Lx-90 gps

[Numanoid]

Hello!

New to this Forum so please be patient if I am not following protocol!

I am absolutely a newbie to Astronomy. I was fortunate to pick up at a garage sale a MEADE LX-90 GPS. However, it never had an eyepiece or the 'controller' (?).

It came with a Viewfinder which looks like a Bintel and not the original.

So at this stage I do not even know if it is any good! Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I think that it could benefit from a good clean (internally). How best to do this? Are there specialists in Brisbane who can do this?

I would also like to purchase an eyepiece - any advice for a newbie on their first eyepiece. At this stage I just want to check if the MEADE works.

Any help, guidance will be much appreciated!

Thanks!

[m11]

Hi Numaniod,

I am no expert in sct scopes but i would recommend:


post some pics of the mirrors and scope itself
do you have a diagonal with the scope?
i would be wanting to test the electronics, does it power on. A handset will probably be required to test if the scope is fully operational
if you can get a simple low power eyepiece and have the diagonal, i would test the scope. Let it cool down as well. You can still use the scope manually. You will need to probably align the finderscope as well.
i would recommended to check its collimation as well.
i am not across people who service scts in Briabane. Maybe others will have suggestions.


Hope it helps and best of luck :thumbsup:

One thing, enjoy the journey. :hi:

M11

[gaseous]

Welcome Jason,

If you can get yourself and the scope into the Myer Centre, the chaps at AstroAnarchy (Level 2 I think) would be able to answer your questions. I can't say for certain if they can service it, but they'd certainly give you the advice to have a crack at it yourself. Their website shows that they stock the LX-90 model, so you would hope they could point you in the right direction.

[Numanoid]

Thanks!
Some questions as i am still learning the lingo:-

1. Diagonal. I am *guessing* that this is literally the diagonal piece that you would attach the eye piece to, right? If so yes, there is a Bintel one attached.
2. testing electronics. I will need that controller/handset (missing) right? or is there another way to test this?
3. How do i align the finderscope?
4. What is collimation?

[Numanoid]

Awesome recommendation! I'll call them.

[Numanoid]

Also, can I just use regular Allen Keys to open the LX-90 GPS and take a look at its internal condition?

[doppler]

If you do open up the scope make sure you mark the orientation of the cells with some tape so they go back in the same spot.

[m11]

Hi Numanoid,

All good, most of us are still learning constantly.

Ensuring the scope mirrors are align otherwise you get flares and not the most optimal view. With a SCT you generally need to leave it outside to temperature equalise as well. The sct has the collimation screws/knobs at the front of the scope in the middle.
https://starizona.com/acb/basics/using_collimating_sct.aspx

[Numanoid]

Hey thanks for this - and I did see a German/Swiss guy do exactly this on YouTube.
He said 'regular tools' but looking at my LX-90 I'm not sure if regular Allen keys will work...I've tried a few. perhaps I have wrong ones...

[AndrewJ]

Gday Jason
The mount will not work without a hand controller, as 95% of the smarts for an LX90 are in the handbox.
You need to get a 497 or Audiostar type handbox.
The 497s are hard to find now, but if you can find one second hand it will work. Audiostars can be bought new but you may need to change the firmware to make it work properly with the LX90.
As to eyepieces, the std issue with most Meades is a 26mm Plossl.
Its a nice size to cover most stuff when you are beginning.

Andrew

[Numanoid]

Brilliant link - thanks!
...and I learned what an SCT is into the bargain!

[Numanoid]

Bummer - the person I bought the scope from said they had the controller just misplaced along with the eyepiece and could never find again.

Anyway might be a dumb question, but can I use the scope without the controller ie 'manually'? I dont want to buy a controller if the scope is a wreck. So happy to buy an eyepiece first to see if it is worth investing further.
I will scour these forums to see about these pieces of kit. Any recommendations for a first eyepiece??

[AndrewJ]

Gday Jason

You cannot "operate" the scope using computer control without the Hbx.
You can release the clutches and move it manually, but it will become a pain in the bum very quickly, due to the narrow field of view.
If you can find someone local with a 497 / Audiostar controller, you could get them to hook it to your scope and see if it works.
It it does, you know the mount works and only need to buy a handbox to get a fully functioning goto scope.

Andrew

[gaseous]

To align the finderscope, you'll need to get the scope outside and with an eyepiece installed find a stationary target at least several hundred metres away, preferably something with a small but easily recognizable feature, like a streetlight lamp or similar. Once it's centred in the eyepiece, look through your finderscope and gradually adjust the two small thumbscrews on the finderscope to get the object centred in the crosshairs. Hopefully it'll at least be in the finderscope's field of view when you first look, if not you'll need to do a little more vigorous tweaking to find the object. Once the object is centred in both the eyepiece and finderscope, you're right to go. You'll probably need to check this every time you use it.
As for the controller, if you get your scope to a telescope shop that stocks the same model, they would hopefully be able to rig one up to see if your scope works.

[Numanoid]

Thanks - great advice!

[Numanoid]

Thank you for the "How to.." - really appreciate it!
I'll give it a go once I get an eyepiece. Any suggestions on a good general starter eyepiece?

[m11]

Hi Numanoid,

Since you testing , i wouldnt spend alot. I would just get a low powered plossl due to the narrowier field of view. Maybe just get a second hand one for starters. They are some cheap ones listed for sale on this forum.

Mel

[gaseous]

Yeah don't spend much on a "tester" eyepiece. You should be able to get a new entry level skywatcher 25mm plossl for peanuts. Just don't go lashing out on anything with "Televue" written on it at this stage....

[jenchris]

Are you Southside?
If you arw pop down to my place and I'll take a look. I've got some bits and pieces that will render it viable (or not as the case may be).
Ill give it a clean too.

[Numanoid]

I'm western 'burbs (The Gap), but heck that is a really kind offer! I would happily travel for this level of assistance!
How do we PM contact details??

[Numanoid]

Thanks for the advice.
I have seen 'plossl' a few time and I'm thinking the analogy is with the 'standard' (50mm) lens one would have on an SLR camera...right(?)

[Numanoid]

Appreciate the advice - thanks!
This really is a first class forum! Everyone has been very helpful!

[jenchris]

Fixed
Handbox ep26mm and a good clean
Just needs the handbox re programming. It seems to be locked on
eq format.

[m11]

Hi Jenchris,

Great update to hear. :thumbsup:

Nice work.

Mel

[Numanoid]

A BIG shout out for JenChris!
Thanks for taking the time to explain things to me, clean and colliminating the Meade. Fascinating watching you in action!

I also loved seeing your photos which just got me soooo excited about what is possible.

Anyway, I was so eager to re-programme the handbox when I got home but noticed that the cable you kindly lent me doesn't quite fit. Very strange as I thought it would be a standard connection. But the 'clippy' bit looks a wee bit too big so can't slide into the handbox port.

I downloaded the ASU Autostar Suite to my laptop for updating the handbox once I figure the cable connection!

Regardless - this morning was a great learing experience and I really appreciate your time!

[AndrewJ]

Gday Jen

What kind of handbox and firmware was it????
Jason
If you have selected the model as LXD75, it will forcibly keep you as equatorial. Under setup telescope, just confirm what model is selected.
If it is LX90-<size>, then you should be able to swap between AltAz and Polar.
Also, re updating, i strongly suggest looking at using StarPatch
http://www.stargps.ca/downloads.htm
It is freeware and has more control over updating than Meades ASU.
It also allows you to interactively load our patches that fix some of the bugs and add some enhancements.
Re the upload cable, it should have a 4C4P connector on it for a 497
Dont just plug stuff in in hope if you arent sure.

Andrew

[Numanoid]

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for the link to StarPatch. truth be told, Jen did mention a better site than Meade's but my brain was overloaded with info so i just defaulted...

I think you are right on 4C4P, the cable Jen kindly lent seems to have 6 pins.

Cheers!
Jason

[jenchris]

That cable plugs into the handset and the usb into the laptop.
Yes the site was star patch.
Look in the manual for the correct cable in/out point.
I'm surprised if the handset was on lx75.
The one it came off was an lx90
I'm sure you'll sort it.

[jenchris]

With setting the telescope type.
It's so long since ive done it that I'm thinking.
Setup. Easy downarrow one star downarrow two star etc til you get to
Telescope setup. I think.
Any way it's in the manual.

[Numanoid]

I'll figure it out.
But I can confirm that the handset port needs 4-pin and the cable you lent has 6-pin.
I have a photo of it not quite fitting but i need to shrink down to attach!

So not sure if the lx90 or lx75 controllers are different or which has 4-pin port.

[Numanoid]

Will give that a go once I sort the firmware :)

[jenchris]

You may not need to change the software. You may just be able to set it to lx90.

[Numanoid]

I think I will need to update software.
The Setup Order as per the Manual stops at "daylight saving (no)" interestingly and there is no option to select Scope Model.
"German South" appears after daylight saving.

All part of the learning curve!

[jenchris]

Yes but the next is setup.

[AndrewJ]

Gday Jason

Dont worry about that too much yet.
The fact you are seeing "German South" indicates the handbox is currently set up for an LXD75.
Just start the mount and hit mode until you get to the main menus.
After getting to the main menu, select Setup>Telescope> and scroll through the options
One will be model, where you can select LX90
Next will be Mount where you can select AltAz or Polar
Then hit mode back to the main menus and scroll to utilities
In that menu is a statistics section, and under that, you can see what firmware version is loaded. Report back on what it says and we can point you to the latest firmware ( if reqd )
Then study up on drive training ;-)
Andrew

[Numanoid]

Hello Andrew!

So sorry for the delay in responding!
I have followed your instructions and have now set the control to my LX90.
Firmware said Version 22et

Thanks again mate!

Jason

[AndrewJ]

Gday Jason

22Et is pre the ark :-)

43Eg is the latest firmware, and if you grab it from the StarPatch site, you can also get our patches, which will fix some known bugs and add some extra functionality.

Andrew

[Numanoid]

Too funny!
I had a *feeling* it might way outdated...
Thanks, I will go about getting it updated.

Jason

[Numanoid]

Well, seem to have hit a road block with updating the handbox. The saga continues...

Sent off for a USB to Autostar cable all the way from the UK. Updated the USB driver on my computer and tried to update (for now I am just trying with the Meade App). But the handbox is not found. I can only think a loose connection on the handbox side but no idea how to test this theory!

So haven't managed to use the LX90 since getting it - LOL!

Jason

[jenchris]

I actually used the handbox on the lx90 that was here at my place.
With the cable that I lent you.
I'm not sure what is happening here.
There's only one place to put that black curly cable and that is from handbox to mount.
Did I lend you another (grey I think ) cable that goes from hbx to usb ?
That's the updating cable.

[Numanoid]

Hi Jen,

No issue with the handbox to mount cable (curly one).
You lent me the USB serial cable and the connection for that to the handbox is just wee too big. This is the cable I ordered from the UK....which fits, but doesn't work!
Anyway, I had a great triage session with the guy in the UK. Learnt a lot including using PuTTY to test USBs! Turns out the cable may have been damaged in transit so he sending another.

I must return what you lent me Jen!! I am slowly replacing parts. Got a Meade Finderscope and diagonal.Looking for good general EPs.
Powering through an inverter for now

I need to return your cable, diagonal and EP! Really appreciate you lending these.

[jenchris]

Cool .
Hope you enjoy it after all that hassle. ...