Weasner's Meade DS Models User Feedback

DS MODELS USER FEEDBACK

Last updated: 22 April 2005

This page is for user comments and information specific to the Meade DS 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 and I'll post them. Please use an appropriate Subject Line on your message. Thanks.

Subject:	DS-114EC compatible AutoStar?
Sent:	Thursday, April 21, 2005 15:45:48
From:	KThBucher@aol.com (KThBucher@aol.com)
recently I've had the occasion to buy a used Meade DS-114EC telescope.
Unfortunately it lacks an "AutoStar" controller, although the electric
motors are part of the equipment.

Manuals say that the #494 and #495 models can be used. What about the
new #497 controller: Is this compatible to my DS-114EC, and what
advantage has the newer controller?

Thanks,

Koni.

Mike here: The #497 can be used with any DS models. The #497 is not a NEW Autostar, it has been around for years. The #497 (and #495) are user upgradeable; the #494 is not. Plus the #497 has more objects in its database than the #494. Also, the #497 has a keypad for numeric entry and the #494 does not.

And:

Thanks a lot for responding exactly and completely to my question.
I do appreciate your lovely site, and I'll be back for sure!
 
Koni.

Subject:	#494 autostar
Sent:	Wednesday, April 20, 2005 08:29:13
From:	jc9658@optonline.net (jc9658@optonline.net)
I have a DS 2130AT Meade w/ #494 autostar.  I was wondering if the unit
is good for its application and whether or nor not an upgrade is
possible (to say a #495)???

-Regards,
Joe Cavalieri
Manalapan, NJ

Mike here: Depending upon how you plan to use the telescope, the #494 could be just fine for you. You can purchase a used #495 or a new or used #497 for use with any DS model. If you get a #495 it can be upgraded via software to a #497 as long as you have a #505 serial cable and a Mac or PC with a serial connection.

And:

TY for your reply!  I plan to use it for limited deep space viewing.  I
just wasnt sure if the 494 was inadequate.  Thanks for the advice sir. 
Nice service you provide to newbs btw!

Mike here: It has about 1500 objects vs 31,000. But once you see all 1500, then you could think about getting a #497.

And:

Lol great point.  I will upgrade than.

Subject:	DS-2130AT or ETX 70 AT
Sent:	Friday, April 1, 2005 16:14:52
From:	Eric... (ericholland@btconnect.com)
I have a choice of ETX 70 or DS-2130 this will be my first scope and
will be used as all round planet and deep space viewing.

I would like to do photography with them also.
Which one should I buy?
With Thanks.   Eric Holland, Liverpool, UK.

Mike here: See my comments on the ETX-70 linked from the top of the current "ETX-60, ETX-70" feedback page. Also, read through the comments on the Helpful Information: User Observations. That should give you a good idea of what the ETX-70 can do. If that doesn't meet your requirements (and I doubt it will), then go for the DS.

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