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LX50 Telescope Topics


My name is Mike... having been an Amateur Astronomer for over 35 years, I've owned a number
of telescopes. My first true telescope came from my parents while I was in high school and was a small 40mm refractor.
That small scope was the most important piece of equipment I have ever owned in my lifetime. My other scopes
pale in comparison to the joy that small scope brought me. My second scope was a borrowed 6 inch reflector
from a generous neighbor. At that point, I became a true amateur as I began to explore the heavens.
My latest scopes have included 8 and 13.1 inch scopes but the Schmidt Cassegrain bug had bitten me. I purchased
a used 10 inch LX3 which I have just replaced with a new Meade 10 inch F/10 LX50 and the 416XT CCD
Imaging System. A Magellan II Hand Controller system was installed on the LX50 at the same time.
The CCD system comes with an off-axis guider which in my opinion is totally useless without major modifications.
I have followed Jordan Blessings guidance and added a Celestron 60mm refractor to the LX50 as a guidescope to take
advantage of the 201XT Autoguider that comes with the CCD system package. It worked the first time out!
I have just added the Celestron F/6.3 reducer-Corrector to the system to increase the imaging area.
I would welcome any input from readers of this section in reference to operation, techniques,
modifications and the use of the LX50 and/or the 416XT CCD system whether it be positive or negative
in opinion. those offered with merit will be posted to this site to further share any information concerning
the use of these systems. A lot of people voice disfavor to anything with the Meade label but I have learned
you make the hobby what it is. I will not post negative equipment opinions based on label bashing.

 
All my scopes have had names given them... Boris, Matilda, Gyendolyn. This scope has been
named "Cassie", short for Cassiopeia suitably named after the Queen of the Heavens.

 
Please feel free to start or join an on-going discussion in our groups and forums featured below.
Post a question and anyone can answer you!

The LX50 Yahoo Discussion Group
The LX50 Discussion Forum



 
 
 
 

The LX50 Named "Cassie"!
The complete LX50 system. This unit
has been enhanced with my own version
of the deluxe Latitude Adjustment Bar.
If you're interested in a much sturdier wedge
design check the product review
of the Mettler Equatorial Wedge.

 
 

Side view of the Optical Tube Assembly
(OTA) showing the Celestron 60mm
refractor mounted to the OTA
Attaching A Guidescope to the 10" LX50

 
 
 

Close up of the OTA and guidescope.
The mounting rings are heavy PVC tubing
with rubber tipped adjustment screws.

 
 
 

Nighttime shot showing the 416XT CCD
camera attached to the optical back.

 
 
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