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Subject: LX200 16" Users
From: Doug Snyder
Reply To: mapug@shore.net
Date: Wed Nov 09 22:05:22 1994

Myself and an astro-buddy, each having a 10" Meade (1 of which is LX200), would like to know if anyone on the receiving end of this mail list owns, or has experience with the LX200 16" as a personal telescope or as one set-up within a school within the U.S. My astro-buddy is very serious about purchasing one for personal use, along with a jib crane!, and would certainly entertain any comments on the optical system, the mechanical construction, and electronic per- formance. In fact, any evaluation or comments would be appreciated. For myself, I am a recent proud owner of a 10" LX200 with the V3.30 software, and I am so glad I took the plunge. It has worked almost flawlessly over the last 3 months, with the only difficulty being the electric focus which attaches to the rear cell focus knob. I found two problems with my unit: gear alignment within the housing, and insufficient torque. The former was resolved by keeping the housing attachment screws slightly loose during motor installation, and then only snugging slightly after installation; the latter was improved considerably when I tightened up the lock nut on the motor shaft securing the gear that engages the focus knob. It was just loose enough to cause the gear to slip and of course, the focus knob would turn, stop, turn alittle more, stop. It was very frustrating as many as you know. But since I have done the above, my focus adjustments have been non-binding, smooth, and continuous.

I know there is always room for improvement, and there are creative ways that each of us come up with to make large or small improvements in our observing and/or research use of the LX200 - I thank all who share those ideas with the rest of us!