'Scope - is this a good opportunity to buy?

[smichy]

Hi again

I posted a while back about what was a good 'scope for a novice with £600 to burn? Skyjim and others were very helpful - a 6-8" Dobsonion seemed the way to go.

But things have changed! Firstly we're not moving away from London due to an alarming pricefall in the suburbs  Will probably get a Loft Conversion instead.

Also, an opportunity has arisen I'd like to run by you all  A work colleague of my wife has offered her "only used twice" Meade 4.5" Reflector "with computer control" (according to the setting up video she loaned me). Problem is she has no idea what model it is! If it's got GOTO is it a Meade 4504? And is this therefore a DS114? And what's an EQ114B? I'm confused:\ :\

If it is a 4504, what are the issues with this baby? Internet research indicates possible build quality issues and the GOTO is a bitch to get to grips with.

I appreciate I'm not going to get the views of Jupiters clouds etc that I would with a 6"-8" Dob, but......

...this lady wants £50 ($75) for it.

Should I have her hand off?

Thanks in advance

Steve M

[skyjim]

That's so cheap I'd tend to jump at it!  You can always turn it around for the same amount if it's a dog, assuming it is undamaged!

I'll do a little research, but I think you've found the essentials out already - that segment of the scope market is very competitive and subject to shaving reliability, optical quality, and durability in order to pack more whistles and bells in.  The Autostar system has to be learned, but I don't think it's a lot worse than much of the software we all have to deal with evey day - you just need to invest time in reading the user manual (I think a tech support person posted an acronym for the off-color version of the advice they most often give callers - it was RTFM.. ...) and know the intitalization routine cold.

Guessing based on current models, I'd venture that this is possibly a DS-2114ATS or DS114EC - if choosing I'd prefer the EC simply because I don't like the short tube newtonians with the relay lens in the focuser as much as a normal configuration. Street price here on the current model, the ATS, looks to be about $400 U.S. - sorry, you'll need to do the conversion, I don't have that handy.  

Jim

[smichy]

As ever, Skyjim, thanks for taking the time to reply. lol @rtfm - isn't that an acronym pc helpdesk urchins use a lot?!:lol

I've found a Yahoo group for Meade 4.5" reflector users and learn't that once you get the scope aligned properly, the GOTO function is very good - if a bit slow. (I worry about joining those groups though - rubbish layout and spam :x :x).

I'll be 'aving 'er 'and off then, as us cockneys put it! (And I'm the real thing in this regard - born within the sound of Bow Bells - at 11.30pm! They were ringing as I was born! How cockney can you get?:smokin :smokin)

Thanks again - I look forward to spellbinding you all with my descriptions of a small, blotchy planet....called Jupiter!:p :p

Steve M

[skyjim]

Steve, any scope is a starship just waiting for the right Captain.....


Jim

[Qazaq2001]

Jim,
 You got that right, man. I couldn't have said it any better myself. Q:)

[skyjim]

[smichy]

Woo hoo! The deed is done!:hat

Will be in touch soon to find out about eyepieces etc...

This is Captain Michelin, solar system on main viewer, photon tordedoes ready, signing off.8o 8o

Thanks again

Steve M

[skyjim]

Watch out for those Pirellian cruisers!

[smichy]

Arrrrgh! She canny teak it captin!



It just got real cloudy here in London. Why am I not surprised? :\ :\

Steve M

[Jacaranda3739]

You should try living here in New Jersey.
The other day the sun came out for about five minutes and everyone ran in terror! :rotflmao :rotflmao

[smichy]

That would be the fear of skin cancer, surely!?

Steve M

[Jacaranda3739]

No,..that would be the fear of the great fiery ball that had suddenly appeared in the sky.:rotflmao :rotflmao
We've been having nothing but bad weather for more than a month now, I believe its the rainyest spring on record.
And I sure hope it gets better for the big mars show.

[smichy]

Jac - do you mean the closest opposition in August? Will the proximity mean that features of Mars come into the realm of amateur astronomers too?

I expect my new 4.5" Newt (and my un-trained eye)will still struggle but for the rest of you guys, that must be exciting!

Hope it lives up to expectations (and the clouds go away)

Steve M

[Jacaranda3739]

From what I gather, Mars should appear quite large in amateur telescopes this August.
Just make sure your perfectly collimated or the features won't be visable.

[Qazaq2001]

Smichy,
 What you will be able to see on Mars with your 4.5 inch scope will be the light and dark patches, the albedo (reflectivity) areas, and even one of the polar caps. However the contrast between the light and dark areas is extremely slight, and will require you to train your eyes to pick out subtle detail, which will become easier as you spend more time observing with your scope. You won't however be able to see Olympus Mons or the other volcanoes, or Vallis Marineris, or craters on the planet. As soon as you get better weather in your area, get your scope out there and start looking at Mars, and train your eyes to pick up subtle detail. Q