I have a 1998 10" LX200 Classic that's mounted on a wedge, I have added
about 38 pounds of equipment, to the tube, this includes everything on the
tube including a 2" diagonal and Meade 2" eyepiece on both the refractor and
LX200. According to what I have read in the archive this is right on the
edge of the max loading limit for a 10". I have it balanced perfectly in
both directions it can be moved with almost no pressure and the scope will
stay in any position, I also slow the slew speed down to 3 when using it. I
realize that with this much weight on it visual observation is about all
it's good for. I've been using it this way for about 6 months with no
problems, actually, according to the power bar it is using the same power to
move the scope with the added weight as compared to using it without the
added weight, it is also tracking very well. It is permanently set-up on
the wedge but I remove all the excess weight after use. I have never opened
the scope up so the gears/bearings are original, I think it would have the
nylon gears.

Is this too much weight? Do you think I am damaging the bearings/gears? I
know there are replacement gears on the market, (Buc's, Peterson) but is
there a way to beef up the bearings? Any advice on how to increase the
life of the drive system would be appreciated.

Thanks
Frank



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