Weasner's Meade DS Models User Feedback

DS MODELS USER FEEDBACK

Last updated: 31 December 2003

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: MEADE DS-2130AT
Date: 12/31/03, 04:22
From: Mani Chauhan (mani2003@blueyonder.co.uk)
I am considering buying a Meade DS-2130AT Telescope. However, I am
concerned that this model has been discontinued. I am just worried that
the model may have been discontinued because of a design fault. Perhaps
it is just part of the normal product cycle. Are you able to assist ?

Thanks, 

Mani.

Mike here: Products, whether telescopes or computers, are continually revised, improved, redesigned, discontinued.

Subject: HARD-TO-FIND #506 Cable / Power Supply
Date: 12/29/03, 18:36
From: Tony Miller (tmiller@radiohio.com)
Great site, I've spent considerable time here just finding out more
about the DS90AT (with #494 Autostar) that I got for Christmas.

QUESTION ONE  -- I need a Meade #506 connector cable to update my
satellite orbital info and get any updates from the Meade site.  I can
find #505 cables aplenty -- but as your site notes, I need the #506 for
the #494 Autostar, the one with active electronics.

The only one I can find for purchase comes bundled with the Meade
StarFinder software -- which I DON'T need, already having StarFinder,
and Starry Night Bundled Edition along with ACM.  I don't see paying $45
and more for a cable accompanied by software I don't need!

I've seen an exploded #506 cable on your site, but don't think I'm up to
building one on a circuit board.  Any advice?  Do I just need to bite
the bullet and buy the cable/software combo, or can I just get the
cable?  If so, where?

QUESTION TWO:

I'd really like to power my scope's go-to system with something other
than the 10- AA battery pack provided by Meade.  I know the unit takes
12 volts... is a straight feed from a car battery a no-no, or will this
work without frying my Autostar? I've seen cigarette-lighter cords for
ETX models -- are these straight-thru, no adjustment, and if so, will
they work for the #494 Autostar?  I have used a portable car battery
jump-starter/12-volt supply for other things, and I'd really like to use
this same unit for powering the scope electronics.  It's the same as
plugging into your cigarette lighter.  Will this work, or is a special
transformer-cord needed to adjust amperage, etc?

BTW, so far I've had pretty good calibration/training/tracking success
-- thanks in large part to tips on your site.  THANKS for your help! 
This is the best site I've seen for tips and tricks -- I'll be back
often.

TM
Columbus, OH

Mike here: Unfortunately, I don't know who sells just the #506 cable. BUT you could purchase a #495 Autostar and upgrade it to a #497 via the Autostar Update Application or purchase a #497 itself. That way you would get all the features of the #497 including future updates. You could then make your own #505 cable or buy one. As to power supplies, yes, you can use a battery; if you get the right connector and polarity. For more on power supplies see the Telescope Tech Tips page.

And:

Thanks!  I'll check it out.  Meanwhile, I'll ponder getting the #495
Autostar and upgrading with the #505 cable and ASU.

Subject: (no subject)
From: Watzupwitu@aol.com
Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2003 13:29:04 EST
i just got a meade 2130 for christmas.  we are having some trouble and i
need to know if it is the telescope or me.  we have zoned in on the moon
and it is great.  we figured out where mars and venus were using a star
map.  we can see them however there is a shadow of one of the componants
in the telescope. i don't see this in the eyepiece when i look at the
moon or any stars just when we tried to look at venus or mars.  can you
let me know what i may be doing wrong.

please email me at staceygagne@yahoo.com.

thanks

Mike here: Please see the Email Etiquette page on my ETX Site; your message was originally deleted UNREAD as SPAM due to not having a SUBJECT.
You are making a common new user mistake in trying to use the focus knob to magnify the image. You had the focus correct on the Moon; just leave it there when viewing other objects in the sky. Once you know what the view of Mars (small) and Venus (also small right now) you'll understand. Look at Saturn; you should be able to see the Rings.

Subject: Meade DS 114AT
From: CPolera@aol.com
Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2003 14:26:43 EST
We just recently purchased a Meade DS114AT.  It's all set up but
everything is upside down.  Any idea on how to correct this liitle
problem?
Thanks

Mike here: Images in astronomical telescopes are normally reversed and/or upside down. This isn't normally a problem when viewing astronomical objects but can be disconcerting when viewing terrestrial objects. There are "erecting prisms" available which will correct the reversed image. Be certain to get one that matches your telescope model.

Subject: Battery Pack for DS114AT
From: DMZ3185@aol.com
Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2003 11:26:39 EST
I am an owner of a Meade telescope model DS114AT. I broke the battery
pack for it, i was wondering can you suggest to me a place where i can
purchase another one or what sight to go to, to buy one.  I live in
Philadelphia, PA. Second thing, where can i buy the camera adapter for
it and perhaps better lenses for the telescope if possible.  I really
appreciate it, If you can help me out.

Donna Z.

Mike here: Contact Meade about the battery pack. Alternatively, you could check out Radio Shack for something that might work. As to camera adapters, see the Accessory Reviews - Astrophotography page as well as the Helpful Information - Astrophotography page. See the Accessory Reviews - Eyepieces page for info on some eyepieces.

And:

Just today i checked out Radio Shack if they sold the 10 battery holder
and they only carry 8 no luck it seems i guess i going to try meade.
 
Thank u.
 
Donna

Mike here: Let me know the results. Expect a longer than normal "Hold Time" on the phone due to calls from Christmas gift owners.

Subject: MEAD DS-2130AT
From: "Malcolm" (mckirwan@adelpha.net)
Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2003 08:57:03 -0500
I just received a DS-2130 AT.  During final assembly, specifically when
I was going to install the batteries I noticed that the removable
battery compartment was missing a few battery contacts.

Do you know if I can get this part anywhere?  The 9-Volt connector is
fine it's just the battery compartment that is defective.

Any help you can give I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

Malcolm Kirwan

Mike here: You might be able to get what you need at a Radio Shack BUT I suggest you contact the dealer first. Alternatively you can contact Meade; perhaps they will send the missing pieces.

And:

I appreciate you getting back to me so quickly.

I contacted the dealer and they said they would ship a new one to me.  I
will also look at Radio Shack because I don't want to wait.

Thanks again,

Malcolm

Subject: 
From: "JHamilton" (Jhamilt7@Tampabay.rr.com)
Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2003 11:39:34 -0500
I got a meade refracting telescope model DS-90AT and I can't find a
dealer n= ear my home here in Tampa,Florida who could furnish me with a
#506 connector= cable. This product came with the Autostar #494 Computer
Controller. Where can I find this cable? my platform is Windows XP

thanks

Mike here: Please read the Email Etiquette item on the ETX Site home page; your message was originally processed as SPAM due to the missing subject.
Checkout Scopetronix (scopetronix.com). Not in Tampa but in Florida.

And:

Sorry about my lack of ettiquette. I do appreciate your feedback. Thank
you for your quick response.
Daisy

Subject:	Meade Telestar NGC-60 Telescope Any Comments?
Sent:	Tuesday, December 9, 2003 10:32:59
From:	cweber@rx.umaryland.edu (Charlotte Weber)
Can you give me any feedback on the telescope. I do not know anything
about them and my husband wants one for Christmas? This is what I was
going to get for him. Meade Telestar NGC-60 Telescope. Thanks,
Charlotte

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