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Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | >> (show all) Hawkeye super member Reged: 06/10/04 Loc: Melbourne, Australia Show off your LX, RCX setup       #135503 - 06/27/04 10:46 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I was interested to see how LX200 owners set up for an evening's viewing. In particular, how you arrange your viewing site and bits and pieces to make it functional and comfortable. Photographs and commentary would be most welcome. Edited by Grizz (10/01/06 04:00 PM) Post Extras:       Posaunist super member Reged: 09/17/03 Loc: Arkansas, US Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #135508 - 06/27/04 10:52 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's my setup: Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #141635 - 07/06/04 05:46 AM Attachment (2730 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   And here is mine! Post Extras:       jrcrilly Refractor wienie no more Reged: 04/30/03 Loc: NE Ohio Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #141668 - 07/06/04 09:00 AM Attachment (2541 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's mine: Post Extras:       LivingNDixie TSP Chowhound Reged: 04/23/03 Loc: Trussville, AL Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: jrcrilly]       #141705 - 07/06/04 10:02 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Bonzo, Nice refractor... Is that a FS78? or one of those shorty 60's that are kinda rare? Edited by LivingNDixie (07/06/04 10:03 AM) Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: LivingNDixie]       #141945 - 07/06/04 04:33 PM Attachment (2034 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi LivingNDixie, You are not only a horrible speller, but also a horrible reader! Just look at the bottom of the page! It's a GIAND Sky 90!! Yheeeeeee! I'll add another picture! I hope you can read this one! Bonzo Edited by Bonzo (07/07/04 01:54 PM) Post Extras:       LivingNDixie TSP Chowhound Reged: 04/23/03 Loc: Trussville, AL Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #142979 - 07/07/04 07:38 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The sticker is on the left side , but very nice, I bet the views are killer Post Extras:       Grizz Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/24/03 Loc: Waldwick,New Jersey USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #143652 - 07/08/04 03:08 PM Attachment (2193 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   And mine Post Extras:       Awesomelenny Post Laureate Reged: 05/02/04 Loc: Long: 81.42 W Lat: 41.21 N Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #149133 - 07/15/04 10:00 PM Attachment (2255 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well now this is a page I like. I love all you LX200 fans for I am one too! Here is my 12" LX200 GPS in my recently finished observatory! Also visit my web pages starting at: Len Marek's Astronomy Page[/url] Edited by Grizz (09/25/04 02:06 PM) Post Extras:       Hawkeye super member Reged: 06/10/04 Loc: Melbourne, Australia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Awesomelenny]       #149163 - 07/15/04 11:08 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very nice! Post Extras:       Benjamin B Pooh-Bah Reged: 06/21/04 Loc: Sweden Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #150868 - 07/19/04 07:03 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here are mine, I recived my LX200GPS 10" SMT UHTC a week ago! The smaler one is LX90 8" EMC Post Extras:       jrcrilly Refractor wienie no more Reged: 04/30/03 Loc: NE Ohio Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Benjamin B]       #152106 - 07/20/04 09:24 PM Attachment (2212 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's the one that just arrived today! Edited by Grizz (09/25/04 02:08 PM) Post Extras:       LivingNDixie TSP Chowhound Reged: 04/23/03 Loc: Trussville, AL Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: jrcrilly]       #152568 - 07/21/04 01:03 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice John, but whats up with that finder? Do ya really need a RACI on a LX200, its not like your going to use it. I understand if the scope came with it and all. Lets know how she star tests Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: LivingNDixie]       #159036 - 07/30/04 12:48 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Does anyone here know anybody who is planning on buying a 14" LX200? Please give me an email if you do. averkamp@gmail.com Thanks. -Matt Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #165052 - 08/06/04 07:21 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Tonight is the first night since I got my wedge that the weather is looking good. So here is a shot of my rig out on the back deck. I plan to extend the deck to the South (the direction the scope is pointing towards), and then install a 16" concrete pier that will be about 12' tall and go through a hole in the new section. I get to attempt my first polar alignment tonight. Fortunately, Polaris is clearly visible from this location. Post Extras:       jrcrilly Refractor wienie no more Reged: 04/30/03 Loc: NE Ohio Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Posaunist]       #165482 - 08/07/04 12:08 PM Attachment (1650 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I had the new (old) 12" Classic at a public field last night. I don't know whether the decal on the car will show clearly or not... Post Extras:       jrcrilly Refractor wienie no more Reged: 04/30/03 Loc: NE Ohio Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: jrcrilly]       #165494 - 08/07/04 12:12 PM Attachment (1556 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   decal inset: Post Extras:       LivingNDixie TSP Chowhound Reged: 04/23/03 Loc: Trussville, AL Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: jrcrilly]       #166139 - 08/08/04 03:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   John, Where did you get that sticker??? Thats awesome Post Extras:       jrcrilly Refractor wienie no more Reged: 04/30/03 Loc: NE Ohio Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: LivingNDixie]       #166143 - 08/08/04 03:51 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: John, Where did you get that sticker??? Thats awesome http://www.aliengraphix.com/Astronomy_Decals.html Edited by jrcrilly (08/08/04 03:56 PM) Post Extras:       john sage Reged: 01/01/04 Loc: ont,canada Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Posaunist]       #166449 - 08/09/04 12:54 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Here's my setup: Hi Mark : I got the same setup as you(but no wedge yet), all photos using digital rebel and lx200gps 10" f/10(yet i use f/6.3 for deep sky stuff). I need some advice doing deep sky stuff(like M27). What camera settings did you use for M42, such as parameters .... contrast / saturation / sharpness / color tone ALSO what ISO setting did you use and the shutter speed. I am having trouble getting any decent photos. Thanks John Post Extras:       john sage Reged: 01/01/04 Loc: ont,canada Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Benjamin B]       #166454 - 08/09/04 01:04 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Here are mine, I recived my LX200GPS 10" SMT UHTC a week ago! The smaler one is LX90 8" EMC LET ME GUESS ......... you are gonna piggyback the 8" onto the 10"(as a spotting scope) John Post Extras:       Posaunist super member Reged: 09/17/03 Loc: Arkansas, US Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: john]       #166464 - 08/09/04 01:24 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: What camera settings did you use for M42, such as parameters .... contrast / saturation / sharpness / color tone ALSO what ISO setting did you use and the shutter speed. I am having trouble getting any decent photos. Thanks John John, The picture of M42 on my website was taken at ISO 1600 with an exposure time of 30". The white balance was on auto, and it probably would have turned out better with a lower ISO and longer exposure time. That picture was actually taken before I had the wedge, and besides reducing its size, I did not alter it. I've been having problems getting pictures without severe star trails because of the weight of the Digital Rebel, Scopetronix Maxview DSLR, and eyepiece combination. I've ordered a balance kit from Scope Stuff, so I hope to have more luck soon. Also, I know the drift in the photos isn't caused by a bad polar alignment, because I use the drift method each night maintaining a split star for no less than five minutes. I'm sure you'll be able to get a much better M42 than the one on my site if you fine-tune the parameters you mentioned. Since taking that picture, I've learned that the correct ISO and exposure time is greatly affected by transparency and light pollution of that particular night. It changes pretty often around here because of all the humidity in the summer air. -Mark Post Extras:       jrcrilly Refractor wienie no more Reged: 04/30/03 Loc: NE Ohio Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: jrcrilly]       #171383 - 08/14/04 10:13 PM Attachment (1040 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Finally got the new (old) 12" set up: Post Extras:       Benjamin B Pooh-Bah Reged: 06/21/04 Loc: Sweden Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: jrcrilly]       #172042 - 08/16/04 02:01 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   john Hehe, yea why not :-) Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Benjamin B]       #199834 - 09/18/04 02:27 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   How many of you guys got UHTC's? If I get a 12 inch there's no way I can get UHTC. Post Extras:       Hawkeye super member Reged: 06/10/04 Loc: Melbourne, Australia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #202317 - 09/21/04 09:28 PM Attachment (1168 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   And... here is my setup in central Victoria. Edited by Grizz (09/28/04 07:47 PM) Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #202395 - 09/21/04 11:15 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looks nice Hawkeye! Cute dog, but it looks like he/she has the same problem as my dog in that he loves to go lay in the mud to cool off! Post Extras:       kruzmisl member Reged: 09/29/03 Loc: Thousand Oaks, CA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #203102 - 09/22/04 05:54 PM Attachment (1133 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My 10" LX200GPS has been like Old Faithful. John Shwope Edited by Grizz (09/25/04 02:11 PM) Post Extras:       Hawkeye super member Reged: 06/10/04 Loc: Melbourne, Australia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #203123 - 09/22/04 06:37 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks Peter. Yes, the end of a busy day for Gemma; rolling in something that smelled really agricultural, moving the sheep out of the shearing shed, having a few dips in the creek with the platypus and tortoises, and growling at the electric fence that bit her on the nose. Saw the Trifid and Swan nebulae, a host of GCs and OCs and 'found' the Tarantula nebula after trawling the LMC. The dew shield is a glued up piece of grey sleeping roll. Post Extras:       imjeffp Aluminum Falcon Reged: 09/30/03 Loc: Cedar Park, Texas Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #203198 - 09/22/04 08:24 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Good night, John! Could you hang anything else off of there? And where's the wedge? Post Extras:       kruzmisl member Reged: 09/29/03 Loc: Thousand Oaks, CA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: imjeffp]       #203210 - 09/22/04 08:46 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Jeff; This is not my normal observing mode. Not using the wedge right now, only time for visual. Actually my visual optical path is shorter than it was. The Van Slyke focuser is incredible and it also houses my .63 FR inside and adds zero to the length. I use the piggyback 85 every time I view to get an excellent wfov to help me learn the sky. I find it hard to see where thing fit into place when I can only see the object. I also use the 85 as a grab and go on it's own tripod. Right now I'm just starting using the 10D for Solar. I'm anxiously waiting for my new Siebert Elite binoviewer that uses 2" eyepieces. With 36 mm eyepieces and ability to use a focal reducer also, I'm looking forward to some nice WA two eyed viewing. John Post Extras:       rumples riot Carpal Tunnel Reged: 07/01/04 Loc: South Australia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: kruzmisl]       #203243 - 09/22/04 09:35 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice setups people, lots of money spent on some of the those scopes. Hawk, I just bought a block of land at Parsons Beach on York Peninsula, so anytime you want to come to SA for a really dark sky site and beach views just let me know. Takes about two hours to get there from Adelaide, can't wait till summer. I'll take a shot of my setup soon with all the gear on it. Paul Post Extras:       Hawkeye super member Reged: 06/10/04 Loc: Melbourne, Australia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: rumples riot]       #203509 - 09/23/04 05:48 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well done! I was in that part of the country years ago, looking at the limestone jetty on the other side of the peninsula. I reckon you would throw a shadow from the milky way, over there. I'll let you know if I'm heading back to SA. Likewise, let me know if you're heading over to Melbourne. Post Extras:       JerryWise Postmaster Reged: 12/26/03 Loc: Lexington, SC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #203603 - 09/23/04 09:44 AM Attachment (1265 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's my scope. 14" LX200 GPS. Had a 10 LX200 in there in the late 90s up to this year. It's up about 4 stories on top of a small warehouse at my business. Needed a warehouse to store medical CDs. Kinda overdid it. Here in the deep south you can sit in the observatory or out on the little balcony most of the year. Some light pollution from a city 20 miles away but mostly good skies. Lake has 700+ miles of shoreline and provides some good atmosphere. Post Extras:       NJ Night Sky Reged: 03/25/04 Loc: Hillsborough, NJ Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: JerryWise]       #203661 - 09/23/04 11:08 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Wow now we're talking. Post Extras:       Astrodave Pooh-Bah Reged: 05/28/04 Loc: Manassas Park, Va. USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: JerryWise]       #203820 - 09/23/04 03:14 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ahh man meddyn, you are living my life with that setup! Wow what i'd give for that setup! Now if i can only convince my significant other to move to a nice darker area like that to support my hobby....yeah, and im a chinese jet pilot Post Extras:       JerryWise Postmaster Reged: 12/26/03 Loc: Lexington, SC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Astrodave]       #203854 - 09/23/04 03:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well, to tell the truth.... the warehouse and observatory are bigger than my house. My wife is convinced a small house and nice observatory are the way to go (that took some doing). I heard her talking to a friend the other day. She said "..he is so obsessed with that thing since he got that Canon camera. I left him two months ago and he didn't even miss me until last week." I think she was joking but can't be sure. I really don't remember missing her last week, the skys were clear. Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: JerryWise]       #204439 - 09/24/04 08:17 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: I really don't remember missing her last week There goes your only change of owning your own observatory! I am only very jealous and frustrated! It gives me the feeling I have started to look through a monocles glass to the sky ................ Well some have it, everyone else don't Bonzo Post Extras:       Jefferson1964 professor emeritus Reged: 07/15/04 Loc: Mansfield, Texas Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #204992 - 09/24/04 05:22 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Meddyn, now thats a nice setup...im jealous, :-) John, WOW...now thats a lot of stuff on there...Like Old Faithful...Now ive always wanted to take my scope to yellowstone as i go every year and its gets DARK.... Post Extras:       Grizz Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/24/03 Loc: Waldwick,New Jersey USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #205673 - 09/25/04 02:13 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice setups! Lets try and keep the image size down to about 100k and 640x480 for folks using dial-up connections. I have edited some of the pics to a smaller size. Thanks. Edited by Grizz (09/25/04 02:14 PM) Post Extras:       LivingNDixie TSP Chowhound Reged: 04/23/03 Loc: Trussville, AL Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Grizz]       #205766 - 09/25/04 04:36 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice observatory! Post Extras:       kruzmisl member Reged: 09/29/03 Loc: Thousand Oaks, CA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Grizz]       #206463 - 09/26/04 06:48 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Grizz; Thanks for taking care of mine. The instructions said 200k, and it was trial and error to get it there. John Shwope Post Extras:       rumples riot Carpal Tunnel Reged: 07/01/04 Loc: South Australia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #222869 - 10/16/04 03:59 AM Attachment (1138 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well here it is Hawkeye. Equipment: 10" Lx200 GPS UHTC Field derotator Off axis guider LPI imager reticular illuminated ep 26mm super plossel 20mm super plossel 12.5mm super plossel 40mm maxiview ep 2 x barlow tube counter weight set Nikon D70 DSLR Waeco 12volt rechargable gel battery Dew shield JMI hard transport case Phew spent a lot of cash . Anyway I love it. Paul Post Extras:       ProfLemoi sage Reged: 09/26/04 Loc: Ashburnham, MA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: rumples riot]       #222959 - 10/16/04 10:37 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice scope! I can't wait for mine to get here! say, what kind of luck have you had with your LPI? Do you have any pics you can show us? Post Extras:       Hawkeye super member Reged: 06/10/04 Loc: Melbourne, Australia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ProfLemoi]       #223571 - 10/17/04 06:23 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very tidy. And, it looks as though you have even given it a silk scarf! Very nice setup, Paul - and in Aussie Dollars too. That, ladies and gentlemen is commitment! I bet the weeks can't pass quickly enough for you to scoot down to the peninsula for some serious dark sky! Post Extras:       rumples riot Carpal Tunnel Reged: 07/01/04 Loc: South Australia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #225451 - 10/19/04 10:46 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Dark skies, yeah, yeah, yeah (think of muttly doing his little dog laugh). Paul Post Extras:       ProfLemoi sage Reged: 09/26/04 Loc: Ashburnham, MA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: john]       #225749 - 10/19/04 05:37 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   John, Great sticker! I went to the site and ordered the Planet hunter and the clear skies stickers... still waiting for those to arrive. Kevin Post Extras:       Festus sage Reged: 01/07/04 Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #237186 - 10/31/04 04:55 PM Attachment (986 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   This interesting picture is a combination of pics taken by my toshiba web cam, it was -6C notice the blue dew shield white with icy frost. I am still trying to figure out why I can't autoguide with the lpi you see stuck on the back, along with the digital rebel. On the bottom is a meade 12"lx200gps with a starmax 127 mounted on top. It has the special york iron 3d weight system I found in my garage. Post Extras:       Grizz Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/24/03 Loc: Waldwick,New Jersey USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Festus]       #237934 - 11/01/04 02:41 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Festus I don't think you have the LPI in the correct position. When I use the LPI inserted in my ETX90 to guide my LX200GPS the USB cable has to be facing forward in order for the LPI to guide correctly. For your setup I'm not sure if the USB cable should be facing front or back but I'm pretty sure facing sideways will not work. Post Extras:       Festus sage Reged: 01/07/04 Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Grizz]       #237981 - 11/01/04 03:27 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks Grizz, it is hard to tell from this picture because it is a composite of several. It is pointed ahead and stuck into a off axis guider. I have tried installing it in the starmax 127 mounted on top of the 12" with the cable pointing down (no diagonal) and the focal length adjusted in the software. It seems to track for a couple of seconds then guides the object right off the screen. It behave this way for both setups. If I leave the scope alone without guiding it does well for about 10 minutes (mind you the object tends to slide out of view). Post Extras:       Grizz Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/24/03 Loc: Waldwick,New Jersey USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Festus]       #238099 - 11/01/04 05:22 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ah I see...well not really. Couple of things come to mind. Firmware version? Have you tried checking and unchecking the Diag Mirr box and doing a reset cal after each attempt? I have had very good results using the LPI for guiding. I'm sure you will also. Post Extras:       John_Gillies Vendor - Earthwin Optical Reged: 04/23/03 Loc: Ontario, Canada Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #244080 - 11/07/04 10:37 AM Attachment (954 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Observalavatory Scope. Post Extras:       ProfLemoi sage Reged: 09/26/04 Loc: Ashburnham, MA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: John_Gillies]       #252095 - 11/15/04 11:01 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice addition of the bi-noc viewers John! I immage that must help with looking at objects for a long time. Reduced eye strain and the like... sweet! Post Extras:       John_Gillies Vendor - Earthwin Optical Reged: 04/23/03 Loc: Ontario, Canada Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ProfLemoi]       #253125 - 11/16/04 06:59 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I wouldn't live without my Denkmeier's. Last Saturday night at the Observalavatory with the 12"/Denkmeier and a guest with his 12"/Denkmeier, four of us spent no less than 8 hours (7:30 pm to 3:30 am) at the ep's. And it only went down to -11 Celcius. You bet the binoviewer makes viewing easier! Post Extras:       Strgazr27 Reged: 10/04/04 Loc: StonyHill Observatory Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: john]       #266219 - 11/29/04 11:33 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here ya go... 12" LX200 Classic with UHC Bucks Gears Version 4.32 Superwedge 9x50 Celestron Polar scope Kendrick Dew Controller w strips for Corrector and Diag/EP 2" Diagonal GFT shortened 12" Just ordered a bunch of stuff from Bobs Knobs. Also just ordered the Meade Zero Image shift focuser and 2" Flip Mirror Assembly. Plans call for an Orion 80ED this spring piggy backed. UPS says my Rebel w remote/ grip and extra battery should be here by Wednsday morning I know, 3 weeks of rain Lol. A big thanks to Mark G. for giving me the deal of a lifetime and "Big" John C for answering all my questions and PM's. Thanks Guys. Bobby Post Extras:       Neil professor emeritus Reged: 11/21/04 Loc: Nottingham, England Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Strgazr27]       #266407 - 11/29/04 03:43 PM Attachment (927 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Meade very poorly, at the eye surgeons.. Post Extras:       Strgazr27 Reged: 10/04/04 Loc: StonyHill Observatory Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Strgazr27]       #293309 - 12/28/04 09:27 AM Attachment (884 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Let's try this one... Post Extras:       Strgazr27 Reged: 10/04/04 Loc: StonyHill Observatory Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Strgazr27]       #293311 - 12/28/04 09:28 AM Attachment (688 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My "Finderscope" Actually my 90mm F/11 Guider I just picked up. Post Extras:       R1200C sage Reged: 09/08/03 Loc: Eastern Ohio Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Strgazr27]       #297045 - 01/01/05 01:03 PM Attachment (871 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's Mine: *1998 10" LX200, with added bearings on focuser *Stellarvue SV105 with 2" Feathertouch Focuser *Robofocus with homeade bracket *Ken Milburn Dovetails Top & Bottom *Meade Superwedge with bearings and blocks on both axis, Mitty kit, teflon, rosette knobs..... *JMI Wheely Bars Post Extras:       Chris Graham mmmm...Haggis Reged: 04/01/04 Loc: Stirling, Scotland Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: john]       #300564 - 01/05/05 07:47 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   wow some people are so lucky! Great setups all! Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #307836 - 01/12/05 12:15 AM Attachment (964 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Wow very sharp! Do that roof open and shut? Here's mine: Edited by RLJSlick (01/12/05 01:10 AM) Post Extras:       Dave LoPresti Carpal Tunnel Reged: 12/25/03 Loc: Preston, Connecticut Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #309795 - 01/13/05 10:45 PM Attachment (858 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Lots of nice gear posted so far. Until I find a better one, here is a pic of my 10" LX200 Edited by Dave LoPresti (01/13/05 10:48 PM) Post Extras:       TeamGS Post Laureate Reged: 01/20/04 Loc: Elk Grove, CA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Dave LoPresti]       #310359 - 01/14/05 11:52 AM Attachment (955 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's my backyard observatory. I would kill for an area that I could build permanant structure. I keep her covered, and left outside most of the time, but it still takes a long time to set up the cameras, computer, etc. Regards, Gary Post Extras:       Strgazr27 Reged: 10/04/04 Loc: StonyHill Observatory Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: TeamGS]       #310364 - 01/14/05 11:56 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Gary, I see you have a nice guider setup now Looks real nice. At least you can leave yours setup. I have to drag mine up and out a setup from scratch everytime I want to image/observe. Again, Nice setup P.S. So when does your RCX400 Show up Post Extras:       Astrodave Pooh-Bah Reged: 05/28/04 Loc: Manassas Park, Va. USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Strgazr27]       #310567 - 01/14/05 03:19 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ohh for a nice warm, dry, climate that i could relocate myself to.... That and the ability to actually leave my scope outside without fear of the local citizenry making off with it and it being on ebay within an hour of its disappearance! Post Extras:       TeamGS Post Laureate Reged: 01/20/04 Loc: Elk Grove, CA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Astrodave]       #310576 - 01/14/05 03:30 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks guys! Bobby; Actually that pic was taken before I hooked up your old scope in an attempt to capture more light and have a longer FL. The scope pictured is a 70 mm f/10. David, I would never have pictured Manassas Park as a hotbed of crime! Regards, Gary Post Extras:       NJ Night Sky Reged: 03/25/04 Loc: Hillsborough, NJ Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: TeamGS]       #311309 - 01/15/05 10:06 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's mine nothing fancy yet but getting there. Post Extras:       Scott Horstman Vendor - Backyard Observatories Reged: 03/11/04 Loc: Too Far North, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: NJ Night Sky]       #358722 - 02/27/05 11:47 PM Attachment (768 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   It's a 10" LX50 (hope I don't get booed). Got the forks here, tube there etc. and Frankenscoped it. I like it though. Notice the Miracle Grow in the picture. I'm trying to grow it into a 12" LX200 GPS. Post Extras:       TeamGS Post Laureate Reged: 01/20/04 Loc: Elk Grove, CA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Scott Horstman]       #359130 - 02/28/05 12:39 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Notice the Miracle Grow in the picture. I'm trying to grow it into a 12" LX200 GPS. LOL! Gary Post Extras:       imjeffp Aluminum Falcon Reged: 09/30/03 Loc: Cedar Park, Texas Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: TeamGS]       #359238 - 02/28/05 02:34 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   They said in the email I could add two inches with this patch... Post Extras:       Scott Horstman Vendor - Backyard Observatories Reged: 03/11/04 Loc: Too Far North, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: imjeffp]       #359369 - 02/28/05 04:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ya mean like the Enz*** stuff? In a patch? I could just see it now..... Hello, this is Bob. Bob now sees down to 16th mag and star tests like never before..... Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #360507 - 03/01/05 06:19 PM Attachment (837 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well, here is my 12" LX200GPS, Just ordered a milburn deluxe Wedge for it, and awaiting it, 6-8 weeks left. Edited by Grizz (03/02/05 12:57 AM) Post Extras:       Scott Horstman Vendor - Backyard Observatories Reged: 03/11/04 Loc: Too Far North, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #360686 - 03/01/05 09:05 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Steve, Nice set up. It should be worth the wait on the wedge. They're really nice! Welcome to C.N. It's a fun place to hang out. C.S. Scott. Post Extras:       Hawkeye super member Reged: 06/10/04 Loc: Melbourne, Australia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Scott Horstman]       #360940 - 03/02/05 03:38 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hey Steve, I like the snow effect on the railing. Love the hardware too. How is the camera mounted? Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #361513 - 03/02/05 03:40 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks for that comment , It always snows here and that is what usually keeps me from observing. The Camera is mounted by a Meade Camera Adapter, I might change that to a Milburn adapter later on, but I see you have an LX200gps too, if you look at the optical tube, at the end with the cast iron that is black, there are a few different types of screws on the rim, with this you unscrew those and the kit that comes with the adapter has longer screws, you place the adapter over the two screw holes, and lock it back in. The only problem I have is that when taking widefield images the end of the tube is in the FOV because you cannot adjust the camera on this adapter which is a pain, that is why i am going to eventually change that camera adapter. -Steve Post Extras:       Hawkeye super member Reged: 06/10/04 Loc: Melbourne, Australia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #372697 - 03/13/05 05:48 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The Milburn adaptor with the rail loods like a good proposition. Photography with my LX200 is something I will have to get into. Now, for a bit of that snow to soothe my sunburn. Post Extras:       pber2025 sage Reged: 09/20/04 Loc: Quebec, Canada Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #373278 - 03/13/05 07:54 PM Attachment (779 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My new setup, when not in use the scope will be stored on this kitchen kart from IKEA. To use the scope I will simply move the kart close to the patio door and set the scope on the tripod. When stored, the scope is actually bolted to the kart using a 2 1/2" bolt for safety (I have kids!). For added protection my wife will make a dust cover to protect the scope. Edited by pber2025 (03/13/05 07:55 PM) Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: pber2025]       #373311 - 03/13/05 08:46 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   What size is it? It looks like a 12". Post Extras:       pber2025 sage Reged: 09/20/04 Loc: Quebec, Canada Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #373854 - 03/14/05 10:24 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   It's 10", looks bigger because the picture was taken slight up angle. Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: pber2025]       #374050 - 03/14/05 12:41 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   a 12 wont fit with the ota down. Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: southmike]       #376178 - 03/16/05 10:54 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yeah your right. I just never thought about the 12" fitting all the way down. I had to test mine to make sure. Post Extras:       starman2 newbie Reged: 09/07/04 Loc: North West USA Re: 12"LX200 GPS setup procedure [Re: Posaunist]       #390843 - 03/30/05 10:28 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Sir, I just bought a 12" LX200 GPS SMT and I would like to see if you would mind send ing me an e-mail on how you start you evening observing. I have not had a chance to really use it yet and I would like to know where to start. It is mounted on a pier with the heavy duty wedge and an observatory almost like yours. I have centered Polaris using a illuminated eypiece while waiting for my power supply to get here. Now which way should my OTA be pointed before I apply the power and then take me through a simple way if you don't mind. Please e-mail me at starman@pacific.net Thanks, Gary Post Extras:       mtnmedic Late for dinner Reged: 11/09/04 Loc: Antelope, Oregon Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #397083 - 04/06/05 12:06 AM Attachment (740 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   And here's mine. I took it out again in Lucerne Valley, CA (just down the hill north of Big Bear Lake) last weekend with the wife. Gotta tell ya...M42 just made us faint! Never before did I see it actually FILL the field of view! GAWD...I have GOT to get 2" EPs and a bino viewer for this, my pride and joy! And to think, I spent all those years with a Dynamax 8" SCT! Edited by Grizz (04/06/05 07:14 AM) Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: mtnmedic]       #397125 - 04/06/05 12:53 AM Attachment (679 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ok finally took a quick pic of my Lx200 8", with orion 90 mm mak with a flip mirror and 201xt. Post Extras:       mtnmedic Late for dinner Reged: 11/09/04 Loc: Antelope, Oregon Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: southmike]       #397131 - 04/06/05 01:03 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice! Binos........even 1.25" would be nice. Somehow, the midnight or royal blue our scopes are painted in is just the RIGHT colour (for me, anyway). Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: mtnmedic]       #397166 - 04/06/05 01:47 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks , I am rather un-impressed with walmarts film to cd service....it is grainy as heck.. Post Extras:       mtnmedic Late for dinner Reged: 11/09/04 Loc: Antelope, Oregon Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: southmike]       #397169 - 04/06/05 01:54 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yeah, it IS a bit grainy. Well, that's Wally World for ya. I haven't been there in almost 6 months and before that about a year. Of course, the fact that it's about 10 miles away and Target is eight blocks away might have something to do it. Besides, it just seems to me that Wal-Mart has gotten, well...cheap and junky, lately. That's my opinion and it's probably somewhat biased. But it HAS changed over the last few years, not to mention its desire to conquer the world... Post Extras:       ProfLemoi sage Reged: 09/26/04 Loc: Ashburnham, MA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: mtnmedic]       #397765 - 04/06/05 03:23 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hey were did you guys get the Due Shields for your Meade scopes? I have a *bleep* one I would like to upgrade. Post Extras:       mtnmedic Late for dinner Reged: 11/09/04 Loc: Antelope, Oregon Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ProfLemoi]       #397797 - 04/06/05 03:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Got mine from Scope City. Most Meade dealers can get one for you. They're really nice but they're heavy, rigid, don't store easily and are kind of bulky to cart around. However, they're a snap to put on, as they fit very snugly around the end of the OTA. Heck, I don't even use the screws on mine. Post Extras:       ProfLemoi sage Reged: 09/26/04 Loc: Ashburnham, MA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: mtnmedic]       #397848 - 04/06/05 04:27 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Do you need any counter weight with that one Michael? Post Extras:       mtnmedic Late for dinner Reged: 11/09/04 Loc: Antelope, Oregon Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ProfLemoi]       #397868 - 04/06/05 04:41 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well, so far I haven't had the need for counterweighting...yet. It's heavy but not terribly so. It's heavy enough to tip the scope down when the DEC lock isn't on but doesn't appear to cause any significant strain on the DECK lock when it's engaged. However, counterweighting isn't a bad idea. I remember my old Dynamax 8" SCT having a really neat (homemade!) counterweighting system on it that kept it very nicely balanced to the point where I never even needed to engage the DEC lock. Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ProfLemoi]       #397873 - 04/06/05 04:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I got mine on astromart for about 75 bucks...I found that it really made the front heavy.even with the binoviewer I had to add weights. I also have a astrozap with built in heater..but once I added the guide rail and counterbalance it doesn't fit any more..so no convienent fold flat dew shield for me.. Post Extras:       faltered sage Reged: 04/01/05 Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: john]       #401936 - 04/10/05 04:31 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   MORE! Post more pictures! I love looking at these setups. I like to see how people are spending all their hard earned $$. Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: faltered]       #425884 - 05/02/05 12:25 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My new baby: Post Extras:       mtnmedic Late for dinner Reged: 11/09/04 Loc: Antelope, Oregon Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #425891 - 05/02/05 12:30 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   NICE! Where in the world are those nice GREEN yards? I think you'll be surprised how stable the scope is with the standard field tripod. Mine has done wonderfully with it. Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: mtnmedic]       #425919 - 05/02/05 12:48 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Iowa. No watering necessary. I had it out for a very short amount of time the night I got it (Saturday. I was tired from the long drive to pick it up, plus it was cold as heck, so didn't feel like being out too long). But it seemed pretty stable. Didn't have a power cable for it yet so I just looked at Jupiter. It needs collimated badly. I didn't play with it that night (wish I had), so I've been trying to daylight collimate it. I think I got it significantly better but I'll have to wait for a clear night to find out and finish the job. I took a really fuzzy, underexposed (and several overexposed) single exposure of Jupiter. I've got a Sony DSC-F717. It seems like people are getting really good results from stacking AVIs from webcams, would shooting 320x200 AVIs with the Sony and stacking them potentially be better than taking regular 5 megapixel photos? What about stacking full res photos? Edited by Nicholas Loper (05/02/05 12:49 PM) Post Extras:       BradH Pooh-Bah Reged: 06/19/04 Loc: Spencer, Indiana Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #425971 - 05/02/05 01:38 PM Attachment (646 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I got my LX200 12" in last week and finished my Skyshed. I put the scope on the Sunday. Now I need for it the clear up. Brad Post Extras:       BradH Pooh-Bah Reged: 06/19/04 Loc: Spencer, Indiana Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: BradH]       #425974 - 05/02/05 01:40 PM Attachment (663 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here is one from inside Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: BradH]       #426627 - 05/03/05 01:55 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   brad with a permanent house for your scope that 12" LX is screeming for a wedge. oh and mount that little 80ed on your lx too they compliment each other really well. Post Extras:       BradH Pooh-Bah Reged: 06/19/04 Loc: Spencer, Indiana Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #427029 - 05/03/05 01:36 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I may end up doing that one day. it something I have thought about. Brad Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: BradH]       #434860 - 05/10/05 04:56 AM Attachment (640 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   A blue night...with friends Post Extras:       Sky Captain Metal Whisperer Reged: 11/07/04 Loc: Loc: Loc: Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: southmike]       #435091 - 05/10/05 11:19 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice set up Mike, but don't you guys bump into each other when viewing? Or all those scopes yours? Kerry. Post Extras:       mtnmedic Late for dinner Reged: 11/09/04 Loc: Antelope, Oregon Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Sky Captain]       #435153 - 05/10/05 12:10 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looks like good little soldiers, marching off to a nice, dark site for an evening of most excellent reconnaissance. Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: mtnmedic]       #435224 - 05/10/05 01:41 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   mine... I wanted to gather the heard before i sell them.. Post Extras:       Sky Captain Metal Whisperer Reged: 11/07/04 Loc: Loc: Loc: Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: southmike]       #435266 - 05/10/05 02:20 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Are you selling them all? You are going to keep the 10 in. at least? Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Sky Captain]       #435290 - 05/10/05 02:43 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   no not all the ..nexstar 5 is the first to go ,the ed80 will become the grab and go. then depending on which 8 i like ,one is a f6 & one is f10. i will sell one to my sister....though the 90mm mak is a great size..it will probably go with the 8. right now i use it more for birding then anything. I will keep the 10, I like the 10/120 setup even if my back doesn't. Post Extras:       LivingNDixie TSP Chowhound Reged: 04/23/03 Loc: Trussville, AL Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: southmike]       #436393 - 05/11/05 01:17 PM Attachment (596 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   wow thats alot of scopes... ok heres mine, don't laugh at the color of the walls, had to move the scope into the Bedroom last weekend when company came over for my graduation Post Extras:       imjeffp Aluminum Falcon Reged: 09/30/03 Loc: Cedar Park, Texas Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: LivingNDixie]       #436473 - 05/11/05 02:34 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Aaahh! My eyes! Post Extras:       mtnmedic Late for dinner Reged: 11/09/04 Loc: Antelope, Oregon Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: imjeffp]       #436479 - 05/11/05 02:38 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Now I've got this BLUE spot that hovers in front of my eyes and it won't go away! OUCH! Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: imjeffp]       #436956 - 05/11/05 10:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice Avatar! JPH Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: LivingNDixie]       #436960 - 05/11/05 10:35 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Congratulations on your graduation! What did you graduate with? JPH Post Extras:       meademan10 journeyman Reged: 05/11/05 Loc: East Hartford, Ct Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #437263 - 05/12/05 07:37 AM Attachment (645 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's my setup: LX200GPS 10" Milburn Deluxe Wedge Antares Finder Scope Celestron 102AT Guide Scope Milburn Mounting rings Milburn Counter weights SAC7b on 102 for guiding SAC10 on order Kendrick Power Just completed putting the pieces together and hope to start imaging soon. Post Extras:       Sky Captain Metal Whisperer Reged: 11/07/04 Loc: Loc: Loc: Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: meademan10]       #439663 - 05/14/05 03:53 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   That's a great looking set up Meademan! Post Extras:       meademan10 journeyman Reged: 05/11/05 Loc: East Hartford, Ct Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Sky Captain]       #439751 - 05/14/05 09:36 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks Sky Captain. Just finished putting the main pieces together and am awaiting the SAC10 camera. Just need it and some clear skies and then the fun can begin. Post Extras:       ProfLemoi sage Reged: 09/26/04 Loc: Ashburnham, MA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: meademan10]       #446759 - 05/20/05 12:18 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Meademan, Nice setup! When you get your SAC10 working I would love to see some pictures as I have been considering this camera for DSO work. Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ProfLemoi]       #447463 - 05/21/05 12:29 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hey guys, I've been looking for a scope and settled on one of the new CPC's from Celestron (most likely the 11") or the 10" LX200GPS. I'm leaning towards the LX200, but I read on another site that supposedly Meade uses aluminum for the worm gear, etc. instead of brass, steel, or bronze, which results in gear wear and metal shavings, etc. ? Is this actually true? Don't see that it would matter that much since they have a warranty and you can extend it, and also that if the gears ARE aluminum they wouldn't have such problems with it, because it wouldn't make sense to ship a product with those issues, but just curious about this. It was a pretty strong posting about the issue and I could see how it might be a concern. Thanks! Post Extras:       meademan10 journeyman Reged: 05/11/05 Loc: East Hartford, Ct Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #447663 - 05/21/05 08:45 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks ProfLemoi. I am number 39 on the SAC10 list and waiting for shipments to start. I will certainly post shots when I get the camera. Sinthor here's a link to a web sight with internal photos of the LX200GPS. on the right bottom are the photos. http://www.meadelx200gps.com/tips.html# hope this helps you decide. meademan10 Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: meademan10]       #448146 - 05/21/05 06:37 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice pics, but it doesn't say if the gears are aluminum or not. Any input on this? And if it's true IS it an issue to be concerned about? Post Extras:       meademan10 journeyman Reged: 05/11/05 Loc: East Hartford, Ct Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #448556 - 05/22/05 08:49 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Sinthor Yes the main (Large) gear is aluminum but I am not aware of any issues caused by this. There is a kit to replace the two smaller gears from the drive motor which are plastic and the kit replaces them with steel gears. The kit is Buck's gears and I have installed it in my scope, not because of any problems but because it made me feel better having steel. Hope I answered your question. meademan10 Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: meademan10]       #448953 - 05/22/05 03:14 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yep, think that does it. So, like I thought, not a big concern at all. Just a posting from an overly concerned person. Know about the Bucks gears upgrade and really, that won't even be a necessary factor for me until well into my use of the scope since I'm planning on getting the 5 yr extended warranty. Thanks a ton! Post Extras:       LivingNDixie TSP Chowhound Reged: 04/23/03 Loc: Trussville, AL Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #450030 - 05/23/05 01:29 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Congratulations on your graduation! What did you graduate with? JPH BS Accounting and I have no motivation to get a CPA, I already have a job starting in June at American Express Post Extras:       ProfLemoi sage Reged: 09/26/04 Loc: Ashburnham, MA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: LivingNDixie]       #451347 - 05/24/05 04:45 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Sinthor, I have the LX200GPS and I love it! I have never had any problems with the gears. The opics on Meade are the best. My vote is go for the Meade 10"LX200GPS! Let us know which one you go for! Post Extras:       pber2025 sage Reged: 09/20/04 Loc: Quebec, Canada Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ProfLemoi]       #452746 - 05/25/05 06:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Sinthor, I went to the same thing and I believe this is quite normal. You don't want to spend that kind on money on a new scope only to find out you did buy the wrong one... But let me tell you, so far my LX200 GPS has performed very well. The GOTO is amazing, very easy to setup and accurate. The Autostar controller is easy to use. Don't forget for every problem you see on the web there are many happy users who never say anything. I wish the weather would work as well as my LX200.... Post Extras:       Sky Captain Metal Whisperer Reged: 11/07/04 Loc: Loc: Loc: Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: pber2025]       #453225 - 05/26/05 12:36 AM Attachment (580 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here is my setup for video to TV viewing, set up out side of course. Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Sky Captain]       #453239 - 05/26/05 12:45 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   nice capt... Post Extras:       Sky Captain Metal Whisperer Reged: 11/07/04 Loc: Loc: Loc: Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: southmike]       #453280 - 05/26/05 01:30 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks Mike. I need a better picture though, it's been updated with a lot of new items, isn't that the way it goes. Kerry. Post Extras:       Hawkeye super member Reged: 06/10/04 Loc: Melbourne, Australia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Sky Captain]       #453434 - 05/26/05 07:35 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Here is my setup for video to TV viewing, set up out side of course. Wow. You'll get booked by the Skyway Patrol for an overloaded vehicle! Post Extras:       Sky Captain Metal Whisperer Reged: 11/07/04 Loc: Loc: Loc: Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #453604 - 05/26/05 11:29 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   "booked by the Skyway Patrol".... I am the Skyway Patrol!!! Kerry. Post Extras:       imjeffp Aluminum Falcon Reged: 09/30/03 Loc: Cedar Park, Texas Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Sky Captain]       #456456 - 05/28/05 08:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   "My hours are long, and my pay is low." Post Extras:       faltered sage Reged: 04/01/05 Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: imjeffp]       #461993 - 06/02/05 02:05 PM Attachment (519 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My 10" LX200 with ETX 90 riding on top. Edited by faltered (06/02/05 02:06 PM) Post Extras:       JAT Observatory NOT a Wimp Reged: 02/20/05 Loc: In the Primordial Soup Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: faltered]       #463077 - 06/03/05 12:45 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here a shot of my 10" LX200GPS configured with a ST80 and Maxscope40 perched on top. The setup is housed in a fully automated remote controlled dome. http://www.jatobservatory.org/images/Photos/Img_2314.jpg Post Extras:       imjeffp Aluminum Falcon Reged: 09/30/03 Loc: Cedar Park, Texas Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: JAT Observatory]       #463199 - 06/03/05 03:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looks mighty cozy in there if you're doing any visual observing. Post Extras:       JAT Observatory NOT a Wimp Reged: 02/20/05 Loc: In the Primordial Soup Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: imjeffp]       #463929 - 06/04/05 10:52 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   There is more room than it appears from the photo. There is room for a few folks. Post Extras:       imjeffp Aluminum Falcon Reged: 09/30/03 Loc: Cedar Park, Texas Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: JAT Observatory]       #481093 - 06/18/05 12:27 PM Attachment (474 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Blue telescope and matching blue motorized carrying case. Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: imjeffp]       #481597 - 06/18/05 09:41 PM Attachment (532 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well-------here's my 2 cents worth----LX200 all the new stuff with a TV 85 Mounted piggyback in a roll off roof observatory (too lazy to set up everytime) Download pictures to my warm room (where the computer is)--------not really all that warm, but it does have a heater. (Thats Bandit looking in the door) Edited by DrBuck (06/18/05 09:50 PM) Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #481674 - 06/18/05 11:34 PM Attachment (521 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well, it's taken me forever to get even this picure, so forgive the lighting. Nothing real special, just my killer stock LX200GPS that's giving me so much fun! Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #501737 - 07/04/05 12:24 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   nice scope...though you will have to call it modified stock with that scope saver tray...just kiddn there is a lot to be said for a scope that sets up quick , and you dont have to assemble lots of add-ons and align them all Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ProfLemoi]       #501752 - 07/04/05 12:39 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Sinthor, I have the LX200GPS and I love it! I have never had any problems with the gears. The opics on Meade are the best. My vote is go for the Meade 10"LX200GPS! Let us know which one you go for! Oh yes, I quit worrying about it. I have had nothing but fun so far. The goto is working great, it tracks good. Figured there couldn't be that many in use by real people and at observatories if they really had such an achilles heel. Just the panic attacks of a new scope owner! I got the extended service plan anyway so I'm not worrying. Thanks for the input though! Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: pber2025]       #504160 - 07/05/05 07:16 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Sinthor, I went to the same thing and I believe this is quite normal. You don't want to spend that kind on money on a new scope only to find out you did buy the wrong one... But let me tell you, so far my LX200 GPS has performed very well. The GOTO is amazing, very easy to setup and accurate. The Autostar controller is easy to use. Don't forget for every problem you see on the web there are many happy users who never say anything. I wish the weather would work as well as my LX200.... ANd also don't forget that Meade outsells Celestron about 7 to 1, so there are a lot more Meades out there, hence, the chances for a lot more Meades to have some issues...but on a percentile basis, I would assume that Meade has no more issues then Celestron. Gary 10" LX200GPS SV-130 ETX-125 Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #504736 - 07/06/05 04:08 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Good point on the sales ratio and also a factor in my calming down. With so many sold and at a higher price than the competition....SOMETHING must be right about these scopes! Post Extras:       Hawkeye super member Reged: 06/10/04 Loc: Melbourne, Australia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #557403 - 08/13/05 08:25 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Woo hoo. Over 10,000 views. (But who's counting.) Post Extras:       Grizz Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/24/03 Loc: Waldwick,New Jersey USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #557429 - 08/13/05 09:15 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Post Extras:       margin_walker professor emeritus Reged: 07/25/05 Loc: Waterfoot, England. Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Grizz]       #569566 - 08/22/05 06:16 PM Attachment (522 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's mine. No, your eyes aren't deceiving you - those are flames on the OTA! Post Extras:       Hal Pollner Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southern California Desert Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #611255 - 09/22/05 02:36 PM Attachment (515 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's my new (9-6-05) 10" LX200GPS/UHTC setup in my game room. At our remote star party site the setup is just the same. Can you spot the 6 aftermarket modifications on my LX200? (There are actually 7, but 1 is unattached.) Pictured: 12.5" Discovery PDHQ Dob 10" Meade LX200GPS/UHTC 5" Orion Mak-Cass 40mm Coronado PST (unmounted) 1.16 Megavolt Van de Graaff with discharge terminal. 400KV Van de Graaff with discharge terminal. Hal (Mr. Science) Pollner Edited by Hal Pollner (09/23/05 11:01 AM) Post Extras:       Sky Captain Metal Whisperer Reged: 11/07/04 Loc: Loc: Loc: Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hal Pollner]       #612094 - 09/23/05 12:34 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice scope (Mr.Science) Hey, what focuser are you using . Post Extras:       Hal Pollner Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southern California Desert Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Sky Captain]       #612579 - 09/23/05 11:17 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   KERRY: The focuser I'm using is a William Optics SCT Crayford unit. ($150 plus shipping from Astronomics) I installed the identical focuser on my 12" LX200GPS when I bought it new in 2003, and I just had to have one on the new scope, too! Since I'm strictly a visual astronomer, I don't need a super-precise, multi-speed electric focuser...just a no-nonsense in-line "refractor-style" focuser that I can snap in and out of focus with a twist of the wrist! My Crayford is ideal, as it's generous 1.25" of drawtube travel allows plenty of focal latitude for a variety of eyepieces without resorting to the "2-knob dance" on the Factory focuser! For more commentary on the subject, read my reply to the "Question about the focuser on LX200GPS" post by sinthor. HAL Post Extras:       Sky Captain Metal Whisperer Reged: 11/07/04 Loc: Loc: Loc: Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hal Pollner]       #613157 - 09/23/05 07:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks for the reply Hal! I have been thinking of getting one, the picture you posted really helped. Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Sky Captain]       #613401 - 09/23/05 10:07 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   looks like it will still swing through..how much clearance is there? and with just the focuser... and do you have a closer shot of that laser bracket..is that on the finder? thanks Post Extras:       Hal Pollner Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southern California Desert Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: southmike]       #614929 - 09/25/05 11:44 AM Attachment (462 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   SOUTHMIKE: Per your request, here is the information and a photo of my installations on "SCORPIO", my new 10" LX200GPS/UHTC. (I name all my scopes...my 12.5" Discovery PDHQ Dob is named "ANTARES!) With the Crayford focuser racked in all the way with a 2" diagonal and eyepiece, there is swing-through clearance with 1/8" to spare. With the focuser at mid-travel (5/8"), the diagonal bumps the RA locking lever, but still points about 80 degrees toward the vertical. If I want to view something right at the zenith, I'll just wait an hour and it'll be 15 degrees down toward the West! You can now see the Lumicon laser mounting bracket separated from the bracket which holds my Lumicon 12X80mm RACI finder, which I "stole" from my 12.5" Dob. (It got the 8X50mm RACI finder which was on Scorpio.) Cheers, SOUTHMIKE! (what IS your real name, if you don't mind?) HAL Edited by Hal Pollner (09/27/05 10:34 PM) Post Extras:       faltered sage Reged: 04/01/05 Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hal Pollner]       #618103 - 09/27/05 02:15 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I thought i should but in my .02$. I also use a laser pointer mounted on my LX200 10 inch, it is one of the handiest accessories during the alignment procedure. I dont even bother much with my finderscope. Worth every penny. I thought about getting the lumicon bracket, but i ended up getting the scopestuff.com mount and modding it to be more "quick release" - I will post a picture of it if anyone is interested. Post Extras:       ProfLemoi sage Reged: 09/26/04 Loc: Ashburnham, MA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: faltered]       #618203 - 09/27/05 03:21 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Faltered, like you I have a laser pointer on my 10" LX200 (Its a telerad) and I love it. I NEVER use my finder scope, in fact I don't even put it on the scope. Worth Every penny. Post Extras:       Hal Pollner Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southern California Desert Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ProfLemoi]       #618767 - 09/27/05 10:40 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   HEY FALTERED: I don't see how any dovetail bracket can be any quicker in release than my two Lumicon brackets! Just loosen the thumbscrews and they slide right out with no upsetting of the collimation when returned! HAL Post Extras:       faltered sage Reged: 04/01/05 Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hal Pollner]       #623904 - 10/01/05 05:10 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hal, I agree, now that I read my post again, it left the impression that i was suggesting the lumicon was not quick release - I am sure it is. I will post a picture of my set up - I think its a sleeker fit - this is one of my favorite threads on this site - i love to see how people have their scopes set up. It gives lots of great ideas. My wallet has been abused because of this thread! Post Extras:       Hal Pollner Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southern California Desert Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: faltered]       #624637 - 10/02/05 10:52 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   HEY FALTERED: Yeah...ain't that the truth! HAL Post Extras:       f29pc professor emeritus Reged: 05/23/05 Loc: Maine Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hal Pollner]       #653672 - 10/23/05 10:04 AM Attachment (407 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here is my new setup. 10"LX200 EMC on a super wedge with a Antares Sentinal 80mm doublet piggy backed. The "cube" on the shelf is a small computer I built running XP Pro so I can run it using a remote desktop from my office inside. The shed is a Suncast avalable from Sears ($399). The floor was very soft, so I added a sheet of 3/4 plywood, lagged to the deck, and added the Meade anti-vibration pads. The shed is small, but I do most of my imaging from inside, and the roof is removable with a few very easy mods. It has rained 12 of the 14 days since I've gotten the scope, but the 2 nights were fantastic. Post Extras:       Joel Carpal Tunnel Reged: 07/08/04 Loc: Merrimack, NH Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: f29pc]       #654548 - 10/23/05 10:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice setup Paul. Got a question with the DSI placement. The book says (and I have been mounting mine this way) put the usb cable to the right of the ota like you have it pictured. I wonder if this is being presented in the maual this way because most people will shoot through a diagonal? I don't use a diagonal, just straight in to the microfocuser with a fr and t-adapter. My images are all rotated about 60-80 degrees to the right like this so I wonder if I should point the usb cable down? Anyone? Post Extras:       Nocturnal Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/14/05 Loc: CT, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Joel]       #654574 - 10/23/05 11:00 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I would say that you can rotate your DSI and route your USB cable any way that fits you best. The photons certainly don't care which CCD pixel they charge up Post Extras:       Joel Carpal Tunnel Reged: 07/08/04 Loc: Merrimack, NH Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Nocturnal]       #654584 - 10/23/05 11:05 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: I would say that you can rotate your DSI and route your USB cable any way that fits you best. The photons certainly don't care which CCD pixel they charge up True, but I can tell with some images I have taken that they are oriented differently than all the others I see. Here's my M1. Post Extras:       Nocturnal Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/14/05 Loc: CT, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Joel]       #654598 - 10/23/05 11:22 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well image direction depends on both the location of the object and the angle of the camera relative to the object. In other words, if you don't have a wedge (didn't read whole thread, sorry) and you always mount your camera the same way then the image will be rotated depending on your location and time. It doesn't matter anyway as long as you know which side is which. You simply rotate the image after the fact to put it right side up. Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Nocturnal]       #654642 - 10/23/05 11:48 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   wow I missed a lot...nice setup hal... I just mounted an etx70 with a lumicon 80mm finder mount looks pretty similar... thanks mike nice setup too f29.. this thread is def one of my favorites and a major source of inspiration and financial devastation. Post Extras:       ProfLemoi sage Reged: 09/26/04 Loc: Ashburnham, MA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: southmike]       #655462 - 10/24/05 04:43 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Dear F29pc, How are you focusing your scope remotely? (If you are) Post Extras:       imjeffp Aluminum Falcon Reged: 09/30/03 Loc: Cedar Park, Texas Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ProfLemoi]       #655848 - 10/24/05 09:10 PM Attachment (411 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Preparing to image Mars. Post Extras:       f29pc professor emeritus Reged: 05/23/05 Loc: Maine Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: southmike]       #655917 - 10/24/05 10:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Joel, I was using The Sky to import an image to find out the pixle res. of the DSI to use in PEMPro. (2.02). and this position gave me an exact north up image, but the left-right slew and the north south selw were backwards, so I ended up rotating it 180, just for ease of centering Post Extras:       f29pc professor emeritus Reged: 05/23/05 Loc: Maine Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: f29pc]       #657085 - 10/25/05 07:01 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I remotely focus using a JMI NGF-S pluged into the mount, and I use the software that came with the DSI, or Maxim DL, and the ASCOM driver for the LX Post Extras:       Strgazr27 Reged: 10/04/04 Loc: StonyHill Observatory Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #659894 - 10/27/05 05:48 PM Attachment (464 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   OK Don't yell at me. The heart of the setup IS a LX200. 10" LX200 CGE Mount on 12" Concrete Pier Orion ED-80 due here 10/29/05 JMI NGF-C Losmandy Plates and Rings Homemade Mirror Lock Edited by Strgazr27 (10/27/05 05:50 PM) Post Extras:       Strgazr27 Reged: 10/04/04 Loc: StonyHill Observatory Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Strgazr27]       #659896 - 10/27/05 05:49 PM Attachment (428 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's what it's going to be mounted on.... Post Extras:       Joel Carpal Tunnel Reged: 07/08/04 Loc: Merrimack, NH Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Strgazr27]       #659920 - 10/27/05 06:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   So you painted it white? You may get a letter from Meade's lawyers. Post Extras:       Strgazr27 Reged: 10/04/04 Loc: StonyHill Observatory Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Joel]       #659926 - 10/27/05 06:07 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: So you painted it white? You may get a letter from Meade's lawyers. The original paint was a little scuffed up. Optically the thing is amazing but the outside left a little to be desired. I have always been partial to White for a scope. Traditonal I geuss. Let them send away. I have an old letter that goes something like this " Soooooo you think anyone can take pictures like you show the very first night " I sold the DSI but kept the letter Lol. Post Extras:       Nocturnal Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/14/05 Loc: CT, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Strgazr27]       #660040 - 10/27/05 07:31 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Drooool. I assume you're building an observatory around it? My inlaws have a house in Sagaponack. Close to you? Post Extras:       Strgazr27 Reged: 10/04/04 Loc: StonyHill Observatory Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Nocturnal]       #660071 - 10/27/05 08:00 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Drooool. I assume you're building an observatory around it? My inlaws have a house in Sagaponack. Close to you? At some point I might but not right now. I have a very convenient basement entrance thats about 10' behind the pier. I can setup in about 20 minutes. Another 15 to make sure drift is good and I'm off. Or so I hope. The ier was poured 6 days ago and the scope has not been out of the house on this mount yet. Work and weather conspiring against me I'm about 25 miles west of Sagaponack. I know it well but not really close to it. Post Extras:       Nocturnal Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/14/05 Loc: CT, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Strgazr27]       #660082 - 10/27/05 08:07 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ah, the mount looked semi-permanent and that CGE is pretty heavy I imagine so I didn't expect you to move it much. It's a bummer that I wasn't into stargazing yet last time I was out there (few months ago). But I did notice before that the skies get pretty dark there. A house near the beach there has a nice dome observatory on the second floor as I remember. Post Extras:       Strgazr27 Reged: 10/04/04 Loc: StonyHill Observatory Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Nocturnal]       #660112 - 10/27/05 08:26 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Actually that's one of the perks of a GEM. You can break it down. I have a semi finished room in the basement that my equipment stays in. Nice and dry and warm The mount is attached by 3 3/8 16 bolts to the pier plate I made. The mount weighs about 60lbs. The height of the pier puts the mount right at my center of gravity. Undo the 3 bolts, a slight lift and a short trip down the steps to the room. Where I am on a good night I can make out 7 of the Sisters in M45 and can, at times make out the milky way. Not bad considering where I am located. Post Extras:       Nocturnal Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/14/05 Loc: CT, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Strgazr27]       #660155 - 10/27/05 08:55 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very nice Post Extras:       Mike WDF member Reged: 10/26/05 Loc: Missouri- USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Strgazr27]       #660325 - 10/27/05 11:28 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   What a museum piece!!! Post Extras:       Strgazr27 Reged: 10/04/04 Loc: StonyHill Observatory Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Mike WDF]       #660345 - 10/27/05 11:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: What a museum piece!!! Mike, Thanks but this OTA has gathered a lot of light. It will be put to, weather willing A LOT of use this upcoming winter. Post Extras:       Gandalf sage Reged: 08/19/05 Loc: The Library of Minas Tirith Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Strgazr27]       #665823 - 10/31/05 06:50 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My new 10" LX200GPS SMT UHTC is still awaiting first light due to a week of wind, rain and clouds... It's a handsome beast though ~Gandalf~ Post Extras:       Nocturnal Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/14/05 Loc: CT, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Gandalf]       #665838 - 10/31/05 06:58 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Man how I'd love a little observatory like that. Very nice. It's also nice to see a 'stock' LX every now and then instead of being tricked out with all the toys Post Extras:       Gandalf sage Reged: 08/19/05 Loc: The Library of Minas Tirith Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Nocturnal]       #665851 - 10/31/05 07:10 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks I do have an Antares binoviewer with 2 sets of eyepieces on the way if that counts... Quote: Man how I'd love a little observatory like that. Very nice. It's also nice to see a 'stock' LX every now and then instead of being tricked out with all the toys Post Extras:       Nocturnal Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/14/05 Loc: CT, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Gandalf]       #665915 - 10/31/05 07:55 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Binos are great. I looked through a set at a recent star party and I know I'll have to get one too. So relaxing. Post Extras:       Foley member Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southwest Florida Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Festus]       #681337 - 11/10/05 06:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The pieces are together. 14"Lx200 gps. The next time the scope is down the wedge will be going on the pier. Because of my lat. The wedge required a special plate from Meade, that should be here this week. Thank you all for the words of wisdom along this journey. Mike Southwest Florida Post Extras:       Foley member Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southwest Florida Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Foley]       #681341 - 11/10/05 06:35 PM Attachment (526 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Sorry here is the pic. Post Extras:       BradH Pooh-Bah Reged: 06/19/04 Loc: Spencer, Indiana Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Foley]       #685950 - 11/13/05 11:00 PM Attachment (436 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Update got my ed80 mounted Post Extras:       BradH Pooh-Bah Reged: 06/19/04 Loc: Spencer, Indiana Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: BradH]       #685951 - 11/13/05 11:02 PM Attachment (464 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   up close Brad Post Extras:       pber2025 sage Reged: 09/20/04 Loc: Quebec, Canada Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: BradH]       #686361 - 11/14/05 10:29 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very nice setup. what type of mounting rings are you using? Post Extras:       BradH Pooh-Bah Reged: 06/19/04 Loc: Spencer, Indiana Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: pber2025]       #686409 - 11/14/05 10:57 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I used the scope stuff rings. I know there are better ones out there but for me the scope stuff works great. Brad Post Extras:       karim super member Reged: 11/09/05 Loc: HB, California Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: jrcrilly]       #687679 - 11/15/05 03:10 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   John, I don't see your Meade in your signature... Post Extras:       jrcrilly Refractor wienie no more Reged: 04/30/03 Loc: NE Ohio Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: karim]       #687791 - 11/15/05 08:14 AM Attachment (371 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: John, I don't see your Meade in your signature... I change gear (and sig lines) frequently. That post and photo are from over a year ago; there have been other LX200 Meades in there since then. Cloudy Nights regenerates the sig line each time a post is retrieved so even very old posts are viewed with a current sig line. The current mount uses basically the same controller and electronics as an early LX200, and one of the optical tubes is sold as an LX200 - it nearly qualifies for this thread! Post Extras:       Gary Denyer super member Reged: 08/09/05 Loc: Delray Beach, FL Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #702063 - 11/24/05 05:37 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   LX200 Setup (well, a 10" LX200 OTA at least!) Post Extras:       jrcrilly Refractor wienie no more Reged: 04/30/03 Loc: NE Ohio Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Gary Denyer]       #702149 - 11/24/05 07:22 PM Attachment (448 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice-looking setup. I didn't think of posting an LX200 OTA shot - here's a 7" LX200 Mak! Post Extras:       pubquiz scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 10/07/04 Loc: Lancashire England Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: jrcrilly]       #703420 - 11/25/05 06:30 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I thought I had too many icons on my desktop but yours beats mine John...you'll run out of space soon Tom Post Extras:       In_the_Islands super member Reged: 11/10/05 Loc: St. Thomas, USVI 18.27N 65.0... Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: john]       #705060 - 11/27/05 03:52 PM Attachment (437 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My 10" LX-200 Classic with piggybacked Tak78 in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. 180 degree view to the south at an elevation of 1100 ft. Visibility approx. 100 miles on a clear day. Post Extras:       In_the_Islands super member Reged: 11/10/05 Loc: St. Thomas, USVI 18.27N 65.0... Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: In_the_Islands]       #705104 - 11/27/05 04:34 PM Attachment (390 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The view from the verandah that goes with my setup posted on the previous thread. Edited by In_the_Islands (11/27/05 07:34 PM) Post Extras:       In_the_Islands super member Reged: 11/10/05 Loc: St. Thomas, USVI 18.27N 65.0... Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: In_the_Islands]       #705147 - 11/27/05 05:05 PM Attachment (374 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Setup from another angle. Van Slyke slider, JMI motofocus...considering a derotator but have read a lot of contradictory opinions. Post Extras:       Nocturnal Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/14/05 Loc: CT, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: In_the_Islands]       #705322 - 11/27/05 06:40 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Oh that's just freakin' cruel and unusual punishment! I'm trying to find a negative thing about living there but besides the time it must take for mail order deliveries to get there I just can't think of anything. Awesome. Post Extras:       In_the_Islands super member Reged: 11/10/05 Loc: St. Thomas, USVI 18.27N 65.0... Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Nocturnal]       #705398 - 11/27/05 07:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   We have priority mail, express mail, Fedex and UPS Air!....Daily deliveries..! Post Extras:       Bill W. Carpal Tunnel Reged: 10/09/05 Loc: Western PA, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: In_the_Islands]       #705498 - 11/27/05 09:07 PM Attachment (341 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I guess I'll add mine. 10" LX200 'Classic' in my observatory. -Bill Post Extras:       bginaz sage Reged: 12/15/04 Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Posaunist]       #723964 - 12/10/05 12:38 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's my setup Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: bginaz]       #724640 - 12/10/05 11:36 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   nice weight system who made it? Post Extras:       In_the_Islands super member Reged: 11/10/05 Loc: St. Thomas, USVI 18.27N 65.0... Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: In_the_Islands]       #724658 - 12/11/05 12:01 AM Attachment (352 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Better shot of the view....on a really clear day! Edited by In_the_Islands (12/11/05 12:04 AM) Post Extras:       S MD Star Gazer member Reged: 11/17/05 Loc: Southern Maryland Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: In_the_Islands]       #724691 - 12/11/05 12:34 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Don Stanford I thought I recognized that view! That’s Charlotte Amalie from one of the scenic overlooks. It's either from on the road leading to Mountain Top or the Paradise Point tramway. Which is it? I had the enormous pleasure to work in the Virgin Islands for a project that lasted a little over 2 years. This was one of the best contracts and was a crowning achievement in my career. It was an IT related project and man did I love living there. I rented a house in a beautiful section called Water Point. I bought my first Meade scope while living and working there and had it shipped from Pocono Optics. I totally loved the wonderful dark skies they are blessed with in the territories. I used to say that “they were the skies of my childhood” they were just that beautiful. And with the island of St John in my back yard framing the scene, it was a sight to behold. Have you seen any fireball meteors yet? They are quite frequent and spectacular along with the triple rainbows. Hopefully you are staying “out in the country” as they call it. I miss that place it’s in my blood and I have many dear friends still there. I must get back. Don Edited by S MD Star Gazer (12/11/05 12:36 AM) Post Extras:       bginaz sage Reged: 12/15/04 Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: southmike]       #724863 - 12/11/05 07:25 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   SouthMike I bought the rail and pancake weights from Scopestuff, and a 4" threaded shaft and double female threaded connector to attach the longer shaft to the rail car from Ace hardware. Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: bginaz]       #725391 - 12/11/05 02:30 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   ahh, nice work...looks sharp performs well and costs less what more could you ask for. Post Extras:       In_the_Islands super member Reged: 11/10/05 Loc: St. Thomas, USVI 18.27N 65.0... Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: S MD Star Gazer]       #727548 - 12/12/05 10:27 PM Attachment (471 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yes, that is Charlotte Amalie as seen from my house on the mountain on the way to mountaintop. I am about 1/2mile above Sibs bar. I grew up in St. Thomas and purchased the house there from my parents in 86. I retired from my IT career in 2002 and have been spending much of my time back in the islands. I sent all my astronomy gear down there about 5 years ago. The skies are still dark, even with the lights of the waterfront on. Lot's of good meteor activity, especially during the showers. Up the hill from me is an observatory operated by UVI. It was originally donated by my Uncle back in the 60's. If you make it back down, let me know....Don Post Extras:       S MD Star Gazer member Reged: 11/17/05 Loc: Southern Maryland Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: In_the_Islands]       #730744 - 12/15/05 04:07 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I will definitely let you know. Thanks! Post Extras:       Mr. Mac super member Reged: 09/26/05 Loc: Henrico Co., Va. Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: S MD Star Gazer]       #776770 - 01/14/06 03:04 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   here it is..... in the backyard.... 30 minutes before the rain.... Post Extras:       Mr. Mac super member Reged: 09/26/05 Loc: Henrico Co., Va. Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Mr. Mac]       #776771 - 01/14/06 03:06 AM Attachment (466 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   oops..... Post Extras:       Sky Captain Metal Whisperer Reged: 11/07/04 Loc: Loc: Loc: Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Mr. Mac]       #778083 - 01/15/06 02:11 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   That looks nice Mac, have you tried the f6.3 FR yet with the binoviewers? Post Extras:       CRSEREDA sage Reged: 01/07/06 Loc: Davie Florida USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Sky Captain]       #782705 - 01/18/06 01:13 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hey In_The_Islands thats an awsome pic. hope you get some great deep sky images and post them. Good luck. Wish ing Everyone Clear Sky's. Post Extras:       GeorgeDuke Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/24/03 Loc: PARADISE! (So.Florida) Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: CRSEREDA]       #789181 - 01/22/06 09:47 AM Attachment (520 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Might as well add my setup. It has worked perfectly since it first arrived from Meade about three years ago. It deserves a pat on the back for the immense pleasure it provides. It is an 8in LX200GPS and she carries a short tube 80mm for companionship. George Edited by GeorgeDuke (01/22/06 09:49 AM) Post Extras:       NeoDinian Experienced Postmaster Reged: 10/05/05 Loc: Rockford Illinois Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: GeorgeDuke]       #789408 - 01/22/06 01:00 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice... The perspective of the Pic with you in it makes that scope look like a MONSTER 20" or bigger! Post Extras:       Joel Carpal Tunnel Reged: 07/08/04 Loc: Merrimack, NH Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: NeoDinian]       #789502 - 01/22/06 01:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I thought the same thing! That guy in the background must be really small then. Post Extras:       NeoDinian Experienced Postmaster Reged: 10/05/05 Loc: Rockford Illinois Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Joel]       #789645 - 01/22/06 03:19 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   You can fit your arm in that Eyepiece! Post Extras:       Sky Captain Metal Whisperer Reged: 11/07/04 Loc: Loc: Loc: Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: GeorgeDuke]       #790118 - 01/22/06 09:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Real nice looking scope George. It's amazing how much fun can be packed into those scopes. Post Extras:       Steven sage Reged: 01/06/04 Loc: Ontario, Canada Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Sky Captain]       #794803 - 01/25/06 10:39 PM Attachment (426 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I wish this will be mine someday Post Extras:       Snaproll Postmaster Reged: 02/20/04 Loc: Green Bay Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: john]       #807504 - 02/02/06 11:22 PM Attachment (464 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's my setup. It's a 10" LX200GPS on a modified superwedge. I have a home made guide mount for an Orion ST80 and a home made dual-axis counterweight system. I'm using a Flexi-heat dew shield on the main scope and a heated dew belt on the ST80, both of which feed into a home made controller. For polar alignment I have a JMI EZ-Align on the right fork. I'm currently using a cordless autostar as well. The imaging system is a Hutech modified Rebel 300D, usually going through a 6.3 reducer and Lumicon Deep Sky Filter. The camera also has the 90 degree viewer. For planets I image with an LPI For guiding I use an SBIG STV, and built an insulated box that can fit either the STV or a computer inside. I normally run the STV head with a 1.25 inch Lumicon Deep Sky filter as well, to improve contrast and protect the chip from dust. Not shown in the photo is a portable observatory that was made out of a deer hunting blind. Image too large Edited by Grizz (02/03/06 07:09 AM) Post Extras:       NeoDinian Experienced Postmaster Reged: 10/05/05 Loc: Rockford Illinois Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Snaproll]       #807593 - 02/03/06 12:36 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice! (Big, but nice!) I thought the JMI EZ-Align didn't fit the new GPS models? How did you modify it? Post Extras:       Grizz Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/24/03 Loc: Waldwick,New Jersey USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: NeoDinian]       #807739 - 02/03/06 07:10 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Nice! (Big, but nice!) Not any more! Post Extras:       Snaproll Postmaster Reged: 02/20/04 Loc: Green Bay Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: NeoDinian]       #807924 - 02/03/06 10:40 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Neo, Yes, it's true the JMI was made for the older scopes that had hollow forks. What I did was open up the battery compartment and file grooves in the plastic cover plate so the screws would clear. Not the battery cover, but the whole plastic cover that covers the entire side of the fork. To tighten the JMI I remover the battery compartment cover, slide in the JMI, tighten the allen screws and replace the battery cover. The JMI id really a nice tool and if it's aligned well can get me pretty close polar alignment with minimum drift correcting (a snap using the STV). The cables were always a problem (especially in cold weather), millions of cables if I use everything. Two for the STV, one to the head the other to the guider port, a USB for the camera or LPI if I'm using that, one for the remote camera shutter, one for the video cable (so I can see the STV output when focusing a guide star in the ST80), one for the autostar telescope control if I'm using that. Talk about a trip hazard in the dark! I went to the hardware store and got a 10 foot piece of split plastic tubing and bundled all the wires in that, it's affectionately called the "umbilical". I mounted a canvas zipper case on the back side of the insulated box for the electronics and ran the umbilical through that. It makes setting up a snap. All I have to do is unzipper the case, unroll the umbilical and hook up the cables at the scope end. They are all nice and neat, and I usually spread a piece of indoor/outdoor carpeting under the tripod and run the umbilical under it. To protect the exposed cable ends and STV head, I use a plastic bag attached at both ends of the umbilical. So it makes cabling setup pretty easy. If it's really cold or dewy I also have a deer blind I put over the electronics and insulated box, (in addition to the one for the scope that serves as a portable observatory). I put in a portable chair and table and if it's cold, a small LP heater that can put out 18,000 btu. That becomes "mission control" where I can control the scope and imaging devices in the comfort of a heated area. If I get really lazy, I run a video output from the STV into the house, go watch Stargate and monitor the guider output on the TVs PIP while the camera timer controls a series of shots. At home I power the Rebel and STV with house current and the rest with one mega-deepcycle battery. In the field I use two deepcycles, one at the scope and one by the STV. The cordless autostar is also great too, because if I'm not using the autostar software on the laptop, I can control the scope and focus from "mission control" without actually having to actually be near the scope. Packing the whole mess up and taking it to a nice dark site is a feat. It fills my entire Colorado truck to the gills. I think it's a really great setup and pulling it together has been half the fun. Now... if we only had some CLEAR NIGHTS!!! Thanksgiving was the last time I had a nice night for photos (and it was -4F out). Since then, one moon filled night to do a PEC and two crummy moon-filled or windy nights for photos. Three times I've pulled the whole thing out, set up, chilled down, got ready to go and it overcasted or got way too windy even for the dome. I'm starting to think the weather gods must hate me. Some night, sometime in the future, it's GOT to clear up at least once!!! Edited by Snaproll (02/03/06 10:56 AM) Post Extras:       NeoDinian Experienced Postmaster Reged: 10/05/05 Loc: Rockford Illinois Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Snaproll]       #808073 - 02/03/06 12:23 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Jim: Nice deal with the JMI... I'll have to look into that. Was it easy to align? I'm guessing that the new LX frame is shaped a bit different than the old ones. As for cord tangle, I'm already planning some LX200 surgery to solve part of this with my Dew Controller. My idea is to mount the controller to the right fork (Velcro, like it is now), but shorten the power cord to like 6 inches with a standard mini-plug... What I would then do is feed a power wire THROUGH the LX200... I would mount a mini-plug in the base, and another on the fork... Just plug the controller into that plug, and the "Cigarete" plug cord will have that connector on one end with the same type of mini plug the LX200 uses for the plug in the base... Does that make sense? I can do it in pictures.. Post Extras:       Snaproll Postmaster Reged: 02/20/04 Loc: Green Bay Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: NeoDinian]       #808201 - 02/03/06 02:08 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hey Jeff, The wiring sounds like a good idea. I pretty much have everything under control except for the dew heaters. I'll have to give some thought to your idea, I like it. Maybe what I will think about for mine is running the cables under the guidescope and counterweight platforms. The EZ-Align is a good tool, but it is somewhat tricky if not in working order. Here's how it works... Basically it's a small telescope with a circular etched glass plate in the optical path. There are marks on the glass and you move the wedge to line up polaris and another star on those marks and you're aligned. Since the sky 'rotates' means that the whole JMI scope needs to rotate in it's housing. When I bought the unit the guy that sold it to me said he never had much luck with it, sold it to me cheap (hundred bucks or so). The problem was that the circular etched glass was mounted in a circular ring and held in place by the world's smallest allen screws... THAT WERE LOOSE!!! In other words the glass plate would flop around in the retaining ring! No wonder the guy had poor experiences with it! Remember you have to rotate the JMI scope to align with the two stars. This means that as the scope rotates in its housing, that glass plate can't flop around, but also MUST BE dead center in respect to the rotation. Once I got the glass plate aligned and tightened down dead center on the JMI's rotational axis, it's been great. Well, there was one other thing that's annoying. The JMI scope is held in it's housing by three cheap finderscope type nylon thumb screws. The front of the scope just goes through a hole in the front of the housing. Lots of slop at both ends. You NEED to rotate the JMI scope tube for alignment. That means loosening one of the thumb screws, rotating the tube and tightening it, and hoping that you used just the right pressure so it is still aligned. The rotational movement was also 'sticky'. So I did the best I could to clean it up. I put in strips of teflon that the thumb screws would ride on. At the front I added O-rings to help keep the front of the JMI scope centered in the hole. When using it I center up the OTA on Polaris then verify that the JMI is pointing to Polaris as well, (making sure it hasn't gotten bumped or moved). On that etched plate it also shows a couple of constellations, and you rotate the JMI scope tube to align where they are to the real stars. That gets the tube rotation close. Then I check to make sure Polaris is still aligned between the JMI and main OTA and move the wedge, tweak the JMI scope rotation and align the stars. Still, it takes a little practice loosening and retightening the thumb screws "perfectly" so the JMI scope alignment isn't thrown off. I really think they could have come up with something better, some kind of track or bearing system than those thumb screws. Also some kind of custom bushing to align the front. Still, the accuracy when it works is almost "right on" every time. I've had pretty good luck with it once I got the bugs worked out. The mount snugged right up on the LX200 once I made the mods to the plastic fork cover. The JMI is also illuminated but that is a little hokie too. You hit a button, it brightly illuminates the etched glass plate and then slowly fades. Why not just an on-off switch? I can't tell you how many times I was "close" to getting the tube rotation and wedge all adjusted while the light was fading, and then it would go out, I'd have to take my eye away, hit the stupid light button again, and then get back to aligning. Still these issues aside, I don't think there is anything better. After using the JMI, I drift correct with the STV. Usually it's almost right on, or at least close enough that I just have to tweak a little bit. Between the JMI and STV I'm aligned and ready to image in about 15 minutes. Like five minutes to square the OTA to the forks, then verify the JMI is lined up, five minutes to move the wedge and rotate the JMI to the NCP. Five minutes to find a star on the equator and assess the drift with the STV. Maybe another five or 10 minutes if I really want to tweak the alignment. The JMI and STV have probably shaved off at least 40 minutes of "manual" alignment and drift correcting. That means I can start earlier and shoot more for the same time. The JMI is a good tool, but not perfect. Post Extras:       NeoDinian Experienced Postmaster Reged: 10/05/05 Loc: Rockford Illinois Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Snaproll]       #808277 - 02/03/06 03:09 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Good deal.. I may concider the JMI after all now... I'm putting together some images and will post a "What-If" on the Equiptment forum for my internal wireing idea.. See if anyone else has any imput... Post Extras:       JAT Observatory NOT a Wimp Reged: 02/20/05 Loc: In the Primordial Soup Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: NeoDinian]       #831751 - 02/18/06 09:19 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here is a picture of my 10" GPS partially configured for solar viewing. A Hydrogen-Alpha PST is on the right with the Calium K PST on the left. The PSTs are purposely offset mounted using a Losmandy 4" dovetail adapter. The offset mounting allows the HA PST's tuning ring to clear the CaK's blue ring (which is wider than the brass tube). This setup allows me to switch from the 4" refractor to solar viewing in less then 5 minutes with no tools. The reason I said it was partially configured is the white light solar filter is not mounted on the front of the SCT. Also the right angled view finder would be replaced with the Coronado Solarmax40 using the Stellarvue dovetail mount. That allows me to image with the Solarmax40 while sneaking a view with the PST. Post Extras:       CRSEREDA sage Reged: 01/07/06 Loc: Davie Florida USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: JAT Observatory]       #831828 - 02/18/06 10:28 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   NICE Post Extras:       Mr. Mac super member Reged: 09/26/05 Loc: Henrico Co., Va. Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: CRSEREDA]       #844810 - 02/27/06 01:03 PM Attachment (409 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Marcus, that's a nice set up...you gave me some advice on this very forum about guidescopes and balance...heres the finished product Post Extras:       firmament newbie Reged: 03/01/06 Loc: The Netherlands Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Mr. Mac]       #849812 - 03/02/06 11:02 AM Attachment (386 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi all As a new owner of a new used LX200 10" f/10 Classic I browsed this thread with great interest and wish to share my set up with you: see attached file. On my website you will find much more about my set up and home made stuff: http://www.madpc.net/~firmament/lx200.html Clear, dark and stable skies ! Post Extras:       Astro_Slacker super member Reged: 03/06/06 Loc: Zurich, Switzerland Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: firmament]       #857357 - 03/07/06 02:56 AM Attachment (420 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Dear all Thought I might as well start off my first post with something completely useless So here's my setup - please note the clever scope cooling solution and the light pollution filter mounted in front of the observers lens Post Extras:       Jeff Young Post Laureate Reged: 08/04/05 Loc: Ireland Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Astro_Slacker]       #858304 - 03/07/06 06:16 PM Attachment (404 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I can't get the camera far enough away in the observatory to get it all in, but here's a few pics anyway: Post Extras:       Jeff Young Post Laureate Reged: 08/04/05 Loc: Ireland Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Jeff Young]       #858308 - 03/07/06 06:17 PM Attachment (354 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The wedge, pier, and trap-door going downstairs: Post Extras:       Jeff Young Post Laureate Reged: 08/04/05 Loc: Ireland Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Jeff Young]       #859586 - 03/08/06 02:17 PM Attachment (391 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   OK, I got carried away, so here's one more: Post Extras:       southmike Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/22/04 Loc: Fayetteville, NC Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Jeff Young]       #860269 - 03/08/06 09:07 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   nice shots...I love new equipment posts.. Post Extras:       NeoDinian Experienced Postmaster Reged: 10/05/05 Loc: Rockford Illinois Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: southmike]       #860361 - 03/08/06 10:00 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   THATS a MONSTER! Post Extras:       heliospace member Reged: 02/27/06 Loc: Bloomington, MN Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: NeoDinian]       #876604 - 03/19/06 01:15 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here she rests in a JMI case which fits without modifying the foam for the feathertouch focuser knob, yay! Close up of the Starlight Instruments FeatherTouch MicroFocuser knob upgrade. ;> I love this thing Well, there's the beginning of my new setup. Thought I'd finally share after taking pictures today. I finally got the beast out today for a little while. My lil' one was with me so I couldn't do too much observing cause he got mad. Soon though! Soon! Aaron Edited by heliospace (03/19/06 01:16 AM) Post Extras:       Big Steve member Reged: 09/07/05 Loc: Peebles, Scotland Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Gandalf]       #877458 - 03/19/06 05:51 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looks good Gandalf! Lottery numbers must have come good in the end! What did you do with your nice AR6? Very nice setup though! I'm envious but I eventually got my 6"Achro(TS152 f8) and a Meade LXD75 SN8 to keep me happy over the summer months. Lets just hope this crud weather in the UK shifts soon! Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Big Steve]       #878828 - 03/20/06 04:06 PM Attachment (429 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's mine. Post Extras:       LivingNDixie TSP Chowhound Reged: 04/23/03 Loc: Trussville, AL Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #880232 - 03/21/06 03:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Is that a 12in? Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: LivingNDixie]       #882172 - 03/22/06 09:47 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Is that a 12in? Yes that's a 12. Post Extras:       SkyHound sage Reged: 03/20/05 Loc: Dark Skies Il. Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #909799 - 04/12/06 09:28 PM Attachment (391 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well here is My LX200.. Edited by SkyHound (04/12/06 09:33 PM) Post Extras:       mdine1us sage Reged: 03/14/06 Loc: San Diego Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: SkyHound]       #910436 - 04/13/06 06:08 PM Attachment (374 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Okay, Might as well share a picture of my new toy too...As the sharp eyed observer can tell, I have the LX200R which I upgraded to from an early LX200GPS model. Post Extras:       upsguy Uff da Reged: 10/01/05 Loc: Schaumburg, il. Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #926963 - 04/24/06 11:39 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   nice scope FEDEX MAN, hmmm... i think that set-up looks REAL familiar. yup, i've seen it, er... looked through it. Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: heliospace]       #945352 - 05/07/06 02:21 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Just purchased 10" LX200R. Where did you get the case with wheels? I would like to have same. Nice! Rich Post Extras:       mdine1us sage Reged: 03/14/06 Loc: San Diego Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #946572 - 05/08/06 12:00 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   JMI makes cases for the 10" LX200, which have little caster wheels built in. (not like the big ones seen on the cases for the larger scopes) I don't particularly like mine, but it is kinda the only thing out there. By the way, I originally bought the case when I had the 10" LX200GPS, and when I traded in the GPS for the LX200R, I found that the form factor of the LX200R is slightly different than the GPS, so I had to make some modifications to the interior foam so that the LX200R would fit. At any rate, I am not sure if JMI has a specific model for the LX200R scopes yet, so be aware, that you may have to hack on the foam a bit for your scope to fit... Regards, Marty Post Extras:       OjaiJeff member Reged: 01/29/06 Loc: Ojai, California, U.S.A. Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #967765 - 05/23/06 12:58 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   How about my 12" RCX???? Post Extras:       OjaiJeff member Reged: 01/29/06 Loc: Ojai, California, U.S.A. Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: ]       #967767 - 05/23/06 01:01 AM Attachment (416 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   [image]http://www.lalunasky.com/Observatory.html[/image] Post Extras:       krackerjack9 professor emeritus Reged: 04/17/06 Loc: LSA Anaconda, Iraq Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: OjaiJeff]       #967881 - 05/23/06 04:39 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   NICE!! Post Extras:       Dogman journeyman Reged: 05/24/06 Loc: Near Gloucester, UK Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: john]       #970659 - 05/24/06 08:33 PM Attachment (438 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My first post - couldn't find an intro section - is there one? My 12" LX200 with Artemis 285 and ED80 Guider with Ambermile balance weights. Cheers Dunc (from the UK) http://www.dmiller.demon.co.uk Edited by Dogman (05/24/06 08:45 PM) Post Extras:       CRSEREDA sage Reged: 01/07/06 Loc: Davie Florida USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Dogman]       #970794 - 05/24/06 09:43 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I have never seen a wooden wedge is stable enough? Post Extras:       Dogman journeyman Reged: 05/24/06 Loc: Near Gloucester, UK Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: CRSEREDA]       #971120 - 05/25/06 04:06 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yep - it's very stable during use, but it does tend to 'settle' over a prolonged period. Cheers Dunc Post Extras:       CRSEREDA sage Reged: 01/07/06 Loc: Davie Florida USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Dogman]       #972354 - 05/25/06 11:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   thats awsome do you by anychance have plans for it or something? Post Extras:       Dogman journeyman Reged: 05/24/06 Loc: Near Gloucester, UK Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: CRSEREDA]       #972645 - 05/26/06 07:28 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   No - sorry - a chap I work with made it for me (I'm useless at making things) - there are some reasonably close up photos on my website though...... Post Extras:       Keith Myers member Reged: 01/03/06 Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: john]       #1011955 - 06/22/06 09:31 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Don't have any pictures of my brief interaction with my LX200R but I really enjoyed all the pictures of everybody's setups. Keith Post Extras:       Kim Miau Pooh-Bah Reged: 07/17/06 Loc: Malaysia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Posaunist]       #1056091 - 07/23/06 01:57 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Posaunist, how much does it cost for you to build that small hut? It looks cool. Post Extras:       JAT Observatory NOT a Wimp Reged: 02/20/05 Loc: In the Primordial Soup Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Kim Miau]       #1056332 - 07/23/06 10:11 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I know it not a really a LX200GPS any more but hey its still a 10" LX200GPS OTA . Post Extras:       Posaunist super member Reged: 09/17/03 Loc: Arkansas, US Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Kim Miau]       #1056737 - 07/23/06 04:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Hi Posaunist, how much does it cost for you to build that small hut? It looks cool. Kim, If you are speaking of my first observatory, the converted garden shed, you'll just need to check on the local prices of such sheds. The second observatory I built was much more costly, although the increased cost is by far made up by the security and comfort gained. I would estimate the final cost to be around $2500(US). The price of lumber is going to be a major factor, and I know it seems to have increased in my area since the building of my observatory. -Mark Post Extras:       AlienRatDog Carpal Tunnel Reged: 07/15/05 Loc: Ann Arbor Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #1078609 - 08/05/06 09:55 AM Attachment (336 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here is my set-up. Post Extras:       Kim Miau Pooh-Bah Reged: 07/17/06 Loc: Malaysia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: AlienRatDog]       #1078617 - 08/05/06 10:05 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Here is my set-up. Nice telescope and nice beard. Post Extras:       Kim Miau Pooh-Bah Reged: 07/17/06 Loc: Malaysia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Posaunist]       #1115994 - 08/27/06 04:12 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Quote: Hi Posaunist, how much does it cost for you to build that small hut? It looks cool. Kim, If you are speaking of my first observatory, the converted garden shed, you'll just need to check on the local prices of such sheds. The second observatory I built was much more costly, although the increased cost is by far made up by the security and comfort gained. I would estimate the final cost to be around $2500(US). The price of lumber is going to be a major factor, and I know it seems to have increased in my area since the building of my observatory. -Mark Your second observatory looks so luxurious! I like it. $2500 is out of my budget. At the moment, it's better for me to observe at my garden. Post Extras:       Posaunist super member Reged: 09/17/03 Loc: Arkansas, US Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Kim Miau]       #1116233 - 08/27/06 10:45 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I wish I could spend more time in my observatory! With a new job, I've found my free time to be very sparse. Post Extras:       Kim Miau Pooh-Bah Reged: 07/17/06 Loc: Malaysia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Posaunist]       #1117961 - 08/28/06 10:28 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: I wish I could spend more time in my observatory! With a new job, I've found my free time to be very sparse. It is quite a pity. Your observatory seems so comfortable. Post Extras:       drexelpoint sage Reged: 10/19/04 Loc: Midcoast Maine, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Kim Miau]       #1128138 - 09/02/06 01:25 PM Attachment (246 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Just got the shed and deck built for the 10" lx200 after having to haul it out of the barn for 2 years. It rolls very nicely and sets up quickly. Edited by drexelpoint (09/02/06 01:28 PM) Post Extras:       Posaunist super member Reged: 09/17/03 Loc: Arkansas, US Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: drexelpoint]       #1128545 - 09/02/06 07:06 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   That's very nice! What did you use for rolling the building, and where are they located? Nice dogs too! -Mark Edited by Posaunist (09/02/06 09:33 PM) Post Extras:       drexelpoint sage Reged: 10/19/04 Loc: Midcoast Maine, USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Posaunist]       #1128573 - 09/02/06 07:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks Mark. One other lab is missing from the photo. They're quite a bunch! The scope is on a scope buggy which rolls and then has screw down feet to level the scope if the deck shifts. You can see what our lawn looks like here - were west of Rockland Maine in Appleton so rolling across the grass is out of the question. It works very well but we'll have to wait for winter to make the final assessment. John Post Extras:       Posaunist super member Reged: 09/17/03 Loc: Arkansas, US Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: drexelpoint]       #1128742 - 09/02/06 09:40 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ok. I see now. For some reason I was thinking the building rolled on the platform leaving the scope stationary. Had I looked closer I would have seen the scope buggy. Very well done! I go with miniature schnauzers for their size and lack of shedding. Yeah, I imagine Winter has a completely different meaning in Maine than that of Arkansas! I call our nights cold, but you'd probably call it somewhere between chilly and comfortable. -Mark Post Extras:       David Pavlich Transmographied Reged: 05/18/05 Loc: Mandeville, LA USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: mdine1us]       #1128864 - 09/02/06 11:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I know...it's only an OTA, but I've been waiting a long time to get this thing set up and finally did it this evening...just want to show it off! David Post Extras:       Michael Morris Member Reged: 01/05/05 Loc: Worcestershire, UK Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: David Pavlich]       #1129018 - 09/03/06 02:22 AM Attachment (292 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's my 8" LX200 classic with an Orion 80ED piggy-backed on it. The whole set up has just been installed in my new observatory. Post Extras:       jack45 Post Laureate Reged: 07/07/03 Loc: Lacey WA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Michael Morris]       #1129056 - 09/03/06 03:06 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   You guys are having too much fun! I'm looking at getting the 12" LX200. There's just so much equipment to go with it. Lots of homework to do for sure! Clear Skies! Post Extras:       Crims sage Reged: 04/04/06 Loc: ijmuiden/holland Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: David Pavlich]       #1129177 - 09/03/06 07:04 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: I know...it's only an OTA, but I've been waiting a long time to get this thing set up and finally did it this evening...just want to show it off! David David,what Dovetail plate you have to put the WO guide rings on? Post Extras:       David Pavlich Transmographied Reged: 05/18/05 Loc: Mandeville, LA USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Crims]       #1129789 - 09/03/06 02:17 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I have the DM12 dovetail plate and Losmandy rings. Not cheap, but a marvelously solid arrangement. David Post Extras:       Snow dog Carpal Tunnel Reged: 07/17/05 Loc: Alberta Canada Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: David Pavlich]       #1130976 - 09/04/06 01:06 AM Attachment (332 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's my setup. All I need now is clear skies. Post Extras:       Kim Miau Pooh-Bah Reged: 07/17/06 Loc: Malaysia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Snow dog]       #1131265 - 09/04/06 09:49 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Here's my setup. All I need now is clear skies. Do you find it heavy? Post Extras:       Snow dog Carpal Tunnel Reged: 07/17/05 Loc: Alberta Canada Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Kim Miau]       #1131798 - 09/04/06 03:53 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Do you find it heavy? Completely set up it weighs in at around 125 lbs. The Tripod is about 45 lbs and the OTA and Fork are about 75 lbs. If you are setting up near your vehicle or house it's not bad but if you need to lug it a hundred feet or more it will wear you out quick. I am giving some serious thought to Peterson Engineering’s Ergo handles and Tripod shrink kits. The handles make it alot easier to carry and the shrink kit lowers the tripod up to 28 inches tall. This would reduce the weight of the tripod and make it easier to put the scope onto it as well. The other advantage of the shrink kit would be that you would not need a step ladder to look through it anymore (Wife hates that part). All in all it's not a bad rig to move as long as you don't need to go far with it. I would say it is the MAX size that I would want to move around and not have in an observatory. Post Extras:       Moggi1964 Vendor - Astro Laugh Reged: 11/07/05 Loc: Madison. NJ. USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Snow dog]       #1132477 - 09/05/06 12:01 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Marc, I see you have the mounting assistant which I find indispensible when lining up my 10" R. That setup weighs enough for me and last night I moved the whole rig in one go; not very far though Post Extras:       Kim Miau Pooh-Bah Reged: 07/17/06 Loc: Malaysia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Snow dog]       #1132873 - 09/05/06 10:25 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Quote: Do you find it heavy? Completely set up it weighs in at around 125 lbs. The Tripod is about 45 lbs and the OTA and Fork are about 75 lbs. If you are setting up near your vehicle or house it's not bad but if you need to lug it a hundred feet or more it will wear you out quick. I am giving some serious thought to Peterson Engineering’s Ergo handles and Tripod shrink kits. The handles make it alot easier to carry and the shrink kit lowers the tripod up to 28 inches tall. This would reduce the weight of the tripod and make it easier to put the scope onto it as well. The other advantage of the shrink kit would be that you would not need a step ladder to look through it anymore (Wife hates that part). All in all it's not a bad rig to move as long as you don't need to go far with it. I would say it is the MAX size that I would want to move around and not have in an observatory. Is your scope that tall that requires your wife to stand on a ladder? Do you have the photo of that handle kit? I find that the orginal handle of my lx90 is not useful. I always carry the mount and mount it onto the tripod. By the way, yours is really heavy. Post Extras:       Snow dog Carpal Tunnel Reged: 07/17/05 Loc: Alberta Canada Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Kim Miau]       #1133638 - 09/05/06 06:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Is your scope that tall that requires your wife to stand on a ladder? It all depends on what you are looking at. If the scope is anywhere near level you need the equivalent of a milk crate to stand on. I guess I could rotate the diagnol too. As for the handles goto Peterson Engineering Sky Division. Not sure if they fit the LX90 series or not. I Love the mounting assistant as well. Makes it really easy to just plop in on the tripod and thread in the bolt. Post Extras:       CRSEREDA sage Reged: 01/07/06 Loc: Davie Florida USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Snow dog]       #1134052 - 09/05/06 10:31 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   the ergo handles work very well w/ the LX90's but you have to drill holes on the side opposite the original handles. the mounting plate is also one of the best things designed ever. Calvin Post Extras:       Kim Miau Pooh-Bah Reged: 07/17/06 Loc: Malaysia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Snow dog]       #1134750 - 09/06/06 10:40 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Quote: Is your scope that tall that requires your wife to stand on a ladder? It all depends on what you are looking at. If the scope is anywhere near level you need the equivalent of a milk crate to stand on. I guess I could rotate the diagnol too. As for the handles goto Peterson Engineering Sky Division. Not sure if they fit the LX90 series or not. I Love the mounting assistant as well. Makes it really easy to just plop in on the tripod and thread in the bolt. I just found this in S&T. It fits for lx90 but I am not sure whether it needs any modification. I don't think you lift up your tripod, right? I don't have this problem though. Post Extras:       Zyxlor Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/10/05 Loc: In my RV - Anywhere USA Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Michael Morris]       #1145100 - 09/12/06 04:34 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Michael. I'm planning tp piggy-back the same scope on my 10" LX200. Can you tell me any problems you ran into or tips on installation? I noticed counter weights on your scope. Were those necessairy for the piggy-back? Thanks Post Extras:       NeoDinian Experienced Postmaster Reged: 10/05/05 Loc: Rockford Illinois Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Zyxlor]       #1145173 - 09/12/06 05:06 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Besides the mounting plate, you should look into making a "Springy-Thingy"... The combination of the 2 makes putting your scope on the tripod a breeze! Post Extras:       Michael Morris Member Reged: 01/05/05 Loc: Worcestershire, UK Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Zyxlor]       #1146087 - 09/13/06 08:07 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Michael. I'm planning to piggy-back the same scope on my 10" LX200. Can you tell me any problems you ran into or tips on installation? I noticed counter weights on your scope. Were those necessary for the piggy-back? Thanks The counterweight system is absolutely necessary. Mine is based on the Astroengineering system. For a full discussion of counterweights for SCTs see here and here. . I used the Astro-engineering asymmetric mounting rings because of the very low profile they offered. This was important to me so that the set up could be mounted as high as possible in my observatory without obstructing the operation of the roll-off roof. The problem is that they are not in the ideal position on either the LX200 or the Orion 80ED. If you can, it would be better to use a 'ring and rail' system such as that made by Astroengineering, Scopetechnix, Losmandy or ADM Post Extras:       Sossy member Reged: 08/25/06 Loc: Rhyl, North Wales, United King... Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Michael Morris]       #1148438 - 09/14/06 07:07 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's mine. Edited by Sossy (09/14/06 08:40 PM) Post Extras:       Wallrat member Reged: 08/29/06 Loc: Huntington Beach, Ca Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Michael Morris]       #1157513 - 09/20/06 06:21 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Lets see if this works: Post Extras:       Kim Miau Pooh-Bah Reged: 07/17/06 Loc: Malaysia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Wallrat]       #1158469 - 09/21/06 10:21 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   How do you feel of your pier? I am looking forward to get one instead of a tripod. Which of them is more portable? Do you feel that your setup is stable enough on a sandy surface? Post Extras:       Wallrat member Reged: 08/29/06 Loc: Huntington Beach, Ca Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Kim Miau]       #1158729 - 09/21/06 01:05 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   That surface is actually a bit deceiving. Its sand but only the top inch or so, after that its very hard packed dirt. The jack screws dug down a little during setup, but eventually stopped. I've cut some 2x6's to use as floating bases since alot of my scope use is out in very deep sand. Its night and day stability-wise compared to the meade tripod I was using. Vibrations stopped in under 2 seconds BEFORE I added foam to the leg assembly. Haven't checked it since. Portability-wise, its definately not as easy as slinging my tripod over a shoulder. It breaks down into several pieces but the main pier portion is a good 100lbs alone. I've got another thread going in the mounts forum discussing the materials used to make that portable pier. Post Extras:       Kim Miau Pooh-Bah Reged: 07/17/06 Loc: Malaysia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Wallrat]       #1159957 - 09/22/06 06:01 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: That surface is actually a bit deceiving. Its sand but only the top inch or so, after that its very hard packed dirt. The jack screws dug down a little during setup, but eventually stopped. I've cut some 2x6's to use as floating bases since alot of my scope use is out in very deep sand. Its night and day stability-wise compared to the meade tripod I was using. Vibrations stopped in under 2 seconds BEFORE I added foam to the leg assembly. Haven't checked it since. Portability-wise, its definately not as easy as slinging my tripod over a shoulder. It breaks down into several pieces but the main pier portion is a good 100lbs alone. I've got another thread going in the mounts forum discussing the materials used to make that portable pier. Could you show me the thread? Thanks a lot! Post Extras:       Wallrat member Reged: 08/29/06 Loc: Huntington Beach, Ca Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Kim Miau]       #1160072 - 09/22/06 08:24 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here you go: LINK Post Extras:       Kim Miau Pooh-Bah Reged: 07/17/06 Loc: Malaysia Re: Show off your LX200 setup [Re: Wallrat]       #1160325 - 09/22/06 11:06 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Here you go: LINK Thanks! Post Extras:       Galaxy001 Carpal Tunnel Reged: 06/08/06 Loc: San Ramon, California Re: Show off your LX, RCX setup [Re: Hawkeye]       #1178259 - 10/02/06 09:47 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Wait, so now that the name is changed, can show off my LX? Post Extras:       Grizz Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/24/03 Loc: Waldwick,New Jersey USA Re: Show off your LX, RCX setup [Re: Galaxy001]       #1178499 - 10/02/06 11:03 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Wait, so now that the name is changed, can show off my LX? I don't see why not. Post Extras:       Crims sage Reged: 04/04/06 Loc: ijmuiden/holland Re: Show off your LX, RCX setup [Re: Grizz]       #1187509 - 10/08/06 04:39 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   weird picture but heres my LX90 8''+WO ZS 66 P Post Extras:       imjeffp Aluminum Falcon Reged: 09/30/03 Loc: Cedar Park, Texas 3D [Re: Crims]       #1187865 - 10/08/06 09:09 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's the Classic with ST80 in the Heritage Park Observatory. For the 3D view, cross your eyes so the you're looking at the left image with your right eye & vice versa. Post Extras:       Sky Captain Metal Whisperer Reged: 11/07/04 Loc: Loc: Loc: Re: 3D [Re: imjeffp]       #1188185 - 10/09/06 12:44 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: For the 3D view, cross your eyes so the you're looking at the left image with your right eye & vice versa. Thanks alot Jeff...now I'm dizzy. Post Extras:       krackerjack9 professor emeritus Reged: 04/17/06 Loc: LSA Anaconda, Iraq Re: 3D [Re: Sky Captain]       #1188404 - 10/09/06 07:31 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Those Texas people are just mean Oh I am for Texas too Just couldnt put one photo up had to toss in 2 always a topper in the bunch But a Great looking set up Post Extras:       Kim Miau Pooh-Bah Reged: 07/17/06 Loc: Malaysia Re: 3D [Re: krackerjack9]       #1188554 - 10/09/06 10:07 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   imjeffp, can't I look at the eyepieces without crossing my eyes? The wedge is so gigantic! Post Extras:       Kim Miau Pooh-Bah Reged: 07/17/06 Loc: Malaysia Re: Show off your LX, RCX setup [Re: Crims]       #1188664 - 10/09/06 11:30 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: weird picture but heres my LX90 8''+WO ZS 66 P Congratulations on your Williams Optics ZS 66! Is your wo zs 66 aligned to the ota? Post Extras:       Crims sage Reged: 04/04/06 Loc: ijmuiden/holland Re: Show off your LX, RCX setup [Re: Kim Miau]       #1188678 - 10/09/06 11:36 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   on the picture no :P,but its hard to,the height isn't adjusteble,just saving money for losmandy rings etc Post Extras:       Galaxy001 Carpal Tunnel Reged: 06/08/06 Loc: San Ramon, California