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mapug-digest wrote:
> mapug-digest Sunday, January 31 1999 Volume 01 : Number 1600
>
> In this issue:
>
> [M]: LX10 - Budget Astronomy
> Re: [M]: New ETX in hand! Woo Hoo!
> Re: [M]: RE: New ETX with LX200 controls
> Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
> [M]: RE: Re: RE: New ETX
> [M]: RE: Re: RE: New ETX
> Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
> [M]: RE: LX10 - Budget Astronomy
> Re: [M]: My new LX200
> Re: [M]:OT:True Tech Flip Mirror
> Re: [M]: My new LX200
> Re: [M]: New ETX in hand! Woo Hoo!
> Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
> Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
> Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
> Re: [M]: New ETX in hand! Woo Hoo!
> Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
> [M]: M: Drive vibrations
> Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
> Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
> Re: [M]: RE: LX Focussing Strategy
> [M]: Re: LX10 - Budget Astronomy
> [M]: Re: LX10 - Budget Astronomy
> Re: [M]: Re: LX10 - Budget Astronomy
> [M]: LX200 IN OBSERVATORY
> Re: [M]: LX200 IN OBSERVATORY
> [M]: LX50 Dec drive idea
>
> See the end of the digest for information on subscribing to the mapug
> or mapug-digest mailing lists.
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 01:31:17 -0600
> Subject: [M]: LX10 - Budget Astronomy
>
> I had to fist fight my wife to let go of the money for the LX10 I got
> yesterday (and she won! I got the money as a conciliation prize). Damn, I'm
> impressed that I now own a telescope with a motor. The only thing I had that
> had a motor and looked you through before this was the windshield of my car.
>
> It was easy to assemble, although all manuals to anything you have to put
> together are deficient in most respects. The only thing that caused even a
> minor problem was switching the RA motor to run on 4 AA batteries instead of
> a 9 volt. The hex screws are tiny and two of the heads striped out during
> the process because they were installed very tight. A screw extractor was
> the solution to get the cover off. But, I believe a different style of screw
> will be a better choice for future cover plate removals (as periodically
> batteries will be required).
>
> I still have not been able to take it out. The old adage seems true, new
> equipment = bad weather.
>
> So, I know there are other people out there with LX10's. Speak up!
>
> Clear Skies!
>
> Ricky
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 23:54:51 +0000
> Subject: Re: [M]: New ETX in hand! Woo Hoo!
>
> I would like to echo everything Peter has said. I just got mine
> today, and it is a beautiful little scope. The controls are really
> neat, almost a miniature LX200. It isn't though. There is quite
> a bit of backlash, the the motion feels like a toy when compared
> to the LX200. For a first scope, or as a second portable one though,
> is is just fine.
>
> The optics are very good. When I first unpacked it this afternoon,
> I used the radio towers at Mount Wilson to align the finder scope.
> I was then able to use my 6.7mm UWA eyepiece. At 187x, this is very
> near the limits of the scope, but the view was fine. This evening,
> I was able to use it on the moon and the Orion nebula. As before,
> the viewing was great, even in the light polluted skies of LA. I
> think the best view was using my 8.8mm UWA. [This eyepiece is much
> too large for the scope].
>
> My only problem now is the lack of a suitable tripod. I can't wait
> for my Autostar controller to arrive. In the meantime, does anyone
> know how I can mount my ETX on a Super-Wedge? ;-)
>
> Dan
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 00:31:02 -0800
> Subject: Re: [M]: RE: New ETX with LX200 controls
>
> - --------------56A02C32561FA94E70DE6926
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
>
> Peter is correct.
>
> "Peter A. Vogel" wrote:
>
> > I believe the RS-232 port is on the Autostar controller (extra $150)
> > which plugs into the phone connector on the base. I'll know for
> > sure later today/this week when I get the new ETX :-)
> >
> > I believe this because the RS-232 port speciciation appears on
> > the AutoStar computer, not on the ETX-90.
> >
> > -Peter
>
> - --
> Clark Williams <http://www.s-i-g-h.com> --|--
> Software Industry & General Hardware /\ /\
> "Don't make enemies in a war zone!"
>
> - --------------56A02C32561FA94E70DE6926
> Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii
> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
>
> <!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en">
> <html>
> Peter is correct.
> <p>"Peter A. Vogel" wrote:
> <blockquote TYPE=CITE>I believe the RS-232 port is on the Autostar controller
> (extra $150)
> <br>which plugs into the phone connector on the base. I'll know for
> <br>sure later today/this week when I get the new ETX :-)
> <p>I believe this because the RS-232 port speciciation appears on
> <br>the AutoStar computer, not on the ETX-90.
> <p>-Peter</blockquote>
> - --
> <br><tt>Clark Williams <<A HREF="http://www.s-i-g-h.com">http://www.s-i-g-h.com</A>>
> - --|--</tt>
> _____\/__(_)__\/_____</tt>
> <br><tt>Software Industry & General Hardware
> /\ /\</tt>
> <br><tt>"Don't make enemies in a war zone!"</tt>
> <br> </html>
>
> - --------------56A02C32561FA94E70DE6926--
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 06:09:55 EST
> Subject: Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
>
> Doc G wrote
> <<<This matter was discussed in some detail and actually measured about a year
> or so ago. It was determined at that time that the vibrations do to the
> declination motor were about 3 to 5 times those of the RA motor. So I
> wonder if you are observing dec or RA motor vibrations. If the mount is
> perfectly polar aligned of course the dec motor is not running and the
> residual vibration is in the RA drive.
>
> Unfortunately, there was no solution to this problem at the time and I see
> none now.
>
> These vibrations and other are discussed in great detail on my web site
> under the topic of mechanical concerns.
>
> Doc G <http://www.mailbag.com/users/ragreiner> >>>
>
> Doc
> Even with a polar aligned scope, there can be activity in the DEC motor.
> There seems to be a residual feedback loop or something in some LX 200's,
> which causes it to vibrate when it's not "running". The best solution I've
> found
> is to go to guide mode and tap on a North or South directional key until the
> noise
> and stops. Of course then the vibrations stops also.
> Paul
>
> Paul Gitto
> The Arcturus Observatory
> CometMan.com
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 07:33:41 -0500
> Subject: [M]: RE: Re: RE: New ETX
>
> Brain;
>
> I searched for this procedure but can't locate it.
>
> Since I'm waiting for a new scope I would like to read about this.
>
> Would you point me to the URL for this procedure in the archives??
>
> Thanks,
> TOm Nagy
>
> wrote:
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > Date: Tuesday, January 26, 1999 5:52 PM
> > Subject: [M]: RE: New ETX
> >
> >
> > >
> > >
> > >Can you tell me a little about these indoor test and how I can do them??
> > >
> > >Tom
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >>
> > The mapug archive has some excellent posts on star testing using artificial
> > stars.
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 07:51:46 -0500
> Subject: [M]: RE: Re: RE: New ETX
>
> Eureka, I found it at
> http://www.austin.cc.tx.us./astro-ES/AstroDesigns/MAPUG/StarTest.htm
>
> Tom Nagy
>
> > Brain;
> >
> > I searched for this procedure but can't locate it.
> >
> > Since I'm waiting for a new scope I would like to read about this.
> >
> > Would you point me to the URL for this procedure in the archives??
> >
> > Thanks,
> > TOm Nagy
> >
> >
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > Date: Tuesday, January 26, 1999 5:52 PM
> > > Subject: [M]: RE: New ETX
> > >
> > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >Can you tell me a little about these indoor test and how I can do them??
> > > >
> > > >Tom
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >>
> > > The mapug archive has some excellent posts on star testing using artificial
> > > stars.
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 08:29:13 -0500
> Subject: Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
>
> Paul,
>
> I know of the residual 'groaning' of the dec motor and the vibration is
> can cause but I eliminate it in the same fashion you do so that is not
> the problem I am having. Honestly, I believe the vibration I am seeing
> is simply due to the quality of the motors used by Meade. I'm not
> implying that Meade uses low quality motors, just that the seeing I
> experienced would have required a much smoother operating motor (of
> significantly higher price, I'm sure). I was simply hoping for a way to
> smooth the operation of the current motors and hoped Mapug was the place
> for my answer.
>
> Dave
>
> >
> > Doc
> > Even with a polar aligned scope, there can be activity in the DEC motor.
> > There seems to be a residual feedback loop or something in some LX 200's,
> > which causes it to vibrate when it's not "running". The best solution I've
> > found
> > is to go to guide mode and tap on a North or South directional key until the
> > noise
> > and stops. Of course then the vibrations stops also.
> > Paul
> >
> > Paul Gitto
> > The Arcturus Observatory
> > CometMan.com
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 14:52:46 +0100
> Subject: [M]: RE: LX10 - Budget Astronomy
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > Ricky Cain
> > Sent: Saturday, January 30, 1999 8:31 AM
> > Subject: [M]: LX10 - Budget Astronomy
> >
> > I still have not been able to take it out. The old adage seems true, new
> > equipment = bad weather.
>
> Tell me about it!!
> >
> > So, I know there are other people out there with LX10's. Speak up!
>
> You are right, I do think we are a growing number of LX10 owners. I'm very
> satisfied with my scope and I can only recommend it to other potential
> buyers. I remember the first time I looked at the Orion-nebula, wauv! what a
> sight. And the globular cluster M13 was just a jewelbox of thousands of
> stars. Good luck with Your telescope.
> >
> >
> > Clear Skies!
>
> And hopefully Clear Skies for You!
> >
> > Ricky
> >
> Henrik
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 09:13:48 +0000
> Subject: Re: [M]: My new LX200
>
> > Josh,
> > Thanks for the post. I am also considering the purchase of a more
> > powerful telescope. I bought my son an ETX for Christmas and now I
> > am really excited about taking the next step. I my neighborhood the
> > Nature Company will come to my house and set up the scope. I am not
> > totally convinced that the LX 200 is the right scope. Why not an
> > LX-50 or a 12.5 DOB? Any helpful ideas welcome. Thanks in advance.
> >
> > Steve Simon
> >
>
> Steve -- For "ease of use" and ultimately observational enjoyment,
> nothing beats a "goto" scope. Thus the LX200 series tops the list!
>
> If you have limited time available for your observing (like most of
> us) it's so nice to say "goto" to your scope and start seeing your target
> almost instantly!
>
> Best regards
>
> Frank
> Best regards,
>
> Frank Loch
>
> Try Deep Space 99 at http://www.early.com/~floch/index.html
>
> TPoint & DEC Bearing Mod at http://www.early.com/~floch/observatory.htm
>
> For Astro Art try: http://www.early.com/~floch/astrob.htm
>
> For Gemstone information try: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/FLoch/
>
> For exquisite Jewelry try http://www.lochsjewelers.com
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 09:13:48 +0000
> Subject: Re: [M]:OT:True Tech Flip Mirror
>
> > Greg Smith wrote:
> >
> > > I just received my True Tech flip mirror/filter finder and
> > > have
> > > found several problems
> >
> > [snip]
> >
> > While everyone thinks about Greg's issues, please include info on
> > the Murnaghan flip units as well. My dealer says the Murni units
> > are good, but before laying our the clams, it would be nice to have
> > some comments on both the True Technology and the Murnaghan.
> >
> > > --
> >
> > Michael Cook
> >
>
> Mike -- I personally am using the Van Slyke Versaport II. A great
> "quality product" if you need a 2" system with filter slot. Paul VS
> has a wide range of products all very high quality.
>
> You can see these at his site at:
>
> http://www.observatory.org
>
> Best regards
>
> Frank
> Best regards,
>
> Frank Loch
>
> Try Deep Space 99 at http://www.early.com/~floch/index.html
>
> TPoint & DEC Bearing Mod at http://www.early.com/~floch/observatory.htm
>
> For Astro Art try: http://www.early.com/~floch/astrob.htm
>
> For Gemstone information try: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/FLoch/
>
> For exquisite Jewelry try http://www.lochsjewelers.com
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 08:21:09 -0600
> Subject: Re: [M]: My new LX200
>
> You can have the best of both worlds. I have an 18" Obsession with JMI DSC's (whose
> Galaxy mirror is an order of magnitude better than the LX mirror). I can locate and
> hand slew to an object faster than I can with my LX-200--and I don't make any noise
> :-). I use the LX for photography.
>
> Clear skies, Andy
>
> Michael J. Cook wrote: There are generally 2 schools of thought between LX200 type
> telescopes (i.e with
>
> > GOTO capability) and other scopes such as Dobs. I, like most people on this list
> > love being under the stars, and I really appreciate spending my time looking at
> > stuff rather than hunting them down. I spent 20 years doing the later, and I
> > have logged many objects. Now the other school says "how dare you introduce GOTO
> > capability amateur astronomy; the whole point is to hunt down those elusive
> > objects". Some factions in this school also loath the sound an LX200 makes as it
> > slews from object to object.
> >
> > I purchased an LX200 to spend more time under the stars looking at things. Dobs
> > are beautiful telescopes too, and can be great light buckets for seeing the
> > faintest of objects if you can afford nice large mirrors. Its a matter of using
> > technology to your advantage versus taking the cost of that technology and using
> > towards a larger aperature scope. There isn't a a right or wrong answer her,
> > just personal preferences, and a respect for your peer's choices.
> >
> > --
> > Michael Cook
> >
> > Take a bite Out of Light Pollution
> > Support the International Dark-Sky Association
> > http://www.darksky.org
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 08:46:44 -0600
> Subject: Re: [M]: New ETX in hand! Woo Hoo!
>
> Dan--
>
> Maybe Ken Milburne will come out with a wedge for this scope :-).
>
> Clear skies, Andy
>
> Dan Dickerson wrote:
>
> > My only problem now is the lack of a suitable tripod. I can't wait
> > for my Autostar controller to arrive. In the meantime, does anyone
> > know how I can mount my ETX on a Super-Wedge? ;-)
> >
> > Dan
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 09:19:02 -0600
> Subject: Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
>
>
> > Doc G wrote
> > <<<This matter was discussed in some detail and actually measured about a year
> > or so ago. It was determined at that time that the vibrations do to the
> > declination motor were about 3 to 5 times those of the RA motor. So I
> > wonder if you are observing dec or RA motor vibrations. If the mount is
> > perfectly polar aligned of course the dec motor is not running and the
> > residual vibration is in the RA drive.
> >
> > Unfortunately, there was no solution to this problem at the time and I see
> > none now.
> >
>
> See my additional comments below.
>
> >
> > These vibrations and other are discussed in great detail on my web site
> > under the topic of mechanical concerns.
> >
> > Doc G <http://www.mailbag.com/users/ragreiner> >>>
> >
> > Doc
> > Even with a polar aligned scope, there can be activity in the DEC motor.
>
> You are quite right. The motor seems to go into and out of a hunting mode in an
> arbitrary manner.
>
> >
> > There seems to be a residual feedback loop or something in some LX 200's,
> > which causes it to vibrate when it's not "running". The best solution I've
> > found
> > is to go to guide mode and tap on a North or South directional key until the
> > noise
> > and stops. Of course then the vibrations stops also.
> > Paul
> >
> > Paul Gitto
> > The Arcturus Observatory
> > CometMan.com
>
> You are quite right about this technique providing some relief to the problem.
> Some dec servo systems seem to have more dead-zone than others. The vibration you
> hear is the motor hunting about the "zero" point. Your technique does seem to
> work and I now recall that it was mentioned by several persons way long ago.
>
> I think it also might be possible to provide a bit of damping in the system to
> reduce this hunting effect. But, I am not sure just exactly where this should be
> done. It is a bit troublesome to tamper with the dec drive servo loop since it is
> often on the edge of not working at all.
>
> I have not worked on this particular problem very hard, but I may in the future
> try to find an easy and universal solution, if such a solution exists. Good ideas
> are welcome.
>
> Doc G
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 09:28:16 -0600
> Subject: Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
>
> Dave Bair wrote:
>
> > Paul,
> >
> > I know of the residual 'groaning' of the dec motor and the vibration is
> > can cause but I eliminate it in the same fashion you do so that is not
> > the problem I am having. Honestly, I believe the vibration I am seeing
> > is simply due to the quality of the motors used by Meade. I'm not
> > implying that Meade uses low quality motors, just that the seeing I
> > experienced would have required a much smoother operating motor (of
> > significantly higher price, I'm sure).
>
> Meade uses the highest quality motor that you can get for $ 0.75. :-)
>
> Actually, it is not the quality of the motor which is just a little DC slot car
> motor, but the combination of the motor drive electronics, the encoder and the
> quasi-seudo-stepper scheme they have chosen.
>
> This is all described in excessive detail on my web site. (well, more like
> extensive and excessive) :-)
>
> > I was simply hoping for a way to
> > smooth the operation of the current motors and hoped Mapug was the place
> > for my answer.
> >
>
> There may be a way, we simply haven't found it yet. The best trick is to jiggle
> the N/S buttons a bit to get the motor into a status of repose.
>
> Doc G <http://www.mailbag.com/users/ragreiner>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 09:40:01 -0600
> Subject: Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
>
> JDK wrote:
>
> > I'm no ME or anything, so if this sounds stupid, disregard.
> >
> > What if you could hang something off of the OTA? Is that not what Newtonian
> > and Dob users do? If I understand correctly, you could hang a chain off of
> > a rail on the bottom of the OTA near the corrector. I believe that this
> > reduces some of the vibration (at least I hear it does for Newt/Dob users).
> > I'm sure it's easier for Long tube telescopes than it is for a SCT.
> >
> > Maybe move the chain like 2-D counterweight to accommodate different
> > pointing positions.
> >
> > Again, it's just a thought...
> >
> > Good luck, and congrats on the great seeing.
> >
> > JDK
> > http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/1107
>
> Your thought is an excellent one. What you are describing is a passive
> vibration damper. These have been know about for a century or more. The idea
> is a good one.
>
> Basically, the concept is to link, mechanically, a mass to the OTA with a
> damping element. The idea is that the damping elements will steady the OTA.
> I have not experimented with this form of damping on the telescope, but have
> designed such systems for other moving mechanisms and particularly large
> motors.
>
> The use of a chain is rather clever I think. I suggest a possible experiment.
> Use a chain with a rubbery coating. The links will provide some mass and the
> rubbery coating some friction (dissipation or damping). It might also be
> possible to make a passive, dynamic damper for reducing the gross oscillations
> of the OTA. The damper can actually be designed to reduce vibrations at the
> resonant frequency of the OTA. This is 10 to 20 Hz for the 10" and 12" scopes.
>
> The above are interesting things to consider and work on. Perhaps some ME out
> there will come up with a nice damper attachment for our rather wobbly scopes.
>
> Doc G <http://www.mailbag.com/users/ragreiner>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 09:47:12 -0600
> Subject: Re: [M]: New ETX in hand! Woo Hoo!
>
> Hi Dan:
>
> Don't laugh - but a few weeks ago while waiting for a motherboard for my
> LX200, I mounted my ETX on my pier-mounted superwedge. Just a long 1/4-20
> bolt and some washers for spacers allowed it to be attached to the tops slot
> of the SW. Looked rather silly but was quite functional. I'm sorry I
> didn't take a picture ;-)))
>
> Clear skies and ^S/N ratios
>
> Gregg L. Ruppel
>
> visit my CB245 astronomy page at:
> http://members.aol.com/gruppel973/
>
> - -----Original Message-----
> Date: Saturday, January 30, 1999 2:03 AM
> Subject: Re: [M]: New ETX in hand! Woo Hoo!
>
> >My only problem now is the lack of a suitable tripod. I can't wait
> >for my Autostar controller to arrive. In the meantime, does anyone
> >know how I can mount my ETX on a Super-Wedge? ;-)
> >
> >Dan
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 10:03:47 -0600
> Subject: Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
>
> Doc--
>
> A piece of chain attached to the mirror box is one of the most effective, and
> cheap, ways to balance a large dob when using heavy lenses such as a 20mm Nagler
> with a Big Barlow. As you tip the dob toward the horizontal, you lift more chain
> off the ground--it works!
>
> Clear skies, Andy
>
> R. A. Greiner wrote:
>
> > The use of a chain is rather clever I think. I suggest a possible experiment.
> > Use a chain with a rubbery coating. The links will provide some mass and the
> > rubbery coating some friction (dissipation or damping). It might also be
> > possible to make a passive, dynamic damper for reducing the gross oscillations
> > of the OTA. The damper can actually be designed to reduce vibrations at the
> > resonant frequency of the OTA. This is 10 to 20 Hz for the 10" and 12" scopes.
> >
> > The above are interesting things to consider and work on. Perhaps some ME out
> > there will come up with a nice damper attachment for our rather wobbly scopes.
> >
> > Doc G <http://www.mailbag.com/users/ragreiner>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 12:23:45 -0600
> Subject: [M]: M: Drive vibrations
>
> Dave:
>
> Try putting a small weight on the East fork arm when the scope is pointed
> near the Meridian and see if this reduces the vibration. Most Equatorial
> professional telescopes have what is called a Preload that causes a constant
> back pressure on the Polar axis worm so that the worm and gear always stay
> in contact and a constant force is needed to drive the telescope. This is
> usually done by wrapping a cable around the polar axes and a set of pulleys
> and weights to supply the Eastward torque on the drive train. Not easy to
> do with the LX-200 because of those little black posts. That's why I
> suggest the small weight on the East fork to see if it helps before you
> attempt the cable and weights. This assumes that you have the telescope
> perfectly balanced.
>
> I have seen the same thing in my Alt-Azi lx-200.
>
> Bob Elliott
> Fall Creek, WI
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 12:32:50 -0600
> Subject: Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
>
> Now there is the thought for the day!! Way to go Andy.
> Bob Elliott
>
> At 10:03 AM 1/30/99 -0600, you wrote:
>
> >A piece of chain attached to the mirror box is one of the most effective, and
> >cheap, ways to balance a large dob when using heavy lenses such as a 20mm
> Nagler
> >with a Big Barlow. As you tip the dob toward the horizontal, you lift more
> chain
> >off the ground--it works!
> >
> >Clear skies, Andy
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 15:12:02 -0500
> Subject: Re: [M]: LX200 Motor vibration
>
> Sounds like a possible solution! I will give the chain a try and let
> you know how it turns out! Thanks for the direction JDK.
>
> Dave
>
> JDK wrote:
> >
> > I'm no ME or anything, so if this sounds stupid, disregard.
> >
> > What if you could hang something off of the OTA? Is that not what Newtonian
> > and Dob users do? If I understand correctly, you could hang a chain off of
> > a rail on the bottom of the OTA near the corrector. I believe that this
> > reduces some of the vibration (at least I hear it does for Newt/Dob users).
> > I'm sure it's easier for Long tube telescopes than it is for a SCT.
> >
> > Maybe move the chain like 2-D counterweight to accommodate different
> > pointing positions.
> >
> > Again, it's just a thought...
> >
> > Good luck, and congrats on the great seeing.
> >
> > JDK
> > http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/1107
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 19:07:30 +0000
> Subject: Re: [M]: RE: LX Focussing Strategy
>
> But this would change image scale as well as focus?
> The weight of a motorised 2ndary would only be a little more than the
> original. A tiny DC motor would do the job, a small stepper (simialr
> size to those used in disk drives) would be even better in that the
> position of focus could be remembered and re-set, but this would involve
> a more complex motor controller which would have to be mounted within
> the 2ndary housing. This is not a new idea, classical cassegrains have
> also used moving secondaries to focus - but of course there's no
> corrector plate as in the SCT.
>
> Chris Heapy
>
> Renato Langersek wrote:
> >
> > I think a better idea is to put a focal reducer or teleconverter in the back
> > of the scope which is able to be moved back and forward, with the camera
> > held in a fixed position, to achieve focus. This solution has the advantage
> > to deal with a total focal ratio of (just as example) f10 in comparison to
> > your solution around f2 (primary mirror only). The smaller the f ratio the
> > higher the focusing accuracy.
> > The other reason not to use the secondary to focus is you really don't want
> > to put to much weight on the corrector plate.
> > Renato
> > > -----Original Message-----
> >
>
> - --
> *Model Engineer Support Page*
> Engineering: http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~chrish/homepage.htm
> Astro Stuff: http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~chrish/lx200.htm
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 22:22:51 -0000
> Subject: [M]: Re: LX10 - Budget Astronomy
>
> Ricky,
>
> I have owned an LX10 for 18 months now and am extremely happy with it. It
> is a very good scope for visual observation, but I have also been able to do
> some good CCD work with it. Have a look at my website for images and a
> review of the LX10.
>
> I hope you enjoy your new scope, weather permitting!
>
> Alistair Symon
> Visit my website at http://www.gushie.demon.co.uk/
> - -----Original Message-----
> Date: 30 January 1999 07:39
> Subject: [M]: LX10 - Budget Astronomy
>
> >I had to fist fight my wife to let go of the money for the LX10 I got
> >yesterday (and she won! I got the money as a conciliation prize). Damn, I'm
> >impressed that I now own a telescope with a motor. The only thing I had
> that
> >had a motor and looked you through before this was the windshield of my
> car.
> >
> >It was easy to assemble, although all manuals to anything you have to put
> >together are deficient in most respects. The only thing that caused even a
> >minor problem was switching the RA motor to run on 4 AA batteries instead
> of
> >a 9 volt. The hex screws are tiny and two of the heads striped out during
> >the process because they were installed very tight. A screw extractor was
> >the solution to get the cover off. But, I believe a different style of
> screw
> >will be a better choice for future cover plate removals (as periodically
> >batteries will be required).
> >
> >I still have not been able to take it out. The old adage seems true, new
> >equipment = bad weather.
> >
> >So, I know there are other people out there with LX10's. Speak up!
> >
> >Clear Skies!
> >
> >Ricky
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 19:51:59 -0500
> Subject: [M]: Re: LX10 - Budget Astronomy
>
> Ricky,
> If you are excited now, wait till you get some clear skies. I bought my LX10
> in July,and I am very happy with it. The optics are sharp, it tracks well,
> and is a breeze to set up. Its nice to have that RA motor too, it is
> discouraging to try to focus on something (or even find) when it is moving.
> Good Luck with it.
> Joe
> - -----Original Message-----
> Date: Saturday, January 30, 1999 2:40 AM
> Subject: [M]: LX10 - Budget Astronomy
>
> >I had to fist fight my wife to let go of the money for the LX10 I got
> >yesterday (and she won! I got the money as a conciliation prize). Damn, I'm
> >impressed that I now own a telescope with a motor. The only thing I had
> that
> >had a motor and looked you through before this was the windshield of my
> car.
> >
> >It was easy to assemble, although all manuals to anything you have to put
> >together are deficient in most respects. The only thing that caused even a
> >minor problem was switching the RA motor to run on 4 AA batteries instead
> of
> >a 9 volt. The hex screws are tiny and two of the heads striped out during
> >the process because they were installed very tight. A screw extractor was
> >the solution to get the cover off. But, I believe a different style of
> screw
> >will be a better choice for future cover plate removals (as periodically
> >batteries will be required).
> >
> >I still have not been able to take it out. The old adage seems true, new
> >equipment = bad weather.
> >
> >So, I know there are other people out there with LX10's. Speak up!
> >
> >Clear Skies!
> >
> >Ricky
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 18:53:07 -0600
> Subject: Re: [M]: Re: LX10 - Budget Astronomy
>
> Alistair--
>
> Your web site has some great ccd pictures on it! I'm about convinced to get a
> Starlight Express camera myself--some of your shots are better than a lot of
> LX-200 pics I've seen.
>
> Clear skies, Andy
>
> Alistair Symon wrote:
>
> > Ricky,
> >
> > I have owned an LX10 for 18 months now and am extremely happy with it. It
> > is a very good scope for visual observation, but I have also been able to do
> > some good CCD work with it. Have a look at my website for images and a
> > review of the LX10.
> >
> > I hope you enjoy your new scope, weather permitting!
> >
> > Alistair Symon
> > Visit my website at http://www.gushie.demon.co.uk/
> > -----Original Message-----
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 21:15:38 -0700
> Subject: [M]: LX200 IN OBSERVATORY
>
> Hi Everyone...
>
> My LX200 is on a peir now. Building permits were just approved to go to the
> next stage to allow for a 16 X20 roll off roof observatory. Construction to
> start in about 10 days. My floor will be a concrete slab. I want to keep
> about a half inch seperation between the floor slab and the slab of the
> peir. Any suggestions as to the fill material between the two slabs?
>
> ED REGISTRATO
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 22:49:40 -0600
> Subject: Re: [M]: LX200 IN OBSERVATORY
>
> EDWARD REGISTRATO wrote:
>
> > I want to keep about a half inch seperation between the floor slab
> > and the slab of the peir. Any suggestions as to the fill material
> > between the two slabs?
>
> Air <g>. Otherwise if you really *must* fill it in then ask your
> supplier/contractor for a product suitable for filling in an
> expansion joint.
>
> Are you pouring it yourself or having it done?
>
> Gene Horr
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 22:08:08 -0800
> Subject: [M]: LX50 Dec drive idea
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Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 22:51:30 -0800
Subject: Re: [M]: New ETX in hand! Woo Hoo!
X-Mailer: Juno 1.38
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writes:
>I would like to echo everything Peter has said. I just got mine
>today, and it is a beautiful little scope. The controls are really
>neat, almost a miniature LX200. It isn't though. There is quite
>a bit of backlash, the the motion feels like a toy when compared
>to the LX200. For a first scope, or as a second portable one though,
>is is just fine.
>
I just tried out the Autostar computer keypad for the ETX. It was really
nice and easy to use. I would like to see the LX-200 updated with a
similar keypad, very user friendly and great layout, worth the
$189.00.......................ric
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