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Nexstar Telescopes

Question
Thanks Ted. Did you happen to ask about the number of celestial objects pre-programmed in the software? Like I said in a previous post, it seems odd that Tasco would go to the trouble to “dumb down” the StarGuides 4 (1,800 objects instead of 4,000) rather than just put a different color paint and logo on them. All of the other StarGuides advertise only 1,800 objects, whereas the NexStars, including the NexStar 4, all have 4,000. I have a feeling the StarGuide 4 might be an exception and carry the full complement of 4,000 celestral objects in it’s programming.
Anwser
I just got this from the JCPenny web site. I note that there is no mention of a tripod and that Penny’s price is $650. Tripod is purchased separately with the NexStar 4 as well and it comes with one 25mm SMA. A price of $570 (I believe that was the mentioned price) seems an incredible bargain for a goto scope with computer link and software. “Mission Control computerized hand control locates and aligns over 1,800 celestial objects. Auto align feature orients the telescope. Tour mode gives a guided tour of the most spectacular objects. Requires 8 “AA” batteries (sold separately). Two modified achromatic eyepieces (MA20mm and MA10mm). Starpointer electronic red dot finderscope (battery included). SkyWatch software. IBM compatible, Windows 3.1 or better: 4MB RAM (Windows 3.1) or 16MB RAM (Windows 95); 4MB free hard disk space, VGA/SVGA monitor, mouse or other pointing device, 386 or higher processor. Maksutov-Cassegrain design with a 1,325mm focal length. Built-in flip mirror design for celestial and terrestrial viewing. Variable speed motor for smooth tracking. About out telescopes: Refractor: a series of lenses concentrate light. Image erector: transmits upright image so telescope can also be used for land viewing. Warranted by manufacturer. Quick assembly, no tools required. Imported from China. (14 lbs.) ” Regards and clear skies
Associated Nexstar Telescopes Question: Anyway, I’m curious if other people have tried using smaller batteries in this way and how long they can get their scopes to run off them. The obvious advantage of using such a hefty battery is that you could power a laptop off the battery as well

Anwser:I use a Greatland power supply purchased at Target for under $20US. I bought this after spending a month or so on the yahoo group specifically for the NexStar telescopes….check out the groups at Yahoo and do a search for “telescope” or — better yet — Nexstar. Great group, and lots of talk about how to customize the nexstar telescopes with power/cameras/mounts/etc. I haven’t had a chance to actually *use* the power supply (got the scope for Xmas and only bought the PS yesterday) but people on the group report up to 8-10 hours continuous run time with it. Regards,
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