macular hole
super member
Reged: 08/12/09
Posts: 143
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Has anyone thought about using the new Meade ETX-LS scope/ mount system as a mount only, for another type of scope? IE a 3-5 inch refractor?
The mount and scope can be had for the price of the new, still unavailable Ioptron minitower pro. Ditch the scope and use the mount/tripod?
I really like the look of it. Plus it has auto everything, similar to the Ioptron. I like the fact that it puts the OTA over the center of the tripod, rather than hanging it off the side. Moreover, it does not require the use of counterweights.
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TONGKW
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/16/07
Posts: 570
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The single arm mount of the Meade LT-6 should be all right for a 6” SCT or 6” Mak of another make if it is possible to install a suitable dovetail base. But a refractor OTA due to its longer body length may not be able to clear the base of the mount to point at zenith.
K W TONG
Telescopes: C8+CG-5GT, TSA102+HEQ5 PRO, MK67+Voyager, NexStar 6SE, C5+Mizar K, WO ZS80FD+Kenko NES, Megrez 72FD+Kenko KDS, Mini Borg 50, PST
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Alph
sage
Reged: 11/23/06
Posts: 259
Loc: Melmac
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Quote:
Has anyone thought about using the new Meade ETX-LS scope/ mount system as a mount only
You might be able to do it with a cheaper version of the ETX-LS that was presented at PATS astronomy show. The new scope is named somewhat differently though and I don't see it yet on the Meade's website
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macular hole
super member
Reged: 08/12/09
Posts: 143
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Alph, It looks like that new guy may be the LT-6 that KW Tong refers to above. It is listed as "new" on Meade's home page. Regardless, the LT-6 looks identical to the ETX-ls and has the capability of holding up at least 30lbs.
KW, good point about the refractor hitting the base, however, the OTA is held rigidly in place and would not need balancing, therefore, you could mount the refractor OTA forward enough so that the EP/diag complex would not smack the mount base near the Zenith.
Both the LT and the ETX mounts look very sharp. Very streamlined and modern.
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Alph
sage
Reged: 11/23/06
Posts: 259
Loc: Melmac
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Quote:
the LT-6 looks identical to the ETX-ls
My understanding is that the LT-6 does not have the auto-align function that is wired to the OTA on the ETX-LS.
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macular hole
super member
Reged: 08/12/09
Posts: 143
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Quote:
Quote:
the LT-6 looks identical to the ETX-ls
My understanding is that the LT-6 does not have the auto-align function that is wired to the OTA on the ETX-LS.
I think the auto align function of the ETX-ls is wired to the onboard camera, not the OTA.
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Alph
sage
Reged: 11/23/06
Posts: 259
Loc: Melmac
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Quote:
I think the auto align function of the ETX-ls is wired to the onboard camera, not the OTA.
I think it is actually wired to a PC board inside the camera 
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macular hole
super member
Reged: 08/12/09
Posts: 143
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Sorry for being picky on that issue, but if you were to swap out the OTA for a refractor, you wouldn't want anything wired to the original OTA.
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Alph
sage
Reged: 11/23/06
Posts: 259
Loc: Melmac
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Quote:
you wouldn't want anything wired to the original OTA.
Sure. When I asked a Meade guy about swapping OTAs, he responded that it might not be possible because of wiring. That is why I suggested the other model
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macular hole
super member
Reged: 08/12/09
Posts: 143
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When I asked a Meade guy about swapping OTAs, he responded that it might not be possible because of wiring. That is why I suggested the other model
So clearly, I am not the only one with these evil thoughts! 
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dscarpa
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 245
Loc: San Diego Ca.
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I would swap my CG5GT for a stand alone LS mount, if it would handle 30 lbs my C 9.25 would work on it. I wouldn't be surprised if someone comes out with a stand alone LS type mount in the not distant future. Perhapes a Minitower PRO with LS ability. David
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