Meade DS-114 advice as a first tracking scope

snibor (Mick) · #1 25-08-2009, 02:47 PM

Hi all and thanks for having me.
I was just after a bit of advice, have been a small time observer for a long time now and have been using a no name 114mm reflector, I have the offer on a Meade DS-114 digital scope for a couple of hundred dollars and seeing it has a control for computer was wondering if it was worth that?? it would be fantastic to have a scope that will track but I'm not sure it will do it or not? I guess what I'm asking is if it's a good buy or not? there two lenses and the optics look clean as. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance from Michael.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #2 25-08-2009, 03:53 PM

Hi Mick.

Generally speaking these lower end goto scopes leave a bit to be desired. Their goto often only puts you in the vicinity and not at the object you want. The reviews on the DS-114 don't rate the scope highly. The biggest let down is the stability of the mount. These lower end mounts are not called wobbletronics for nothing. Also from what I've read (can't claim first hand experience so all this is only hearsay from reviews) the eyepieces are pretty much useless except for the 25 (or is it 26)mm. Also the finderscope is almost impossible to focus.

I hope someone from here can pipe up with contradictory information and rave about it for you.

How much is a couple of hundred dollars? I've seen these scopes (or clones) advertised for as little as $50 on places like ebay.

user review
http://forums.astronomydaily.com/viewtopic.php?t=4427

[1ponders] (Paul) · #3 25-08-2009, 04:00 PM

I've just had a bit of a look at the reflector and my suggestion is to run the other way. These short reflectors use a built in barlow type lens in the focuser tube to get additional focal length. These inbuilt lenses are of notoriously poor quality generally.

What is your upper limit on cost and maybe someone can come up with some other suggestions? What are you hoping to look for/at?

snibor (Mick) · #4 25-08-2009, 04:04 PM

Hi again Paul, was just reading that review and its not looking good, I could buy it for $180 but it sounds like a scope to avoid, oh well one will come along eventually, thanks for the input Paul and all the best from Michael.

snibor (Mick) · #5 25-08-2009, 04:10 PM

you must of got that last post away while I was typing my last one, thats about my limit I'm sad to say but will be patient, Iv'e had the 10 inch dob in the past but vowed the next scope I get will be tracking. Many thanks for the advice, you have probably saved me some dissapointment, Thank you from Michael.