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Subject: RE: [M]: Meade Elect. Focuser
From: Bill Arnett
Reply To: mapug@shore.net
Date: Mon Dec 30 01:02:14 1996

At 12:19 AM -0800 12/29/96, Michael Hart wrote:
>.. there are functions done by the JMI NGF-S and the
>Meade 1206 Electric focuser that aren't duplicated by the other...

As you own both, could you summarize the various virtues and sins of each
in one message so that a potential buyer (that's me ;-) might have a basis
for making an informed choice? I've been leaning toward the Meade unit as
it is much less expensive but I'm still not clear about all the details.
My understanding so far is:

JMI - works better in its basic function as a focuser
eliminates image shift
includes braking circuitry to reduce overshoot
does not interfere with manual focusing

Meade - much cheaper
works with Pictor autofocusing
works with the LX200 keypad
can be used near the zenith (in altaz) with a 12" (JMI has
clearance problems)

both - eliminate jitters induced by touching the OTA

What am I missing?

---
Bill Arnett              billa@znet.com           http://www.seds.org/billa/

  "I know that I am mortal and the creature of a day; but when I search
   out the massed wheeling circles of the stars, my feet no longer touch
   the earth, but, side by side with Zeus himself, I take my fill of
   ambrosia, the food of the gods." -- Claudius Ptolemaeus (Ptolemy)