Page updated: 16 July 2010
| 12" LX200ACF |
| I received this telescope on 25 February 2009, purchased at Aquarius Optics. After four years of observing using an 8" LX200GPS-SMT I felt as if I had reached the limits of the instrument. I was time for something bigger. Due to my satisfying experience with the Autostar system I again chose an LX by Meade. This telescope is large and much heavier than the 8" version but still transportable. Optically this scope is very good and I have not been able to note any mechanical flaws. GOTO's are right on and tracking is perfect. In this price class I can not wish for a finer instrument. |
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| Click here for pictures of the unpacking of the scope + accessories. |
| Upgrades / Modifications |
| For ease of use and/or as a precaution I installed the modifications listed below. Click on the product's name for further information. |
| Get-A-Grip™ Ergonomic Handles: Without these handles this large telescope is much more difficult to lift. |
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| EZ-Focus™ Kit: The LX200 focusing system has considerable play. This upgrade removes it. |
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| EZ-Clutch™ Kit: A declination lock modification that enables tightening of the lock using very little strength. I installed this modification as a precaution to prevent from every overtightening the lock accidentally. An overtightened declination lock will degrade with time and may even break. |
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| EZ-Balance™ On-Axis Counterweight: All LX200 telescopes are "nose heavy". A dew shield or other accessories will make the imbalance worse. This counterweight is attached to the rear of the telescope, near the eyepiece which will balance the telescope or will at least improve it. |
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| Antares 7×50mm Right Angle Finderscope: Meade's standard finder is useable only when you are standing on your head. This right angle finder is much easier to work with. |
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| Fine Focus Knob: Finer manual focusing. |
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| JMI Event Horizon (EV-1c) Focuser: As a replacement for Meade's Zero Image Shift Microfocuser. Although Meade's electronic focuser works well it lacks "feel" when focusing. It also easily shoots through the focal point. This mechanical focuser is far more convenient. |
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| Bob's Knobs™: Collimating is easier than ever. |
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 10" LXD75 Schmidt-Newtonian |
| I received this telescope on 26 November 2009, purchased at Aquarius Optics. Although my 12" LX200 gives beautiful views it is a telescope with a relatively narrow field of view. This 10" Schmidt-Newtonian allows me to obtain a field of view of over two degrees using my eyepieces. I intend to mount the optics on an EQ-6 mounts. Although the LXD75 mount can handle the 10" OTA it is pushing the limits. I expect to use the LXD mount for wide field photography using a camera + lens. |
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| Click here for pictures of the unpacking of the scope + accessories. |
| Upgrades / Modifications |
| Bob's Knobs™: Collimating is easier than ever. |
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ETX-125AT |
| This is my travelscope. It currently resides in South Africa. It's a relatively small and easily portable telescope with good optics and perfect GOTO's. |
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| Upgrades / Modifications |
| Meade #883 Deluxe Field Tripod: The ETX-125AT and PE come with the
#884 tripod. This tripod is only suitable for the "Alt-Az" mounting of the telescope. For a "polar" setup the tripod is barely useable as it does
not have the option of adjustment in the horizontal plane. The #883 tripod is adjustable both horizontally and vertically which makes polar alignment much easier. This tripod came with the "EC" series as a standard but was discontinued when Meade started the "AT" & "PE" series. |
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| Contragewichten: The ETX-125 is not balanced. Accessories like a dewheater and/or dewshield increase this imbalance. To fix this I use homemade counterweight which attach to the rear of the telescope using velcro. |
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Bresser 10×50 binoculars |
| A cheap but functional pair of binoculars which, when mounted on a tripod are are quite useable for quick and easy observing. |
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