Celestron 80 LCM

[Monstar]

Has anyone got or used one of these? Are they any good?

http://www.optcorp.com/telescopes/refractor-telescopes/celestron-80lcm-computerized-telescope-22051.html

I've seen one for sale, I was thinking "Even if it is no good I may be able to put my Heritage 130p tube on it". It looks like it would fit but would the mount be able to handle it? The Heritage tube is around the 7lb mark.
Anyone got any ideas or info?

Cheers

[Monstar]

This is it from Celestrons site.

http://www.celestron.com/browse-shop/astronomy/telescopes/80lcm-computerized-telescope

[OzStarGazer]

The first link you have posted... If you want to buy from them, the free shipping is only for the USA, and it is very expensive to post to Australia, almost like the scope if you add it to your cart to get an estimate...
The new Aussie service in the USA might help though...
I don't know the scope, but I assume it is mostly for planetary viewing.
I don't know if you can put the Heritage on it. I hope somebody will be able to tell you. I think the original scope is a bit lighter though.

PS: I don't want to hijack this thread, but if you know if I can add a GOTO mechanism to a Celestron Alt-Az mount and where I can get it please let me know (also by PM). I think my mount for the Astromaster is the same expect that it doesn't have GOTO.

[Monstar]

Hello OSG, the one I was looking at is second hand and not far from here so it would be pick up. I'm not that worried about its native scope, more the mount really. I'm hoping it would take the weight, but am a little more dubious about whether the style of the mount will take the diameter of the 130p.

I'm pretty sure the mount has a side mounted dovetail, which the 130 also has. Have you tried to mount your heritage on your alt/az mount.
I don't know if you can add a goto system to your mount, or if these are similar mounts, if I find out ill let you know.

[Monstar]

OSQ, here's a pic of the mount/tripod, you can zoom in on the mount head to see better.

[OzStarGazer]

The dovetail should be fine. I haven't tried mounting it, but it seems to be the same width as the refractor.
Maybe if it is not far from your place you can ask the seller if you can try your Heritage on it?

[Monstar]

So know one has an experience of this scope or the mount, I'm going to have a look lunchtime.

[julianh72]

IIS member JohnOz is selling a Celestron SLT mount, which is similar, but a bit bigger and can probably take a heavier OTA - I have the Celestron 130 mm Newtonian on mine, and I also mount my 90 mm Mak on it, and it works well.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=127395