Weasner's Meade DS Models User Feedback

DS MODELS USER FEEDBACK

Last updated: 30 September 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:	Telescope trouble...
Sent:	Saturday, September 27, 2003 21:17:10
From:	saulsdk@usawide.net (saulsdk)
I lost the lens out of my 6 x 30 mm viewfinder.  I have a Meade DS-114EC
scope and I wondered how I'd get another viewfinder.

Derek

Mike here: You could replace the whole finderscope with something different; see the Accessory Reviews - Finderscopes. Or you could contact Meade; they might send you just the lens.

Subject:	Difference between the DS-90AT and the DS-90EC
Sent:	Friday, September 26, 2003 16:08:41
From:	Airbags8@aol.com
I am looking at buying my first telescope.  The local shop is offering a
new DS-90AT for $248.00.  I have searched the net and can not find out
much information.  Does anyone think this is a good purchase or should I
keep looking.  I have seen some information on the DS-90EC but I don't
know what the difference is between it and the AT

Mike here: I don't have any info on the DS-90 either but if Meade follows past history, the EC and AT models are essentially the same telescope. The EC model would have a standard (non-Autostar) controller whereas the AT model included an Autostar model as standard.

And:

Thank you for the input.  That gives me at least something to go on.

Subject:	DS-90AT
Sent:	Thursday, September 25, 2003 18:40:08
From:	henr1897@bellsouth.net
I am thinking about purchasing a DS-90AT.  I am wanting to get into
taking photos through the telescope.  I have a Olympus e-20 digital
camera.  Can most telescopes mount a camera without to much trouble or
extra attachments.  Would this telescope be a good purchase for this for
about $245.  Or do you suggest another one.  I am also looking at a
Celestron Nexstar 114GT.  I don't know much about the differences. 
Please advise.

Thanks,
Mike

Mike here: I don't have any any experience with the DS-90AT. As to digital cameras, yes, many can be used with telescopes for some objects. See the Helpful Information - Astrophotography page for more info.

Subject:	DS-90at
Sent:	Sunday, September 21, 2003 16:47:10
From:	HWilson237@aol.com
For the guy with the motor problem on the DS90. Otherwise how would you
rate the scope, I'm contemplating buying one.

Subject:	Solar filter for DS-2130AT
Sent:	Tuesday, September 16, 2003 19:05:19
From:	ggekek@netscape.net (Greg Kolesar)
Where do you get the solar filter?

Greg Kolesar

Mike here: See the Accessory Reviews - Filters page for some.

Subject:	DS-90 Motor Problem
Sent:	Monday, September 15, 2003 12:21:44
From:	travis.whitlow@newarkinone.com
To:	KSBoukather@HNTB.com
I had this problem with one motor on the DS-60 I bought recently. As it
turned out, the motor wasn't working correctly. You can check to see if
you have the same problem by taking the motor off the mount and pressing
the appropriate key on the hand control. On mine, the motor made a noise
as if it were running, but when you looked at the small white gear
inside the opening on the motor, it wasn't going around. I called Meade
and they sent me a free replacement (which arrived within about four
days!!).

They didn't ask me to return the old one, so once I heard a new one was
on the way, I proceeded to disassemble it. It turns out a washer had
been installed incorrectly at the factory so gears inside the motor
were'nt meshing properly. I fixed the washer and now have a free backup
motor.

Subject:	Answer to DS-60 Accessory Question
Sent:	Monday, September 15, 2003 12:08:34
From:	travis.whitlow@newarkinone.com
I think Meade has stopped manufacturing the "retrofit" electronic
control system for the DS-60. It used to sell for about $130.

I recently (about five months ago) found a new DS-60 telescope on the
internet  (complete with electronics) for $80, but I think they've
pretty well disappeared by now because Meade has discontinued the DS-60.

The motors on the new DS telescopes are altogether different from the
"old" ones.

As far as the Barlow goes, Mike is right. Just make sure you get the
right diameter. I got the free part from Meade to change from the .965"
size to the 1-1/4" size (they'll send you one for free if you call them)
and replaced the diagonal mirror with a $30 one from Orion (which also
has 2X "shorty" barlows). I use my "better" quality 1-1/4" eyepieces
with this setup and actually get some pretty decent views!

Subject:	Meade Telescope
Sent:	Monday, September 15, 2003 07:07:41
From:	kiowaca2@giantcomm.net (Rhonda Kelly)
Hi! My son and I acquired a Telestar Telescope by Meade, Model 60EQ with
no instructions.  I have searched the internet for instructions for this
telescope and have not been able to even find a listing for the Telestar
60EQ. Is it obsolete?  Can I even get instructions on how to use it?  We
really want to use it and have tried numerous times but we don't get
very far.  Can you help in anyway? THANKS!

rhondakelly225@hotmail.com

Mike here: Contact Meade; if they still have copies they will likely send you one.

Subject:	DS-60 Accessory Question
Sent:	Saturday, September 13, 2003 09:05:40
From:	lshurte@woh.rr.com (Lori Shurte - Master - don't delete)
My best friend has a DS-60 that she really enjoys.  I am having trouble
trying to find a list of accessories for this model.  I don't really
know anything about telescopes but I know she only has the MH9mm and
MA25mm lenses that came with the telescope.  She wants to get a "Barlow"
lens and I know that there is a computerized control system available.
Do you have any recommendations or cautions regarding these accessories
or any others for the DS-60 model?

Thanks!
Lori Shurte

Mike here: I have no experience with the DS models but do be aware that the eyepiece diameter could be one of two sizes: 0.965" or 1.25". Be certain you get the proper size Barlow Lens.

Subject:	 
Sent:	Thursday, September 11, 2003 07:13:30
From:	KSBoukather@HNTB.com (Karen Boukather)
I recently purchased a DS90-AT scope and had no trouble putting it
together.  I am a novice and have no experience with scopes.  Everything
seems to work except the power boxes do not slew the scope (in either
direction).  The autostar works fine and when it is supposed to slew,
nothing happens.  I can hear the motors running, the az/alt  knobs are
not too loose or too tight (I have tried in in various degrees of
tightness).  I have removed and reseeded the boxes, installed new
batteries and still nothing.  Is something wrong with it or what am I
doing wrong?  The boxes seem to shift slightly when trying to slew. I
evenn adjusted the speed to make sure it was on max, in case it was
moving too slow for me to notice.

Any info would be appreciated because I am thinking of returning it.

Thanks.

Karen S. Boukather

Mike here: I have no experience with the DS models but perhaps someone else will respond.
Please read the Email Etiqutte article on the ETX Site home page; your email was almost deleted unread as SPAM.

Subject:	Meade telescope article
Sent:	Monday, September 8, 2003 06:59:33
From:	rcope@lexmark.com
I have a Meade DS144 that I just bought used and was searching the
internet for the topic. I found an article on the power and control
cable you had posted on the net. Both of which I was interested.

On the power supply plug,  is the tip positive or negative 12V?  I tried
setting the telescope up and thought I would look at Mars. What I found
was that I could not see or focus in on anything . I eve tried the Moon
which was very bright . Any thoughts on what to look for.  Thanks in
advance.

Best Regards,

                Bob

Mike here: Typically the tip is positive, at least on the ETX and LXD55 and LX90 telescopes that I'm familiar with. When you were focusing, please describe what you did see. That would help to troubleshoot what might be wrong. For example, if you said it was "all black", I would say to remove the cover. (there are other possible causes if all black but I'll wait for your response)

Subject:	Calibrating My MEADE Saturn DS-114
Sent:	Sunday, September 7, 2003 21:02:15
From:	jthomas513@juno.com (jthomas513)
I have had the telescope for a while and I got it out the other night to
view MARS.  I seem to can not get things into focus.  Maybe I need to re
calibrate or something.  I have moved since the last time out and the
howto manual is lost.  Maybe someone can guide me to the right place and
download the manual for my teleacope and get it back on track and in
clear focus.

James

Mike here: I don't know if the manual is available online but you can contact Meade; they will likely send you one. Was it just Mars or were other objects out of focus? If you haven't "banged" the telescope around I doubt that you need to adjust anything. But you could do a "star test" and see how it looks (it should look like concentric rings when slightly out of focus; that's the simple test). If you do need to collimate the telescope there should be some adjustment screws near mirror (I'm assuming this is a Newtonian telescope; I don't have one to check).

Subject:	Meade DS-2130AT 
Sent:	Saturday, September 6, 2003 14:21:24
From:	GGEKEK@netscape.net (Greg Kolesar)
When I am viewing Mars all I can see is a little red dot even with my 3X
Barlow lens. If Mars is so small How would I see Jupiter or any other
planet? What should I do?

Mike here: Mars was about the same size as the disk of Saturn (not including the rings). Jupiter is larger. Venus can appear pretty large too. The other planets will be much smaller.

And:

Thank you. Also can you see Uranus, Neptune, Pluto? If you can see them
what would it look like?

Mike here: You can see Uranus and Neptune. From a dark site. Under good conditions you can see disks but no details. You will notice a greenish or bluish color to them.

Subject:	Converting my CG5 mount
Sent:	Thursday, September 4, 2003 21:38:52
From:	astrod110@netscape.net (Luis Reveron)
I am planing in buying  Meade DS goto motors for my cg5 mount so i
can turn it into a goto tracking system. Do you have any idea or
suggestion in how to do this?
I will appreciated your info.
Thanks
Luis

Mike here: See the Telescope Tech Tips page for info.

Subject:	Meade DS 40?
Sent:	Wednesday, September 3, 2003 18:02:31
From:	madmatt707@earthlink.net (matthew young)
I have an opportunity to purchase a telescope from a gentleman. He said
that he bought it almost 15 years ago and that it is a Meade DS 40,
10".  The equatorial mount looks to be of meade construction but
there is no Meade symbol anywhere on the telescope. To add, the scope is
in poor shape as it has been outside and covered with a tarp for several
years. The tube looks to be in need of paint, the primary mirror seems
to be in need of cleaning and possibly collimation. I have looked online
and elsewhere for a picture of  DS 40 but cant find 1. Would you
know if this sounds like an older Meade?

Matt

Mike here: It could be a Meade. I don't have access to my old issues of Sky and Telescope magazine since I'm traveling; contact Meade. They can give you info. Perhaps even send you a manual (if they still have any).

Feedback Archives

Check the Feedback Archives for previous editions of the DS Models Feedback pages.

Return to the top of this page.

Go to the ETX Home Page.