Eric Lawrence Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 I have a Meade LX 90 10 inch, Just bought a Orion ED 80 T CF can I piggy back this on my Meade without having to retool any new holes. Would like to use it for astrophotography for now till I pick up a mount. Any advise. Thank You.... Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opticalpath Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 You can purchase dovetail plates that attach to your Meade tube using the existing screw holes around the end rings of the tube. These plates then provide a flat platform on which you can mount tube rings to hold your refractor. There are two types: one that uses radius blocks, specially shaped to the curvature of your LX90 tube, with a separate dovetail plate, like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imEZt14-URoor there are lighter-duty mini-dovetails that attach directly, without radius blocks, using only one screw at each end like these:http://www.firstlightoptics.com/adm-mini-dovetail-series/adm_mdb_m10.htmlThe larger dovetail with radius blocks and two screw fixings at each end are vey sturdy and a better option for your refractor imo. If you don't want the expense of a full dovetail and clamping system and you're up for a little DIY, you may be able to purchase the correct size radius blocks separately and make your own simple aluminium mounting plate to fit, drilled to take the refractor's mounting rings.Adrian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael8554 Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 Mount it so that the LX90 and ED80 combo is in balance when you release the DEC lock.If you do decide to use it long-term, consider getting a 2D balance system that fits on a rail underneath the OTA.This will minimise the load on your RA and Dec motors, wherever you're pointing.Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin66 Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 I used the ADM mini-rail solution on a number of Meade SCT's (8", 10" and 12").Now use the same set-up on the C11 for the 200mm f4 Zuiko/ ATiK16 "electronic" finder.Works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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