Greetings members,

We recently received a Meade 6” LS (Advanced coma free) telescope to
test and to see if the Firmware could be reloaded to the system.
The owner had brought me the scope because the software got corrupted
and he could NOT figure out how to reload it.
I got a chance to update software, test the scopes optics, test
collimation and to see if the LS is really as user friendly as Meade claims.

Overview:
The OTA on the single fork mount weights about 25lbs, very close to an
lx200, The OTA is Blue textured paint and the arms and base are flat
black. It has built in speakers.
The tripod that came with the instrument is the same size height and
weight of the tripod sold with the Ioptron Mid Tower. It is a little
light for the Meade, but this is not the first time we have seen under
sizing as this is done by every manufacturer. However, the tripod is
adequate, but, expect vibration.
The spreader is plastic (not metal) you will find the complete set up
TOP HEAVY when you move it in one piece.

The telescope is mounted as a single fork arm , (very heavy duty and
massive ARM)) and contains a few new inputs and outputs previously not
available in any other manufactures mounts.
There are two different USB Ports types and “A” style (like a thumb nail
drive) and a
“B” Style, like a laser printer connector. The later is used to load
software, drive the scope with a computer or other device.
Also, the USB connector ( B) is the only one that currently that can be
used) but it saves a of headaches and frustration of having to buy
special cables or wire your own. (USB cables are available at Walmart,
Radio Shack etc.) .
A new SD card interface.
The other connectors are a Video output, ( not sure what for) and Audio
output, and a focuser output.

Software: The Autostar Suite with star charts and firmware and updating
software .
Meade includes a CD with lots of Software and Manuals for every single
telescope EXCEPT the LS. After loading the Autostar suite (Version 5.5)
I had to connect to the web to download the software to update the LS.
 >From Meade, the software did this automatically.

A few words of caution if your planning to install the Meade software.
Loading the complete suite consumes a lot of time, especially if you opt
for Hubble telescope images and the Moon map, bypass these if you need
to get other work done or you’ll be sitting by your system for a long
time answering install questions. You can always add the Hubble and Moon
images later.

Optics: The secondary is larger than the normal SCT about 35%, the views
however, were quite crisp more Refractor like than SCT. (Epsilon Lyre)
for example was text book. However, the LS image seems a little dark for
a 6 inch closer to a 5 inch SCT possibly due to the larger secondary .
I viewed for about and hour and was able to make out two of the Galaxies
in Andromeda but not the third; The ring looked great as well as M11,
M29, M103, all of the images were superior to regular SCT.

Updating Software: After I loaded all of the software on my computer.
(1.5 hours) and connected the computer for updating, the autostar suite
needed to download the LS firmware from Meade’s website. Almost every
Computer vendor has a firmware upgrade program for laptops and desks
tops etc. Overwriting firmware is normal and is done quite often by PC
Techs. These programs know knows how to flash memory, update Firmware
etc, etc. Not so with the Meade firmware, you have to nudge it a little.
The first attempt I got the message, this version is already on the
system ( even though it was corrupted) I was never asked if I wanted to
overwrite or replace the firmware as in the pc world, instead I had to
force it to update, but was able to do so. If by chance you really do
something stupid during the upgrade ( like shutting down too soon, ) you
can mess up the software so you can update it via computer, However you
can load the software on an SD card, ( this was a very nice feature that
is a really positive , However, (One problem) the SD card is not a
standard, not a micro but a mini ( good luck finding one).

Performance of the Computer and GOTO system.


Meade includes a brief quick start sheet with simple directions. for
detailed explanation you need to print out what is on the CD.
So initially you can’t tell if the Goto system is working or not
because, Meade states the unit does such and such when you first turn it
on initially, mine however ,did not.

This is what I found out.

You have to point the system northward and level it.
The telescope will try and connect to 4 GPS satellites if successful it
will continue on its own, if not, you must enter the data manually.
Then, the scope will align itself buy using a wide-angle camera that
takes photos of constellations that have alignment stars, like Vega; it
then reads the photos and uses the image to align the scope.
During the alignment test the stars were always out of the FOV and never
centered in the FOV, but the telescope aligned correctly anyway. The
accuracy of the Alignment was another matter, however, you can sync the
alignment to an object to improve your alignment.


The LS has a lot of bells and whistles on it and the Hand controller is
a new version and completely redesigned (AUTOSTAR III) The new version
is not as user friendly as the earlier versions. (Example, cannot find a
set up menu which reads GPS data) It is probably there (somewhere )but I
couldn’t find it.
There is also and Audio presentation with the system that explains what
your about to see, and few extra buttons but less menu items..

Audio presentation example: GOTO Venus
You will get a voice explaining what it is, where is and some info about
the planet and then the scope will try to find it. The presentation can
go on for a long time before the scope actually moves, I found it better
to by pass the presentation by hitting the media key. ( one of the new keys)
In my opinion the audio presentation would be more effective as an
educational tool if the scope went to the object first and then while
you were viewing the audio gave a information about the subject ( Venus)
this would reinforcement the learning experience as you would be seeing
as well as hearing.
In my opinion this is the most important thing to the new student of
astronomy, which, is what this instrument is, supposed to be tailored for.


Some conclusions
Nice try Meade, but the one I tested doesn’t quite work as advertised.
This telescope is intended for beginner, or former stamp collector and
although the auto alignment worked and is less problematical than their
other models, If something goes wrong, (as it normally does) your at
square one.
Finally, this telescope cannot move manually, something Meade never did
before, so power is required for the telescope to use.

New model Problems??? Did I get a Lemon to test??
A new out of the box instrument should not need to be reprogrammed,
however, since these instruments are being carried by everyone from
sporting good stores to Walmart, problems are to be expected. My advise
is, If you are going to purchase one of these instruments, purchase from
a (telescope dealer) and have them inspect the unit before shipping.
Most dealers will do this if you ask, even if they charge a fee it is
worth it.
The camera is to my knowledge only for alignment, (I don’t believe you
can take pictures with it. The original add for the scope was miss
leading, but I think they have recently reworded the add. Also , there
are three version of this instrument, I only tested the advanced coma
free version.

Pluses and Minuses.
1)Optic very good but large obstruction darkens image.
2)Best computer interface to date, and the software is very nice and has
a lot of extra features, Hubble images, and a moon map with NASA pictures
3)Heavy duty base and fork arms.
4) nice back up feature of loading software via SD card
5) Mini SD cards may be hard to find.
6)Some Audio info useful for Novice but a lot of superfluous information
about objects.
7) Meade's new phone support is awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Recommendation:
If you Purchase one of these instrument, buy if from a DEALER, Hands on
Optics, or OPT to name a few. have them test it... before shipping..
If your looking to get a computerized scope there are many better and
less expensive options.
The Celestron’s and Orion models are lighter, less expensive and can do
single star alignments or solar system alignements
If your a beginner and want to learn the sky, try joining a club, (You
can search for astronomy clubs in your area with Google) or taking a
course ( adult ED)
this method is more cost effective and you have live people to talk to.




Respectfully submitted

Anthony R Costanzo