Weasner's Meade DS, DSX, Older Models User Feedback

DS, DSX, OLDER MODELS USER FEEDBACK

Last updated: 28 July 2009

This page is for user comments and information specific to the Meade DS, DSX, and some older 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 for posting. Please use an appropriate Subject Line on your message per the Site Email Etiquette. Thanks. Remember, tips described on this site may invalidate the warranty on your telescope or accessories. Neither the submitter nor myself are responsible for any damage caused by using any contributed tips.

Subject:	Re: computer 506 cable
Sent:	Monday, July 27, 2009 20:00:00
From:	Steven Foster (marlin60@comcast.net)
If I get the 497 controller, will it recognize my scope? The 114EQ-DH4.
Or what will I have to do to make do so?

Thank you Sir,

Steven Foster
Nashua, NH

Mike here: I believe that one of Dick Seymour's AutoStar 497 patch files will add the 114EQ-DH4. Correct Dick?

And:

From:	richard seymour (rseymour@wolfenet.com)
Yes, the patch kits for the old 497 (firmware up through v43Eg)
all have the "add the 4504/114EQ-DH4" option.
It's not selected by default, you have to either change one line of text
in the patch file from S=unchecked   to S=checked,
-or-
use StarPatch  from http://www.stargps.ca/starpatch.htm
and it's a tick-list item.

have fun
--dick

Subject:	computer 506 cable
Sent:	Thursday, July 23, 2009 14:42:12
From:	Steven Foster (marlin60@comcast.net)
I have a Meade 114EQ-DH4 and was going to purchase the Meade #506
AstroFinder Software and Cable Connector Kit for ETX 70/80AT and DS2000
Series Telescopes to connect to my computer. Then I notice a pdf
directions sheet that has it plugging into the aux port. I don't have an
auxiliary port on this model. What kit/cable should I buy and how will
it hookup to the computer (I have a serial to usb connector already) I
believe I am using  the 494 non-numerical handset. Thanks so much!! It
would be nice to be able to click on an NGC the 494 is a little "light"
on them.
--Steven Foster, Nashua, NH

Mike here: Since the neither the telescope nor your handcontroller have a serial port connection, you can not use a #506 serial cable. I believe your handcontroller is the "Starfinder" (or something like that).

And:

That being true, is there a way to conect to a computer without and aux
jack?
 
Thanks,

Steven Foster

Mike here: The 114EQ-DH4 and 4504 are exact duplicates, except for the color. Ask on the Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Meade4504Telescopes/

Subject:	no subject
Sent:	Monday, July 6, 2009 11:43:21
From: Bill Wysong (wwysong@comcast.net)
I was just given a Meade Autostar DS-2114 series telescope with the
motorized mount.   I found out the worm gear assembly in the base of the
mount that controls the azimuth movement is broken.  I contacted Meade
customer support this morning and was told they don't sell parts.  I
would have to purchase a new mount for $143.25.  Do you know of anyone
or any location that sells just the worm gear assembly?

Thanks,

Bill Wysong

Mike here: Sorry for the delay in responding. As has been noted on the Announcements: Site page during most of June, I have been offline for awhile and requested to NOT receive email until I was back online. I am now back online and I am able to respond to your email. Also, please read the Email Etiquette item on the ETX Site home page. Your email was originally DELETED UNREAD as SPAM due to the missing subject entry. Thanks for understanding.
You can try Telescope Warehouse (link on the Astronomy Links page). Also, you might check out the article "Replacement Gears source" on the Helpful Information: Telescope Tech Tips page.

Subject:	Meade 114EQ-DH4 4.5
Sent:	Wednesday, June 24, 2009 21:46:43
From: Steven Foster (marlin60@comcast.net)
Date: June 24, 2009 21:42:58 PDT
Hi, Is there an ac adaptor to replace the battery pack on the Meade
114EQ-DH4 4.5 ?
 
Thanks,
 
Steven
Nashua, NH

Mike here: I don't recall hearing one specifically for that model. However, you might be able to make one using the battery pack wires. Be certain to check match the voltage, amperage, and polarity.

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