I just bought a meade telescope from a thrift store. I cannot find the model number on it. It seems to work fine, but it is missing the power cord. It may be too old to get a replacement, but I won't know that until I find out what the model number is. All I see is the name Meade in several places. Any secret place to look for the model number?

Yes you can just make sure that the power cord has the CORRECT pin polarity- you can order the 12 volt cigarette lighter style cord from Meade.
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

Meade should have the controller and cord.

http://www.meade.com/support/index.html Call them

Eyepieces can be purchased from many on-line suppliers. Here are two:

http://www.agenaastro.com/

http://www.optcorp.com/category.aspx?uid=30

You do have batteries inside? I suppose. If you do the power panel light should be on (red)--- if it is the scope is powered up BUT THE CORD going to the hand controller is broken. Buy a new hand controller cord.

If the power light is NOT on then a circuit board is probably defective inside the scope base. Meade can repair this but you must send them the telescope.

Meade customer service:
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

You can use any 12 volt power pack like a car starter battery pack-- with the proper cigarette lighter style power cord.

Just buy one with a cigarette lighter style plug-in port- 12 volt-- you can find these at auto parts stores for about $49.

No, only Meade sells a replacement hand controller.... but if you burned out the internal board it is not worth fixing. Here is Meade's customer service phone number:
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

The scope will run just fine on 12 volts. www.scopestuff.com sells the cigarette lighter cord for that telescope.

Call them here:

www.scopestuff.com

Are the batteries FRESH? if they are you may have a bad motor. Contact Meade customer service:
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

It sounds like BAD batteries. Try new ones first before sending it to Meade.

Here is the Meade manual web site. Find your telescope and see if a part is missing.

http://www.meade.com/manuals/index.html

and here is their customer service phone number:
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

See if a manual is listed on the Meade site Here:
http://www.meade.com/manuals/index.html


That shows the power supply voltage.

All of Meade's manuals are listed here--
http://www.meade.com/manuals/index.html

Take it outside during the day time-- put the eyepiece with the LARGEST number written on it into the telescope--- this is the LOWEST magnification.

Point it at a distant object and practice focusing-- the moon should be your first night time object.