Weasner's Meade DS Models User Feedback

DS MODELS USER FEEDBACK

Last updated: 31 October 2002

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:	autostar adaptation
Sent:	Wednesday, October 30, 2002 20:51:05
From:	edermody@heartland.net (Ned Dermody)
I have been trying to find a way to computerize my model 4500 equatoria.
Meade tells me that motorized bases for the 4500 are not available.  A
corporate decision, they say.  Is there a way to adapt autostar to the
model 4500?

Subject:	Meade DS-114ATE
Sent:	Monday, October 28, 2002 4:47:04
From:	gatotten@surfbest.net (Gary Totten)
I found a source for the Meade DS-114ATE 4.5 reflector scope for only
$300.  It comes with GOTO drive, a CCD camera that has a port for a TV
or laptop, and software.  Is it a reasonable starter scope.  I could not
find any information on this model of scope on the web.  Suggestions? 
After reading SKYWATCH '03's Telescope Buyers guide I am looking for a
reflector.  Any links to newsgroups or websites for used scopes? 
Thanks.

Mike here: You can search my ETX and DS Site for info on the 114ATE. You can also checkout the Yahoo groups. I have no direct experience with the DS myself.

Subject:	Mead DS-2114ATS
Sent:	Wednesday, October 23, 2002 11:59:53
From:	siege@zianet.com (John S. Henson)
I just purchased a mead ds-2114ats, and although it work's pretty darn
well I've only really got one real complaint with it. The focus knob
jitters everytime I touch it, or so it seams. Although I can get it to
work pretty well when using lower powered eye pieces, when I need to
focus with high powered eye pieces it jitters SO BADLY that I can't get
seem to get it to focus at all. Pleas let me know if you have any
information on the web if you know of anyone with this problem that has
fixed it.

-John S. Henson

Mike here: I don't have a DS model so can't say if these will help but there are several focus mods on the Telescope Tech Tips page. For the ETX, people have used a clamping clothes pin, flexible tubes, larger knobs, or electric focusers.

Subject:	Help Needed
Sent:	Sunday, October 13, 2002 13:48:55
From:	Fade24@aol.com
I  am  thinking  about  purchasing  a  telescope  and  I  want  to  know
your  opinions  about  the  Meade  DS-114 ATE. You  might  not  have 
dealt  with  this  one,  but  do  recommend  buying  from  a  store?
I've  heard  that  they  usually  aren't  any  good  and  that  its 
better  to  buy  online or  through  a  catelog. The  pictures  on  the 
box  look  clear  but  is  that  just  to  make  the  telescope  look 
good? I'd  really  appreciate  if  you  could  try  to  answer  this  so
I  don't  end  up  buying  a  bad  telescope  that  I'd  regret.
Thanks.
NICK

Mike here: The Meade Digital Series telescopes are good telescopes. I don't have any direct with them but you can see comments from other users on the "DS Models" feedback page (and in the Feedback Archives) on my ETX Site. Buying from a local store can be preferable if you are concerned about needing local support. Otherwise, buying from a reputable online dealer works fine.

Subject:	New MacHead
Sent:	Thursday, October 10, 2002 0:44:33
From:	dray@darkwing.uoregon.edu (Davy Ray)
Meade actually suggested I consult your website. I just changed
platforms (finally). Now my Star Navigator software is obsolete with no
update for the MacIntosh platform (I have a new G4 Powerbook...it
rocks). Do I have any recourse for my DS-70EC scope? I'd like to get a
cable connector eventually.

Thanks,

Davy Ray

Mike here: There are several Macintosh programs that work with the Autostar, some are even Mac OS X. See the AstroMac article: http://www.applelust.com/scitech/archives/monks_020802.shtml. Also, there are other applications such as Astroplanner, Starry Night, and Voyager (not OSX).

Subject:	DS
Sent:	Sunday, October 6, 2002 02:19:29
From:	ddmccray@mound.net (Dot McCray)
you know I e-mailed you previously and as I stated. I have had several
Meadedigital telescopes.I suppose that I am going to have to relegate
this one,,,,well I will just say that either the scope is negligible or
I am.Generally Meade scopes pretty much stick to what they say thew will
do.My bigger ones for the most part have.I have put quite a lot of time
into it mostly because I planned not to let this little scope beat
me.Here is my connundrum. Beaten or not this scope is not made in the
good ol USA.But just let me say this. It being a 60 mm scope at a
minimal price. I can always use it withought the digital part in mind.It
bums me out but the kids could care less.I guess its just the ol pride
that hurts when that little scope just wont point at the star it says
its pointing at.  Anyway best to you all Terry E. McCray.

Mike here: I couldn't tell if you had a question or just a comment. If you have the Autostar and are having GOTO problems, you may need to check your HOME position, initialization settings (date, time, site, etc.) or perhaps you need to RESET, CALIBRATE, and TRAIN DRIVES (or at least TRAIN DRIVES).

Subject:	Meade DS-114 parts?
Sent:	Tuesday, October 1, 2002 14:03:29
From:	rduffy@satx.rr.com (Robert Duffy)
Do you know where I can obtain a replacement power supply?  I checked
radio shack, but they do now carry a 10 AA batter holder. I also checked
the Meade site, without success.  Sorry to bother.

Bob Duffy

Mike here: Have you called Meade? They don't list "parts" on their list but will supply "some" replacement items.

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