DaveyW Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Hi there folks.This is my first post at SGL so wanted to say hello but also wanted some advice/opinions ifs that's ok?First off I am mainly interested astro photograpghy with a bias to deepsky objects.I have taken up the hobby again as an interest I can share with my father (who is also interested in AstroP but probably planets) and we have an opportunity to purchase a Meade LX90 GPS 8" + a wide collection eyepieces and other equipment (basically a full setup) for around £800. The scope is 5-6 years old and seem to work fine but I have noticed a couple of small spots of mold on the corrector plate which I am unsure about.Can anyone advise if should be a major concern or if the scope can be serviced (in the UK) at reasonable cost?Many ThanksDave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glowjet Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Hi Dave and welcome to SGL, I am no expert on mold but it seems your intended purchase may have been stored in a damp place for some length of time, what is more important though, in this case, is the condition of the main mirror, as corrector plates can be cleaned with care, I do not doubt that Telescope House will have in-house servicing, but at a cost. Have a word if you can with a gentleman called Steve in their technical/maintenance Dept, he is a mine of information on such matters, he restored Sir PM`s Cooke refractor some time ago John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesF Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 If it has been kept somewhere damp I'd want to make sure all the electronics were in a decent state, too.James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveyW Posted June 3, 2012 Author Share Posted June 3, 2012 Thanks for the quick replies and welcome.It's been setup in an observatory (custom made shed) and suspect been left in situ.The main mirror looks ok but does seem to have some specs of dust on it. Other than that though it looks cleanEverything else on the scope looks to be fine (if in used condition). Motors seem to run smooth.The attraction is really the setup as it comes with a pier, wedge, tripod, electric focuser and 10 eyepieces.The guy is selling up and getting rid of everything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charon Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Welcome to the forum Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telesto Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Hi Dave, welcome to sgl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizibilder Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Hello Dave and welcome to SGL!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tinker1947 Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Welcome to the SGL, Forums Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sologuitarist61 Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Welcome to SGL Dave, and have fun with the LX90 if you get it. Used to have one many years ago and it was a great peice of kits and, considering its size, remarkably easy to use. Have fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Hi Dave welcome to SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesM Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Hi Dave and welcome to the forum. If you are thinking about investing in deep sky imaging, may I suggest that you get hold of a copy of Steve Richards' "Making Every Photon Count" (FLO £19.95) which will tell you what is the most appropriate kit to buy and why you need it to get good consistent imaging. For imaging solar system objects, the proposed set up will be fine as being bright objects, longer exposure and tracking aren't required when employing the services of a webcam. Deep Sky is a different matter and from what I have read, the wedge will need to both solid and very accurate is you want to accees longer exposures. The above book is modestly priced but rich in information and will help clarify this question for you.Clear skiesJames Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marki Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Hi and welcome to the lounge!. I remember a thread about cleaning mould recently - ah yes, here:http://stargazerslounge.com/showthread.php?t=180882&highlight=cleaning+mouldThis is to do with an objective for a refractor rarther than a corrector for a SCT, but it might help. Good luck what ever you do, the rest of the set-up seems nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spikey Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Hello Dave & welcome to SGL. Don't know much about Meades I'm afraid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToxoLight Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Hi Dave and welcome to the lounge, I hope the Meade turns out to be a good buy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saturn4me Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Hi Dave and welcome to SGL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Spock Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Hi Dave, welcome to SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingergeek Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Hi there and Welcome to SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
todd8137 Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Hi and welcome from me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeSuppalot Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Hi Dave and welcome to SGL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveyW Posted June 4, 2012 Author Share Posted June 4, 2012 Thanks for the warm welcome and advice folks. Decided to go the LX90 so will be looking forward using it over the coming weeks/months and getting things setup for my father so he can easily use it. Expect more questions to follow folks CheersDave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jflowers Posted June 5, 2012 Share Posted June 5, 2012 Hi Dave, welcome to the forum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Strings Posted June 5, 2012 Share Posted June 5, 2012 Hi and welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michigander Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 Welcome to SGL, Dave!Dana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoffteeth Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 Hi Dave and welcome, do only one thing before anything else. Buy "making every photon count" The best book I've read its saved me so much time and money and heartacheCheers Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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