Lightbridge has arrived? - Page 2

Muddy Diver · #21 18-03-2006, 08:50 PM

Hi JOhn
You obviously know enough about the lightbridge to order one up front even though they are not in the country. You are therefore the best person to ask a few q's if you don't mind.

I will shortly be in the market for a larger scope and felt that the portability of these units would be easier due to collapsability (is that a word...it is now), but I am thinking, perhaps mistakenly, that some pretty in depth optical alignment procedures will be required, in comparison to a solid OTA, following assembley at the chosen viewing location. Is ths going to be the case? What kind of set up times do you envisage including collimation?

One last flurry of q's before i go. What gave you the confidence to order the lightbridge so early? Have you seen one in the flesh? What would a lightbridge's advantages over a traditional dob be?

I look forward to your response as I was quite intrigued when i first saw the lightbridge on Meades web site.

Thanks

Barry

astronut (John) · #22 18-03-2006, 11:29 PM

Hi Barry, Thanks for the compliment!!

Well I've been round scopes for about 38 years, but this is my first experience with a reflector.
Firstly the Chinese have made it affordable to own a large ( or small ) reflector. 2. G.S.O. have put their optics in just about any commercially available reflector on the OZ market, and from what I've seen the optics are of a good consistent quality. 3. Why the Meade? Price $1500 for a 12" Great!!! but the main thing G.S.O. optics and it is a truss so it will fit in my Ford Laser. A fixed 12" tube would be just too awkward in weight and size.
4. Ive watched on the U.S. sites the experiences of other buyers and apart from the early delievery problems, they have been given a thumbs up.
The main advantage over a fixed tube is mainly physical size and the weight ( the truss weight and size are broken up into pieces)
Collimation will probably be out more often than a fixed tube, but once your accustomed to collimating there will be hardly any difference at all.
I hope this helps Barry and that it has not been to long winded.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muddy Diver

Hi JOhn
You obviously know enough about the lightbridge to order one up front even though they are not in the country. You are therefore the best person to ask a few q's if you don't mind.

I will shortly be in the market for a larger scope and felt that the portability of these units would be easier due to collapsability (is that a word...it is now), but I am thinking, perhaps mistakenly, that some pretty in depth optical alignment procedures will be required, in comparison to a solid OTA, following assembley at the chosen viewing location. Is ths going to be the case? What kind of set up times do you envisage including collimation?

One last flurry of q's before i go. What gave you the confidence to order the lightbridge so early? Have you seen one in the flesh? What would a lightbridge's advantages over a traditional dob be?

I look forward to your response as I was quite intrigued when i first saw the lightbridge on Meades web site.

Thanks

Barry

spacezebra (Petra) · #23 19-03-2006, 10:44 AM

Me Tooooooooo

Quote:

Originally Posted by astronut

AT LAST i CAN PICK UP MY LIGHTBRIDGE ON TUESDAY. I'm sure it will now rain for the rest of the year

spacezebra (Petra) · #24 19-03-2006, 10:55 AM

Hi John

I have read a lot of reviews that have suggested that the problem has been fixed - unfortunately I must wait for postage

.

There are two lightbridges coming to Albury - which is interesting! I see that you have also hooked into Yahoo, its been a great source of info.

Lightshroud arrived last week - it beat the scope!!!

Shall we both post a review, yes!

Cheers Petra

Quote:

Originally Posted by astronut

Thanks Guys,

It's very good advice. I was going to check everything before parting with my hard earned.
The main reason these scopes have been delayed approx 6 weeks was because of the problems they had ( Shipping + not securing the mirror cover down= scratched mirror ) .
Scopes that have been delievered in the US since the fix are now arriving in good order.
BUT!!! I've read a few posts where the delievery company not Meade are the culprits. You would think that if a box has in big type FRAGILE written on it, that you would take care of it. Boxes are still arriving with chunks out of them, as if they were used as footballs.
I'm going to Bintel to pick mine up, hopefully eliminating that problem.
I'll post a first light report as soon as I can.

Muddy Diver · #25 19-03-2006, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astronut

Collimation will probably be out more often than a fixed tube, but once your accustomed to collimating there will be hardly any difference at all.
I hope this helps Barry and that it has not been to long winded.

John

Not long winded at all. Just the information i needed. I'll be looking forward to your review as eagerly as you are awaiting delivery. Good luck.

Just one more q though.

I guess collimating aids can be fitted such as Bobs Knobs to make things easier?

Barry

spacezebra (Petra) · #26 21-03-2006, 09:54 AM

Hi all

Thought that I would post a quick note to let you know that LB has arrived!! (9.26am)

Cheers
Petra

stringscope (Ian) · #27 21-03-2006, 10:12 PM

I am looking forward to seeing the LB at SPSP14. In the mean time pics and a first light report would be great

spacezebra (Petra) · #28 22-03-2006, 12:08 AM

Hi all

First light at 9.45pm 21.3.2006. Excellent - had several helping hands with the collimation - but we got there in the end. The neighbours kindly turned of all their lights and viewing was great - considering Im in town and have the lights of Albury to contend with.

My scope was missing "a nut" (would you believe it) but went together smoothly and quickly. Optics are crisp and clear, was totally blown away from the experience.

More later - a bit tired - too much excitement for one day.

But I looooove my scope.

Cheers
Petra

wavelandscott (Scott) · #29 22-03-2006, 10:01 AM

Great...Glad you like it!

Enjoy your new toy...

Muddy Diver · #30 01-04-2006, 04:08 PM

PETRA..... JOHN...... STOP PLAYING WITH THOSE MEADE LIGHTBRIDGES AND COME IN FOR YOUR TEA!

There are some eager people waiting for your assesment of your new toys

Hope you are both happy with them and that the reason you havent posted is because you have beaten the weather gods and have had clear skies since you set the scopes up!