Astro Devices Meade Starfinder Dobsonian Encoder Kit

Product Overview

The Meade Starfinder Dobsonian Encoder Installation Kit adds digital setting circle capability to your Meade Starfinder Dobsonian. Two high-resolution encoders mount on the telescope's altitude and azimuth axes and report their position to a digital setting circles computer, turning a manual Dobsonian into a push-to instrument that shows where the tube is pointing and guides you to targets. Each encoder delivers 10,000 steps per axis for precise, repeatable readings, and the kit is built specifically for the Starfinder line rather than adapted from a generic design.

Who It's For

This kit fits Meade Starfinder Dobsonians of all sizes. If you own a Starfinder Dob and want to locate objects electronically without altering the optics or the manual feel of the mount, this is the encoder set made for that telescope.

Key Features & Design

• 10,000-step encoders: Two encoders, one per axis, each resolving 10,000 steps for fine angular precision.
• Model-specific fit: Designed specifically for Meade Starfinder Dobsonians, so the mounting hardware matches the telescope.
• Complete hardware set: Includes the installation hardware needed to attach both encoders.
• Encoder cable included: A single encoder cable connects the encoders to your digital setting circles unit, with the length made to suit your telescope.
• Documented installation: An instruction booklet ships in the box, and additional installation guidance is available for download.

Design and Electronics

The encoders translate axis rotation into digital signals that a digital setting circles computer reads to calculate pointing position. With 10,000 steps per axis, the resolution supports accurate alignment and object location across the full range of Starfinder aperture sizes. The encoders and cable form a straightforward electrical path between the mount and the DSC display.

Recommended Uses

Use this kit to convert a manual Meade Starfinder Dobsonian into a push-to telescope for faster star-hopping, quicker location of faint deep-sky objects, and easier navigation during a busy observing session. It suits both casual touring of the sky and more deliberate observing lists where knowing your exact pointing position saves time.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

The kit is made for Meade Starfinder Dobsonian telescopes of every size in the range. The two 10,000-step encoders connect through the supplied encoder cable to a compatible digital setting circles computer, which is the unit that reads the encoder signals and displays position data.

Good to Know Before You Order

• Cable length is made to order: After you order, Astro Devices contacts you to confirm the encoder cable length required for your specific telescope, so the cable arrives correctly sized.
• Digital setting circles unit: The encoders report to a DSC computer; the kit provides the encoders, hardware, and cable that connect to it.
• Shipping weight: The kit weighs 500 g.

Frequently Asked Questions

What comes in the kit?

The kit includes two 10,000-step encoders, one installation hardware set, one encoder cable, and one instruction booklet.

Which telescopes does it fit?

It fits Meade Starfinder Dobsonians of all sizes.

Is it difficult to set up?

The kit ships with an installation hardware set and an instruction booklet, and additional installation guidance is available for download. The encoders mount to the telescope's two axes and connect to a digital setting circles unit through the included cable.

Why does the cable length need to be confirmed?

Astro Devices sizes the encoder cable to your telescope, so they reach out after purchase to request the cable length you need.

Bottom Line

The Meade Starfinder Dobsonian Encoder Installation Kit brings push-to positioning to your Starfinder Dob with two 10,000-step encoders, matching hardware, and a made-to-length cable, all designed for this specific telescope line.