Re: I'm want to beat this XT-12 vs. Lightbridge-12 horse a little longer.

"Starboard" wrote:

1) I read a rating that was a complaint about the base laminates coming
apart after only a few uses. Has anyone else had this problem?

The laminate on the starboard tine where the starboard alt-trunnion
fits into the tine was not fully glued in my 12" LB. This was so
minor that it could have easily gone unnoticed. I have no idea if
this is a common problem or simply a 'fluke'.

As Jan mentioned, there's an unlaminated area on the bottom end of
both tines ('handholds') that would be good to paint.

2) How well does the collimation hold, the scope being of the truss
design?

Usually the collimation(of the LB) is off enough to notice upon
re-assembly -- but not 'wildly' off. On my last night out it was
nearly perfect upon re-assembly and I considered not tweaking it --
but I couldn't resist ;-) Seriously though, it takes little time and
effort to tweak it back. I labeled the collimating bolts and
documented how turning each effects collimation. Similarly, I marked
each truss assembly so each would always be assembled in the same
position.

3) I read that the Lightbridge does not hold position well when
observing object near the horizon. I know that that is a the catch 22
trade off for ultra slick bearings. When large 2" ep's are used (with a
Barlow), I suppose a small counterweight could be added being the
mirror to increase stability when using the scope horizontally. But
does the Lightbridge have a means to increase bearing friction? Knob,
etc..?

Yes, the LB now comes with an altitude brake. I usually don't need to
use it, even when I use 2" eyepieces; and often I don't bother
attaching the brake to the mount; but the brake functions very easily
and effectively when it's needed.

4) Meade support. I have had absolute perfect service with Orion.
Although I received flawed products, Orion replaced everything
promptly, no questions asked. One time, I had the item for 4 months
before I actually discovered the defect, and although it was past the
30 day return policy, they took it back anyway and gave me a credit.
Can I expect the same level of service from Meade?

I don't know.

5) The inside of the tube assembly of the XT-12 is painted flat black
to dampen stray light. The Lightbridge is only partially painted black
and only in the primary and secondary mirror assemblies. The truss are
white. Shouldn't these be black as well? An easy fix I know, but
wanted the groups opinion.

Yes, there are white areas inside the 12" LB tube assemblies. So far
I've not been tempted to paint mine; but I do my observing from a dark
location with all potential light trespass blocked. If light trespass
is present you will want to apply a bit of black paint to those areas.
I'll probably eventually paint mine . . . perhaps sooner now that
you've reminded me ;-)

As for the trusses, they're more of an 'aluminum' color than white.
You'll very likely want to cover the truss assembly with a shroud to
minimize dew and frost formation on your mirrors -- if not to block
light. I got by very cheaply with a large, dark green, trash bag and
a few wire ribs until I fabricated a more durable shroud out of
fabric. I see no reason to paint the trusses.

6) Included accessories: The XT-12 now comes with the 9x50 right angle
finder and a laser collimator (which I have yet to find one worth
having. I had two, neither one worth a crap). The Lightbridge, a red
dot finder.

7) Cost: XT-12 is $869. The Lightbridge $999.

Your thoughts....

The two scopes are probably reasonably comparable to one another. If
portability is anticipated as being a concern I would go for the
LightBridge. Otherwise the XT-12 would be worth considering.

Note also, the XT-12 price does *not* include shipping. The
LightBridge price *can* include shipping depending upon which dealer
you purchase it from.

I drilled holes and attached a mounting bracket on my 12" LB's lower
tube assembly to allow attachment of a homemade, 9x50, rt-angle
finder. The added weight had absolutely no negative effects on the
scope's balance.

Other home-made additions: I made a cover for the secondary mirror, a
box for the upper tube assembly, and covers for the OTA top and bottom
sections -- (I'm somewhat obsessive-compulsive when it comes to
telescopes ;-) I also cut a couple plywood squares, marked them for
OTA placement, and drilled over-sized holes that correspond to where
the collimation and locking screws are on the lower tube assembly.
These squares me to rest the lower OTA section on its base without
putting any weight on the screws. I can place one square just inside
the door and the other just outside the door when I'm shifting the
scope from inside to outside and vice-versa. Sometimes it's the
little things that can simplify living with a telescope ;-)
--
Bill
Celestial Journeys
http://cejour.blogspot.com
.