Meade Instruments 102mm Refractor Telescope AudioStar Inoperative

[kilteddave53]

I was gifted a MI 102mm Refractor Telescope...when I received it, the scope had been sitting a while...it was missing the 8 battery pack and 2032 button battery...I ordered a replacement battery pack, bought some 2032 batteries, cleaned up the battery terminals and installed the fresh batteries..the Audtheater Controller does not work..even with new batteries, the red power LED doesn't illuminate...

Any suggestions would be very helpful

[michael8554]

Hi Dave

1. Is the replacement battery pack correctly wired, Pos and Neg volts ?

2, Are you using 1.5V alkaline batteries, not 1.2V rechargeables that won't add up to 12V ?

3. There's a socket on the mount for an external 12V supply.

This has a make/break contact inside that breaks the 12V from the batteries when the plug is inserted.

Which prevents the external 12V "charging" the alkalines, which is a Bad Idea.

This contact sometimes fails to return to battery mode, preventing the mount powering up.

Michael

[kilteddave53]

I must have an oder model as there is no 12v adapter anywhere on the mount...battery connector is wired properly and batteries are brand new alkalines..the 2032 button battery is new as well...the connector was very tarnished when I picked up the scope....I cleaned it as best as I could...there is enough good contact surface to work, unless the 12v connector has a broken wire...I can always go to Lowes and pick one up (I have a basic electronics background so replacing  the connector is a breeze)...fortunately none of these items are super expensive...I'm just hoping the audiostar circuit board isn't shorted out...

The scope is in good shape and, unfortunately, the moon isn't visible here in Maryland at this time...my sun filter hasn't arrived yet either...I've had recent back surgery so taking the scope out isn't feasible until next week...

Thanks for a quick response...I'll get the new battery connector tomorrow....as I said, fortunately the scope moves smoothly and the red dot works...