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n1toga
member
Reged: 05/15/08
Posts: 90
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Hi all,
Just need some info on this scope. How're the mount and the optics?
Any one got one could shed some light as there is almost no information avialable on Mead's website.
Thanks
Rahul K.
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NightMonkey
super member
Reged: 01/10/08
Posts: 182
Loc: Upstate, SC
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Hey there....I have the 2114 model...I will have to say that for a starter scope, it has served me well...But here goes the g/b/u
Good:
Granted, I am no expert...
-setup time....like 5 mins
-really small and doesn't take up a lot of space
-Tripod is pretty sturdy, if it gets a bump, the image settles pretty quick.
-I do like the red-dot finder, though I do make sure to test the alignment around once a week.
-The Ep's that come with it (4000) series are nice and give good images.
-I have centered the mirror so I have had it out...it is securely mounted...
-The accuracy on the GoTo it decent, it will get me to an object and all I have to do it center it a little.
Bad:
-It has a barlow in the focuser (That is how they have a 500mm tube) it is a BEAR to collimate.
-The rack and pinion focuser "gets to job done"...it slips a tiny bit.
-The EP tray, wobbles a little...(I keep the EP in the holders and don't place anything on the tray area)
-Batteries for the GoTo don't last very long...I want to say 4/5 hours....its been a while since I used my scope on AA's...I rigged a power adapter for it.
-Something buggy about the tracking...After a while of usage, I have tried to center an object and after I release the directional arrow, it will immediatly slew away from it again. (Anyone got an idea on that one, PM me.)
Ugly:
-Really nothing for me to go and return it...
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I live in a pretty LPed area and to give you an idea of what I can nail:
Orion Nebula: Quite impressed...Nice blue hue...on good nights I can pick out 4 stars in the Trap.
A few of the brighter globulars: Nice faint fuzzy...with no distinct starts
Alberio: Very sharp and great color
Mizar: Just spilt it a few nights ago
Saturn: I can see the Cassini Divide along with a few moons
Jupiter: Looks nice...you can see the planets banding along with the 4 largest moons....I saw 5 only on a perfect night.
Moon: Looks nice...
Mars: Just an tiny disc...no caps
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I have had my scope out in darker skys and have been very happy....
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IMHO:
-Its great if you want instant gratification...You want to get into astronomy and don't have the patience to really study the sky and find objects yourself
-Its good to get kids started in astronomy. They autostar is pretty easy to use...and has a nice database of basic information about object (Brightness, Distance, Description, etc.)
-If you know the sky and are concerned about price...Go with a dobsonian...Aperture rules...but you get to track yourself. ( I love that I can walk inside use the restroom or grab a drink and know that I can come back and the object will still be there.)
Scale of 5: I give it a 4
P.S: See if you can pick one up on craigslist...I nailed mine for $120 and it was in perfect condition.
Hope this helps.
B
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Meade DS-2114ATS-LNT
Meade 285
Celestron Eyepiece and Filter Set
Thousand Oaks Solar Filter
Quickcam Pro 5000
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Protheus
Vaguely offended
Reged: 09/01/07
Posts: 3907
Loc: Illinois, US
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That particular 2130 is a "jones-bird" type design. This means that the primary mirror has a very short focal length, and there is a separate corrector lens in the focuser which extends it. Many people tell me (and my own experience verifies) that this is seldom done without a degradation of the image quality. There are also a few other negatives of the design. For the price, you may be better off looking for something without this particular design feature.
You could still get a DS-2130, if you had your heart set on one. There was a long tube version that was similar to this one, but it is a standard newtonian design. It's perhaps twice as long as the one you're looking at, but otherwise similar. I believe it was the 2130-AT or ATE. I'm afraid you might need to check the used market for one of those, though. I don't think Meade makes that one currently.
Chris
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"To tread the sharp edge of a sword;
to run on smooth-frozen ice,
one needs no footsteps to follow..."
"Well, people sometimes ask me 'how did you get involved in astronomy?' I said 'I got born, what's your problem?'" -- John Dobson
"In discussing the large-scale structure of the cosmos, astronomers sometimes say that space is curved, or that the universe is finite but unbounded. Whatever are they talking about?" -- Carl Sagan
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Astroboy86
sage
Reged: 01/28/07
Posts: 422
Loc: Southeastern Virginia
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Rahul, this was our starter scope as well, and it's the one we still set up on the driveway at Halloween for the kids to peek through (Comet Holmes & Jupiter last year--probably Jupiter & double cluster this year). I have to echo everything that Chris and NightMonkey have said above, although we haven't had a bit of trouble with tracking. I'd have to rate that feature on par with our much more expensive ETX-125 and much, much more expensive CPC 925.
Optically, the scope leaves much to be desired, thanks to that built-in "corrector" lens in the focuser. We got rid of most of the focuser slop by installing the electronic focuser. Unfortunately, that unit (#1240) is discontinued. Our mount is very flimsy, but Meade has changed the tripod design on the newest generation, so it might be better.
I'd have to say that collimation on this scope (or any other short-tube hybrid) isn't really a bear...it's more like a nightmare! I think I've spent more money on collimation tools for this thing than we did for the entire telescope, and more time collimating than viewing! Unfortunately, even when you get it as good as it gets, the image is still inferior to an equivalent long tube, as Chris mentioned. (Our 114mm long tube offers crisper views than the DS-2130.)
If you can pick one up cheap like NightMonkey did, it might be an OK starter scope for a young person. Otherwise, if you are looking for this same feature set, I would recommend something like the Celestron StarSeeker 130. It has the same aperture as the Meade, and is roughly the same physical size, but this one has an "honest" 650mm focal length--no built-in Barlow lens. This focal length gives it an f/5 focal ratio, faster than the Meade's f/7.7. This means that precise collimation is even more important, but it should be much easier to do on the Celestron scope. Hope this helps.
-Harry
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Our ever-growing equipment collection:
Celestron CPC 925 GPS XLT (The Precious)
EarthWin PFS-D binoviewer w/dielectric coatings
Meade ETX-125AT (Shadow Lass)
Meade DS-2130ATS-LNT (Mr. Magoo)
Meade 114NT/500 (Foggy Bottom)
StellarVue M4-style EQ mount
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 5040
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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I own two of the DS-2000 mounts (a DS-2130 long-tube Newtonian and a DSX-90) and the mount is fine. I suspect it uses the same basic internal workings of the ETX (it certainly sounds and behaves the same as a ETX). The long-tube versions of the DS-2000 line are optically very nice and I'd rate my long-tube DS-2130 excellent. However, the short-tube versions have a reputation of images that are a tad soft and sensitive to alignment. Soooo, I wouldn't hesitate to use the telescope at relatively low powers and for deep sky objects, but you may be disappointed with its performance at high magnifications for lunar and planetary viewing.
P.S.
After doing a Google search on Jones-Bird Newtonians I might have to pick one of these up just to see how well one can be made to work if it's properly aligned.
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-John
================================================
Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro, DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
Edited by jgraham (07/19/08 08:24 PM)
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n1toga
member
Reged: 05/15/08
Posts: 90
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Thanks a bunch guys,
As some of you might know I've been asking mostly about the celestron line up, the 130 SLT in particular. I have a jones-Bird 4.5 inch newt and I'm not too thrilled by the views....it just lack that last bit of crispness even when tweaked to the max. As if something is missing. Also there is quite a bit of CA on bright stars. So the 2130 is definately out.
Any Experience with thier MAK range especially the 102 in particular?
Thanks
Rahul K.
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Protheus
Vaguely offended
Reged: 09/01/07
Posts: 3907
Loc: Illinois, US
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Rahul,
Remember, that 2130 is a jones-bird, but there are others -- as I said -- which are not. Even so, if you have a 4.5" scope now, and are looking for something of an upgrade, I'd be tempted to say to go for a larger one, even if you _will_ get a better image in a parabolic newt of the same size.
That said, I observed Jupiter with a 90mm Meade 97ER (which is an older Maksutov Cassegrain) just tonight. It is one of two telescopes that I use primarily, and -- allowing for its small-ish 90mm aperture -- I'm very happy with it. It's remarkably portable, and the images are quite good.
Chris
--------------------
"To tread the sharp edge of a sword;
to run on smooth-frozen ice,
one needs no footsteps to follow..."
"Well, people sometimes ask me 'how did you get involved in astronomy?' I said 'I got born, what's your problem?'" -- John Dobson
"In discussing the large-scale structure of the cosmos, astronomers sometimes say that space is curved, or that the universe is finite but unbounded. Whatever are they talking about?" -- Carl Sagan
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n1toga
member
Reged: 05/15/08
Posts: 90
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Thanks Chris,
I basically need portability above all other things hence the 4.5 inch Jones-bird newt. Believe me the views are just not good (read waste of money). I need a GOTO due to the light pollution, wouldn't be able to find anyting otherwise.
The Nexstar 130 SLT is just about pushing the size limit, the only other option avialable is a CAT. Budjet is a little tight max 500 to 600 dollars so the beautiful Nexstar SE seriese is out. There fore the renewed intrest in the cheaper MAK's.
I'll re post with the Mack's ni mind.
Thanks
Rahul K.
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 5040
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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You mean the Meade DSX Maks? There's no comparison between the short tube DS-2000's and the DSX Maks. The DSX Maks are ETX OTAs on the DS-2000 mount. I own a DSX-90 and I love it. GoTo's and tracking are very good, images are excellent. They make a great little grab'n go scope. I see that WalMart still has some of the original DSX scopes available on their web site and OPT is offering DSX scopes with the new DS-2000 II mount.
This is my DSX-90 fitted with an Orion binoviewer...
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-John
================================================
Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro, DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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n1toga
member
Reged: 05/15/08
Posts: 90
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Thanks John,
Great pic. Can the DS II mount be used with antother power source other than batteries. I didn't see any 12v input in the limited pictures I have sifted through. Is the mount stable enough to handle the 102 OTA at hi mag?
Thanks,
Rahul
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turndalightsoff
super member
Reged: 06/24/08
Posts: 165
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Hmmm.. John can that Binoviewer work with a dob by any chance? 
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The names M, Mr. M
Proud Owner of a 6 Inch Hardin Deep Space Hunter Dobsonian Telescope
32mm, 25mm, 9mm, 7.5mm, 4mm plossls
Meade 4000 series 2X Barlow
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 5040
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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Rahul; The orignal DS-2000 mount doesn't have a port for an external power source, but that's not a big problem. The battery connector is a standard 9V 'transistor' battery type. I bought an adapter from Radio Shack and I use a 12 V jumpstart battery to power mine. The Autostar works best with a stable power supply and a jumpstart battery works great!
Binoviewers have mixed luck on Dobs. They require quite a bit of in-focus, more than a typical Newtonian has. To solve this problem binoviewers are often supplied with a low-power Barlow lens, somtimes called an OCA, to move the focal plane back far enough to work. The Orion binoviewers come with a 2x Barlow for thst purpose.
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-John
================================================
Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro, DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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stefanj
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/15/07
Posts: 1134
Loc: Western New York State
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I have the 2130 old version long tube (correctly called the DS-2130 AT) at nearly 3 feet long this 5" newt is a bit much for the standard DS mount- the backlash on the goto slews often overshhoots the intendended target- THat is the bad- the ugly- well Mede (in there cost saving measures) decided to give an overloaded mount some what cheap shakey tripod legs! Now the Good- THE OPTICS! this scope is an f/7.9- and is VERY forgiving on collimation and eye pieces! THe views are great, I short list of the best objects so far include: Mars, Saturn, Venus, M42, M81/82, Ring Nebula, M51, M101, M3, M13, More double stars than I care to count, Comet Holmes. All the listed objects were very pleasing in the EP (all Plossls or Meade MA's). My daughter (12) has no trouble using this scope (and uses it manually rather then the goto- as she loves the challange of star hopping) and I often use this scope if others are using looking through the Z10. Now I purchased mine used from the Mead Outlet- and got it for $169 shipped- which really made it a nice deal. I don't know If I would pay the full retail (up around $399) as there is a lot of offerings at that $400 price point- but at the price I paid- I felt I got a good deal!
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Life is a circus- and I'm stuck in the FREAK TENT
Meade ETX 90RA w/ tripod
Meade AZ 70
Meade DS 2130 AT
Zhumell 10" Dob
Zhumell Plossel EP and Filter set
Simmons 10x50 Binoculars
GLPx5
LPI
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n1toga
member
Reged: 05/15/08
Posts: 90
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Thanks Stefan,
That is an honest review. Like I mentioned previously I really don't care for the Jones-Bird design too much having to suffer one already. I just want to be able to get some crisp and sharp views which are pleasing to look at. So it is going to have to be a rather longer focal lenght scope for me in the end. Looking around is just soo much fun when you can get soo many opinons for free from well meaning people.
Thanks all........;)
Rahul
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Protheus
Vaguely offended
Reged: 09/01/07
Posts: 3907
Loc: Illinois, US
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Quote:
That is an honest review. Like I mentioned previously I really don't care for the Jones-Bird design too much having to suffer one already. I just want to be able to get some crisp and sharp views which are pleasing to look at. So it is going to have to be a rather longer focal lenght scope for me in the end. Looking around is just soo much fun when you can get soo many opinons for free from well meaning people.
Well, here's another. It doesn't have to be a long focal length scope. You could get a "fast" (like f/4 or so) scope. In equal aperture, it would be about the same size as your jones-bird with half the effective focal length. It would get you about half the magnification with any given eyepiece, and it wouldn't have that annoying negative corrector. It would be a little picky about collimation and eyepieces, though.
Chris
--------------------
"To tread the sharp edge of a sword;
to run on smooth-frozen ice,
one needs no footsteps to follow..."
"Well, people sometimes ask me 'how did you get involved in astronomy?' I said 'I got born, what's your problem?'" -- John Dobson
"In discussing the large-scale structure of the cosmos, astronomers sometimes say that space is curved, or that the universe is finite but unbounded. Whatever are they talking about?" -- Carl Sagan
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werewolf6977
Lord High Smasher
Reged: 12/15/03
Posts: 7037
Loc: Hanover, Ohio
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At F/4, you'll get a lot of coma though. It bothers some people, but not others.
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Pete
6" Apogee/LXD55 - "The Beast"
Starhopper 6" Dob - "Shiva"
Spaceprobe 130 EQ - "Spacey"
Bushnell Fatboy
The Abomination
Sun Pak Pro 7500 Platinum Edition
10X25 Bushnell Camo Roofies
7X35 Tasco Classic Plastic (good views though)
7X42 Tasco Rare Bird
10X50 Nikon Actions (Type 7)
15X70 Skymasters - "DroolMeisters"
One ratty old IBM 600E LapTop
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Protheus
Vaguely offended
Reged: 09/01/07
Posts: 3907
Loc: Illinois, US
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Quote:
At F/4, you'll get a lot of coma though. It bothers some people, but not others.
Yep. Could use a paracorr, but then ...$$$. 
Chris
--------------------
"To tread the sharp edge of a sword;
to run on smooth-frozen ice,
one needs no footsteps to follow..."
"Well, people sometimes ask me 'how did you get involved in astronomy?' I said 'I got born, what's your problem?'" -- John Dobson
"In discussing the large-scale structure of the cosmos, astronomers sometimes say that space is curved, or that the universe is finite but unbounded. Whatever are they talking about?" -- Carl Sagan
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