Jimbo75

1 hour ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

An EQ-5 would be adequate for visual use, or planetary imaging - I tried mounting my C8 on my EQ-5 and it worked okay, the OTA weight being well within the mount limits.  I did not pursue this route as dismantling the C8 SE rig and then doing polar alignment each time seemed too much of a faff.

If you have deep-space imaging in mind it may be advisable to go for a heavier equatorial mount. 

A sidenote - it is highly advisable to provide your SCT tube with a grab handle at the back end, or on the other side of the tube from the dovetail, to reduce the risk of dropping it.

@Cosmic Geoff - thanks for your insight on this. It looks like an HEQ5 is probably the minimum I should aim for to keep imaging as an option for the future - I've seen mention that an EQ6 would be better still, but I need to strike a sensible balance between cost, practicality and portability. Good point regarding a handle - there won't be much to grab onto once it's deforked!

9 hours ago, michael8554 said:

I don't think PhilipR is aware that there are circumferential screws at both ends of the LX ota that can be used to attach a dovetail.

Michael 

Thanks for your insight on this Michael - that should make life a little easier.. I wasn't keen on the idea of drilling the OTA!

7 hours ago, Philip R said:

@Jimbo75 - When you said '...makeover...' I assumed you meant inside, (i.e. cleaning the primary mirror & corrector plate, flocking, etc.), as well as the outside.

No problem at all Philip! In that context your comment makes perfect sense. To be honest this is a top tip which I'll bear in mind in case of the need for future cleaning. 

2 hours ago, Merlin66 said:

An 8" SCT sits and plays nicely with the HEQ5Pro. I used the wider Losmandy dovetail to mount mine.

My write up on the deforking of an LX200 attached.

No issues, no drama.

 

Lx200_defork.doc 27.5 kB · 0 downloads

@Merlin66 Huge thanks for this! The write up covers most of the things they seem to skip over in the YouTube Videos - it's really going to be useful!

Thanks for the reply @Philip R - that's an impressive looking set up! Makes me want to get an ETX to partner with the 8"!

I've read that an HEQ5 may be the more stable option. The potential to get one with SyncScan - or retrofit later is a big draw. I used to have a C8 on a Vixen SP mount and I'm aware that the Skywatcher mounts are clones based on it. The GP is a really well engineered mount and I've read that SyncScan can be retrofitted onto those mounts - so a good second hand GP / GP-DX may also be an option. 

I'm not sure I fully understand your comment regarding making a mark on the corrector plate for when I reassemble. I can't imagine it'll go back on the LX10 wedge - is that what you meant by reassemble? I've seen a few videos on YouTube about deforking SCTs but none seem to cover the LX10, although I suppose the principle remains the same for most wedge based SCTs. I'm going to do some more reading up on the subject as I don't want to scratch the OTA. 

I'd love to get to a point where I could image deep space objects - although I realise I need to walk before I can run so will focus on getting more proficient on the optical side first. I also need to take into account my location (partial light pollution) so I may need to make sure things stay relatively portable. 

Hi all,

I own a Meade LX-10. For those who aren't familiar with this type of scope, it's a '90s era 8 inch Schmidt Cassegrain mounted on a basic wedge and field tripod. Motors are fitted and functioning but sometimes need the odd 'nudge'. The OTA is a good starting point but if I'm being honest the rest could do with a bit of a make over!!

I'm not a fan of the wedge (well, this type at least!) and so I'm looking to defork the OTA and purchase an equatorial mount. I'm keen to future proof and would like the option of GoTo, either immediately or later via an upgrade. From what I'm reading Skywatcher seems to be the way to go. Any views on whether an EQ5 would suffice or should I hold out for an HEQ5? In terms of mounting the OTA, what's likely to be better in this case, a dovetail bar or tube rings? ?

I should also mention that at some point in the future I'd like to invest in a faster scope - I was initially thinking Newtonian but I can see lots of advice on here for APO refractors. Again, the name Skywatcher keeps popping up. Further down the line I would also like to try imaging. 

At present I have 9.7mm and 26mm Meade 4000 series Super Plossl eyepieces and a x2 Orion 'Shorty' Barlow lens. It seems the Meade eyepieces have a sound and steady enough reputation but I understand I may need to upgrade if I go significantly faster than F10 with my next scope. Are there brands and eyepiece focal lengths that I should be looking out for? At the moment I'm uncertain whether I should look out for something in-between the above or something longer? 

In summary - I'm thinking of upgrading my mount first, then investing in other / 'better' eyepieces but I'd appreciate views on any of the above!

Thanks!

Jim

@MarsG76 @JeremyS - it's comforting to know I'm in good company on here! I'm really looking forward to getting stuck back in.. 

Thanks for the warm welcome folks! ?

@upahill - you're not joking! It hasn't stopped here all day.. I hope the rain and clouds aren't an omen! ?

@Greymouser - I remember seeing all the glossy adverts for wedge mounted SCTs in US mags like 'Astronomy' back in the '90s.. so when the chance of the LX-10 came up I didn't think twice. However, I haven't really taken to the wedge - plus the LX-10 electronics are getting on a bit now. My experience with the Vixen SP makes me want to revert back to an equatorial. On the plus side mounts appear to have come on leaps and bounds. It seems that Skywatcher has cornered the market with their SP / GP clones. So, to cut a long story short - at this stage, for me it's more about the mount. I wish I had a chance to test the C8 and Meade OTA's of the era side by side as it would have made for an interesting comparison!

Cheers,

Jim

Hi all!

I'm slowly getting back into Astronomy after a stop/start 25 years or so.. University, work, house, marriage - although I've not got the excuse of kids (yet!! ?). 

The last time I was really into it was the early '90s when I was in my late teens and I had a Celestron C8 on a Vixen Super Polaris mount. The scope had gone by the time Uni happened in '96 and it was 2010 before I got the bug again - buying a used Meade LX10 8" SCT. However, despite my best efforts the rhythm of work meant I wasn't really able to kick start back into things properly. Fingers crossed things are a bit more settled now so I'm giving it another go!

I still have the LX10 which I plan to defork and mount on a GEM (I really miss my old C8!). I'm looking forward to getting involved on here. 

Cheers!

Jim