[Chunky Wheeler (Chris)]

Hi everyone,

I have a Meade 12' LX200R in alt az mode on a nice sturdy pier in my Sirius 3.5m dome. I have used it happily for two years like this, but of course lack the ability to take long exposures.

I did buy a Meade field de-rotator some time back, but have never felt confident with it. In any case, it's really only any good if you are using an off axis guider.

I have a nice new shiny Meade super wedge lying in the corner of my observatory (metaphorically speaking of course) waiting for me to summon up the courage to put it under the 'scope.

I say I lack courage because I have not heard one good report from anybody over the years about how easy it is to install wedges, and what a good result it was when they did.

One person I know experienced a spectacular failure in installing it making the thing work, and ended up selling the whole kit and caboodle in disgust.

He now has German Eq. Mount and several refractors, and has never been happier. However, I would have to say he doesn't- and never did, do visual work.

I enjoy visual as much as photography, and therefore need the big aperture that my 12" gives me. I lovethat scope! I would like to take some long exposure pikkies as well to show the wife.

Can anyone help with an idiots guide to installing and successfully operating a Meade Super wedge? In other words comprehensive instructions, tips and advice.

All comments welcomed.

Thanks a zillion.
Chunky