Ack! Be careful with that one - it is not as good of quality. It is not true autostar capable, it's just some stripped down hand controller, not even the the same as the basic hand controller with the DS 114-EC. I forget the exact name, it is quite misleading, it is a DS 114, but is then followed by someline like ESX. Basically the way to tell is that the main tube is black instead of white. Make sure you buy the DS 114-EC, not the other one.

The funniest thing was that they had it on display, but had it pointed at the ground instead of up, whoever set it up did not notice the removable cover. BTW: I just saw the cheap black model at Sam's club in Council Bluffs Iowa a couple nights ago for only $199! So if you are really on a tight tight budget, you can still get a 4.5" reflector, but I'd sure advise holding off until you can get the -EC model!

: I found this telescope at Wal-mart today! It was only $329!! $70 bucks cheaper than anywhere else! They also had the autostar there for $79. The model they had was a black model, instead of the white. Very cool looking! Amazing what you can find at wal-mart.

: Raleigh : Dallas, TX USA

: : Yes, : : I am very pleased with the scope. The main reason i got this one was because of the autostar capability. And since i dont have enough money for the more expensive meade telescope with autostar capability, i decided on this one. I was able to find the ds114ec in the mall in cedar rapids, iowa. The nature co. and natural wonders carry them, which are often found in alot of malls it seems like. If you dont have any of those stores, try www.astroptx.com and they will have a pretty good price (i believe since everything else is decently priced). Like i said, the performance is very good. Expecially on the planets Jupiter and saturn as well as the moon. And with the autostar, i am able to see a number of space objects. Some very clear, some not as clear. Not too bad for only $399 for telescope and electronic controls and tripod. Autostar costed an extra$99, and i also added a 2x barlow lense, which i use on planets and the moon. I recommend this scope if you dont want to spend all night getting frustrated trying to find things and if you are not looking to spend (for me) almost a half years income. Anymore questions just email or post on message board. T. J.

• Re: Just bought Meade ds-114 model telescope re Ack - Lise_Warmuth/">Lise Warmuth - December 13, 1999 - 03:24 UTC
  • Re: Just bought Meade ds-114 model telescope re Ack - Jeff_Munekata/">Jeff Munekata - December 14, 1999 - 16:19 UTC
    • Re: Just bought Meade ds-114EC at Target for $209 - Mathew_Douglas_Lincoln/">Mathew Douglas Lincoln - February 8, 2000 - 08:36 UTC
      • RE: Re: Just bought Meade ds-114EC at Target for $209 - Art Mustel - July 24, 2000 - 20:23 UTC
        • RE: RE: Re: Just bought Meade ds-114EC at Target for $209 - Kevin - September 28, 2000 - 17:33 UTC
          • RE: RE: RE: Re: Just bought Meade ds-114EC at Target for $209 - Monch - October 10, 2000 - 05:39 UTC
            • RE: RE: RE: RE: Re: Just bought Meade ds-114EC at Target for $209 - Lukjag10 - October 24, 2000 - 18:02 UTC
          • RE:RE:RE:RE:re is the meade ds 114EC a good buy? - jjv5150 - November 19, 2001 - 08:14 UTC