Other than having looked through several over the years that belong to other people or schools and having an appreciation for astronomy and the universe and such, I don't know a thing about owning and operating something like this.

A quick Google shows it's an entry level setup that costs about $500 (it has the motorized base and big tripod and all that, and is apparently computer controlled. Is anyone familiar with these units? Any particularly good online resources for digging deeper?

I'll be researching things online in greater detail later, but any links or tips or information would be great. Taking photos with it is something I'd like to do.

Thanks.

quote:

Taking photos with it is something I'd like to do.

Astrophotography is a deep dark hole lined with lots of time and $$$$.

I haven't delved into that yet and don't have a Meade (mine is an Orion of similar size and setup).

I have only small knowledge about telescopes.

But you should have some fun viewing with that telescope. The mirror isn't very big, which is a limiting factor.

I don't know if the mount is capable of astrophotograpy, but my guess would be that it isn't. It may be usuable for short exposures of bright subjects - namely the moon, or the sun (with the appropriate filters). It's size will also limit its ability to be good for photography.

I'd recommend you check if there is a local astronomy club, that'd be ideal.

Good luck and enjoy.

Perhaps get in touch with nhtagmember?

If I remember correctly he just set up and observatory in his backyard. He might be able to give you some tips.

The accessory catalog shows a camera mount that accepts any standard 35mm SLR with removable lenses for about $50 retail, so that's cool.

Apparently it's a Newtonian type, 127mm/5", f8, 1020mm focal length, etc. Most reviews seem pretty meh/average, but whatever, it was free, so I suspect it'll work well enough to be fun.

It came with:

a Dual-Motor Electronic Control box
the Autostar Computer Control setup with its own remote
a non computer controlled Remote for the Motor box
a 9mm Modified Achromatic eyepiece
a 25mm Modified Achromatic eyepiece
a 40mm Super Plossl eyepiece
a 2x Telenegative amplifier/magnifier (Barlow Lens?)
a DVD with the Object Database/control software
and the big Tripod

I have a buddy who is into taking pics through his telescope. Some of them are majestically amazing almost Hubble-like pics of stars and nebulae etc. I don't know how much he has invested in it but he is basically dead broke between buying guns and telescope /camera gear. He goes on camping trips way way out to get pics with as little light pollution as possible.

I would pick up a beginner astronomy book. I have two dobs, the one a little 4.5" that I love to take out and show people. A couple weeks ago I showed a few people Jupiter and moons and our moon after work, they loved it even though we have a lot of light pollution from the parking lot.

If you have dark skies, learning the constellations and star hopping to find objects has it's rewards.
I wouldn't be in too big of a rush to use the computer and camera mount.

Night Watch and Turn Left at Orion are two good beginner books.