mrpizza

An update from across the pond. My package arrived via FedEx minus the wedge that Lucas did include in the package. A claim was made with FedEx and Lucas has to fabricate a new one. I have a stern warning for new recipients of this wonderful mount. In my excitement I set up the mount sans wedge on my coffee table to get familiar with the software. I just had the counterweight bar attached for balance as the RA was parallel to the tabletop. I managed to get the meridian flip working with voyager and I was content so I decided to move mount out of the way until the wedge showed up. I removed the counterweight bar and disaster struck. In eerie slow-motion I watched in horror as mount flipped off the end of the coffee table once out of balance and heard the worst thud a Mesu 200 owner could imagine as it disappeared over the edge of the table. The fall was a mere 40cm but the damage was done. Neither axis would rotate with hand pad command with motors engaged. According to Lucas the jolt of the fall threw the calibration of the motors and "other" assembly parts off. To Lucas's credit he was ready to jump in a skype call to assess damage. He tried to walk me through a few steps but it was determined both assemblies would have to go back for recalibration. What bummer after 7 months wait. It will be at least 2 1/2 weeks for a turnaround but lesson learned. The saving grace is I got a great deal on shipping (1/3 original cost) and I have to wait for the wedge anyway. I told a friend who was concerned with my sanity that I have waited a long time to have these problems.

I placed my order back in September of 2020. It's now at the FedEx warehouse in Daytona Beach Fl awaiting customs release (been there for a week). This has been on my bucket list since I first saw a write up of one (7 or 8 years?). Since ordering I have picked up a new OTA and camera for it. It's going to be Christmas in spring for me. Being in the US I don't have many opportunities to see one first hand (actually none for me) so I have been following all the threads here with baited breath. Chris

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I removed the G11 and have wires hanging everywhere in anticipation of the arrival. The pier sure looks naked. I placed my order so It would get here after hurricane season so I can get right to learning how to use it. It will hold a new Meade LX850 ACF 14". Chris

Thanks for explaining your solution. I am anxiously awaiting a new one here in the states and am trying to get as much info from new users so I am ready for any "problem" I encounter. Chris

Can you tell us how far past meridian your setup can image for? Chris

The setup looks great but I'm sure the pictures don't do justice. It looks like Lucas went with the original SiTech Telescope Controller I vs the Controller II that was included in the previous version of the mount. Did he offer a reason for this? Chris

Thank you for the review. My motivation to pull the trigger just went up a few notches since the wedge allows for mounting on existing pier. Did you order the saddle from Lucas? Was it accessory or did it come standard? I see the need for that design to take advantage of through cabling. I look forward to follow ups. Chris

Hi to all. I am located at 27 degrees N in USA and have been imaging since the days of film. I wanted to broaden my horizon and join a forum that has excellent imagers from Europe to learn from their perspective of this hobby. Hopefully I may have a tidbit of information that can help someone.