Optional Accessories

A wide assortment of professional Meade accessories is available for the DS-2000 Series Telescopes. The premium quality of these accessories is well-suited to the quality of the instru- ment itself. Consult the Meade General Catalog for complete details on these and other accessories.

Eyepieces (1.25" barrel diameter): For higher or lower magnifications with any DS-2000 Telescope, Meade 3-element Modified Achromatic eyepieces, available in focal lengths of 9, 12, 25, and 40mm, provide a high level of image resolution and color correction at an economical price. Alternately, at slightly higher prices, Meade 4-element Series 3000 Plössl eyepieces yield wider fields of view with excellent edge-of-field corrections and are available in a range of focal lengths including 5, 6.7, 9.5, 16, 25, and 40mm.

#126 2x Barlow Lens (1.25"): Doubles each eyepiece power while maintaining excellent image corrections. For example, a 9mm eyepiece used with the model DS-2060 yields a power of 78X; when used in conjunction with the #126 Barlow lens, the same eyepiece yields 156X.

#937 2" Diagonal Mirror: Large-barrel 2" eyepieces (e.g., MH 50mm, below) permit wide fields of view impossible to achieve with eyepieces of smaller barrel diameter. The focusers of all DS- 2000 Series telescopes, except for the DS-2060 models, include 2" eyepiece-holders to accept the oversize #937 Diagonal Mirror, which in turn accepts eyepieces of 2" barrel diameter. An adapter is included to allow for the use of standard 1.25"-barrel eyepieces in the 2" Diagonal Mirror as well. (Note that the #937 is required only on DS-2000 refracting telescopes (e.g., DS- 2070, etc.); DS-2000 reflecting telescopes (e.g., DS-2114S) do not require a diagonal mirror for the use of 2" eyepieces.)

MH 50mm Wide-Field Eyepiece (2" Optical Diameter): Ideal for spectacular low-power scan- ning of star fields in the Milky Way or for the study of broad diffuse nebulae, the wide-field MH 50mm eyepiece is a highly desirable accessory for all DS-2000 Series Telescopes (except for the DS-2060mm models, which cannot accept large-barrel eyepieces). On the DS-2070, for example, the MH 50mm ocular yields an actual field of view of 2.5° at 14X. On DS-2000 refrac- tors, use with the #937 Diagonal Mirror.

#928 45° Erecting Prism: The 90° diagonal provided with DS-2000 Series refractors results in upright-but-reversed viewing of land subjects. The #928 45° Erecting Prism (1.25") orients the image correctly in terrestrial applications and results in a comfortable 45° viewing angle.

Camera Adapter: DS-2000 Series Telescopes may be used for through-the-telescope photog- raphy of the Moon and planets or for terrestrial objects. For eyepiece-projection photography with any of these telescopes, use the Basic Camera Adapter (1.25"). See the Meade General Catalog for more information.

#1240 Electric Focuser: Attaches easily and quickly to any DS-2000 model for smooth, vibra- tion-free focusing. Each focuser includes coarse and microfine speeds. The standard equip- ment hand controller accepts one (user-supplied) 9-volt battery; alternately, the focuser may be operated through the Electronic Controller or Autostar handbox.

#506 AstroFinder™ Software and Cable Connector Kit: Displays more than 10,000 celes- tial wonders – galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, stars, and planets – on your PC, enabling even the beginner to locate and identify objects to observe with the telescope or to print out star charts for use in observing sessions. Operates with any Windows™ -based personal computer. The Cable Connector Kit permits connection of any DS-2000 telescope model, Autostar, and PC, for downloading of new software to Autostar or for updating of Earth satellite or other celes- tial object positions. This kit is included with each AstroFinder Software package.

Electronic Eyepiece™ : Now everyone can easily share views from an eyepiece – of the Moon, planets, stars, and land objects – on a television screen. The built-in NTSC video output allows for direct connection to monitors, VCR's, and camcorders. Continuous capture mode allows you to view and record astronomical and terrestrial images in real time. This easy-to-set up and easy- to-use monochrome CMOS imager offers built-in contrast control adjustment for varying astro- nomical and terrestrial lighting conditions, and is available in 1.25" or .965" barrel diameters.

DS-2000 specifications

The Meade DS-2000 is a versatile and user-friendly telescope that caters to both beginners and seasoned astronomers alike. Known for its exceptional performance and ease of use, the DS-2000 series has become a popular choice among amateur stargazers. This telescope features a robust design coupled with advanced technologies that enhance the overall observing experience.

One of the standout features of the Meade DS-2000 is its sturdy mount, which provides stability during observations. This stability is crucial for clearer and more detailed views of celestial objects, as it minimizes vibrations and shakes that can occur while tracking objects across the night sky. The telescope typically comes with an adjustable aluminum tripod to further enhance stability and can handle varying weights and instruments.

The DS-2000 series utilizes an electronically controlled altazimuth mount, allowing users to easily navigate the sky with its automatic tracking capabilities. This intuitive design ensures that even novice astronomers can locate and follow astronomical objects with minimal effort. The built-in computer control allows users to access a database of thousands of celestial bodies, making it easy to select targets for viewing.

In terms of optics, the Meade DS-2000 features high-quality glass optics with multi-coated lenses. This ensures superior light transmission and contrast, resulting in bright, clear images of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects. The telescope typically offers a range of apertures, making it suitable for various observing preferences and conditions.

Furthermore, the Meade DS-2000 is often equipped with a 9mm or 25mm eyepiece, enabling users to achieve magnifications adequate for observing different types of celestial phenomena. The addition of a built-in red-dot finder makes it easier to aim and locate objects in the night sky.

Portability is another significant characteristic of the DS-2000 series. Its lightweight design allows astronomers to transport it easily to different observing locations, making spontaneous stargazing adventures possible, whether in the backyard or at a dark-sky site.

In summary, the Meade DS-2000 combines solid construction, user-friendly features, and advanced technology, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in exploring the night sky. With its impressive optics, reliable tracking capabilities, and enhanced portability, the DS-2000 series provides an enjoyable and rewarding astronomical experience.