Q1: Hello. I would like to know what exactly is included with the #506 AstroFinder Software and Cable Connector Kit for the ETX 70 and whether or not I will need to order anything else to make a full connection from my computer to the telescope. Thank you.

A: The #506 astrofinder software comes with everything you need to make connection to your computer. It includes the popular Meade software and a RS232 cable to connect to your computer.

Q2: How can I tell what telescope I have ? I bought it through sharper image but it only says DS 2000 so whitch of the following is it? I would like to order the cable and software to hook up to my computer but do not know what model I have Meade ETX 70 Meade DS-2070 Meade DS-2114 Meade DS-2130

A: The easiest way to figure it out is to measure the Diameter of the objective lens. If it says DS-???? then it is in the Meade digital Series not ETX. ETX-70 = 2.8" DS-2070 = 2.8" DS-2080 = 3.1" DS-2114 = 4.5" DS-2130 = 5"

Q3: Can the AstroFinder software cable kit for ETX 70AT be used with the ETX 60AT I just bought? If not do you have it and what is the cost?Thanks...........Dana

A: Yes you can use the #506 with the ETX-60

Q4: I just purchased a Meade DS2130AT scope and would like to add the Meade Autostar Suite/LPI kit to the scope. Do I need to order the #506 Astrofinder Software and Cable Kit in addition to The Autostar Suite/LPI kit? Also, are necessary cables of longer length ie. 25 ft. available? Bill Wright

A: Cables are included with the Autostar Suite for linking the PC to the "RS232" port on these telescopes so that the software can make corrections to the telescope as the LPI tracks on a star.

Q5: I have a EXT 70, if I buy the Astrofinder Software and cable connector kit what will I see on my laptop screen ? I am realy new to this,sorry.

A: basically what you would see is a sky map on your monitor and then youu can point to whaat you want to look at with the mouse which will then cause the telescope to move to that item in the sky allowing you to look through the scope to see that specific item

Q6: What is the difference between #506 AstroFinder Software and Cable Connector Kit and #505 AstroFinder Software and Cable Connector Kit? I have DS-2130 with #494 Autostar handbox and Deep Sky Imager that came with #505 connector cable set. Can I use this #505 cable set?

A: the Meade #505 and #506 connector cable kit are for the different versions of Meade Handcontrollers you will need the #506 onnector kit as that is the one which is compatible with the Ds-2130

Q7: I have a Meade DS80 3.1" Refractor Telescope with a #493 Autostar controller. My laptop has both RS232 and USB 1.0 connections. I am confused about which cable kit to buy. I purchased a #505 and could not make it work so I returned it. Also is there a way to tell for sure which Autostar I have, the documentation seems very generic however I have read that my scope should have come with a #493? Best Regards Bob

A: The best way to tell for certain would be to contact Meade with the model number of your scope. If you do in fact have the #493 hand controller the cable connecter kits will not work they are designed to work with the #495 & #497 autostar controllers. Meade can be reached at 800-626-3233. I am pretty sure though that you have the #493.

Q8: How I do connect Meade DS2130AT to my palm Tungsten T3?

A: To be honest i am not sure i suggest calling Meade for the specifics on that or if it is even possible you can reach them at 800-626-3233

Q9: I got a meade 114at that I got off of ebay, I just ordered it a few days ago and I am new at all of this and I didn't want to put to much into this because its for my son more than me but the more I keep reading th emore I think I might like it just as much but anyway back to the question will the 506 cable work with my scope it has hte autostar 494. also can i update the softwate with it to? and one more thing, I also saw that u also got a Meade Lunar Planetary Imager (LPI) w/AutoStar Suite. Will this also work with my telescope and how well will it work? Thanks Dan

A: We're glad you're enjoying your new telescope. Astronomy is a great hobby! The #506 cable kit and AutoStar Suite software will work just fine with your DS2114. Updates for AutoStar Suite are available on the Downloads page of the Meade web site. The most recent version is just a few days old, released on 1/27. To see it, just paste this URL into your browser's address window: http://meade.com/support/downloads.html.

Q10: Is there anything that can transfer the object on to the pc screen so everyone can see it without accidently moving my telescope or taking it out of site when they bump it?

A: The Zhumell Digital Eyepiece will do just that. It will display what the telescope "sees" on a PC or laptop screen and even record live video. Here's the URL; just paste it into your browser's address window: http://telescopes.com/products/zhumell-1-25in-digital-eyepiece-super-sale-closeout-32584.html.

Q11: Hi, just to ask if I can use the - Meade #506 AstroFinder Software and Cable Connector Kit for ETX 70/80AT and DS2000 Series - On the Meade ETX-88BB ?? Thank you so much for your time.

A: Yes, the #506 will work with the ETX-80 BB.

Q12: I HAVE A Meade DS-90ATE AL TAZ REFRECTORA WITH A AUTOSTAR #494 COMPUTER CONTROLLER WILL THE 506 AUTO FINDER TM SOFTWARE&CABLE CONNECTER KIT WORK WITH MY SET UP THE PART NUMBER FOR MY TELESCOPE IS #20093 . THANK YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU . I

A: Yes, the #506 Astro Finder and cable connector kit should work just fine with your telescope.

Q13: I HAVE JUST PURCHASED A MEAEDE 2114 SCOPE AND GREEN AS AN APPLE. I WANT TO PURCHASE SOME ITEM FOR THE SCOPE, I WANT TO BUY A 6.5 EYEPIECE, A #911 NUBULA FILTER AND THE #506 CABLE KIT. I WAS WONDERING IF THE CABLE KIT IS ONLY FOR CONTROL OR DOES IT ALLO

A: Unfortunately, the Meade #506AstroFinder Software and Cable Connector Kit only points the telescope; it doesn't transmit what the telescope is "seeing" to a PC. To see what the telescope is "seeing" on your PC, you'll need either the Zhumell Digital Eyepiece or a device like the Meade Deep Space Imager. Here is the URL for the Digital Eyepiece; just paste it into your browser's address window: http://telescopes.com/products/zhumell-1-25in-digital-eyepiece-32584.html. And here's the URL for the Deep Space Imager: http://telescopes.com/products/meade-dsi-deep-sky-imager-color-wautostar-suite-31017.html. If you're thinking of purchasing a longer cable to allow you to control your telescope from indoors, we'd advise against it. Yes, it's possible to extend the range of the USB signal from the PC to the telescope. But the PC control software only points the scope; it doesn't focus it. That means every time you want to view a new object, you'll be running outside anyway to refocus. It's just not worth the trouble. Generally speaking, though, unless you're prepared to spend a great deal of money on professional-quality equipment, you

Q14: Good afternoon. My laptop has only the USB port. Without the RS232 how i can connect the astrofinder connector? Thanks and best regards.Mario

A: If your laptop has only a USB port, you'll need the RS232-to-USB Bridge Cable to make the connection. Here's the URL; just paste it into your browser's address window: http://telescopes.com/products/meade-usb-to-rs-232-bridge-cable-18621.html.

Q15: I purchased a Meade DS2000 TELESCOPE and would like to add the Meade Autostar Suite/LPI kit to the scope. I have the autostar #474 is it possible to use the Astrofinder Software and Cable Kit in addition to The Autostar ? my telescope control panel has hux and aux ports , please answer me . thanks

A: Yes.  The Astrofinder software and cable kit is compatible with the autostar LPI kit we have right now.   The LPI fits into where the eyepiece is and the astrofinder will plug right into the aux port.