Skip to search.

Breaking News Visit Yahoo! News for the latest.

×Close this window

Meade4504Telescopes · Support for Meade 4.5" Reflector Scopes

The Yahoo! Groups Product Blog

Check it out!

Group Information

  • Members: 1248
  • Category: Telescopes
  • Founded: Sep 14, 2000
  • Language: English
? Already a member? Sign in to Yahoo!

Yahoo! Groups Tips

Did you know...
Hear how Yahoo! Groups has changed the lives of others. Take me there.

Messages

Advanced
Messages Help
Messages 9028 - 9057 of 10745   Oldest  |  < Older  |  Newer >  |  Newest
Messages: Show Message Summaries Sort by Date ^  
#9028 From: Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com
Date: Fri Oct 1, 2004 1:46 pm
Subject: File - MonthlyMessage.txt
Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com
Send Email Send Email
 
Thank you for participating in the Meade 4504 Telescope group at
www.groups.yahoo.com.  Your contributions to this group are valuable, and we
hope you will share your experiences with us.

Please feel free to post useful files and links to the group areas.

*** Important News ***

A new Message Archive Search feature has been added, thanks to the creativity
and hard work of Al Degutis of SkyInsight.net.  This new features lets you
search the ENTIRE message archive in one go, instead of having to page through
the thousands of records group-at-a-time.  This and more features are available
via the Group's "Members'" web site:  http://meade4504telescopes.org

***

Power is information.  And information is increased through networking.  Our
group, with over a thousand members, provides a large network of people with
similar interests.  Please spread the work about our group to others and help
recruit new members.

Any suggestions you have for making this group better known and useful are
welcome.

Jim Griggs
Chicago, IL
Meade4504Telescopes eGroup Owner/Moderator

#9029 From: "cyberbob082847" <cyber-bob@...>
Date: Sat Oct 2, 2004 5:50 pm
Subject: Collimation Problem?
cyberbob082847
Send Email Send Email
 
Folks,

Just received a 4504 tube from Telescope Warehouse. Advertised as
NEW, but I found a number of things - a dent here, indications of
wear on some of the adjustment screws, the three sheet metal screws
holding the main mirror to the tube not all as tight as I might have
expected, and small chip at a corner of the secondary.

When I went to use it, even in daylight, the view was fuzzier than
in my collimated DS-2114ATS "short" tube. So I went thru the same
collimation procedure I used with the ATS. Bottom line, can't get
the new scope to perform even as good as the often-maligned 2114ATS
or an inexpensive Bushnell 4 1/2 in. scope that I also have. Can't
get close to a decent focus on stars (so didn't even try to improve
the adjustment using a star test).

Star images form ellipses in either direction of out of focus, with
the direction of the major access of the ellipse switching direction
by 90% when I move the focuus from in to out. Also noticed that I
can't get the secondary to present a circle to my homemade sight
tube, and still have it show the whole primary.

Besides the sight tube, am using a film-canister peephole and a
spotted primary. Same stuff I used to collimate the ATS. Have not
tried spotting the secondary, however.

BTW. Am using inexpensive Celestron Plossl eyepieces, but these have
given me very acceptable views with my other two OTAs.

Have gone thru the collimation procedure twice with no improvement.
Everything looks good thru the sight tube and peephole. But the sky
view is bad, and even terrestrial views are fuzzy.

Any ideas? Could either of the mirrors be defective? Could the
focuser be out of alignment? It looks OK, but I don't know how to
determine for sure, or that it would account for what I am seeing
(or should I say not seeing?) Should I just return it and try to get
my money back?

Cyber-Bob

#9030 From: Jerry <crazyj1251@...>
Date: Sat Oct 2, 2004 8:10 pm
Subject: Re: Collimation Problem?
crazyj1251
Send Email Send Email
 
From what you describe I would probably call Bill as
Telescope warehouse and ask him to send you another
unit. I spoke to him through email last week and he
said that while he still had some left he was running
low. You may have just gotten one that got knocked
around.
When I got mine about a month ago it was even in
perfect collimation and many others have said the same
thing.
I probably don't have to tell you that Meade does let
less than perfect scopes get through Quality control
once in a while..
Jerry in Arizona
--- cyberbob082847 <cyber-bob@...> wrote:

>
> Folks,
>
> Just received a 4504 tube from Telescope Warehouse.
> Advertised as
> NEW, but I found a number of things - a dent here,
> indications of
> wear on some of the adjustment screws, the three
> sheet metal screws
> holding the main mirror to the tube not all as tight
> as I might have
> expected, and small chip at a corner of the
> secondary.
>
> When I went to use it, even in daylight, the view
> was fuzzier than
> in my collimated DS-2114ATS "short" tube. So I went
> thru the same
> collimation procedure I used with the ATS. Bottom
> line, can't get
> the new scope to perform even as good as the
> often-maligned 2114ATS
> or an inexpensive Bushnell 4 1/2 in. scope that I
> also have. Can't
> get close to a decent focus on stars (so didn't even
> try to improve
> the adjustment using a star test).
>
> Star images form ellipses in either direction of out
> of focus, with
> the direction of the major access of the ellipse
> switching direction
> by 90% when I move the focuus from in to out. Also
> noticed that I
> can't get the secondary to present a circle to my
> homemade sight
> tube, and still have it show the whole primary.
>
> Besides the sight tube, am using a film-canister
> peephole and a
> spotted primary. Same stuff I used to collimate the
> ATS. Have not
> tried spotting the secondary, however.
>
> BTW. Am using inexpensive Celestron Plossl
> eyepieces, but these have
> given me very acceptable views with my other two
> OTAs.
>
> Have gone thru the collimation procedure twice with
> no improvement.
> Everything looks good thru the sight tube and
> peephole. But the sky
> view is bad, and even terrestrial views are fuzzy.
>
> Any ideas? Could either of the mirrors be defective?
> Could the
> focuser be out of alignment? It looks OK, but I
> don't know how to
> determine for sure, or that it would account for
> what I am seeing
> (or should I say not seeing?) Should I just return
> it and try to get
> my money back?
>
> Cyber-Bob
>
>
>
>




_______________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today!
http://vote.yahoo.com

#9031 From: "sdwest" <sdwest@...>
Date: Sat Oct 2, 2004 9:37 pm
Subject: Re: Collimation Problem?
sdwest61275
Send Email Send Email
 
Bill at Telescope Warehouse will make it right with you, I'm sure.  He's
very well known for that.  Either exchange or money back.  Good luck.

Wade


----- Original Message -----
From: "Jerry" <crazyj1251@...>
To: <Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 02, 2004 3:10 PM
Subject: Re: [Meade4504Telescopes] Collimation Problem?


>
> From what you describe I would probably call Bill as
> Telescope warehouse and ask him to send you another
> unit. I spoke to him through email last week and he
> said that while he still had some left he was running
> low. You may have just gotten one that got knocked
> around.
> When I got mine about a month ago it was even in
> perfect collimation and many others have said the same
> thing.
> I probably don't have to tell you that Meade does let
> less than perfect scopes get through Quality control
> once in a while..
> Jerry in Arizona
> --- cyberbob082847 <cyber-bob@...> wrote:
>
>>
>> Folks,
>>
>> Just received a 4504 tube from Telescope Warehouse.
>> Advertised as
>> NEW, but I found a number of things - a dent here,
>> indications of
>> wear on some of the adjustment screws, the three
>> sheet metal screws
>> holding the main mirror to the tube not all as tight
>> as I might have
>> expected, and small chip at a corner of the
>> secondary.
>>
>> When I went to use it, even in daylight, the view
>> was fuzzier than
>> in my collimated DS-2114ATS "short" tube. So I went
>> thru the same
>> collimation procedure I used with the ATS. Bottom
>> line, can't get
>> the new scope to perform even as good as the
>> often-maligned 2114ATS
>> or an inexpensive Bushnell 4 1/2 in. scope that I
>> also have. Can't
>> get close to a decent focus on stars (so didn't even
>> try to improve
>> the adjustment using a star test).
>>
>> Star images form ellipses in either direction of out
>> of focus, with
>> the direction of the major access of the ellipse
>> switching direction
>> by 90% when I move the focuus from in to out. Also
>> noticed that I
>> can't get the secondary to present a circle to my
>> homemade sight
>> tube, and still have it show the whole primary.
>>
>> Besides the sight tube, am using a film-canister
>> peephole and a
>> spotted primary. Same stuff I used to collimate the
>> ATS. Have not
>> tried spotting the secondary, however.
>>
>> BTW. Am using inexpensive Celestron Plossl
>> eyepieces, but these have
>> given me very acceptable views with my other two
>> OTAs.
>>
>> Have gone thru the collimation procedure twice with
>> no improvement.
>> Everything looks good thru the sight tube and
>> peephole. But the sky
>> view is bad, and even terrestrial views are fuzzy.
>>
>> Any ideas? Could either of the mirrors be defective?
>> Could the
>> focuser be out of alignment? It looks OK, but I
>> don't know how to
>> determine for sure, or that it would account for
>> what I am seeing
>> (or should I say not seeing?) Should I just return
>> it and try to get
>> my money back?
>>
>> Cyber-Bob
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today!
> http://vote.yahoo.com
>
>
>
> ******
>
> To send messages to members of this group, simply send email to:
>        Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com
>
> If you do not wish to belong to Meade4504Telescopes, you may unsubscribe
> by sending an email to:
>        Meade4504Telescopes-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> You may also visit the eGroups web site to modify your subscriptions:
>        http://groups.yahoo.com/mygroups
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

#9032 From: "luapttocss" <luapttocs@...>
Date: Sun Oct 3, 2004 10:42 pm
Subject: New to Meade4505
luapttocss
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi my name is Paul Alexander. I am a sophomore in college. I am an
avid backyard astronomer. I have a Meade DS-114 and have recently
took up astrophotography. I 'm starting out knowing nothing about
cameras and so forth so any tips and tricks would appreciated.
Anyway, it is my pleasure to be a member of this group! -Clear Skies

#9033 From: "Al" <public@...>
Date: Mon Oct 4, 2004 4:36 pm
Subject: Re: New to Meade4505
azdegutis
Send Email Send Email
 
Paul,

If you haven't yet, I'd recommend that you used the Search Tool on
the group's home page to do some archive searches. A lot of good
discussions on some of the challenges of using a 4504-style set up
for astrophotography including issues on focusing, the added weight
of a camera, tracking, etc.

Unless you've purchased a highend mount you won't be able to do long-
term exposures, just 20-30 second exposures. Nonetheless, that is a
good place to start. You may want to consider using a webcam. Again,
use the Search Tool to find the webcam discussions.

Good luck,
Al

#9034 From: danno <danno@...>
Date: Tue Oct 5, 2004 1:18 pm
Subject: New user, and question: EQ114-DH4 vs. DS-2130AT
dansuselessp...
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi all!  I'm new to the group as of a few days ago; I've had "toy"
telescopes when I was younger, but got re-bitten by the bug after
visiting Lowell Observatory last month.  Now I'm bidding on a telescope
on EBay, and doing my research...which brings me to my question:

For the same money (I'm reluctant to say how much, since I suspect I'm
overpaying), would you rather have a used-once EQ114-DH4 or a Meade
factory refurbished DS-2130AT?  I currently have a bid on the 114 but
may get outbid, and I need to decide whether to pursue that one or
switch tacks.  I've read some questionable things about the 2130's mount
and motors, so I am leery of it despite the larger aperture.  I know I'm
asking a group of 4504 fans here, but how would you say they stack up,
optically and mechanically, as a "first" scope?

Thanks,
Dan Crank
St. Louis, MO

#9035 From: Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed Oct 6, 2004 5:02 am
Subject: Reminder - Partial Solar Eclipse
Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com
Send Email Send Email
 
We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.

Partial Solar Eclipse

Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Time: 12:00AM CDT (GMT-05:00)

This partial eclipse of the sun will be visible from western
Alaska at 4:59PM local time.

#9036 From: "Dr. Jim Menius" <drmenius@...>
Date: Wed Oct 6, 2004 9:13 pm
Subject: Night Sky for October
drmenius
Send Email Send Email
 
October 2004’s Night Sky
By Dr. Jim Menius

Planetary observers continue to have slim pickings this month as most of
the bright planets continue to cluster near the sun, where they are lost
in its glare.   But we will be blessed with a nice lunar eclipse near
month’s end.  The cooler, less hazy skies of fall are well suited for
deep sky observers however so take advantage of them before the cold
nights of winter set in!

Mercury is very close to the sun this month and not observable.

Venus continues to dazzle early morning observers this month.  The ¾ lit
face of the planet blazes at magnitude -4.1 as it rises in the east at
around 4:00 AM.  As the month goes by it gradually sinks into the dawn,
rising around 5:00 AM by Halloween.

Mars is also very near the sun and unobservable this month.

Jupiter joins Mars and Mercury near the sun and is also unobservable.

Saturn is the only other naked eye planet observable this month.  The
ringed planet rises in the east at about 1:45 AM on the 1st and comes up
a bit earlier each night.  By the 31st it will rise around 11:45 PM,
perfect for some late night Halloween observing.  At magnitude 0.1 it is
around the same brightness as the brightest stars and can be found at
the center of a triangle formed by Pollux, Procyon, and the Beehive
cluster.

Uranus and Neptune are also visible in the southeast for the whole
month, with Uranus in Aquarius and Neptune in nearby Capricornus.  Both
appear as tiny bluish or greenish disks through a telescope and,
depending on your aperture, may show one or more moons as well.  For a
challenge, try to see magnitude 5.8 Uranus without optical aid from a
dark site.  It can be done if you know exactly where to look so locate
it with a telescope or binoculars first.

There will also be a Total Lunar Eclipse on the 27th, beginning at
roughly 9:15 PM EDT.  Totality will begin at roughly 10:20 PM EDT and
last for about 80 minutes.  This should be a very nice eclipse so be
sure to observe it if you can.  For a bit of extra incentive keep in
mind that this is the last total lunar eclipse until March of 2007!

Deep Sky

This month we will shift gears a bit and leave the spectacular wonders
of the Milky Way behind.  Instead we will explore several dimmer and
less recognizable constellations in an area of the sky sometimes known
as the Great Ocean.  This huge and rather sparsely populated region to
the south and east of the Milky Way is populated by sea creatures both
real and imaginary.  Let us begin very near where we left off last
month, in the constellation of Capricornus the Sea Goat.

Capricornus may win the prize as the most bizarre creature in the sky.
The ancient astronomers imagined they saw a half goat, half fish animal
here but to me this constellation looks like nothing so much as a huge
set of smiling lips, similar to the logo used by the Rolling Stones.
Its large, roughly triangular outline is fairly distinctive once located
but since none of the stars are very bright locating it for the first
time may be a challenge.

Surprisingly, considering it is so close to the Milky Way, there are not
a whole lot of deep sky objects in Capricornus.  There is one fairly
bright globular cluster, M 30, located some 2.5 degrees to the southeast
of the triangle in the general direction of Fomalhaut (the only bright
star in this whole part of the sky.)  Also note that the planet Neptune
is currently found roughly in the center of the flat top of the
triangle.

Above and to the left of Capricornus is another rather dim zodiacal
constellation, Aquarius.  Other than the small, kite-shaped asterism
known as the water-jar most of Aquarius is difficult to trace out in the
sky.  But unlike its bizarre neighbor the water carrier has several deep
sky objects of interest.   Roughly 5 degrees north of (above) the flat
top of the Capricornus triangle are a pair of Messier objects, M 72 and
M 73.  M 72 is usually classified as a sparse open cluster or a multiple
star and unfortunately ranks as one of the most uninteresting objects in
the Messier catalogue.  M 73 is a small, not particularly bright
globular cluster a bit over a degree away.  It will take a large
telescope to resolve this globular into stars.  Not far away is NGC
7009, also know as the Saturn Nebula.  This planetary nebula is quite
bright for a planetary and looks like a greenish glowing disk.
Depending on the size of your scope you may also see a pair of
projections coming off of either end of the nebula.  If visible they
tend to make the nebula roughly the same shape as the planet Saturn when
its rings are viewed edge-on, hence the nebula’s name.

Another globular cluster in Aquarius is M 2, found roughly 13 degrees
due west of the center of the water jar.  This globular is quite bright
and not too difficult to find.  In fact through a small scope it looks
remarkably like a tail-less comet, which is what prompted Messier to put
it on his list.  Also found in Aquarius is the very large but
notoriously difficult to observe NGC 7293, also know as the Helix
nebula.  Nearly the same size as the full moon, the Helix has a very low
surface brightness and can be a difficult object even for large scope
owners under dark skies.  Surprisingly however, I have often viewed it
with little difficulty using 7x50 binoculars.  If you want to try to see
the Helix, use a very low magnification under nice, dark skies.  A light
pollution or high contrast filter will help tremendously.



Jim Menius, D.C.
aka
drmenius@...

#9037 From: luapttocs@...
Date: Fri Oct 8, 2004 12:01 am
Subject: Solar Eclipse
luapttocss
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi, I was wonder if the upcoming eclipse will be visible from southern
California. And if it is, what time?
                               -Clear Skies

#9038 From: "Al" <public@...>
Date: Fri Oct 8, 2004 12:51 pm
Subject: Re: Solar Eclipse
azdegutis
Send Email Send Email
 
--- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, luapttocs@a... wrote:
> Hi, I was wonder if the upcoming eclipse will be visible from
southern
> California. And if it is, what time?
>                               -Clear Skies

Nope. You'd need to go futher west.

http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/OH/OH2004.html

Al
http://skyinsight.net

#9039 From: rtkramer@...
Date: Fri Oct 8, 2004 5:00 pm
Subject: AC Power Adapter for 4504?
rtkramer
Send Email Send Email
 
I have a 4504 with Starfinder, the DC plug says 15V next to it. I
want to be able to use an AC adapter and also get a car adapter for
when I go on the road. What do I need to do this? Some people have
said to use a 12V adapter but if it says 15V will this work? Also its
fine to get an adapter but what are the miliamps? 200? 400?

Richard

#9040 From: "Al" <public@...>
Date: Fri Oct 8, 2004 6:32 pm
Subject: Re: AC Power Adapter for 4504?
azdegutis
Send Email Send Email
 
Richard,

A good place to start is to check out the archives using the Search
Tool at the home page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Meade4504Telescopes

A search for AC Power Supply brought up 127 matches. As you can see
this is a topic that comes up quite regularly.

Al
http://skyinsight.net - Home of the Search Tool for Yahoo Groups

#9041 From: "Dr. Jim Menius" <drmenius@...>
Date: Fri Oct 8, 2004 6:54 pm
Subject: RE: AC Power Adapter for 4504?
drmenius
Send Email Send Email
 
Richard,

I use a 12v car adapter with mine but it is not always reliable,
especially if it is cold outside.  I will get a lot of drive fault
errors during cold weather but I put up with them since it means I don't
need to buy lots of batteries.


Jim Menius, D.C.
aka
drmenius@...



> -----Original Message-----
> From: rtkramer@... [mailto:rtkramer@...]
> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2004 1:00 PM
> To: Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Meade4504Telescopes] AC Power Adapter for 4504?
>
>
>
>
> I have a 4504 with Starfinder, the DC plug says 15V next to it. I
> want to be able to use an AC adapter and also get a car adapter for
> when I go on the road. What do I need to do this? Some people have
> said to use a 12V adapter but if it says 15V will this work? Also its
> fine to get an adapter but what are the miliamps? 200? 400?
>
> Richard
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> --------------------~-->
> Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar.
> Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free!
> http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/o_XolB/TM
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> ------~->
>
> ******
>
> To send messages to members of this group, simply send email to:
>         Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com
>
> If you do not wish to belong to Meade4504Telescopes, you may
> unsubscribe by sending an email to:
>         Meade4504Telescopes-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> You may also visit the eGroups web site to modify your subscriptions:
>         http://groups.yahoo.com/mygroups
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>

#9042 From: "autostaretx" <rseymour@...>
Date: Fri Oct 8, 2004 7:57 pm
Subject: Re: AC Power Adapter for 4504?
autostaretx
Send Email Send Email
 
--- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "Dr. Jim Menius"
<drmenius@s...> wrote:

> I use a 12v car adapter with mine but it is not always reliable,
> especially if it is cold outside.  I will get a lot of drive fault
> errors during cold weather but I put up with them since it
> means I don't need to buy lots of batteries.

If you do a Setup > Telescope > CALIBRATE
before aligning, you may lower the number of Faults.

have fun
--dick

#9043 From: "autostaretx" <rseymour@...>
Date: Fri Oct 8, 2004 8:03 pm
Subject: Re: AC Power Adapter for 4504?
autostaretx
Send Email Send Email
 
--- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, rtkramer@p... wrote:
>
> I have a 4504 with Starfinder, the DC plug says 15V next to it. I
> want to be able to use an AC adapter and also get a car adapter for
> when I go on the road. What do I need to do this? Some people have
> said to use a 12V adapter but if it says 15V will this work?

Probably.

> Also its fine to get an adapter but what are the miliamps?
> 200? 400?

I wouldn't try to run a 4504 with less than a full ampere
(1000 ma), and the more current available, the less chance
the voltage will dip to accuracy-disturbing levels during
slews.

Most AC Adapters are not "regulated"... so a 12v adapter
will frequently put out up to 15 volts. (my RadioShack
ones do, and the adapters Meade supplies for the ETX line
all do).
The voltage "rating" is what the supply will (theoretically)
-maintain- (guarantee?) at full rated current load.

So a cheap (non-regulated) 1500 ma 12 v supply probably
-will- provide at least 13 volts given the current-draw
that the 4504 usually wants.

Alternatively, many dealers (RadioShack, too) sell a 13.8v
3 amp or 10 amp regulated supply for powering automobile
  accessories.  It won't float up to 15v, but it -will-
provide 13.8, which is better than 12 for the 4504.

have fun
--dick

#9044 From: "Peter K Rallis" <pkrallis@...>
Date: Fri Oct 8, 2004 11:38 pm
Subject: Re: AC Power Adapter for 4504?
pkrallis_99
Send Email Send Email
 
I have operated it on a variety of 12 VDC sources without problem voltage
wise.  The mount itself left a lot to be desired (sloppy in both axis) and I
switched to an Apogee HD which was a much better mount.

peter...

----- Original Message -----
From: <rtkramer@...>
To: <Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2004 11:00 AM
Subject: [Meade4504Telescopes] AC Power Adapter for 4504?


>
>
> I have a 4504 with Starfinder, the DC plug says 15V next to it. I
> want to be able to use an AC adapter and also get a car adapter for
> when I go on the road. What do I need to do this? Some people have
> said to use a 12V adapter but if it says 15V will this work? Also its
> fine to get an adapter but what are the miliamps? 200? 400?
>
> Richard

#9045 From: "ccs_hello" <ccsmy@...>
Date: Fri Oct 8, 2004 11:48 pm
Subject: Re: AC Power Adapter for 4504?
ccs_hello
Send Email Send Email
 
Richard,

Instead of the AC-to-DC adaptor, nowadays there is a (better)
solution: use the self-contained Emergency Jumpstart Battery unit.

1. No exposure of AC 110V in the outdoor thus less risk.
2. No long 110V power cord.
3. No longer need to know the AC adaptor is a "well"
    regulated one or not.
4. The unit when on sale is cheap (mine was $25 + Tax).
5. It typically has a sealed Lead-acid, if lucky, gel-cell
    battery.  It's typical 12V 3 to 6 Ah capacity.
6. The unit when brought back indoors, can be AC recharged.
7. Need a cigarette lighter plug to "(? size) power adaptor" DC
extension cord.
8. Remember the "sand/water bucket bungee cord under the tripod"
    tripod stablizer trick? Replace the bucket with this heavy guy.
9. Hey, maybe once in the lifetime, it will be used to jumpstart the
car.
10. The light may be helpful occasionally to search something
dropped on the lawn.

Hope this helps.

ccs_hello

--- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, rtkramer@p... wrote:
>
> I have a 4504 with Starfinder, the DC plug says 15V next to it. I
> want to be able to use an AC adapter and also get a car adapter for
> when I go on the road. What do I need to do this? Some people have
> said to use a 12V adapter but if it says 15V will this work? Also
its
> fine to get an adapter but what are the miliamps? 200? 400?
>
> Richard

#9046 From: "kar_lok123" <kar_lok123@...>
Date: Sun Oct 10, 2004 12:30 pm
Subject: have it got all the equipment?
kar_lok123
Send Email Send Email
 
hi guys; i'm completely new to the field of astronomy and was given
my grandfather's telescope when he passed away recently.

he left my a telescope but i'm not so sure that i have all the
equiment needed to take up his former interest. the telescope is a
meade 4504, D=114mm, F=910mm, f/8... all this is new to me.  i have
the main scope and remote, a drive motor, a heavy weight balance,
tripod, power supply, two big coupling rings and an hbo device.

i think i'm missing a small attachment on the side ( a smaller
scope?) and the main telescope looks as though its missing a big lens
at the top, near the viewfinder...

could somebody tell me what i should have and should buy? thanks

#9047 From: Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue Oct 12, 2004 5:02 am
Subject: Reminder - Partial Solar Eclipse
Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com
Send Email Send Email
 
We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.

Partial Solar Eclipse

Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Time: 12:00AM CDT (GMT-05:00)

This partial eclipse of the sun will be visible from western
Alaska at 4:59PM local time.

#9048 From: Chuck_Sterling <csterlin@...>
Date: Tue Oct 12, 2004 12:11 pm
Subject: Re: have it got all the equipment?
csterlin88001
Send Email Send Email
 
On Sunday 10 October 2004 06:30, kar_lok123 wrote:
>  hi guys; i'm completely new to the field of astronomy and was given
>  my grandfather's telescope when he passed away recently. 
>
>  he left my a telescope but i'm not so sure that i have all the
>  equiment needed to take up his former interest. the telescope is a
>  meade 4504, D=114mm, F=910mm, f/8... all this is new to me.  i have
>  the main scope and remote, a drive motor, a heavy weight balance,
>  tripod, power supply, two big coupling rings and an hbo device. 
>
>  i think i'm missing a small attachment on the side ( a smaller
>  scope?) and the main telescope looks as though its missing a big
> lens at the top, near the viewfinder...
>
>  could somebody tell me what i should have and should buy? thanks
>

There's no big lens at that end, just the opening to let in light, which
is reflected by the large mirror at the lower end back to the small
mirror and eyepiece at the top.

If you have the manual that came with the scope, you should work your
way through it. It will explain, with pictures and words, how to
assemble the scope and get it ready to use. Then you can familiarize
yourself with it during the day with terrestial objects before trying
it out in dark skies.

If you do not have the manual, you can download it:
http://www.meade.com/manuals/TelescopeManuals/Reflectors/4504.pdf

That should get you started. I guarantee you will have more questions
about things beyond the scope of the manual. That's what this group is
for.

Chuck

#9049 From: jrgriggs01@...
Date: Tue Oct 12, 2004 3:28 pm
Subject: Re: have it got all the equipment?
jrgriggs01
Send Email Send Email
 
In addition to downloading and reading the manual, I'd suggest that
you view the instructional video that Meade provided with the 4504.
You can download the video from our Members' Support Web Site (URL
given below), or I can send you a CD that contains the video.  I
usually charge members $5.00 for the CD to cover costs, but I'll send
you one for free.

If you want me to send you the CD, please fill in the Request Form at:
http://meade4504telescopes.org/Manuals/
and I will send you the CD at no charge.  My way of helping keep your
Grandfather's love of astronomy alive in YOU!

Here's the URL to download the video (several formats available):
http://meade4504telescopes.org
then click on [References] / [ Manuals & Videos] buttons.

Let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

Best regards, and welcome to the Group!

Jim Griggs
Chicago, IL
Meade4504Telescopes eGroup Owner/Moderator

--- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "kar_lok123"
<kar_lok123@y...> wrote:
>
>
> hi guys; i'm completely new to the field of astronomy and was given
> my grandfather's telescope when he passed away recently.
>
> he left my a telescope but i'm not so sure that i have all the
> equiment needed to take up his former interest. the telescope is a
> meade 4504, D=114mm, F=910mm, f/8... all this is new to me.  i have
> the main scope and remote, a drive motor, a heavy weight balance,
> tripod, power supply, two big coupling rings and an hbo device.
>
> i think i'm missing a small attachment on the side ( a smaller
> scope?) and the main telescope looks as though its missing a big
lens
> at the top, near the viewfinder...
>
> could somebody tell me what i should have and should buy? thanks

#9050 From: jrgriggs01@...
Date: Tue Oct 12, 2004 3:33 pm
Subject: New Instructional Video Formats available
jrgriggs01
Send Email Send Email
 
We previously had a version of the Meade 4504 Instructional Video
available for download.  This was a DivX format that was nearly 90 Mb
in size and required the DivX player to view.

We now have the Manual available in Real Media Player and Windows
Media Player formats at four different quality levels.  These range
in size from 5.4 Mb to 76 Mb.

The videos are available for download from the Members' Support Web
Site at:
http://meade4504telescopes.org
then click on the [References] and [Manuals & Videos] buttons.

All of these formats are available on the CD/DVD that can be
requested from the same web page for a small charge.

Regards to all,

Jim Griggs
Chicago, IL
Meade4504Telescopes eGroup Moderator/Owner

#9051 From: "Christian Maciel" <jeeperbr@...>
Date: Wed Oct 13, 2004 12:28 am
Subject: 4500 to 4504 modification
jeeperbr
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi All



I have a Meade 4500 bought in the days previous to the Autostar.

I just adquired na autostar at e-bay and found out that the system is not
plug and play as the servo motors have a diferent head connector ( square ),
and the telescope has round ones.



Is there any drawing that I can use or place I can buy the “interface”
adapter for the telescope ?



Best regards

Christian Maciel

Santana de Parnaíba, SP Brasil

.


---
Incoming mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.736 / Virus Database: 490 - Release Date: 9/8/2004



---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.736 / Virus Database: 490 - Release Date: 9/8/2004



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#9052 From: "ccs_hello" <ccsmy@...>
Date: Wed Oct 13, 2004 2:44 am
Subject: Re: 4500 to 4504 modification
ccs_hello
Send Email Send Email
 
Christian,

Not quite sure what 4500 servo motor (round connector?)
you have, but the 4504 motor unit has a 8-pin square type of socket
(RJ-45) which will fit the Autostar/494/495/497 controller's cord.

You may want to visit
http://meade4504telescopes.org/

Click "references" then "menuals & videos" to
take a look at the 4504 motor unit's drawing.

C.S.

ccs_hello


--- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "Christian Maciel"
<jeeperbr@y...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi All
>
>
>
> I have a Meade 4500 bought in the days previous to the Autostar.
>
> I just adquired na autostar at e-bay and found out that the system
is not
> plug and play as the servo motors have a diferent head connector (
square ),
> and the telescope has round ones.
>
>
>
> Is there any drawing that I can use or place I can buy
the "interface"
> adapter for the telescope ?
>
>
>
> Best regards
>
> Christian Maciel
>
> Santana de Parnaíba, SP Brasil

#9053 From: jrgriggs01@...
Date: Wed Oct 13, 2004 2:54 am
Subject: Re: 4500 to 4504 modification
jrgriggs01
Send Email Send Email
 
I could be mistaken (I frequently am!), but I think Christian is
referring not to the electrical connectors, but to the mechanical
coupling between motor housing and mount drive assembly.

Jim

--- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "ccs_hello" <ccsmy@o...>
wrote:
>
> Christian,
>
> Not quite sure what 4500 servo motor (round connector?)
> you have, but the 4504 motor unit has a 8-pin square type of socket
> (RJ-45) which will fit the Autostar/494/495/497 controller's cord.
>
> You may want to visit
> http://meade4504telescopes.org/
>
> Click "references" then "menuals & videos" to
> take a look at the 4504 motor unit's drawing.
>
> C.S.
>
> ccs_hello
>
>
> --- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "Christian Maciel"
> <jeeperbr@y...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hi All
> >
> >
> >
> > I have a Meade 4500 bought in the days previous to the Autostar.
> >
> > I just adquired na autostar at e-bay and found out that the
system
> is not
> > plug and play as the servo motors have a diferent head connector
(
> square ),
> > and the telescope has round ones.
> >
> >
> >
> > Is there any drawing that I can use or place I can buy
> the "interface"
> > adapter for the telescope ?
> >
> >
> >
> > Best regards
> >
> > Christian Maciel
> >
> > Santana de Parnaíba, SP Brasil

#9054 From: "ccs_hello" <ccsmy@...>
Date: Wed Oct 13, 2004 4:35 am
Subject: Re: 4500 to 4504 modification
ccs_hello
Send Email Send Email
 
Hmm...

If it's mechanical coupling, may be msg 8973 would help.

The original factory one looks like:
Files > Member's Telescope Images > Wayne's TinkerBell > 4504 Mount
Issues & Mods > Wormgear Assembly.jpg

ccs_hello


--- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, jrgriggs01@a... wrote:
>
> I could be mistaken (I frequently am!), but I think Christian is
> referring not to the electrical connectors, but to the mechanical
> coupling between motor housing and mount drive assembly.
>
> Jim
>
> --- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "ccs_hello"
<ccsmy@o...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Christian,
> >
> > Not quite sure what 4500 servo motor (round connector?)
> > you have, but the 4504 motor unit has a 8-pin square type of
socket
> > (RJ-45) which will fit the Autostar/494/495/497 controller's cord.
> >
> > You may want to visit
> > http://meade4504telescopes.org/
> >
> > Click "references" then "menuals & videos" to
> > take a look at the 4504 motor unit's drawing.
> >
> > C.S.
> >
> > ccs_hello
> >
> >
> > --- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "Christian Maciel"
> > <jeeperbr@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi All
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I have a Meade 4500 bought in the days previous to the Autostar.
> > >
> > > I just adquired na autostar at e-bay and found out that the
> system
> > is not
> > > plug and play as the servo motors have a diferent head
connector
> (
> > square ),
> > > and the telescope has round ones.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Is there any drawing that I can use or place I can buy
> > the "interface"
> > > adapter for the telescope ?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Best regards
> > >
> > > Christian Maciel
> > >
> > > Santana de Parnaíba, SP Brasil

#9055 From: Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed Oct 13, 2004 5:02 am
Subject: Reminder - Orionid Meteor Shower
Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com
Send Email Send Email
 
We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.

Orionid Meteor Shower

Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Time: 12:00AM CDT (GMT-05:00)

These meteors should peak Oct. 20 at about 7:30PM ET

#9056 From: "tim_doman1" <tim_doman1@...>
Date: Wed Oct 13, 2004 4:12 pm
Subject: Hello to you all
tim_doman1
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi all
Just wanted to say hi and to ask if it is possible to control the
4504 from your pc by tapping into the starfinder handset.
Also anyone know how i can get the pc software disc that comes with
this scope as mine is purchased from Ebay and it was missing.
Anyway thanks to you all,
Tim--UK.

#9057 From: kar ho <kar_lok123@...>
Date: Wed Oct 13, 2004 5:56 pm
Subject: Re: [thank you for directing me]
kar_lok123
Send Email Send Email
 
dear mr griggs;

thank you kindly for directing me to the correct site
for downloading the manual for my telescope.

i am very grateful for your offer; but i will try to
download the manual first as i suspect this action
will save you a considerable amount of money...posting
the cd to england!

kind regards...and thanks again.

karl





___________________________________________________________ALL-NEW Yahoo!
Messenger - all new features - even more fun!  http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

Messages 9028 - 9057 of 10745   Oldest  |  < Older  |  Newer >  |  Newest
Add to My Yahoo!      XML What's This?

Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Guidelines NEW - Help