[RE: Rick Cooper's request for info]
>> 2. I do not know if this problem is related to the magellan or not. My
>> RA drive seems to be running slow. I always have to use the west key to
>> keep recentering the target. In a 9mm reticle eyepiece the star will move
>> about 1/2 the FOV in about a minute or two. I'am using an external power
>> supply. I do not know if this is periodic error or a problem with
>> the drive, but this makes it very challanging when imaging.
>
>I can say that since I recently received my Magellan II, every object seems
>to drift out of the field of view after about 5 minutes. This was not the
>case before I used the Magellan. I am using a 12v 12amp/hour battery just
>as in the past, and my polar alignment is the same as usual. I've checked
>all the settings and cannot understand why this happens.
>
>Maybe the problem is either the Magellan plugged in as the hand paddle or
>it's friction in the RA encoder gears causing drag. I don't know. Maybe
>someone else has an idea.

Interesting - I do not have this problem - My scope behaves the same
whether I use the Magellan or the original hand paddle. Because part of
the Magellan installation involves adjusting the RA gear mesh as part of
installing the encoder, there may be some problem there - perhaps friction,
as noted. I also note that (according to Meade) Magellan expects a
specific RA Motor/firmware combination. In my case, Magellan completely
refused to function. It is possible that you need a motor and/or firmware
update to solve the problem. I suggest you communicate with Mike Lee at
Meade (just call the main number listed in the archives, and pick the
option involving LX50 tech support). You'll have to leave a phone msg, and
Mike will get back to you. It can be tedious. Unfortunately, Meade does
not seem to permit email treatment of tech issues.

If you need the directions separately, drop me a private email, and I will
dig out my notes for you. That may help you clarify things so you can tell
Mike enough to help even with telephone tag, but you will still need to
have him agree on what you need. In fact, since my info is now a year old,
it is possible, if your scope is newer, that the situation is significantly
different. One simple test Mike suggested. When you plug in Magellan, and
turn the system on, you should get at least 4 blinks of the power LED. If
less, there is almost certainly some mismatch. Regards

====================
David Bonnell
Germantown, MD 20874

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