Weasner's Meade DS Models User Feedback

DS MODELS USER FEEDBACK

Last updated: 27 April 2006

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:	Re ghost images on DS 90
Sent:	Thursday, April 27, 2006 12:56:39
From:	JSGLAW@aol.com
I recently purchased a DS 90 for my nephew. I own a more expensive Meade
114 relector. I set up the DS 90 and the auto star - everything appears
to work. However, on view of the the planets and stars I am getting
ghost images or reflection images directly above and below the object.
ie I see one clear Saturn and two unclear Saturns. Can you tell me what
the problem is?  During day time usage it doesn't focus perfectly clear
(or at least not as clear as my 4.5 incher) but I don't see
ghosts/reflections. Thanks

Scott

Mike here: It sounds like an internal reflection from some place inside the tube. I suggest contacting the dealer for an exchange (assuming it is new).

Subject:	DS2000 mount Question
Sent:	Tuesday, April 11, 2006 07:26:45
From:	Robert Stewart (mrbob@xpressweb.com)
I picked up a LDX75 6" OTA from ebay and need to find a good cheap
mount. I  would like to setup a goto mount from a DS2000. I've seen web
site saying the DS2000 would handle up to 17 Lbs. which is what my OTA
weighs. Is that TRUE? Also the tube dia. is 7.25" so I would it be wise
to offset the mounting 1" vertical for rotation, not to worried about
going vertical. How long do you think the bearings in the mount would
last at 17 Lbs.?  I'm very impressed with your site Thanks, Robert

Mike here: I have no experience with the DS mount so can't answer your questions directly. But you might want to check out "Steve Bedair's "Go To" Mounts" on the Astronomy Links page.

Subject:	telescope
Sent:	Saturday, April 8, 2006 19:17:24
From:	robertson1614@bellsouth.net
I need to buy some parts for a Meade 114EQ-DH4 that was purchased at
SAM's 2-3 years ago??   Also will need  parts list and ?can I download a
User manual?

Thanks  Barry

Mike here: For a manual (if one exists online), see the FAQ page on my ETX site. For parts, you can try Telescope Warehouse (link on the Astronomy Links page).

Subject:	quick question
Sent:	Saturday, April 8, 2006 18:11:58
From:	Tom Colt (tom@tcolt.com)
Now a MEADE  DS-114 has a bigger mirror than a 90 ext so it would get a
better view ?

I had found an etx 60 but the guy I was buying it from went out the
night before and stood me up an hour away so still shopping.  

Tom Colt

Mike here: First, please read the Email Etiquette item on the ETX Site home page; your message was originally deleted UNREAD as SPAM due to the ambiguous subject line. Thanks for understanding.
As to the DS model, a larger aperture does allow more light to enter the telescope but that is only part of the system. The focal length of the telescope also impacts what your eye gets to see. A short focal length telescope only provides so much magnification (depending on the focal length of the eyepieces used). So, what size (aperture AND focal length) telescope is best for you will depend on how you plan to use AND what your expectations are for what you will be able to see.

And:

I want to look at the rings of Saturn would the DS 114 do that ?

Mike here: Yes.

Subject:	DS-2090
Sent:	Saturday, April 1, 2006 11:46:19
From:	Timothy Butler (tim900@optonline.net)
In a previous email I had asked for assistance with a DS-2090 that had a
motor malfunction.  I've since returned it and got a replacement from
Meade customer service and my son and I have immersed ourselves into
this hobby with excellent results.  Your site is very informative and
well done.  My one question is what exactly is the cable I would use to
connect a notebook pc to the autostar?  Thank you in advance for your
help.

T. Butler
Sayville, NY

Mike here: If the Autostar is a #494 (no number keys on it) then you will need to purchase a #506 serial cable. If the Autostar is a #497 (with number keys) then you need a #505 cable, which you can buy or make (see the Helpful Information: Autostar Info page). Keep in mind that these are RS-232 cables. If your computer has only USB, see the article "Autostar and USB" on the Autostar Info page.

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