Balancing the LX200

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Can any of you LX200 owners advise me on the correct procedure for balancing the DEC axis when attaching a camera. (currently in Alt/Az arrangement)

I have the standard Meade counterweights on rail.

After attaching the focal reducer, "T" adapter "T" ring and 300D to the the microfocuser, I make sure the OTA is level (0 degrees DEC) and slide the weight/s along until its balanced front to back.

The issue I'm having is when I raise the front of the OTA (say to 70 degrees) it wants to come back to level and the same when I lower it. I understand the physics behind why this happens, but it seems strange that there isn't a way to achieve balance over a wider range of DEC angles.

Any info welcome
Paul

[Mick (Michael)]

How about this Paul http://m1.aol.com/kewtasheck/balance.html
and this for the mod on the Meade weight set http://m1.aol.com/kewtasheck/weightset.html
Hope this helps i'm thinking of fitting a guide scope so I will have to do something like this soon.

[rumples riot]

Yes vertical balance should be conducted first, then horizontal balance with the balance set. Meade in their infinite wisdom has not yet made a 2 D weight set of the LX200 range. So you will need to either modify a meade weight set or buy a set from one of the manufacturers. Don't forget to put a couple of sinkers in the left fork arm battery container also. This will help keep the gears nicely engaged. The site that Mick supplied is really good for explaining how balance should work.

Hope you find the balance you need.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Thanks guys.

I've saved this page so I can spend more time following the excellent links.

Paul

[Striker (Tony)]

If you had ADSL you wouldn't have to save the page Paul......sorry mate had to say it....lol...