Re: [APML]: Meade2080 + Autoguider

[Robert Hoyle <rhoyle@earthlink.net>]

Lorenzo, while I generally agree with the comments concerning your
question, from Rod and the LaBelle's, I would add a few things.

I have an old 2080 LX3 that uses a 201XT (with a Taurus Astrophoto
System), and it works fine (I've used it with good guiding success on
photos up to 2hrs).

The generally voiced concern on "mount stability" with the Meade SCT
fork-mount design, in my opinion, is overstated.  You may not be able to
photograph in strong winds, but even the "old" design fork arms of the
1987 vintage LX3 is adequate for most situations. LX200 vintage fork
arms are even much more sturdy.  The really important factor here, for
me at least, is the short "wind profile" of the SCT OTA.  If you attach
a dew shield of appropriate length to it, you've got problems with all
but the slightest winds.  So, use a dew zapper (Kendrick, Orion, etc). 
Hopefully you won't run into many situations that require both zapper
and dew shield.

The real beauty of the 201XT is its "compactness" -- no needed computer
interface, very small size, lightweight, etc. It does everything that I
consider essential.  Granted, it may not be a complete match to the
ST-4, but it is a less-expensive option, perhaps particularly
appropriate to those entering the field of auto-guiding.  There was a
good review in S&T a while back (1997, I'm pretty sure) that did a
partial comparison of the 201XT with some features of the ST-4.  You may
want to see if your library, etc. has a copy.

The LaBelle's recommended a 208XT, if you were considering Meade.  This
may be a good choice, but with the added "cooling" function of the 208
(which allows a minimum of "digital-imaging" capabilities) the power
consumption is said to be much larger than the 201's.  This may require
a larger, heavier battery to lug around.

The LaBelle's comments on the 520 Relay are appropriate and accurate. 
Just a cost of doing business with Meade, I guess.  Seems that I recall
talking to SBIG some number of years ago about their ST-4, and they also
would "interface" it to my LX3 for about $70. Meade charged $100
(several years later).  I only sent them my drive base, and hand box --
not the OTA.  And it worked fine the first time.  Watch out for 201's
connector cables, tho -- it took me several frustrating nights to find
out that it had a short in it.  Hope this helps.  Robert, Concord, Ca.
(near Oakland).




Lorenzo Comolli wrote:
> 
> 
> I'm valutating the possibility of making astrophotos with my standard
> Meade2080 telescope. I see that I need very long time exposure for using
> fine grain film. So I want to know if it is possible to obtain good
> results with a CCD Autoguider. I'll buy the AR/Dec motors. I see that
> Meade sell a relay (#520) for this motors to be controlled by Meade
> 201XT CCD. But I read in this mailing-list that the ST4 is better.
> So my question is: can I use ST4 with my telescope and the optional
> motors? Is the #520 relay usable with ST4? Or the only CCD avaiable to
> connect is 201XT?
> 
> Thaks to all!
> Lorenzo Comolli