Pat,

If the Autostar were available to fit the LX50 this would seriously impact
on sales of the LX200, so I wouldn't expect to see that option anytime soon.
Meade will always be interested in hearing customer feeback on their
products, but don't be fooled that is going to change the situation with the
LX50 and Autostar.

In my opinion, the introduction of the Autostar on the cheaper line of
scopes leaves the LX200 in an uncomfortable position because there is
currently a high premium paid by LX200 owners for the GOTO electronics. This
will have to be addressed and I would hope for a major revision of the
LX200's electronics in the near future.

Some electronic genius might be able to adapt the Autostar controller for
other mounts but there would be significant problems in trying to do this
(encoders, drive ratios, motor power output to name but a few). As an
example, you can set the drive ratios for the Vixen SS2K to suit different
gear trains, unless the Autostar's drive parameters are similarly accessible
(and changeable) it would be a futile exercise.

Chris Heapy

Astro Ads: http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~chrish/aa-ads.htm * UK Astro
Ads!
Astro Stuff: http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~chrish/lx200.htm * LX
Accessories!



Sent: 30 July 1999 01:06
Subject: [M]: Previously posted question: Will the Autostar work on the
LX50?


> I've seen the question posted before "Will the new Meade Autostar
controller
> work on an LX50?" Well, I've made a call to Meade Customer Service
> concerning this subject. The verdict is ....... NO, the new Autostar
> controller (either model) will not work on the LX50 (or LX200). The mere
fact
> that the "phone type" plug of the Autostar is not the same size as the one
on
> the standard LX50 controller prevents its use.
>
> I then asked if there was any plan to have one like the Autostar available
> for use with the LX50. Again, the answer was NO!
>
> In a last ditch attempt to rectify this deplorable situation, I asked if
they
> had a "suggestion department" that I could write to. She said yes, and
stated
> that it helps if they have something in writing from customers to take to
the
> various department heads.
>
> So, limber up those writing muscles and fax those requests (nay, DEMANDS)
to
> the following fax number:
>
> (949) 451-1460
>
> If they get enough requests, we may eventually get them to see the
marketing
> possibilities for a controller of this sort for the LX50.
>
> Pat Lanclos
>
>

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