Re: [APML]: Meade2080 + Autoguider

[Robert Hoyle <rhoyle@earthlink.net>]

Lorenzo Comolli wrote:

> Does the LX3 has motors installed? If not, what motors do you have?Are
> there other models of motors for the Meade 2080?

I have two LX3's -- one has the Meade dec motor (Model 38, I believe),
and one uses a JMI dec motor that fits the 2080.  They work equally
well.

> I think that when there is wind (and I should not use the sheld), the
> dew is removed by wind, when there isn't wind I could use the shield.
> Does the dew zapper cause termical instabilities in the optics?

Your observation about wind and dew is accurate and perceptive.  The
amount of heat generated by the dew zapper is not enough to cause any
significant thermal distortions on the Corrector Plate -- especially
ones that you would see on photos.

> But I have to select the options from the button ON the camera, so I'll
> move a bit the telescope and the guide star. Does this is a problem, in
> your experience?

No.  The force used in pushing the little "options" button is not enough
to move the guide star from its position on the chip, after the
vibrations have dampened out -- if you have your telescope locked.  Of
course, once you start guiding you don't want to push the button, unless
you're ending the exposure.

> 
> > 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.
> 
> I'll search for it! Thanks.

There are two articles.  One on the 201XT: S&T, August 1997, p.51.  And
one on the 208XT and 216XT: S&T, September 1997, p. 49

> 
> Thanks for your help!!
> 
> Lorenzo Comolli

You're quite welcome.  Robert.  Concord, Ca. (near Oakland).