I would like to have an idea of battery life with this item. I am wondering if it would be better to have 8 rechargable AA batteries for this or the $70 Celestron Power Tank. Realizing I wouldn't be using this telescope every night, and probably not...
1879956
If you're not using for extended period every night its fine. I have the pack and its very handy since it has a light in it.
1533029
This would like telescopes that claim 500X power. It's just not possible. When you get to high power optics, all the pieces become super critical, especially the stand or mount. At high magnification, even a slight vibration destroys the view. The Practical limit is probably 1/2 of what they are claiming. But, that is still good for many study applications.
78396
Thank you for your response Darrell, this discussion board seems pretty much dead so I thought I would never get answered, but I did, and a great answer at that.I've been thinking about buying the Orion XT4.5 now, I'm aware the image will not be as great as the 8 inch but I'll still be able to see Saturn right? Would this be better than a refractor telescope? Sorry for all the questions! No more questions after this, I promise.
1098777
I have owned 3 of these radios and I just use a good quality battery like "Energizer" or Duracell and it seems to work fine. Some people like "Phillips" batteries from Europe but I have not noticed any change in performance by using different batteries. An alkaline battery will probably give you longer life, but it plays for a long time on any battery.I play mine mostly on AC.This radio is well worth the money since it does not cost very much to begin with. I only paid $30 from Amazon Prime.Jim Wilder, Bradenton, Florida
2269945
Best to use Duracell (4) AA batteries. They should last 20-24 hours if new. Keep recirculating them as they loose power within the unit for max. use. I always keep an extra set in my carrying case for back-up and change after the ones in my unit are about 1/2 life left. You can use rechargeable but they won't last as long and you need to charge them up before you go out for max. efficiency. Happy Hunting!!!
1123341
I think it has to do with cost. Paid over $120 for a pair the rechargeable types as a set. After the batteries died, I bought one like this for $28 and use rechargeable AAs. That's better. No beeps on when to change quadrants but I don't need that kind of direction. Am going to get another one.
705626
I am getting about one and a half hours of continuous use, on high power, out of a 1.5 volt AA battery. You may get more time if you use the 3.7 volt 14500 rechargeable lithium battery. I love the light, it is very bright, brighter than my 2 D cell mag lite. I bought 4 more to give to my family.
2212331
That's a good question that's a little difficult for me to answer, but I think I can do well enough. I've left mine on overnight, and it still had plenty of power the next day. I mostly shoot outdoors, in daylight. The black cross hairs work all of the time, so I don't use the illumination that often. You can't tell much difference. Indoors, and at night, I'll turn on the illumination just because it looks cool when I'm just messing around. I'm on my second battery since I bought the scope, and I've probably left it on overnight four times. I found the batteries online for about a buck a piece, and bought ten. I can't really give you a "runtime" on this. I would just say, unless you do a lot of shooting in low light, it should last for months.
132625
The wattage rating is 1800w. Having said that, the timer is overkill for what you need. You really need a basic 24 hour timer without the astronomic feature. Also, I would go mechanical rather than electronic for that use.
1323126
Hi Ryan,As you know that this is a fast dobsonian, you have to use quality eyepieces to get the most out of it.With my Celestron eyepieces I got reasonable level of contrast of Saturn including Casini division, few saturnian moon with little cloudy bands of the planet in 300x .My cloudy nights friends who are using Pentax XW or TV Delos have got lot of viewing pleasure and some of friends who are using Orthoscopic eyepieces also satisfied well with this telescope.I think that you cannot go wrong with this telescope. Clear Skies...Best regardsDr. R.A.N.S Rajapakshe.
1907095
There is a Global AC Adapter For All Celestron Computerized Telescopes#18778 Power Supply. You can do a search using the name I provided.
770255
I assume you are asking about the orion scope vs the celestron scope? I've no experience with the orion st, there's a comparison on cloudy nights' user forum. There is a lot of info there. I beive that is where I found a write up on what to expect from various size optics and focal lengths. I'm still happy with the astromaster. It has pretty good optics, but as many people have pointed out, the mount is a little flimsy.
1272026
Two AA batteries are needed. Battery life depends on how often and how long you use the IS button. I am an avid hunter and part-time guide, so I am constantly viewing and assessing game, for long periods of time. I have gone through the batteries in 3 weeks to a month, sometimes less, but I use the button above and beyond the average person. I always carry two to four extra batteries in my backpack, so it's really no big deal. I have had the batteries last for a good 8 months during the off season. I believe that they could last a year or two, if used conservatively. The Canon 12x36 IS is simply the best binoculars I have ever owned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Two AA batteries are needed. Battery life depends on how often and how long you use the IS button. I am an avid hunter and part-time guide, so I am constantly viewing and assessing game, for long periods of time. I have gone through the batteries in 3 weeks to a month, sometimes less, but I use the button above and beyond the average person. I always carry two to four extra batteries in my backpack, so it's really no big deal. I have had the batteries last for a good 8 months during the off season. I believe that they could last a year or two, if used conservatively. The Canon 12x36 IS is... » Read More Two AA batteries are needed. Battery life depends on how often and how long you use the IS button. I am an avid hunter and part-time guide, so I am constantly viewing and assessing game, for long periods of time. I have gone through the batteries in 3 weeks to a month, sometimes less, but I use the button above and beyond the average person. I always carry two to four extra batteries in my backpack, so it's really no big deal. I have had the batteries last for a good 8 months during the off season. I believe that they could last a year or two, if used conservatively. The Canon 12x36 IS is simply the best binoculars I have ever owned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! « Show Less
837751
I used my scope for our 2 weeks of rife season and turned it on every morning and left it on for the whole day. I had no problem with battery life for that duration.
489286
Sorry, no idea because mine did power up right away after installing the batteries. I assume you've check the battery polarities, (I thought it was hard to see the +/- signs on the holder) and also check the remote's connection. If not, contact Celestron. I did email them with an issue on how my goto was working, and they were responsive. Good luck.
690622
I too have never used the batteries. It uses 4AA batteries. The instruction book does not give a total time for constant use in draining batteries; booklet does recommend using a timer set for 60 minutes to "help conserve battery life" and blankly states that you should use adapter for long usage..no help there! The impression is for several days on an hour timed shutoff once a night. Extra AA batteries don't take up much room.
1272028
It uses 2 - AA and only had a week, but know binoculars in general, and I think they will last weeks or months. It just uses power only when the button is pushed. When you release the button they are just like regular binocs. They are perfect for astronomy, birding and scenery.