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Subject: Re: [M]: LX200: To Purchase - THANKS
From: Frank Loch
Reply To: mapug@shore.net
Date: Thu Feb 12 01:48:56 1998
> On Wed, 11 Feb 1998, Frank Loch wrote:
>
> >
> > Stephen -- First, good polar alignment requires a very rigid mount.
> > Wheely bars are very spongy!. Polar alignment should then be done
> > each time you drag the scope out to use it ( I say grag here, because
> > my 12" lx200 plus giant pod, plus super wedge, plus wheely bar
> > weighed about 400 lbs).
> >
>
> The Meade catalog lists: Optical tube & fork mount 70 lbs
> Giant field tripod 50 lbs
> Superwedge 26 lbs
> ------
> Total .................. 146 lbs
>
> That makes the wheeley bar about 254 lbs. Shouldn't be too spongy :)
>
> No, seriously, perhaps it felt like 400 lbs. I am disappointed to
> hear that the wheeley bar was spongy, though.
>
> > Now, on the pier, at the most I do a polar alignment once a year
> > (just a touch up at that), and use the scope, weather permitting, 10 to 15 times per month,
> > sometimes even more frequently. As I said previously, I push a few
> > switches, and within several minutes, I'm taking images, thanks to
> > the pier, and that wonderful lx200 + TheSky & CCDOPS software.
> >
> > In other words, set up time is nil.
> >
>
> That sounds great, but it would make it a little harder to bring to
> Mt. Pinos! Sorry, I'm just feeling a little silly today :)
>
> I'm really glad you are happy with your setup, but I am definitely looking
> for some portability in mine, even around the two observing sites on my
> property.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Stephen
> sjs@compbio.caltech.edu
>
>
Stephen -- Yep! My "wheely bar" did weigh about 250 lbs. It was
constructed from lots of 1.5" steel pipe and had 12" diam. fully
pnumatic wheels. It also had two shelves for supporting accessories,
and a large DC battery power supply.
I thought it was the right way to go initially, but learned through
experience that it was not for me. Now having a remote operating
setup on a pier, has really increased my useage and enjoyment with the
LX200.
Best regards,
Frank Loch
Try Deep Space 99 at http://www.early.com/~floch/index.html
For Gemstone information try: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/FLoch/