At 11:08 AM 6/2/98 -0700, you wrote:
>I don't have a copy of the original message, but you can get all of the
>info at http://solo.dc3.com/pub/astro/lx200.html
>
> -- Bob

I downloaded this program, not expecting much, but wow! I'm still pretty
new to accurate polar aligning with the LX200 & wedge, usually taking
several hours to get a decent alignment (half the time, when I somehow
muddle through with no problems). Last week I used a GPS and the net to get
exact bearings & time, and that helped a great deal, but still back &
forth, trial & error with the drift method as described in the LX200
manual. Then I tried the alignment wizard on the 'Control Panel' software.

Got the best alignment I've ever had, have been imaging crisp images on my
MX5 for 2 hours now, and the LX200 is putting everything in the center of
the CCD! The alignment took me 35 minutes (a personal record), and still I
goofed up several times, misreading the directions (got used to the old
method). This program will be part of my regular routine. Kudos!

Did have some problems, possibly bugs. The alignment with polaris called at
one point for using the N & S buttons on the keypad, and the N responded
irregularly under the programs control, and normally otherwise. Also,
selecting 'back' during a procedure on occasion caused the program to get
lost, and the program got lost once when skewing, but recovered after I
closed the GOTO window rather nicely. The program is obviously in Beta (he
calls it 'experimental', but issues a 'b' in his version number).

Worth Getting. As an LX200 utility, this program rates highly.

Chris Margaritis

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