Reviews - Meade mySKY PLUS Personal Sky Exploration Guide 04542 Reviews - ME-TS-04542

Author: mlwaggy (verified customer) from Buckhannon, WV on Jan 30, 2009
Pros:  Huge library of information, easy to learn
Cons:  too few locations, can't input actual GPS info
Would recommend:  yes

mlwaggy wrote:

This is a neat tool for the starting or for the old hand, it has lots of great information and is pretty easy to use with a couple of exception: First, while the unit does have GPS, it only allows you to input a location from its internal lists. In my case the nearest town on the list is more than 30 miles away, this means that when I point my MySky at an object it is generally several degrees off the target (because it believes I am actually 30 miles from my actual location). The unit still provides great information. My biggest complaint was with the software update. When the unit arrived, its software version did not allow for GPS set up. So, as per the instructions in the book I updated the MySky memory card. The upgrade brought the GPS setup option onto the screen, but locked up the functions so that no location could be entered from any source. I to download the version of autostar from meade's web site to get the proper firmware version.

Author: Kent from SATX on Jan 26, 2009
Pros:  Simple, Quick Setup
Cons:  Accuracy
Would recommend:  yes

Kent wrote:

We received the mySky as a gift this past Christmas and have now been using it many evenings for almost 2 months (on the initial set of batteries, no less!). Build quality is satisfactory though not impeccable. The setup and alignment is very straight forward though don't make the mistake I made and set it on a METAL patio table while aligns itself. It reliably finds almost any object down to about mag 4 in our light polluted suburban skies. I've found it to be most useful for confirming what we think we've found based on what we see in books, etc. Most of our observing is through a 60mm alt/az mounted refractor and some 8x40 Nikon binoculars. It's hard to justify the cost (even at the reduced price) over a pile of good books, a lunar map and a planesphere. However, its fun for kids and easier to read in the dark. Speaking of which, if you're actually trying to look at anything in the night sky you will need to dial the brightness down to the point that it switches to just ...
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Author: kiwiradical (verified customer) from Auckland on Jan 19, 2009
Pros:  Very clever technology
Cons:  Not set up for Southern hemosphere
Would recommend:  yes

kiwiradical wrote:

A nice product, with the major problem that Meade have not implemented time zones properly for New Zealand, and possibly for other Southern hemisphere countries. An unfortunate consequence of the deletion of the GPS function in the 'plus' version

Author: STH (verified customer) from Cleveland on Jan 14, 2009
Pros:  Everything
Cons:  None
Would recommend:  yes

STH wrote:

I read many reviews on the MySky and quite a few state problems with setup and that it breaks easily. My unit worked flawlessly right out of the box. Fast and easy setup. Put in the batteries, turn it on, stand it on a flat surface and within seconds it's aligned and ready to use. What could possibly be easier. As far as breakage is concerned, treat it as the delicate instrument that it is and you won't have problems.

Author: willspray67 from surprise, az on Dec 26, 2008
Would recommend:  yes

willspray67 wrote:

a must have for beginners