-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Horne [mailto:gsm2horne@...]
Sent: October 30, 2000 12:52 PM
To: lx90@egroups.com
Subject: RE: [lx90] Still confident.....

There is an astro-tent out there called the 'gallileo'
(sp?) that retails for $319.  It is a four sided dome
tent with zip-down sides.  The sides come completely
down, so the only obstruction is the four corners
(minimal) and the zenith.  It has a floor, and is
supposed to sleep four (minus telescopes, etc)  It
seems to be amongst the best of the bunch for under
$1000.  Hmmm......



=====
Scott Horne
http://starjourney.net

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Messenger - Talk while you surf!  It's FREE.
http://im.yahoo.com/


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com

There is an astro-tent out there called the 'gallileo'
(sp?) that retails for $319.  It is a four sided dome
tent with zip-down sides.  The sides come completely
down, so the only obstruction is the four corners
(minimal) and the zenith.  It has a floor, and is
supposed to sleep four (minus telescopes, etc)  It
seems to be amongst the best of the bunch for under
$1000.  Hmmm......



=====
Scott Horne
http://starjourney.net

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Messenger - Talk while you surf!  It's FREE.
http://im.yahoo.com/

Wayne Powell wrote:

 Update:  My dealer here in Canada is expecting the first LX-90's to come down the pipe in late November.  Has anyone heard differently?Wayne PowellAeroWood Media Inc.

Kevin
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Horne [mailto:gsm2horne@...]
Sent: October 24, 2000 9:45 PM
To: lx90@egroups.com
Subject: RE: [lx90] Still confident.....

When you finish your 'star-tent', you WILL post
diagrams, right? *grin*

=====
Scott Horne
http://starjourney.net

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Messenger - Talk while you surf!  It's FREE.
http://im.yahoo.com/


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com

When you finish your 'star-tent', you WILL post
diagrams, right? *grin*

=====
Scott Horne
http://starjourney.net

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Messenger - Talk while you surf!  It's FREE.
http://im.yahoo.com/

I voted for November.  I am forever hopeful : )

Enter your vote today!  Check out the new poll for the lx90
group:


When Will the LX-90 actually arrive?

   o November
   o Early December
   o Late December
   o Next Year


To vote, please visit the following web page:

http://www.egroups.com/polls/lx90

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the eGroups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

-----Original Message-----
From: jon@... [mailto:jon@...]On Behalf Of Jon Jacob
Sent: October 01, 2000 3:44 PM
To: lx90@egroups.com
Subject: Re: [lx90] Does this list still work and has anyone see the LX90 yet?

"Wayne Powell (AeroWood)" wrote:

>  My dealer, here in Canada, is now not expecting the LX-90 to begin
> delivery until November.  Apparently he says the Meade US office has
> only just received the first factory shipment and are assembling and
> testing them now.Wayne Powell
>
>      -----Original Message-----
>      From: jon@... [mailto:jon@...]
>      Sent: September 30, 2000 2:01 PM
>      To: lx90@egroups.com
>      Subject: [lx90] Does this list still work and has anyone see
>      the LX90 yet?
>
>      Haven't seen a post for a while.  Hope y'all are still there
>      : )
>
>      Anybody recieve their scope yet?
>
>
>      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>      lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>

Hum.  Once again contradictory information coming from Meade.  My dealer
said that I should expect mine mid-Oct.


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com

"Wayne Powell (AeroWood)" wrote:

>  My dealer, here in Canada, is now not expecting the LX-90 to begin
> delivery until November.  Apparently he says the Meade US office has
> only just received the first factory shipment and are assembling and
> testing them now.Wayne Powell
>
>      -----Original Message-----
>      From: jon@... [mailto:jon@...]
>      Sent: September 30, 2000 2:01 PM
>      To: lx90@egroups.com
>      Subject: [lx90] Does this list still work and has anyone see
>      the LX90 yet?
>
>      Haven't seen a post for a while.  Hope y'all are still there
>      : )
>
>      Anybody recieve their scope yet?
>
>
>      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>      lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>

Hum.  Once again contradictory information coming from Meade.  My dealer
said that I should expect mine mid-Oct.

-----Original Message-----
From: jon@... [mailto:jon@...]
Sent: September 30, 2000 2:01 PM
To: lx90@egroups.com
Subject: [lx90] Does this list still work and has anyone see the LX90 yet?

Haven't seen a post for a while.  Hope y'all are still there : )

Anybody recieve their scope yet?


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com

Haven't seen a post for a while.  Hope y'all are still there : )

Anybody recieve their scope yet?

-----Original Message-----
From: Ian Maule [mailto:ian@...]
Sent: September 16, 2000 10:34
To: lx90@egroups.com
Subject: [lx90] Hello

Hi Group,

I've been a happy Nexstar 5 owner since December last year but
aperture fever has started to strike. The Nexstar 8 is an obvious choice
but the recent LX90 announcement has sorta stopped me in my tracks :-)

If the scope is available in North America during October then here in
the U.K. we're probably looking at the first arrivals hitting the main
importer just in time for Christmas. Hopefully from now until then this
Egroup will be my source of all LX90 knowledge (warts and all).

Portability and ease of use are important to me. Both these aspects of
a telescope have got me back into the hobby after a brief flurry 10
years ago.  Back then I bought a six inch Newtonian but found it:

Too bulky to get in and out the house quickly.
Too time consuming to set up correctly
Too difficult to find *anything* (just call me useless)

Ian (in London, England)
http://www.nabu.demon.co.uk/nexstar

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com

Hi Group,

I've been a happy Nexstar 5 owner since December last year but
aperture fever has started to strike. The Nexstar 8 is an obvious choice
but the recent LX90 announcement has sorta stopped me in my tracks :-)

If the scope is available in North America during October then here in
the U.K. we're probably looking at the first arrivals hitting the main
importer just in time for Christmas. Hopefully from now until then this
Egroup will be my source of all LX90 knowledge (warts and all).

Portability and ease of use are important to me. Both these aspects of
a telescope have got me back into the hobby after a brief flurry 10
years ago.  Back then I bought a six inch Newtonian but found it:

Too bulky to get in and out the house quickly.
Too time consuming to set up correctly
Too difficult to find *anything* (just call me useless)

Ian (in London, England)
http://www.nabu.demon.co.uk/nexstar

-----Original Message-----
From: jon@... [mailto:jon@...]On Behalf Of Jon Jacob
Sent: September 15, 2000 14:26
To: lx90@egroups.com
Subject: Re: [lx90] Re: LX90 or NexStar 8

"Robert S. Greenstein, Esq." wrote:
>
>
> Hi Jon!
>
> The person you spoke with at Meade may have given you the tripod
> weight.
>
> Meade's LX90 advertising/marketing materials show:
>
>      Net Telescope Weight 31 lbs.
>
>      Net Tripod Weight at 20 lbs.
>
> And, the body copy states:
>
>      "... the same tripod as provided with the 8" LX200."
>
> It continues:
>
>      "[T]he LX90 includes the exact same 8" f/10 optical
>      system, including coatings, as the 8" LX200...."
>
> According to Meade's catalog, the heaviest sub-section for field
> assembly for their 8" LX200 and 8" LX50 (same OTA) are 41lbs. and
> 38lbs., respectively.  Of course, the mount and drive assembly of the
> LX90 have been engineered to be lighter but it would be astounding if
> it weighs in anywhere near 18 to 21 pounds lighter!?
>
> As for the future upgrades, the woman I spoke with at Meade only
> commented that it would not likely be before late spring of next year
> when those accessory products for the LX90 would be introduced.
> There was no discussion of pricing.
>
> Best regards.
>
> Rob.
>
> --- In lx90@egroups.com, jon@s... wrote:
> > I was told by Meade customer service that the scope would weigh 20
> lbs....
>
> > Any idea how much the future upgrade for CCD and long duration
> > astrophotography might cost?
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com

Thanks for the info on the future upgrades. I may get into
astrophotography later which is why I choose the LX90 over the NexStar
so this is not a big deal for now, but it is good to know there are
future plans from Meade.

The person at Meade insisted that the 20 lbs was for the scope.  I know
that it seems hard to believe, and I am expected the scope to weigh
about 30 lbs to 40 lbs, but I just wanted to BELIEVE for a second : )

Still, it will be far less bulky and about as heavy as my Orion XT8 even
at 40lbs if that is what it is.

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com

"Robert S. Greenstein, Esq." wrote:
>
>
> Hi Jon!
>
> The person you spoke with at Meade may have given you the tripod
> weight.
>
> Meade's LX90 advertising/marketing materials show:
>
>      Net Telescope Weight 31 lbs.
>
>      Net Tripod Weight at 20 lbs.
>
> And, the body copy states:
>
>      "... the same tripod as provided with the 8" LX200."
>
> It continues:
>
>      "[T]he LX90 includes the exact same 8" f/10 optical
>      system, including coatings, as the 8" LX200...."
>
> According to Meade's catalog, the heaviest sub-section for field
> assembly for their 8" LX200 and 8" LX50 (same OTA) are 41lbs. and
> 38lbs., respectively.  Of course, the mount and drive assembly of the
> LX90 have been engineered to be lighter but it would be astounding if
> it weighs in anywhere near 18 to 21 pounds lighter!?
>
> As for the future upgrades, the woman I spoke with at Meade only
> commented that it would not likely be before late spring of next year
> when those accessory products for the LX90 would be introduced.
> There was no discussion of pricing.
>
> Best regards.
>
> Rob.
>
> --- In lx90@egroups.com, jon@s... wrote:
> > I was told by Meade customer service that the scope would weigh 20
> lbs....
>
> > Any idea how much the future upgrade for CCD and long duration
> > astrophotography might cost?
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com

Thanks for the info on the future upgrades. I may get into
astrophotography later which is why I choose the LX90 over the NexStar
so this is not a big deal for now, but it is good to know there are
future plans from Meade.

The person at Meade insisted that the 20 lbs was for the scope.  I know
that it seems hard to believe, and I am expected the scope to weigh
about 30 lbs to 40 lbs, but I just wanted to BELIEVE for a second : )

Still, it will be far less bulky and about as heavy as my Orion XT8 even
at 40lbs if that is what it is.

Hi Jon!

The person you spoke with at Meade may have given you the tripod
weight.

Meade's LX90 advertising/marketing materials show:

      Net Telescope Weight 31 lbs.

      Net Tripod Weight at 20 lbs.

And, the body copy states:

      "... the same tripod as provided with the 8" LX200."

It continues:

      "[T]he LX90 includes the exact same 8" f/10 optical
      system, including coatings, as the 8" LX200...."

According to Meade's catalog, the heaviest sub-section for field
assembly for their 8" LX200 and 8" LX50 (same OTA) are 41lbs. and
38lbs., respectively.  Of course, the mount and drive assembly of the
LX90 have been engineered to be lighter but it would be astounding if
it weighs in anywhere near 18 to 21 pounds lighter!?

As for the future upgrades, the woman I spoke with at Meade only
commented that it would not likely be before late spring of next year
when those accessory products for the LX90 would be introduced.
There was no discussion of pricing.

Best regards.

Rob.


--- In lx90@egroups.com, jon@s... wrote:
> I was told by Meade customer service that the scope would weigh 20
lbs....

> Any idea how much the future upgrade for CCD and long duration
> astrophotography might cost?

Several phone conversations with Meade have revealed that they really
have no idea.  One to three months is what I have been told.  My sense
is that they don't want to promise a promise that can't keep so they
are warning that it might not be until November.  I would not be
suprised if I didn't get mine until Nov. 1 but I am hoping for Oct 1
and will start bugging the store I ordered it through at that time : )

--- In lx90@egroups.com, "Wayne Powell \(AeroWood\)" <aerowood@h...>
wrote:
> Just wondering if anyone has heard of or has an ETA on the LX90?  My
dealer
> (here in Canada) doesn't expect the first shipment to arrive until
October.
>
> In the meantime I'm still happily using my Nexstar 5 (which is being
traded
> in when the LX90 arrives).
>
> I'm finding that a GOTO scope is making me lazy, that is, I used to
spend a
> lot more time exploring and learning a region by naked eye,
binoculars and
> star-hopping before zeroing in on a selected target.  Now, punch a
few
> coordinates, align, select a target and boom there it is (if the
seeing is
> good).  I will admit, however, that I've been able to "find" and see
a lot
> more targets than I ever have before. I just wish that the planets
were more
> visible this summer, when surrounded by visitors and the family
crowd it's a
> little disheartening to have to say "now that little fuzzy blob in
the
> centre is Andromeda".  Visitors don't get the benefit of extended
and
> repeated viewing which improves one's "mind's eye" resolution of
obscure
> objects over time.
>
> One thing I did to combat this was to build a home made video camera
(so I
> could share views of the planets, sun and moon with bystanders).
Basically
> I took a miniature "spy" ccd camera (about $125) and mounted it in a
small
> project box with a 1.25 eyepiece filter ring (cheap one with the
filter
> glass removed) in front to attach a 1.25 extension tube so I can
mount it at
> the rear of the OTA (or in the eyepiece holder) and project onto the
ccd
> (with the camera's lense removed).  It works admirably as far as
I've
> tested, but admittedly, because I have to lug a television set out
to my
> observing spots, it hasn't gotten enough use.  I'm experimenting
with
> improving it's sensitivity (removed - ok broke - the camera's IR
filter) by
> using filters that improve the infrared sensitivity (which the
cameras are
> particularly sensitive to).  Hopefully, at some point this fall, I
will
> record some images to videotape and capture some for the web.
>
> By keeping the camera's own lense in, eyepiece projection is also
possible.
> Sears sells a generic Digital Camera Adapter (for about $80
Canadian) for
> telescopes that I picked up for this purpose.  It's not the most
precisely
> engineered gizmo I have but it works (attaches by clamp to the
eyepiece
> holder).
>
> Ultimately I am going on a theory proposed by someone (sources of
which I've
> forgotten) who suggested that by taking real-time video sequences of
DSO's,
> then selecting multiple frames of "good seeing" and using astro
stacking
> software to align and improve image resolution and contrast.
>
> Some other items that I've "engineered" that have come in handy.
>
> A focusing aid.  Basically a large plastic coffee can lid, with a
stiff
> non-corrugated cardboard insert for support, and an inner ring of
closed
> cell foam strip (to hold it to the OTA front).  Three 1" diam. holes
are cut
> in the lid (outside the position of the OTA's central obstruction).
It
> projects three images into the eyepiece which when focussed come
together as
> one.  It works surprisingly well, but I expect a commercial one
would be
> more precise.
>
> Anti-vibration pads.  A Home Depot Special.  For about $10 you can
get
> rubber sink stoppers and furniture leg cups (what are these called?
it's
> like a shallow rubber cup that protects the carpet from furniture
leg
> damage) that fit together almost perfectly creating an almost
hermetically
> sealed rubber and air cushion for the tripod legs.  I'm
experimenting with
> two versions, in the first I cut through the tops of the stoppers to
form an
> indent for the tripod legs to sit on.  The second I will not cut all
the way
> through the stoppers and therefore there will be an air cushion
trapped
> between the stopper and the furniture cups.   They work so well that
on a
> wooden deck this summer, only the heaviest of footfalls made their
way
> through as visible vibrations, and dampening of the scopes
vibrations were
> improved by a factor of about 2.
>
> Now that I'm getting prepared for Fall/Winter and the arrival of the
new
> scope, I started thinking about a portable shelter/observatory for
my scope
> (it gets cold here in Canada).  After researching the availability
and price
> of astronomy tents, I found that the ones sold by Kendrik (right
here in
> Ontario) are probably the best bet.  At first I considered them
expensive,
> but in searching for a cheap alternative to modify, similar tents
are
> getting harder to find as the major brands have all moved to dome
designs.
> Alas, Sears may have come to my rescue again.  I just ordered their
4 -
> Person Ice Fishing Shelter (6' x 8') by Hillary ($180 Canadian).
It's made
> of a black waterproof nylon material, perfect for hiding me from the
> neighbour's porch light.  Now I have to modify it so it has flaps on
three
> sides to poke the scope through.  There still will be obstructions
near
> Zenith and four corners, but that's the trade off.  I expect to use
velcro
> instead of zippers, but I'll let everyone know how the experiment
turns out
> once I've finished re-engineering the tent.  Also, I suspect that a
black
> tent could get rather warm if left up in the daylight during warmer
weather.
> I'll probably make a cheap fly from mylar material (emergency
blankets) to
> put over the observatory tent during the day to reflect away the
heat.  Now
> that's going to look really odd sitting in my back yard!
>
> Wayne Powell
> Meade LX-90 eGroup [http://www.egroups.com/group/lx90]

I was told by Meade customer service that the scope would weigh 20 lbs
which seems hard to believe, but if true would be great.

Any idea how much the future upgrade for CCD and long duration
astrophotography might cost?

--- In lx90@egroups.com, "Robert S. Greenstein, Esq." <RG@G...> wrote:
> Wayne,
>
> From a conversation yesterday Monday, Aug 21, 2000) with one of
> Meade's in-house LX200 Technical Specialists, the LX90 is slated
for
> a late September debut.  However, even he hasn't yet physically
seen
> a unit or any of the new subassembiles.
>
> Additionally, the AutoStar system for the LX90 will be an upgraded
> version of the existing #497 controller.  It will have about double
> the objects in it's database.  And, I was told that existing 497
> controllers will not work with the LX90 which comes with it's
> own "new" AutoStar controller.
>
> I also look forward to the fact that the new AutoStar will have
> Asertoids and Comets, which I do not believe even the LX200 units
> have in their objects database.
>
> I was also advised that for CCD imaging and moderate to long
duration
> astrophotography, the LX90 will require an autoguider which won't
be
> introduced for several months.
>
> I agree with your comment that the LX90 will have a far better
tripod
> than that included with the NexStar8.  If it indeed ships with the
> tripod mentioned in their markeing info, it is the same as the
> LX200's it is very sturdy.
>
> As for the AutoStar's Internet easy upgradability, I too feel that
is
> a desirable capability.
>
> As for OTA clearance issues, that was a concern of mine with the
> NexStar 8 and remains a question with the LX90.  With the LX200
there
> is more room, but it comes at the cost of higher bulk, weight, and
> price.
>
> I only hope that the LX90 is compact enough to fit the bill.
>
> Just for the heck of it I'm going out to look at 8" and 10"
LX200's.
> Hopefully, their bulk and size will make the "weight" for the
LX90's
> more bearable.
>
> Best regards, Rob.

Thanks for starting this group, Wayne.  We need a support group for
impatient future owners of the LX90 : )

I bought my first scope last year, so I am definitely a newbie.  The
scope was an Orion XT8 which I bought under the advice: "since you are
new to this you need to learn the sky, so the Dob will teach you how
to starhop."  Hump!

I spend several nights all excited about my new scope, saw Jupiter and
Saturn easily, caught M42, and then spent hours upon hours each night
trying to locate other objects.  Starhopping is not my bag.

Finally, after several months I decided to go with a GOTO scope.  Of
course, the NexStar 8 is out so I considered that and came very close
to ordering it.  I posted a note to the sci.astro.amateur list on
www.deja.com and someone suggested that the LX90 might be a better
scope.  After careful consideration, I decided to order the LX90.

I also decided that I would order from a local store (I live in a
small town with few telescope dealers nearby).  They agreed to a
liberal return policy, so here I am.  Meade told them 1-3 months on
delivery.  I am hoping that the scope gets here before the clouds
start rollin in.

Anyway, sorry for the short story long, but I wanted to introduce
myself, and say thanks for starting the club.

--- In lx90@egroups.com, "Wayne Powell \(AeroWood\)" <aerowood@h...>
wrote:
> Thank you for your post.  I created this eGroup for exactly this
reason (to
> discuss differences in similar GOTO scopes), and to support the LX90
scope
> once it is more widely available.
>
> I have a Celestron NexStar5 (had a Meade EXT90 and a 90EC - without
> Autostar, previously).  It's a 5" scope using the computer and base
> originally designed for the NexStar8  (the NS8 is yet to become
widely
> available in Canada).
>
> After getting my NexStar5 and going through a few headaches (testing
many
> Nexstar5's to find a mechanically sound one with the latest
firmware) I
> started suffering from Aperature Envy, basically realizing that
since I've
> dreamed of owning an 8" LX200 or an LX50 for quite a few years, I
really
> should make a long term investment in an 8" SCT scope.  (Still can't
afford
> an LX200, though.)  Being a gadget and computer freak, I finally
allowed my
> interest in GOTO scopes to override the guilt of using a more manual
scope.
> So I ordered a NexStar8 before I had fully researched the LX90
(which had
> only just been announced).   I've been a client of my telescope
dealer for
> quite some time so he is quite willing to allow me to exchange the
NexStar5
> at my original purchase price for a trade-up.
>
> Without doing some research I assumed the LX90 was going to be an 8"
ETX and
> (having owned both ETX's and a NexStar) the NexStar is definitely a
> worthwhile step up from the ETX engineering.
>
> While waiting for a NexStar8 to arrive at the dealer (which was
supposed to
> be this week actually), I spent more viewing time with the NexStar5
(which
> is a very good scope in its price range), and "discovered" more info
on the
> LX90.  So I cancelled the order for a NexStar 8 and am now waiting
for an
> LX90 which is rumoured to appear in Canada in October this year.
[It's being
> released later in Canada, some theorize it's to allow for early
market
> reaction and bug finding by the first US adopters.  First release
scopes of
> this nature always seem to have some manufacturing kinks to work
out.....]
>
> My reasons for placing faith in the LX90:
>
> 1.  I've been very happy with Meade optics in the past.
>
> 2.  The price is lower than the NexStar8 with more items included in
the
> total package (8 x 50mm finder, substantial field tripod, more
capable
> AutoStar).
>
> 3.  The look of the NexStar8 tripod is, in my mind, quite flimsy.  I
use the
> NexStar5 on a Manfrotto tripod with homemade base adapter and
anti-vibration
> pads so I am used to a high quality field tripod.
>
> 4.  I like the software upgradeabilty and other features of the
Autostar.
> I've already gone through exchanges and angst with regard to the
NexStar5's
> firmware (originally no horizon limit, no moon - now fixed).  In
colder
> weather (say 5 - 15 degrees celcius), the NexStar5's hand controller
display
> suffers enormously to the point of almost unreadability of scrolling
text.
>
> 5.  As opposed to the NexStar5, there is apparently less clearance
between
> the eyepiece end of the OTA and base in a NexStar8 making near
Zenith use of
> a Flat Field Corrector/Focal Reducer and diagonal prism difficult or
nearly
> impossible.  I have yet to confirm if the problem exists to the same
extent
> with an LX90, but I must admit that I think a Focal reducer is an
essential
> accessory for DSO observing.
>
> 6.  I went through a number of NexStar5's which had unacceptable
mechanical
> periodic error (actually noticeable during continuous slewing as
opposed to
> a backlash problem).  Since the NexStar5 Single Arm & Base were
designed for
> the NexStar8, it actually works well with the lighter NexStar5 but I
had
> reservations about performance with the heavier NS8 OTA and any
attached
> accessories (i.e. camera, etc.).  The LX90 advertises a 4.9"
diameter worm
> gear (a bit smaller than the LX200) but I believe it's more
mechanically
> sound than the NS8 approach.
>
> 7.  I'm not sure if it's possible, but I'm hopeful that the LX90
will allow
> manual movement of the OTA in the Fork Arms.  This will lessen my
guilt over
> purchasing a GOTO scope. [The NS5 will not allow manual movement in
RA/DEC,
> you must use the geared motors.]   Having had manual scopes, I fully
> appreciate the hobbiest craft of "star hopping" and star navigation
which
> produces a much more profound sense of accomplishment when you
"find"
> something you've been searching for in the sky.  Opposed to that is
the fact
> that during 2 months with an NS8, I've actually been able to find
and view
> more new DSO's than I ever did in the previous 4 years of owning a
> telescope.  Of course star hopping is still possible with a GOTO
scope using
> the slewing motors.
>
> 8.  My dealer, who orginally had reservations about the LX90 (partly
due to
> the ETX shortcomings and because the proto-type shown to dealers
seemed of
> inferior workmanship), is now eagerly anticipating one for his own
use.
> Further engineering on Meade's part has upgraded dealer confindence
in the
> workmanship and mechanics of the LX90.
>
> My biggest worry is that the motors of the LX90 won't be as quiet as
the
> NexStar5's.  I hated using the ETX 90EC because of the loudness of
the
> RA/DEC motors which was irritating AND made me self-conscious in the
> backyard.
>
>
> It should be known, that while I can't currently afford to own both
a
> NexStar5 and an LX90 (wish I could), I'm quite happy with the
NexStar5 as an
> easily portable, easy to set up, good quality GOTO telescope.
Alt-Az auto
> alignment is a breeze for casual observation use, I haven't suffered
from
> any "GOTO gone wild" problems, the motors are quiet, and the scope
> consistently puts targets within the view of the original eyepiece
(though
> not in the centre) 98% of the time.  It truly is a terrific scope.
>
> There's no question in my mind that the NexStar5 is a better choice
of scope
> than an ETX125.   So far, I'm betting, the LX90 looks like a better
choice
> than the NexStar8.
>
> I think Celestron's worried too.  They just lowered the price of the
NS8 by
> $200 to be more competitive.
>
> Wayne Powell
>
>   -----Original Message-----
>   From: RG@G... [mailto:RG@G...]
>   Sent: August 19, 2000 18:48
>   To: lx90@egroups.com
>   Subject: [lx90] LX90 or NexStar 8
>
>
>   The LX90's forthcoming availability has placed my interest in
>   Celestron's NexStar 8 into an extended orbit.
>
>   As this is a recently formed group, I eagerly invite comments
>   regarding the NexStar 8 versus what Meade has begun to claim for
the
>   LX90.  If such discussion is beyond the scope of the intended
purpose
>   of this group, feel free to e-mail me directly at RG@G...
>
>   Looking forward to an interesting group.
>
>   Best regards.
>
>
>
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------
> --
>
>
>
>
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------
> --
>   To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>   lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com

Hopefully any offshore production components of the LX90 will at
least meet, if not exceed, Meade's domestic quality assurance
tolerances.

In preparation for my new scope, I've already begun buying 2" TV
eyepieces, JMI's motorized SCT focuser, a Telrad, a Roll Table and
Orion's Heavy Duty Observing Stool, and have a 2" TV Everbrite
diagonal on order.

It sure would be nice to have a scope though!?!?  ;-)

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert S. Greenstein, Esq. [mailto:RG@...]
Sent: September 13, 2000 15:29
To: lx90@egroups.com
Subject: [lx90] Re: Any news on LX90? And other DIY musings.

Hi Wayne!

There seems to be lots of turbulence and poor seeing regarding the
LX90's availability date.  Amongst the various purported release
dates I've heard, the soonest is September 20, with October and
November also claimed by several "in the know" vendors. 

Hi Wayne!

There seems to be lots of turbulence and poor seeing regarding the
LX90's availability date.  Amongst the various purported release
dates I've heard, the soonest is September 20, with October and
November also claimed by several "in the know" vendors.  Not even
Meade's technical support people have any clear idea of when the
units will be available, and although I've had conversations with
four of them about LX200 and their ED Refractor models (in the past
week or so), none have yet even seen any sub-assemblies nor portions
of an LX90.  It makes one wonder???

Although I'm very intrigued by the forthcoming LX90 with it's
siginificantly upgraded Autostar system, LX200 Tripod and same
8" OTA as the 8" LX200, I'm strongly looking at the LX200 models for
their added durability and weight bearing capacity for heavier 2"
eyepieces, 2" Diagonal, and JMI's NGF-S motorized focuser.  Regarding
the latter, I've viewed through a number of SCT's in the past weeks
and all have had some degree of annoying mirror creep after
focusing.  One particular 10" LX200 was fitted with JMI's manual
focuser (version NGF-SE) which completely bypassed the mirror shift
problem.  Once course focus was obtained for a given eyepiece using
Meade's focusing knob, the JMI provided extremely smooth and very
fine focusing.

I haven't abandoned the LX90, but I am leaning towards the more
durable LX200 equipment.

The owner of the configured 10" LX200 mentioned above, strongly
emphasized that balacing the scope is absolutely essential to avoid
gear damage if a heavier diagonal, eyepieces, and focuser are used.
He destroyed the gears on an 8" LX200 by failing to do so!!  He
previously owned Meade's 7" LX200 Maksutov-Cassegrain before he
upgraded to the 8" LX200.  After he got the gear damage repaired he
moved up to the 10".

Since I plan to use a 2" focuser, diagonal and eyepieces whenever
possible, I concerned that the LX90 will have smaller 4.9" worm gears
than the 5.75" worm gears used on the LX200 models.  Also Meade's
specs. for the LX90 do not mention any manual slow motion RA nor Dec
controls.  They only appear to be electric.

All that being said, I'm eagerly awaiting a good look at an LX90.

As for the vibration dampeners, it sounds like you've come up with a
great remedy.  You might try cutting some Ensolite (or equivalent
closed cell sleeping-bag-pad-type foam) into small discs to fit
inside the rubber sink stoppers.  It may prove to provide just a bit
more density and add to the dampening of the assembly.

I don't know what type of tripod system you are using with your
NexStar 5, but Meade's tripod which will be shipping with the LX90 is
the same as that which ships with their 8" and 10" LX200 models.  It
is a very substantial and stable unit, particularly when used at its
nonextended position.  You may find that this tripod alone solves
your vibration problems, although on a wooden deck, I'd still tend to
think that dampening may be needed.

Hoping the LX90's appear soon....

Best regards,

Robert S. Greenstein, Esq.

While awaiting availability of the LX-90, I've been using the time to
consider Eyepieces and the Diagonal, as well as a storage case for
the LX-90.

As for the storage case, I'll probably go with a Pelican 1650. It has
wheels and a retractable extension handle which will be very handy
when traveling with the scope.  The 1650's I.D. (Inner Dimensions)
are: 29"L x 18"W x 10.5"D.  It's large big enough to *just barely*
accomodate a swung down 8" LX200 which is 25"L x 16"W x 9.25"D
(Oceanside Photo and Optical sells it for this purpose) so an LX90
*may* fit.  We'll know with certainty once the LX-90's actual
dimensions are available.  Cases4Less.com has the 1650 at the best
price I've found so far for $177.45.  I use Pelicans for other
photographic and video gear and they are outstandingly durable and
padlockable!

As for EyePieces (aside from the stock Series 4000 26mm Super Plossl
which will come with the LX-90) I'm interested in Meade's 8.8mm Ultra
Wide Angle.

I don't know yet about the low power/wide view end of the spectrum
yet.

I've also heard good things about Meade's Model #140 Series 4000 2x
Apochromatic Barlow Lens (1.25"), and the TelVue 2" Big Barlow.

I welcome all comments.

Rob.

Wayne,

From a conversation yesterday Monday, Aug 21, 2000) with one of
Meade's in-house LX200 Technical Specialists, the LX90 is slated for
a late September debut.  However, even he hasn't yet physically seen
a unit or any of the new subassembiles.

Additionally, the AutoStar system for the LX90 will be an upgraded
version of the existing #497 controller.  It will have about double
the objects in it's database.  And, I was told that existing 497
controllers will not work with the LX90 which comes with it's
own "new" AutoStar controller.

I also look forward to the fact that the new AutoStar will have
Asertoids and Comets, which I do not believe even the LX200 units
have in their objects database.

I was also advised that for CCD imaging and moderate to long duration
astrophotography, the LX90 will require an autoguider which won't be
introduced for several months.

I agree with your comment that the LX90 will have a far better tripod
than that included with the NexStar8.  If it indeed ships with the
tripod mentioned in their markeing info, it is the same as the
LX200's it is very sturdy.

As for the AutoStar's Internet easy upgradability, I too feel that is
a desirable capability.

As for OTA clearance issues, that was a concern of mine with the
NexStar 8 and remains a question with the LX90.  With the LX200 there
is more room, but it comes at the cost of higher bulk, weight, and
price.

I only hope that the LX90 is compact enough to fit the bill.

Just for the heck of it I'm going out to look at 8" and 10" LX200's.
Hopefully, their bulk and size will make the "weight" for the LX90's
more bearable.

Best regards, Rob.

-----Original Message-----
From: RG@... [mailto:RG@...]
Sent: August 19, 2000 18:48
To: lx90@egroups.com
Subject: [lx90] LX90 or NexStar 8

The LX90's forthcoming availability has placed my interest in
Celestron's NexStar 8 into an extended orbit.

As this is a recently formed group, I eagerly invite comments 
regarding the NexStar 8 versus what Meade has begun to claim for the
LX90.  If such discussion is beyond the scope of the intended purpose
of this group, feel free to e-mail me directly at RG@...

Looking forward to an interesting group.

Best regards.

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lx90-unsubscribe@egroups.com

The LX90's forthcoming availability has placed my interest in
Celestron's NexStar 8 into an extended orbit.

As this is a recently formed group, I eagerly invite comments
regarding the NexStar 8 versus what Meade has begun to claim for the
LX90.  If such discussion is beyond the scope of the intended purpose
of this group, feel free to e-mail me directly at RG@...

Looking forward to an interesting group.

Best regards.