Telescope Reviews: old meade starfinder 10"

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ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

old meade starfinder 10"
#5656771 - 02/01/13 05:01 PM

I just aquired a meade starfinder 10" scope with a magellan II computer and eq mount and i was wondering if there is an upgrade for the magellan II computer? also how dependable are these scopes? any info would be great.. thanks

Post Extras:

rmollise
Postmaster

Reged: 07/06/07

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5657008 - 02/01/13 07:23 PM

Might try the StarFinder Yahoogroup. But there's been no support for the Magellan for ages. The scope itself is very dependable--I mean there's not much to go wrong. The Magellan? It can work competently as a digital setting circle computer. The rest of its features were never really "there."

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ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: rmollise]
#5657843 - 02/02/13 10:11 AM

thanks for the info.. can i plug a newer handheld into the mount ?

Post Extras:

rmollise
Postmaster

Reged: 07/06/07

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5658023 - 02/02/13 12:10 PM

Handheld what? The original was an AC synchro drive. You can put digital setting circles on it or add an AC drive corrector if you can find one. The DC model could be purchased with the old Magellan HC, which added DSCs and a few other features that semi-worked. You can't really plug anything else but the Magellan II into it.

Post Extras:

Glen A W
sage

Reged: 07/04/08

Loc: WEST VIRGINIA USA

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: rmollise]
#5658708 - 02/02/13 06:36 PM

Actually, I found the DC version of the drive was quite unreliable. Also, the big chrome knob to lock the Dec. quit working after a while, no matter how much I tightened it.

The Magellan I had never worked right. Although bought new, I eventually took it apart and found a bunch of loose screws inside!

The scope is rather crude but the one I had had a great mirror and I wish I hadn't sold it, but you know how that goes! I still have the mount out front, decorating my planter! Overall, these scopes were very good for the low cost of them. GW

Post Extras:

Glen A W
sage

Reged: 07/04/08

Loc: WEST VIRGINIA USA

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: Glen A W]
#5658710 - 02/02/13 06:38 PM

Ps - Drive problems were that the clutch would slip and the drive would not turn the scope - often - and then later, the motor quit running at the right rate. GW

Post Extras:

ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: Glen A W]
#5658777 - 02/02/13 07:39 PM

sounds like i might have my hands full with this scope between reading here and other places... thanks all

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Glen A W
sage

Reged: 07/04/08

Loc: WEST VIRGINIA USA

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5658846 - 02/02/13 08:13 PM

Quote:

sounds like i might have my hands full with this scope between reading here and other places... thanks all

Mostly just from the heft of carrying it outside. I used mine for years after the drive quit. It was a great scope overall. GW

Post Extras:

cheapersleeper
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/22/10

Loc: Sachse TX

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: Glen A W]
#5658889 - 02/02/13 08:38 PM

I m hopeful that the one in my living room will prove workable. It sure is big.

Brad

Post Extras:

rmollise
Postmaster

Reged: 07/06/07

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: Glen A W]
#5659629 - 02/03/13 09:52 AM

Quote:

Ps - Drive problems were that the clutch would slip and the drive would not turn the scope - often - and then later, the motor quit running at the right rate. GW

Never found this to be much of a problem. The clutch was adjustable, and I was always able to do that suitably on any of 'em I encountered. As for the Magellan, yeah, as I mentioned, it was never quite there.

Post Extras:

rmollise
Postmaster

Reged: 07/06/07

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5659632 - 02/03/13 09:55 AM

Quote:

sounds like i might have my hands full with this scope between reading here and other places... thanks all

I doubt it. As I said: simple and reliable.

Post Extras:

Glen A W
sage

Reged: 07/04/08

Loc: WEST VIRGINIA USA

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: rmollise]
#5659940 - 02/03/13 12:56 PM

What happened on mine was that somebody made the clutch too tight, before they sold it to me, and it was actually clicking the spur gear teeth over the worm. I did not know at first that is wasn't supposed to do that - this was quite some time ago! GW

Post Extras:

ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: Glen A W]
#5660124 - 02/03/13 02:41 PM

i also understand that i have to replace the focuser as well

Post Extras:

cheapersleeper
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/22/10

Loc: Sachse TX

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5660152 - 02/03/13 02:58 PM

Is the focuser plastic? I have a metal one on my Starfinder and it works fine. The immediate upgrading of every focuser that comes stock is a relatively recent phenomenon.

B

Post Extras:

ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: cheapersleeper]
#5660218 - 02/03/13 03:40 PM

it looks to be a cheap metal one

Post Extras:

Glen A W
sage

Reged: 07/04/08

Loc: WEST VIRGINIA USA

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5660486 - 02/03/13 06:01 PM

The focuser on mine was pretty bad! It had a 1.25" holder and then I could unscrew that and stick a 2" eyepiece in it. It would not stay in place at any setting, regardless. It looked like metal but if it was, it was the cheapest pot metal in the universe. I never replaced it though, I just lived with it. I got a lot of use out of that scope, so I would not want to run it down. GW

Edited by Glen A W (02/03/13 06:02 PM)

Post Extras:

ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: Glen A W]
#5661713 - 02/04/13 12:46 PM

I just the scope holds up for a long time since it is my first "large" telescope

Post Extras:

idp
sage

Reged: 08/21/09

Loc: New Haven, CT

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5661772 - 02/04/13 01:22 PM

I used A LOT a 1994 Starfinder 8" for many years, still do at times. It still had the AC drive, but I got the inverter they sold at the time with the 12v plug, variable speed controller and fast/slow buttons. It was a must, because the drive took a bit to resume tracking after I moved the tube; so I just waited for the clutch to engage, and centered the object using the fast/slow buttons. It took a couple of minutes, but tracking was decent then.

So bad clutch yes, but I could track; bad focuser yes, but I could focus. Optics were optimized for visual observation, with f/6 focal ratio and 18% obstruction. I have used it mainly for planetary observations, and it was (is) AWESOME. Great value for the money overall, perfect for me, but I would not suggest it for imaging.

Ivano

Edited by idp (02/04/13 01:42 PM)

Post Extras:

Glen A W
sage

Reged: 07/04/08

Loc: WEST VIRGINIA USA

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: idp]
#5661836 - 02/04/13 01:55 PM

The mirror is likely worth keeping no matter what. The one I had was USA-made and it had a better polish than most Asian mirrors I have seen. I can't believe I let it go. GW

Post Extras:

ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: Glen A W]
#5662165 - 02/04/13 05:27 PM

well if all else fails i can pull the optics and have another scope built for them

Post Extras:

ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5662386 - 02/04/13 07:56 PM

also what kind/type of ep's would make this scope stand out better

Post Extras:

hottr6
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/28/09

Loc: 7,500', Magdalena Mtns, NM

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: Glen A W]
#5663036 - 02/05/13 08:18 AM

Quote:

The mirror is likely worth keeping no matter what. The one I had was USA-made and it had a better polish than most Asian mirrors I have seen. I can't believe I let it go. GW

+1. My US-made sonotube 10" Starfinder mirror tests at 0.980 Strehl.

Post Extras:

hottr6
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/28/09

Loc: 7,500', Magdalena Mtns, NM

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5663053 - 02/05/13 08:29 AM

Quote:

also what kind/type of ep's would make this scope stand out better

I've run quite a few EPs (at least 30) through my 10", and the standouts include a 40mm TMB Paragon, S4K smoothie 8.8mm UWA, S5K 24mm SWA and 18mm UWA, Vixen 13mm LVW and Faworski 7mm Ortho. There are a few holes in this lineup that I have not been able to fill with a standout EP, but there are an awful lot of good EPs out there I have yet to try.

Post Extras:

ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: hottr6]
#5663684 - 02/05/13 02:32 PM

i am kinda stuck with a small budget to buy things... my wife told me not to spend alot on this hobbie as i have another expensive hobbie...booo

Post Extras:

csrlice12
Postmaster

Reged: 05/22/12

Loc: Denver, CO

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5663788 - 02/05/13 03:35 PM

Hey, this hobby isn't expensive, it just costs a lot of money!

However, look at it this way, for the most part, astronomy equipment will last nearly as long as you do (except mirrors may need recoated every 10-15 years, which is still better then most items made today. So, what really is the cost?

Post Extras:

ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: csrlice12]
#5663946 - 02/05/13 05:01 PM

i agree but my wife doesn't see it that way... i do alot of diving in my spare time so she relates the cost without knowing anything about the sky life.....

Post Extras:

ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5668644 - 02/08/13 10:14 AM

i just found out that i might have to get the mirror's recoated since the scope sat for so long... any thoughts on that

Post Extras:

Glen A W
sage

Reged: 07/04/08

Loc: WEST VIRGINIA USA

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5669260 - 02/08/13 03:17 PM

I doubt a recoat is necessary. Maybe a cleaning. I recently cleaned up a 1957 Cave mirror with the original coating and it is still pretty good. The Meade coatings were excellent. I'd consider a cleaning first, unless you have obvious grey corrosion areas on it. GW

Post Extras:

Glen A W
sage

Reged: 07/04/08

Loc: WEST VIRGINIA USA

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: Glen A W]
#5669264 - 02/08/13 03:20 PM

A good cheap 1.25 eyepiece for this is the 26mm Meade series 4000 Plossl. They are everywhere, because they came with a lot of scopes. Actually, the whole series 4000 is good and available for very little.

A good low cost 2" eyepiece is the 32mm Meade series 5000. It would cost a little more but it's worth it. I could make do with just the 32mm 5000 and the 9.7mm 4000 if I had to. Seems like I did for a while, in fact! GW

Post Extras:

ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: Glen A W]
#5669306 - 02/08/13 03:55 PM

i spoke with hands on optics and was told that due to it sitting around the coating oxidizes about 1% to 1.5% each year so a 10" over that long of time has deminished to roughly an 8" in terms of light gathering capability and clearity

Post Extras:

Glen A W
sage

Reged: 07/04/08

Loc: WEST VIRGINIA USA

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5669308 - 02/08/13 03:56 PM

mmmmm..... maybe..... maybe not! I would clean it and use it. When I let go of mine two years ago, the coatings were still eye-hurting shiny. A 1997 model. GW

Post Extras:

ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: Glen A W]
#5669328 - 02/08/13 04:06 PM

i believe this one is closer to the early 1990's

Post Extras:

cheapersleeper
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/22/10

Loc: Sachse TX

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: ronaldbrownjr]
#5669986 - 02/09/13 12:11 AM

Ronaldbrownjr, please go out and look through that scope. They were pretty good when they were made and many are still giving good images on the original coatings. From your remarks it seems that you are anticipating problems and I don't think that is warranted. Try it out and after using it a while, decide if any work/recoating/new parts are warranted. I used a Starfinder 10" as a dob for three years and now acquired the ridiculously big mount. The Starfinder OTA provided me with good views and the focuser was adequate but not great. If I singled out the most annoying thing on it, it would be that secondary adjustment is mechanically not very good. But that is really it for my complaint list. Run out and point that thing at the sky.

Regards,
Brad

Edited my typing/spelling.

Edited by cheapersleeper (02/10/13 05:25 AM)

Post Extras:

Glen A W
sage

Reged: 07/04/08

Loc: WEST VIRGINIA USA

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: cheapersleeper]
#5671485 - 02/09/13 10:00 PM

I agree, it is as close to a Dob as you can get on a EQ mount. It is so basic and will last forever, except maybe the clock drive. GW

Post Extras:

Pitter
member

Reged: 11/14/12

Loc: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: Glen A W]
#5678652 - 02/14/13 12:30 AM

If the mirror looks good don't touch it. The part about the mirrors degrading is not completely true. My 93 mirror is still like factory new because it was cared for and stored properly. Others that have been abused may be junk.

Post Extras:

cheapersleeper
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/22/10

Loc: Sachse TX

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: Pitter]
#5678683 - 02/14/13 01:05 AM

It seems to also depend on climate. I have spent my time mostly in drier areas of Texas and have seen coatings stay nice for many, many years.

B

Post Extras:

ronaldbrownjr
member

Reged: 12/23/12

Re: old meade starfinder 10" new

[Re: cheapersleeper]
#5685987 - 02/17/13 09:21 PM

this scope for the age is in great shape. it was stored for many years inside the original owners home.. no markings or dust on the optics. thanks all for your help and input

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