Good idea, but my only astro shop has no controllers. I ordered the standard issue item from Meade for 20 thinking I should have it anyway.
I will make sure everything works and then possibly buy a 497.

I hope the mount is fine, I see that they don't have a very good reputation for reliability, but superb optics and that is most important.
I understand with the central obstruction this is about equal to a high quality 3" refractor? I find this hard to believe, that the central obstruction can make that much difference?
No image shift at high power is a welcome relief, I had this problem with the SCT I had.

Robert