Telescope Reviews: LX200 10 in. Classic "reverse declination" Slewing

Hello,

Sean here and first time post on CN. Been a lurker for a few years and depend on these forums for lots of well informed opinions and facts.

Got an issue with a recently purchased (USED) 10 in. LX200. Scope is around 10 years old or more and in like new condition with superb optics on the OTA.

The hand controller is version 3.34 if that is helpful.

So here is my issue. After trying all methods of (ALTAZ, no wedge)alignment, 1 Star level mount,1 star known location and good time and LOC entry, 2 star known and 2 star unknown location ( just to try ).

Also tried the sync method where you press star, enter, enter, select star, slew using E,W,N,S and then press ENTER when star/obj is centered in eyepiece.

Used the various recommendations from the MAPUG website. Tried it all or atleast all the recommended methods I could find from various resources.

In every case the scope slews correct in RA and DEC with one exception. It slews to the south instead of north or rather negative instead of positive. The hand controller indicates the correct coordinates in declination but if the DEC coordinate was +44 degrees it slews south and indicates +44 degrees.

So it aims south for a northern sphere object such as Deneb or Altair. Once I do the star alignment and all seems well, select any object or star it slews to the correct RA area of the sky and negative instead of positive declination, but the hand unit indicates correct coordinates.

Hope any Classic users or previous owners can help me with this.

Hope I gave enough info.

Thanks for any help.

Sean

Port Orchard, WA.

EDIT:

I have to add an additional note about this mount.

I set the scope up with the panel facing north and the OTA facing south with both axis on Zero. When I slew with N, S, E, W, keys it moves in the opposite direction. I press the North key it goes South. W and E are correct.

Now maybe I am totally off and someone will say " No Dummy "

, one of those moments. But this behaviour seems curious to me. If I am facing south and press North the scope should slew up. Right?

Edited by Spburt (07/01/09 11:11 AM)

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