4 replies to this topic

[emrys-2690]

Hello all. New to the forums seeking advice.

 
Looking for "What would you do in this situation" advice.

 

I've got an LX200 EMC (8 inch) OTA and a fully functional LX200 GPS (also 8inch + UHTC coating + hard case). I don't use the LX200 GPS much b/c it's heavy and I can't afford to build a remote power system.  Furthermore, I typically like a quick setup/visual observing setup and therefore am considering selling the LX200 GPS so that I can fund a heavy duty manual ALT-AZ or an appropriate GEM.

 

1. Are the UHTC coatings are worth deforking the LX200 GPS OTA vs just keeping the EMC OTA?

 

2. Can anyone suggest a fair asking price for the LX200 GPS system + mount + hard case? 

 

I appreciate any input. Thanks!

Edited by emrys-2690, 25 September 2023 - 09:16 PM.

[jgraham]

If the LX200 GPS is too heavy there’s not too much you can do about that. However, you could mount an ADM Vixen rail on the EMC and put it on the mount of your choice. I have used mine on a Twilight 1 and 2, an LX65, LX70, and LXD75.

 

I also have a couple of 8” LX200 GPS systems. They are a tad heavy, but they are also very solid. I use my 8” f/6.3 LX200 GPS as a dedicated EAA system.

Edited by jgraham, 25 September 2023 - 09:25 PM.

[emrys-2690]

If the LX200 GPS is too heavy there’s not too much you can do about that. However, you could mount an ADM Vixen rail on the EMC and put it on the mount of your choice. I have used mine on a Twilight 1 and 2, an LX65, LX70, and LXD75.

 

I also have a couple of 8” LX200 GPS systems. They are a tad heavy, but they are also very solid. I use my 8” f/6.3 LX200 GPS as a dedicated EAA system.

Thanks jgraham.  I actually do have an ADM Vixen rail that will fit either OTA.  I've tried putting the EMC on a Twilight 1 but even with custom reinforcement it's very sensitive to vibrations and the bearings take a beating with the extra weight.  Ideally I'd like a mount that can easily handle the 20lbs or so, plus more maybe so that I can use an 80mm refractor as a finder scope.

[carolinaskies]

Hello all. New to the forums seeking advice.

 
Looking for "What would you do in this situation" advice.

 

I've got an LX200 EMC (8 inch) OTA and a fully functional LX200 GPS (also 8inch + UHTC coating + hard case). I don't use the LX200 GPS much b/c it's heavy and I can't afford to build a remote power system.  Furthermore, I typically like a quick setup/visual observing setup and therefore am considering selling the LX200 GPS so that I can fund a heavy duty manual ALT-AZ or an appropriate GEM.

 

1. Are the UHTC coatings are worth deforking the LX200 GPS OTA vs just keeping the EMC OTA?

 

2. Can anyone suggest a fair asking price for the LX200 GPS system + mount + hard case? 

 

I appreciate any input. Thanks!

There is some difference with UHTC, but we're talking 15% loss of light thruput at most.  You could swap the OTA's and keep the UHTC version, it won't affect the value of the LX200 GPS particularly.   Set them both up and view some targets, that should tell the tale whether swapping is worth it. 

The 8" LX200GPS averages $800-1000 the higher mark with the case add $100 with standard wedge if you have that. 

The 8" OTA can be fit on any number of mounts depending whether you really prefer manual moving controls or not.  The new strainwave drives will hold it and be very light quick to setup.   Any 20-30lb capacity GEM will hold it and track.  It's really your budget which will inform options to choose.  You can spend cheap or into 4 digits. 

[emrys-2690]

There is some difference with UHTC, but we're talking 15% loss of light thruput at most.  You could swap the OTA's and keep the UHTC version, it won't affect the value of the LX200 GPS particularly.   Set them both up and view some targets, that should tell the tale whether swapping is worth it. 

The 8" LX200GPS averages $800-1000 the higher mark with the case add $100 with standard wedge if you have that. 

The 8" OTA can be fit on any number of mounts depending whether you really prefer manual moving controls or not.  The new strainwave drives will hold it and be very light quick to setup.   Any 20-30lb capacity GEM will hold it and track.  It's really your budget which will inform options to choose.  You can spend cheap or into 4 digits. 

Thank you, Carolinaskies, that's a thorough answer. 

 

I don't have a second mount that can handle the EMC otherwise a direct side-by-side comparison would be relatively easy, but maybe some clever thinking can solve that in a pinch.

  

I haven't heard about the strainwave drives. I'll check them out. Might be worth saving up for a later purchase. 

 

Thanks again!