I'm finally trading up from my $70 Quickcam to an ST7 CCD.

When making a purchasing decision of this magnitude I always put myself through agony while I
examine every minute detail/feature/alternative. I have read many books - read many threads on
MAPUG - and worked through countless detailed web sites - and so I <think> I have some small
grasp of the issues involved with matching CCD to Telecope and understading something about the
operational issues and differences between different CCD's. Now I am looking to other MAPUG
members to help me in my final hour of need.

I own a Meade LX200 10" F10.

I am thinking of the ST7-E which is the new enhanced version of the ST-7. This will be the Non
Antiblooming variety. Will the Non-ABG version cause me greater difficulty than the ABG variety?
(Bear in mind that I never walk away from a challenge - especially if the result is better than
would be possible otherwise).

I will also be getting the F6.3 focal reducer - and also the 3.3 reducer. I believe with those
attachments that I will be able to attain the type of pixel resolution that is appropriate for my
telescope / the ST7.

I don't have any electronic focusing control on my LX200 although I was planning on getting the
Meade electric focuser (I know I'll probably have additional image shift issue to deal with but I
cannot afford a JMI NGF non-image-shifting-super-dupa variety focuser right now - and anyway -
doesn't having one of those limit the accessories (like focal reducer/color filter wheel etc) that
you can use due to the reduced focus range you can achieve)?

I have looked at many web sites showing examples of images attained with the exact same
configuration as I am planning - and the images were in my mind spectacular.

I would be happy to receive help/advice on this from anyone - especially anyone who has already
got an ST-7 hooked up to their 10" F10 LX200. I also want constructive advice from anyone who
thinks I could be making a mistake here - or wants to recommend something else other than an
ST7-E. A year ago I would have probably gone for a cheaper 416XT - but based upon the stories
here and elsewhere I don't think i'll go down that road!

Thanks for listening to my ramblings!

-Liam Kennedy
http://www.thekennedys.net/astronomy

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