Initial SchmidtNewt Losmandy

Meade 10" Schmidt-Newt
Losmandy G811 Mount before an additional counterweight

This was an initial setup to get the Schmidt-Newt up and running. This was done to just evaluate the Losmandy Schmidt-Newt as a possibility for EAA.

• Setup an ASI2600mc pro camera to the scope at F/4
• Schmidt optics should correct coma to the level of an F/5 Newt - coma is still a big problem with the test images
• The stock focuser is very poor
• The 20# stock Losmandy counterweight was barely able to balance the scope on the Losmandy mount
• Dew is a big problem with the front corrector
• Stray light from the back of the tube is a big issue in my backyard skies
• The 32# stock OTA weight and mount weight are back breakers for me
• Approximate 130 pound total weight for the rig (scope, mount, counterweights, accessories)

This leads to a planned effort to make this EAA rig practical

• Need a scope cart (started May 2025) to avoid nightly setup and tear-down.
• Purchased a GSO focuser (much shorter, may need extension tubes) that is ZWO autofocuser compatible (have the autofocuser from earlier dropped SCT efforts)
• Initially could not reach focus with my Quattro 150P Coma Corrector. This is a 0.85x corrector, and should improve the image from the uncorrected tests. From previous efforts by others, a backfocus adjustment may be necessary.