Uh Oh (or I think I messed up)

[odell]

After months of reading and researching different types of scopes it came down to a 12" Dob or a 10" LX200GPS. I bought the (yea I know) LX. My reasons were I figured the LX would be a tad more portable (I know it's a beast), but I have two homes and travel between the two and the LX looked a bit more handy to break down. The other reason I went with the LX was the person I dealt with was liquidating all of the equipment associated with the LX and the deal (compared to retail pricing on the included accessories) was too good to pass up. The scope is lightly used and has been supercharged as well as heavily modified. I understand my learning curve is going to be somewhat steep as this is my first scope and I understand portability could be an issue.

So, in the opinion of the experts here, how bad of a situation am I in? I know this is vague, but I am curious on how you folks would proceed in my situation. Forgive me if I made this sound too dire. I'm a reasonably intelligent man and am not afraid to put in the effort. I guess my main question is will it be worth the effort starting with this scope or should I begin getting ready to peddle it and go another way?

Thanks,
Odell

[mutleyeng]

(not that im in any way an expert) but you havnt really said what the problem is...just using it, the size/weight?

There used to be very good yahoo groups for LX200 users that gave great tips for techniques to use for setting up and transporting the 10" and above - dont think yahoo groups are around any more but im sure they will have migrated somewhere else

edit my mistake - groups are still around
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/LX200GPS/

Dr clay i think uses that forum, so if you decide to give the scope a chance, its the place to get your issues answered

[odell]

mutleyeng,

Your right, that was a bit rambling. I haven't received the scope quite yet. I guess the question is, did I have no business buying it at the level of expertise I am. There still is a yahoo group, but the conversations they are having there are predominately about technical issues that are still over my head. Thanks for the reply.

[odell]

double post...sorry

[Nick Theodorakis]

Was that 12 in Dob you were looking at a tube or truss? It may not have been any more portable than the SCT you bought.

Nick

[redshifter]

A truss style 12" dob is probably more portable than the SCT. Many truss style dobs will break down such that most components will fit in the passenger seat of most cars. OTOH, a 12" solid tube dob requires at least a minivan sized vehicle to transport it.

In your case, seek out you local astronomy club, and plan on attending at least one star party. There will be plenty of knowledgable folks in your club, they can offer immense help. All is not lost. And, after joining a club and learning your scope, you may find you like other types of scopes more than the one you have. In that case, you can always sell yours and get the scope that works best for you. Only way to find what works best for you is to try out all types of scopes out in the field. This is where joining a club and attending a star party comes in.

[odell]

Was that 12 in Dob you were looking at a tube or truss? It may not have been any more portable than the SCT you bought.

Nick

Ultimately that was my impression. It was a tube.

[odell]

A truss style 12" dob is probably more portable than the SCT. Many truss style dobs will break down such that most components will fit in the passenger seat of most cars. OTOH, a 12" solid tube dob requires at least a minivan sized vehicle to transport it.

In your case, seek out you local astronomy club, and plan on attending at least one star party. There will be plenty of knowledgable folks in your club, they can offer immense help. All is not lost. And, after joining a club and learning your scope, you may find you like other types of scopes more than the one you have. In that case, you can always sell yours and get the scope that works best for you. Only way to find what works best for you is to try out all types of scopes out in the field. This is where joining a club and attending a star party comes in.

At the end of the day that's exactly what I will do. Tks Redshifter.

[grapes]

Third option, unload that turkey on me. I know, I know, but I think I can use it for a shaving mirror. I'll come get it tomorrow.

[mutleyeng]

mutleyeng,

Your right, that was a bit rambling. I haven't received the scope quite yet. I guess the question is, did I have no business buying it at the level of expertise I am. There still is a yahoo group, but the conversations they are having there are predominately about technical issues that are still over my head. Thanks for the reply.

just start a thread there with your questions and they will be answered. They are quite used to helping folk out with a new scope. If you look in the files section there is a whole mass of information, including how to carry and set up on your own.
The learning curve isnt that huge. Set it up indoors and familiarise yourself with what everything is and does before trying to use it in anger. If you dont understand anything, ASK in the forum.
The user group is your best friend.
The LX200gps dosnt require expertise, but it does require you to read through the manual and understand the steps it describes. So dont rush it and you will be fine

[odell]

Third option, unload that turkey on me. I know, I know, but I think I can use it for a shaving mirror. I'll come get it tomorrow.

No problem Grapes, bring that big fat wallet with you!

[grapes]

OK you're smart enough to own an LX200

[odell]

Thanks guys. I think I was having a bit of a panic attack. Reading about some of the problems people have encountered using their LX in the various forums threw me. I'll just lurk now until I have something of value to contribute.

Odell

[redshifter]

Thanks guys. I think I was having a bit of a panic attack. Reading about some of the problems people have encountered using their LX in the various forums threw me. I'll just lurk now until I have something of value to contribute.

Odell

Let us know when you get it figured out and are out there observing!

[mike alexander]

I've had a 10" LX200GPS for years now and it isn't the easiest thing on earth to work with. The instructions (at least the ones I got) were often quite mystifying. I remember running the alignment procedure as carefully as possible and ending up with the objective pointed at geological strata as often as not.

The worst aspect of the thing was the very poor alignment of the spur gears in the drives; the slop was so bad that automatic tracking was more trouble than it was worth, essentially unusable for, say, planetary work. I finally took the plunge and replaced them with precision stainless steel gears instead of the plastic ones Meade used. MUCH better, and you can do it yourself.

[odell]

Let us know when you get it figured out and are out there observing!

Will do.

UPS says I get it Wednesday, so that's when the clock will start ticking. I'm in no hurry though. It has taken 59 years to get this one, so...

[odell]

I've had a 10" LX200GPS for years now and it isn't the easiest thing on earth to work with. The instructions (at least the ones I got) were often quite mystifying. I remember running the alignment procedure as carefully as possible and ending up with the objective pointed at geological strata as often as not.

The worst aspect of the thing was the very poor alignment of the spur gears in the drives; the slop was so bad that automatic tracking was more trouble than it was worth, essentially unusable for, say, planetary work. I finally took the plunge and replaced them with precision stainless steel gears instead of the plastic ones Meade used. MUCH better, and you can do it yourself.

I agree with you on the instructions for initially setting the scope (at least the manual). I finished reading the manual and immediately went to every relevant web site I could find for clarification. A relief to read your post concerning this as I was convinced the cause of my confusion was acute cranial density.

I also read about the gearing problems you described. I may be fortunate in the fact that this scope has been supercharged by Dr. Clay. I corresponded with him about the scope. Included in the sale were a set of Petersen gears so if I start seeing any anomalies in the tracking I'll ship it over to the doctor pronto. Probably have a clutch kit installed while I'm at it. Thank Mike.

[mike alexander]

Yes, I put in the gears from Petersen ("Buck's Gears"). The only exciting part was discovering one of the original gear set screws was cross-threaded in the original assembly and I had to drill it out without damaging anything. Takes a very small drill and crossed fingers.

This is one of those real annoying head-scratchers. When you look at the mechanicals inside the drives you see the manufacturer did a very nice job until you get to those cheesy spurs.