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Subject: Re: Meade Autostar Controller By: Anonymous (xxx.xxx.214.3) In Reply to: Anonymous (xxx.xxx.103.230) (Original Message) Date: 02/28/2005 09:24:47 pm PST >I have never been able to get my 497 Autostar Controller to work. When I try to align it, after going through all the setup procedures, the controller says it's going to Sirius but ends up in the opposite direction. If I just humor it and tell it to align on the second star, it attempts to find Capella. Since it has rotated over 360 degrees most of the time, it usually just grinds away in its search for Capella. > >I returned the controller to Meade, asking for a replacement since it never worked. Meade sent a controller back with the cryptic notation "repaired product" on the packing list. The "repaired product" does the same thing. > >Others report that the controller is not easy to use. Can I get advice on how to make it work? It sounds like it would be lots of fun it did work. Used the Autostar for just under a year now, simply amazing, however easy to make a simple mistake in setting(s), example error on AM and PM will put the scope way off course, yep I've done that more than once, on the ETX90 has a stop, must turn the optical tube counter-clockwise, while standing behind scope, mine stops at near the 8 o'clock position, then turn it to the 12 o'clock position facing north, else the scope will likely stop and grind before finding the alignment stars. (The ETX 70 doesn't have stop(s) to be cocerned about ) The manuel is far too brief, but correct. Last the Autostar has corrective settings, moving from one area of the sky to another, reset it on a named star near the new position, and your in buisness !! Subject: Re: Moved Message By: Anonymous (xxx.xxx.85.227) In Reply to: Anonymous (xxx.xxx.73.84) (Original Message) Date: 03/02/2005 05:41:06 am PST >Many of us grew up and got into astronomy in the pre-computerized GOTO age. Funny -- somehow we managed to find everything. Ever heard of setting circles? They do still work, you know. Oh -- but it takes a little thought and you've got to be able to add and subtract. That's right -- I guess our youngsters are too dumb to think for themselves anymore. We've gotta press that button for instant gratification. > >The Orion Starmax 127 gives you two whole inches more aperture -- a very big leap in light-gathering power -- and costs only $539 with a tripod. Learn how to star hop and use setting circles and save a cool $200 on a scope that gathers 200 percent more light than the puny plastic ETX. I Also grew up prior to the Computerized Age, Star Hopped and used setting circles, my 6 inch scope collected dust! Last year sold it and Re-cently purchased the puny plastic ETX90 Goto, AMAZED, Crisp Optics, took abit to figure the goto as instructions abit skimpy. Just under one year and still captivated, added a Green Laser, this greatly makes life easier pointing to the alignment stars, and also use a nice 40mm wide view eyepiece, again increases the ease of use, last have a Palm IIIc color, pocket unit with astronomy program, absolutely great map aid at the scope! Observed all but 2 messier objects because of the Goto system, spend more time observing not search and find, Don't get me wrong knowing your way around the sky is A'OK, but I'd rather enjoy looking !! Simply my opinion, been both places now, hi hi ,Best Warren, Illinois ..<>. Prev Page 2 of 2 | ||||||||
