Dan Howard wrote:

> I am considering buying a 12 in LX200. I will use it for astrophotography
> primarily.

I have had my 12" for 6 months including 3 months at Meade to fix the optics.
The High Precision Pointing feature is astonishingly accurate. Tracking has been
pretty good after some diligent PEC training. It's difficult to determine
exactly when the mount is level due to the unfinished nature of the casting type
of wedge which gives you some rough spots. I have ordered a Millburn wedge to
get around that problem and to make polar alignment easier. Make sure you know
where the celestial equator is when you do your PEC training and synch.
functions since it really seems to make a difference in finding accuracy later
on.

I now have a good optics set. Balance is tricky even with a 2D Losmandy
counter-weight set if you're going to track across the zenith. I have no
experience yet of gear problems even though the scope is pretty loaded up with
counter-weights, an ST7, AO, NGFS focuser etc. Only time will tell. Several
people have noted on the group that you should NOT use the balance function in
the menu because it puts a big strain on the motors which most say are just
barely adequate for this size OTA. I believe the tripod wedge arrangement is
fairly stable but I use Celestron shock absorbers on the feet anyway.

Best of luck with your new scope. Wear it out! You'll have fun even though there
will undoubtedly be aggravation in the years to come.

Don't forget to bookmark Doc G.'s web site. It is a cornucopia of information on
just about anything you want to know about an LX 200.

Regards,

Dave

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