RE: [M]: Meade 12" LX-200
| Subject: | RE: [M]: Meade 12" LX-200 |
| From: | Frank Loch |
| Date: | Mon Feb 02 15:17:34 1998 |
> >I, too, am considering the 12". I do have some concern about its
> "portability", though. Could you share your technique with us?<
>
> Thought Id add something to this discussion too. Im 5-7", 50 years old
> and rarely had any assistance mounting the 12" LX200 on its wedge. Its not
> easy, in fact, it is sometimes a bit precarious, but it is not impossible.
>
> Loosen both axis a bit, leave them just tight enough to keep things from
> swinging freely but without too much resistance to hurt the gear train.
> Grab a handle with the left hand and put the right hand under the other
> fork arm. This offset makes it easier to lift and maintain balance.
>
> The scope can then be lifted with one fork arm resting on your shoulder
> while guiding that top bolt into the slot in the wedge.
>
> This scope has only been transported to a dark site twice though. Partly
> because I had to rent a vehicle large enough to transport it and partly
> because I prefer the 8" LX200 for astrophotography (its an f/6.3). The 12"
> is always set up in the garage (under a sheet) and easily wheeled out for
> viewing on a patio.
>
> I have recently replaced the 12" with a fork mounted C-14 though.
>
> Emery
>
The lifting problem totally goes away and your usage goes up several
thousand percent if you pier mount it! Please, seriously consider
this!
Best regards,
Frank Loch
Try Deep Space 99 at http://www.early.com/~floch/index.html
For Gemstone information try: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/FLoch/
