Quote:
Originally Posted by GOTO
Hi all,
Here is an image of the north dome scope as requested. Again, let me state for the record we take our fiduciary duty very seriously and will not, nor have we ever, wasted taxpayers’ money.
We would still like to look though a Planewave if possible but we understand the comments made here.
I can’t answer all the points that have been raised but a few comments in no particular order:
1. We are a museum and our needs are different to most people here on IIS. We are very much aware of the terrible seeing in the CBD.
2. Nasmyths look like they are out of our budget ☹
3. Newtonians are out, as we won’t send people up high ladders.
4. Refractors are out too. We have one that is 290mm (1874 Schroeder) and the height for viewing positions varies too much.
5. Video will only ever be a secondary experience.
6. We are following a few ideas that have led us to Germany.
7. We haven’t given up on the option of re-mounting the 16inch OTA in which case video supplement would be desirable but can never replace the eye at the scope.
8. We won’t consider a 20inch Meade until we have seen others use one first and reviewed it extensively. Do they actually exist yet? Besides it is a GEM.
Clearly there is no easy solution.
Kind regards
Geoff
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...psbf39a1ad.jpg |
That looks just like I remember it when I first saw it in 1997. If the electronics in the LX200 are still OK they will probably last forever. Fitting a servocat would be more trouble than its worth. I certainly wouldn't attempt it under $5000. The 20" Meade is not realy an option on it's GEM. I think Don at Bintel and I can keep that LX200 going a little longer as long as you don't have a major failure.
For the use you require the modern LX200 GPS would give you a little more ease in setting up because of the GPS and auto align and the fact that the Autostar 11 is almost identical to drive as the old handbox. Other than that. "If it ain't broke why mess with it"
Barry