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Old 22-05-2014, 10:20 AM
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Merlin66 (Ken)
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New Lodestar X2 - any feedback?

http://www.modernastronomy.com/camer....html#loadstar

I see this new version is available in the UK and seems to be gaining popularity.
Is it available in Oz?
Any local user feedback?
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Old 22-05-2014, 10:51 AM
axle01 (Alan)
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Hey Ken I got mine yesterday from http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/ $699 at my door.
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Old 22-05-2014, 01:18 PM
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Merlin66 (Ken)
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Look forward to hearing your feedback....
(Looks like you got a good price - now listed at $848!!)
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Old 22-05-2014, 01:55 PM
axle01 (Alan)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Merlin66 View Post
Look forward to hearing your feedback....
(Looks like you got a good price - now listed at $848!!)
Holy crapolar,,,,,, hopefully will be giving it a run Sat night weather permitting.

Al
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Old 22-05-2014, 02:08 PM
axle01 (Alan)
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Ken just reading the spec and someone can't read a ruler.

Size: 32 x 72mm anodised Aluminium barrel with front 25 x 0.75mm 'C mount' thread & input/output plugs at rear.

They seam to think it is 72mm long and it came in a nice blue padded case.
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Old 23-05-2014, 07:06 PM
gbeal
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Looks like the very front segment " might"screw off. This would make the ~72mm.
Have they changed the cursed auto-guide plug on the camera rear? It was the one thing that drove me to ASCOM and pulse-guiding. I haven't used my lead for years, just use the USB lead.
Gary
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Old 23-05-2014, 08:43 PM
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Merlin66 (Ken)
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Gary,
yes the X2 uses a mini usb connector....
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Old 24-05-2014, 06:08 AM
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My "Mk1" if that's what it's called uses a mini USB as well, for the info in/out. But it has a stupid flat 6-8 pin connector for the mount, the other end being an RJ11/12. For a while I simply plugged them both in, and tie-wrapped the cables to the Lodestar, as any plugging/unplugging eventually lead to the lead/plug failing. Hopeless.
Now I just use the USB only, and pulse-guide.
Gary
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Old 24-05-2014, 09:32 AM
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Merlin66 (Ken)
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Gary,
My mistake.
The X2 version has the usual 6 pin ST-4 guide port....
http://www.sxccd.com/lodestar-x2-autoguider
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Old 24-05-2014, 01:31 PM
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Ah,perfect, then the ear-bashing I continually gave Uncle Terry finally worked out. Good news indeed.
Gary
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Old 29-05-2014, 06:14 PM
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Some pretty positive reviews in SGL.
This video has images taken with the x2.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_uN8FMEePE

Im ordering mine from TS. Cant wait!

Cheers
Alistair
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Old 29-05-2014, 07:05 PM
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Is there a supplier in Oz???
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Old 29-05-2014, 07:51 PM
axle01 (Alan)
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Like I said Ken I got mine from http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/ but you said they are $848 now, I paid $699 at my door.

Alan
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Old 29-05-2014, 08:20 PM
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Quote:
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Is there a supplier in Oz???
http://www.astronomy-electronics-centre.com.au/ seems to be the only other Starlight Xpress dealer.
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