Re: Meade LXD55 vs Celestron Nextar 11 GPS - Recommendations?
- From: "RMOLLISE" <rmollise@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: 13 Feb 2007 04:28:02 -0800
On Feb 12, 12:38 pm, JimC <avoc...@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
RMOLLISE wrote:
On Feb 12, 7:13 am, JimC <avoc...@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Thanks for the responses. - However, as indicated in my original note,
I'm aware that the LX55 mount is primitive and not adequate for the
10-inch Schmidt-Newtonian OTA. The question was whether there might be
another way to use the equipment I have instead of spending $3K-$4K on a
new go-to scope, such as purchasing a better mount for the 10-inch OTA
or upgrading the 16-inch Dob.
Jim
JimC wrote:
I would like some recommendations regarding which of these two scopes
would be recommended for a semi-novice (just completed the Messier list,
but with little experience with go-to, etc.) who is interested in visual
observing and getting into some basic astrophotography. I would like to
be able to use the scope to observe planets as well as DSO's, and it
would be nice to have reliable and convenient go-to and tracking
capabilities.
There is one important qualification to my question - I already have the
SXD55, with Meade 10-inch Schmitt-Newtonian and a 5-inch Cinese/generic
refractor. I also have a 16-inch AstroSystems Dob that I have used for
DSO observing - So, (before you start furiously typing away recommending
that I obviously should trash the LXD55 and buy a new Nextar 11) I will
have to have a logical, persuasive explanation, understandable by my
wife, explaining to her why I "need" a new scope such as the Nextar 11
when I already have several, explaining how the LX55 mount is primitive
and not at all adequate for the heavy 10-inch OTA, etc., etc.
Actually, I'm wondering whether there is a compromise approach I could
consider. - For example, if I wanted to keep the Meade 10-inch
Schmitt-Newtonian OTA, I might be able to get one of the heavier,
motorized mounts available from Orion for around $800 - $1200, which
seem to have sufficient capability for the 10-inch OTA. (But do they
have the go-to capabilities available with the current Celestron and
Meade go-to scopes?) Or, I could attempt to sell both the LXD55 and the
16-inch Dob and purchase a new GPS go-to such as the Celestron Nestron
11. Or, another alternative would be to upgrade the Dob with digital
setting circles, equatorial base, DobDriver, or the like. Though not
sufficient for serious astrophotography, that would at least provide
tracking capabilities.
Any suggestions (which include convincing WAF recommendations) will be
appreciated.
Jim Cate- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
Hi:
The short answer is "no." The LXD75 would be somewhat better. The
Celestron CG5 would be somewhat better than that. To really support
this OTA, however, you'll need more than that. The EQ-6 is a
possibility (Orion sells it as the Atlas), but you'll still be looking
at about 1400.
Unk Rod
Thanks. Further question- If I bought the Nextar 11, or possibly the
Meade 12-inch GPS Schmitt 200, would I be able to use those mounts for
supporting my 10-inch SN, or my 5-inch refractor?
Jim- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
Hi:
No. Not easily. These are fork mounts, and the tubes are not intended
to be detached from them.
Unk Rod
.
- References:
- Prev by Date: Re: We found Saturn!
- Next by Date: Re: Best Magazine for Amatuer Astonomers?
- Previous by thread: Re: Meade LXD55 vs Celestron Nextar 11 GPS - Recommendations?
- Next by thread: Now for some real searching
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
