and some older telescope models. Accessories and Feedback items appropriate to the ETX models are posted on other pages as appropriate. If you have any comments, suggestions, questions or answers to questions posed here, e-mail them to me for posting. Please use an appropriate Subject Line on your message per the Site Email Etiquette. Thanks. Remember, tips described on this site may invalidate the warranty on your telescope or accessories. Neither the submitter nor myself are responsible for any damage caused by using any contributed tips.

Subject:	DS-2114s and 2x-3x Variable Barlow
Sent:	Thursday, June 21, 2012 17:03:52
From:	Pat Charles (mrscharles65@gmail.com)
I recently purchased a Series 4000 2x-3x variable barlow for my son's
DS-2114s after contacting Meade first to make sure it would be
compatible.  Their response was something like, "If your focuser is
1.25", then, yes."  I was more or less questioning the optical
compatibility, but I figured even if I only set it at 2x, it should be
alright, so decided to take my chances.  It does magnify as expected,
however, I would describe the images as having a grainy, prismatic,
effect.  The brighter the object, the worse it gets.  For example, when
viewing Vega, it seems to be covered with rainbow colored crystals.  The
collimation doesn't seem too bad - at least I don't notice the typical
"comet tail" effect.

I was wondering if you or any of your readers owning a DS-2114s had any
experience with this barlow.  I called Meade support and their answer
was, "It might be too powerful for that scope."  I know this is a
relatively small scope - that is why I called sales before purchasing. 
Any thoughts?

Regards,

Patty

Mike here: Couple of points: There is a maximum theoretical magnification for any telescope that can affect how clear objects will appear as you get near that max magnification. You can easily calculate this; see the ETX FAQ page. If a star is appearing larger than just a "pinpoint" of light, then either the image is not precisely in focus or atmospheric turbulence is blurring it out. As you increase magnification, you also increase the magnification of this turbulence.

And:

Thank you for your speedy reply.  I noticed the color abnormaility even
with the 25mm eyepice and the barlow set to 2x, so I should still be
within the useful magnification range.  However, the turbulence
explanation makes perfect sense. Thanks once again.

Sent from my Palm Pre on AT&T

Mike here: Low end refractors and some low reflectors may exhibit "color aberration" when viewing bright objects. But I'm a little surprised that the DS-2114 shows it, unless you are viewing objects low in the sky. If the objects are low, atmospheric refraction will cause colors to spread out.

Subject:	MOTOR PROBLEM
Sent:	Monday, June 18, 2012 18:28:09
From:	RICHARD CASSONE (RACSHRINK1@MSN.COM)
I have a new DS 2000 PST model..when I use the arrows to move the scope, 
after about 10 minutes the motor stalls and makes noise but will not
move..If I shut the unit down and retart it will run afain for about 10
minutes. Tracking seems fine. Just when I use the buttons manually..any
ideas?

Mike here: Have you done a CALIBRATE MOTOR and TRAIN DRIVES? It doesn't sound like a typical problem so I'm not certain those steps will help, but they won't hurt and might solve it. Does the AutoStar display dim when the problem occurs? Could you be overtightening the axis locks? They should be just "finger tight". Also, have you tried fresh batteries (not rechargeable)?

And:

I run it off a 12 volt pack  I rewired to accept it..drives track
fine..lights do not dim..motor just stops moving ..sounds like it is
trying but wont unless I turn power off and restart?

Mike here: I would suggest disconnecting the external power source and use internal batteries. See if the problem continues using batteries.

And:

ok will try thanks ..why would there be a difference? it is plugged into
the 12 v car jack on the power pack..

Mike here: There could be a wiring problem or the power supply might not be supplying proper power. Some external power sources have been known to damage the telescope.

And:

ok will try thanks

And an update:

I popped in the battery pack and did the same thing...

Mike here: So, back to my earlier questions: CALIBRATE MOTOR, TRAIN DRIVES, not overtightening locks? And try a RESET on the AutoStar. If you've done all that, I'd start to suspect a problem with the telescope and contacting your dealer for an exchange would be in order.

And:

THANKS WILL TRY A RESET DID ALL THE REST..IF NO GOOD WILL REPLACE..IT 
ALTHOUGH I USED IT A FEW TIMES IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY ..

Mike here: New telescope should be covered under the warranty. Contact the dealer.

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