Lodestar X2- not a good experience so far.

[pyrasanth]

I have had the Lodestar X2 for about 6 months. 

The mini USB connection failed within 2 weeks. It would not make a connection to the computer. I sent it back to the retailer to be repaired. It came back a few days later repaired. Starlight Express "fixed it"

I plugged it in tonight & the mini USB connector fell off the PCB and is rattling around inside the case.

This cost £465.00 as I remember & is built like tissue paper..

Since this is a family forum I won't vent my disgust but it is just possible that who ever repaired the connector can't solder-If the connector had been soldering correctly when replaced the first time the whole socket would not have fallen off the PCB. I'm going to ask for an advanced warranty replacement as once again I feel I will be "stiffed" on return carriage charges. I even took the precaution of a break out cable to protect the vulnerable socket-fat lot of good that did. BIG SIGHH!!

[pyrasanth]

I did an internet search and found the following thread:

http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/484524-sx-x2-usb-issue-opt-to-the-rescue/

Now I'm a cynic but for £465.00 am I entitled to expect a product fit for purpose?

[libraryman]

Blimey, i did wonder whether i had made the correct choice with the qhy5l-ii but its usb connection is pretty bullet proof.

sorry to hear about your Loadstar, i hope you get it sorted.

Ray

[Astroboffin]

Hi,

I have to say, I am surprised at the poor service you have got for SX, I have dealt with Terry Platt at SX and he is a top bloke, but I do agree that those mini USB connectors are absolute rubbish, and for such an expensive guide cam it is really unacceptable, I would ask for a complete replacement or full refund, you should not be having it repaired, I would never had it repaired the first time, I would have requested a full refund.

Regards

AB

[Sp@ce_d]

Not good..

I've been wanting extra sensitivity for the OAG & been putting off getting an X2 for a while, as it's quite an outlay! I thought they said this problem was fixed in the new X2. I'd be hacked off to if that was me. I hope they sort it for you.

Already got a CoStar & LodeStar. I fix the cables to the body for strain relief, plus they're on a permanent set up so no plug & unplugging. The problem is the design of the socket.. most of them don't have anything to support them apart from the soldered pins to the board. It's not like you can support it as you plug into it either.

[Astroboffin]

Hi,

I tell you what will help, and I use them for my guide cam, is right angled USB connectors mini or normal, it is a lot easier to,then run the cable down the barrel of the guider and put a cable tie or Velcro wrap around it.

You can get then in all four angles

Right angle- left facing

Right angle- right facing

Right angle- up facing

Right angle- down facing

Not that it matters for a guide camera, as you can just turn the camera round.

Here is a link to a couple of the mini ones for the lodestar.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141238767619

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291142014870

AB

[pyrasanth]

I have the return form & have sent this back awaiting the RMA number. I have emailed Terry & asked if I can have a replacement as clearly a repaired camera in my opinion will never be very satisfactory as it leaves a bad taste in the mouth of putting up with second best.

[pyrasanth]

Hi,

I tell you what will help, and I use them for my guide cam, is right angled USB connectors mini or normal, it is a lot easier to,then run the cable down the barrel of the guider and put a cable tie or Velcro wrap around it.

You can get then in all four angles

Right angle- left facing

Right angle- right facing

Right angle- up facing

Right angle- down facing

Not that it matters for a guide camera, as you can just turn the camera round.

Here is a link to a couple of the mini ones for the lodestar.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141238767619

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291142014870

AB

Sadly I had a right angle connector on the Lodestar. When it did not connect I checked the connection & the USB socket fell off the PCB when the cable was removed. The board with the USB socket is rattling around in the camera body touching all the delicate electronics hence another valid reason to reject as there could be beads of solder floating around- not good!

[admin]

Mark, we have removed your post containing the cut & pasted email from Terry Platt at Starlight Xpress. 

We don't like members posting private emails and are not comfortable with the way you are using SGL to bash him. You are welcome to post a review of your Lodestar X2, your retailer (where is he in all this!?) or Starlight Xpress but please do so in the relevant review sections. 

 

[pyrasanth]

Note to admin.

The retailer has no bearing on this issue. There is nothing he can do to improve the quality of a product that I feel has issues.

I will post a full review in the appropriate section & I am sorry about the personal emails being posted.

[Mac4Lyfe]

My Lodestar x2 (mono) Mini USB just fell of as well. I finally get some clear skies, polar align my scope, got all my wires setup ready to go and the camera light wouldn't come on. Further inspection and the mini usb fell off. Very disappointing.

I also have an Atik 414ex that died on me last month and is at Atik for repair. Very frustrating last few months.