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LX850 14"

Started by galaxy_jason , Jan 22 2013 10:54 PM
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187 replies to this topic

#101 Whichwayisnorth

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Posted 06 April 2013 - 01:05 PM

FWIW -- I was just able top connect my 10" X-850 to the SkyX Serious Astronomer edition -- selected LX200-10" as the scope. It appears to work well (well, at least for knowing where the scope is pointed, and slewing to objects).


Confirmed! I love The Sky X!! :bow:

#102 Whichwayisnorth

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Posted 11 April 2013 - 11:19 AM

Update: Still just messing around indoors. My system hasn't left its spot on the living room floor since I assembled it. First clouds and wind, then very high winds and where I thought Wednesday night was supposed to be nice, clear, moonless and steady, it was only two of those things. Tonight there is a predicted 50% chance of rain as well as during the day tomorrow but it looks like it may be clear with no wind Friday night and Saturday night with clouds again Sunday. One of those things where having a little grab-n-go comes in handy but with this monster it is quite a lot of work (heavy) setting up and tearing down for just a night or two at the most. I am debating with myself setting up tomorrow afternoon or not.

#103 R L Harris

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Posted 11 April 2013 - 11:58 AM

You need to build your self an obsevatory!
-Open door roll off roof power up and go- LOL

#104 galaxy_jason

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Posted 11 April 2013 - 12:22 PM

this monster it is quite a lot of work (heavy) setting up and tearing down for just a night or two at the most.


http://www.hardwarew...ch-pTVE1P4.aspx

#105 Whichwayisnorth

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Posted 11 April 2013 - 12:53 PM

this monster it is quite a lot of work (heavy) setting up and tearing down for just a night or two at the most.


http://www.hardwarew...ch-pTVE1P4.aspx


Jason, I would if I could. Unfortunately it won't work for me. I need to solve this by buying property in Flagstaff.

Someday when my kids outgrow their playground equipment I'll have a nice spot for roll off.

All that being said, the issue isn't so much the 40-50mph gusts that came through but also the bad seeing I've had as a result.

#106 galaxy_jason

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Posted 11 April 2013 - 01:22 PM

I use these to roll the scope out of the garage and into the
back yard. Do you have a driveway?

#107 jrcrilly

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Posted 11 April 2013 - 01:28 PM

You need to build your self an obsevatory!
-Open door roll off roof power up and go- LOL


An observatory certainly improves things, especially for imagers. I suspect, however, that this mount will generally be of less interest to those with permanent setups than to those who image in the field. The major model-specific features are of clear benefit for field use, but much less important in a fixed setup. I plate solve for pointing accuracy no matter what mount I use, so there's nothing new there for me. I very rarely have to do any alignments, so automatic alignment star centering and assisted polar alignment won't gain me much - and the autoguiding rig sits there, ready to go at all times. That said, I was due for a mount change here and I selected one (mount only) just because it intrigued me ;) and it is scheduled for delivery this afternoon. I should have it set up in the observatory this weekend. Probably no stars this weekend, though. I do look forward to having axis home switches again (makes me feel more secure about remote operation).

#108 Whichwayisnorth

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Posted 11 April 2013 - 08:20 PM

I use these to roll the scope out of the garage and into the
back yard. Do you have a driveway?



Yep! However it slopes down very steep into a street that slopes down even steeper.

#109 Hilmi

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Posted 12 April 2013 - 01:02 AM

Add a manual whinch attached to the side of the house

#110 travelenfree1952

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Posted 12 April 2013 - 04:48 AM

You wanted to send me a PM. I am now accepting PMs.
Travelenfree1952

#111 GlennS

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Posted 16 April 2013 - 11:20 AM

This little tidbit is not really related to the 14". I have a 10", but this will be an issue for ALL...
Meade was nice to include (for free -- well, sorta) a Zero Image-Shift Micro Focuser with all of the LX-850 SCTs. This device actually works quite well -- with one exception.
If you are into Astrophotography using a CCD (not dissing SLRs) and you use something a bit bigger than a DSI, the focuser will slip, causing focus to change -- and not in a good way.
I was using the ZISMF (Zero Image Shift Micro Focuser) for a few imaging sessions, and it was noce to be able to focus from my laptop. This all changed a few days ago.
I was imaging M82 near the meridian -- 6-hour sequence. After a few images, I started to notice fatter stars, then stars with doughnut holes in them -- the focus was now wrong.
My camera, filter wheel and adaptive optics come in at 6.4 pounds -- since M82 was quite high in the sky, the scope was pointed nearly straight up, with the full weight of the camera at the bottom. The ZISMF is a pressure/roller design -- I guess it just doesn't hold up under any real weight at the end of the optical train. Since I am imaginig that many purchaser of LX-850's will be using them for AstroPhotography, and have a fairly substantial camera at the end of it, this will pose a significant problem.
The LX-850 itself is performing quite well, and I have been able to get some really nice images -- which will continue as soon as I pull that ZISMF off the rear cell.
This device needds to be redesigned -- some sort of gearing, or at least a locking mechanism that can be engaged once focus is obtained.

The attached image will show what can happen -- the first image was quite sharp (I use a Bahtinov Mask), and the stars were small and sharp. This is the 6th Red image in the sequence.

Attached Thumbnails

  • 5802465-m82-bad.jpg

#112 Hilmi

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Posted 17 April 2013 - 12:58 AM

I have always felt that the ZISF could be further improved when it comes to load carrying capacity. With lighter loads, it is surprisingly accurate and allows for fully automated focusing. I even own a controller that allows you to use it independent of a Meade Mount

#113 CharlesW

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Posted 17 April 2013 - 09:10 AM

You don't say where in SoCal you are but it's clear in Chula Vista till next Wednesday. Finally. I hope the same for you. BTW, those LX850's are really beautiful things. Congratulations.

#114 Whichwayisnorth

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Posted 17 April 2013 - 10:57 AM

You don't say where in SoCal you are but it's clear in Chula Vista till next Wednesday. Finally. I hope the same for you. BTW, those LX850's are really beautiful things. Congratulations.


I am in Corona 92883. It was cloudy and almost rained yesterday but did clear up at night. However the wind has been from 15-30mph with 40mph gusts. Right now it is perfect. I am thinking of setting up tonight. I just received my 24/7/365 cover from Astronomics yesterday so I can leave it up for a while.

#115 galaxy_jason

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Posted 17 April 2013 - 12:59 PM

Something is not right. I am using this with around 6 lbs of camera and filter wheel. Focus does not slip. Focus will change with time due to temp changes in the OTA. It can be significant but it is normally gradual. Make sure the set screws for the adapter rings are seated properly and are tight.

#116 gavinm

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Posted 17 April 2013 - 03:17 PM

Even though I replaced it with a Moonlite, I never had a problem with the Meade microfocuser either, and my camera was pretty heavy (+filter-wheel and AO8)

#117 GlennS

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Posted 17 April 2013 - 04:13 PM

Every thing is tight. I was able to observe the shaft slip as I slewed the scope as an experiment -- This on just can't handle the 6.4 pounds -- maybe 6 is the limit. This is a brand new one -- the first one I had woould slip with the weight of a 25mm eyepiece (heck, all I had to do was rothate the ZISMF in my hand with no weight -- the thing would slide up and down freely.

#118 Whichwayisnorth

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Posted 17 April 2013 - 05:49 PM

Every thing is tight. I was able to observe the shaft slip as I slewed the scope as an experiment -- This on just can't handle the 6.4 pounds -- maybe 6 is the limit. This is a brand new one -- the first one I had woould slip with the weight of a 25mm eyepiece (heck, all I had to do was rothate the ZISMF in my hand with no weight -- the thing would slide up and down freely.


Assuming you adjusted the little allen head screw on the bottom that tightens it, I have no other ideas for you. I don't plan to use the one I have though. I'm looking at a Moonlight.

#119 galaxy_jason

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Posted 17 April 2013 - 06:00 PM

Yes, even though the instructions say it is adjusted at the factory, you can tighten the Allen screws holding the rollers. That should fix the issue and eliminate any fkexure. If you are using a very heavy camera you may need to upgrade from the supplied focus but it should work for most applications

#120 shkong

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Posted 18 April 2013 - 12:42 AM

If LX 850 14" work reliably.

I will jump to it to keep it lifetime for both visual and AP..

I will keep coming back to this thread

Orion 10 inch F3.9 Newt

Paracorr 2

CGE mount

Zhummel 12 inch Dob

#121 travelenfree1952

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Posted 19 April 2013 - 02:44 AM

Whichwayisnorth....Considering the difficulty of setting up and tearing down the large LX 850, I contacted JMI and asked if they had Wheely Bars that would fit and hold the size and weight of the LX 850. I was told that they have a normal and heavyweight model Wheely Bar that would be perfect for that scope. They also have a motorized version. Would that be helpful or did you already consider that for mobility of your scope? :question: Travelenfree

#122 ASTERON

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Posted 19 April 2013 - 04:41 AM

Whichwayisnorth,
And I thought you ordered this as your Grab n' Go setup :foreheadslap:

#123 Whichwayisnorth

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Posted 19 April 2013 - 10:41 AM

Whichwayisnorth....Considering the difficulty of setting up and tearing down the large LX 850, I contacted JMI and asked if they had Wheely Bars that would fit and hold the size and weight of the LX 850. I was told that they have a normal and heavyweight model Wheely Bar that would be perfect for that scope. They also have a motorized version. Would that be helpful or did you already consider that for mobility of your scope? :question: Travelenfree


IF I ordered the version with the off road tires and widened my side gate by about 6 inches I could probably do it that way. I have to go over grass and uneven stepping stones.

#124 Whichwayisnorth

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Posted 19 April 2013 - 10:43 AM

Whichwayisnorth,
And I thought you ordered this as your Grab n' Go setup :foreheadslap:


Naw, that's what my Celestron is for.

#125 Whichwayisnorth

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Posted 19 April 2013 - 11:12 AM

Oh and since I'm here I might as well update. I have the mount assembled and in the back yard finally. I haven't even turned it on yet but at least it is back there now.
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