[Atmob-discuss] LX200 parts

[Gary A Weston]

Hi,

I moved to a GEM, so putting some Meade LX200 gear up on the block. I 
thought I'd post here before putting it up on Astromart. I am listing a 
lower price to the list here than what I intended to put on Astromart. 

Hopefully its ok to post such a thing to the list.

Any questions, feel free to email. For quickest response, please respond 
to this address, plus CC me at (gary.weston at gmail.com). Anyone is most 
welcome to stop by the house (Gardner) and see the stuff. If we plan a bit 
I can bring it by the clubhouse on a Thursday night or a weekend.

-Modified Superwedge
-LX200 Field Tripod
-LX200 Scopesaver
-LX200 10" Forks/Base and parts

Details below:



Best regards,
Gary.



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Meade SuperWedge - notably modified from stock (Much thanks to the 
machining expertise of our very own John Blomquist).
        $400

I used this with a 10" Meade LX200. While the original SuperWedge performs 
pretty well, it did suffer from its very own caveats. In response, I spent 
a good deal of time researching a refit. I basically combined a number of 
the best SuperWedge mods I could track down, plus added a few of my own. I 
probably put $350+ in expense plus research time invested above the 
original cost to the wedge.

Some key modifications:
-Machined and bolted for a tight/level fit. The original wedge is 'cast', 
and the wedge's 'arms' were somewhat off straight and level. This 
corrected that.
-Bolts that held the wedge in position at a given latitude could be 
difficult to adjust. On heavier loads if not screwed down solid, the wedge 
could slide and lose position. When loaded down with an OTA, making 
adjustments was as a result quite finicky. It is now easy to adjust with 
load and it holds its position solid like a charm. Teflon washers where 
applicable ensures smooth movement.
-All new knuckle saving rubberized handscrews for mounting the OTA to both 
the wedge (upper plate), and mounting the wedge to your preferred 
platform. (I.e. Meade Wedge or a pier top with appropriate mounting 
holes.)
-The Azimuth adjustment mechanism was replaced with custom machined parts 
and bearings.  Brass pieces, fits snug. Not sloppy as with the original 
parts. Also screws solid into place, while the original floated.

======================================================================

LX200 Field Tripod
        $70

These normally sell for a bunch more ($125+), but this tripod has some 
rust. It is strong and fully functional. I should have some rubberized 
blocks around to put under the legs. Handy if you set the tripod up on 
grass or gravel. I'll toss these in as well.

======================================================================

LX200 ScopeSaver
        $40
 
======================================================================

Meade 10" LX200 Classic Forks and Drive Base plus accessories. No OTA 
included.
        $450

I was so attached to the OTA that I dismounted it for use on a GEM. As a 
result all the rest is available for anyone interested. Works great.

Includes:
10" LX200 Forks/Base/Electronics
Hand Paddle with 3.34L HPP and cable
Dec Cable (the tab on one of the RJ plugs broke in storage, but the cable 
still works. $14 new through Scopestuff, or a handy person could replace 
the plug.. if you prefer)
18v LX200 Power adapter
LONG LX200 serial cable (50'?)

*please see online resources such as MAPUG, etc regarding how to mount an 
OTA and/or saddle onto the forks. Geat for spare parts if you own an LX200 
and want to avoid dealing with Meade direct.

======================================================================



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