LX90 vs ETXLS

Nightman (Phil) · #1 07-01-2011, 01:58 PM

Here is one question that might put a cat among the pigeons...

I am looking to buy either the LX90 or the LS8. (Both 8 inch ACF)

Does anyone have any comments for or against either of these scopes and if your were given $3000 what would you buy?

I am down to these two for my first GoTo and would be interested in your replies.

Cheers

FlashDrive (Poppy) · #2 07-01-2011, 02:36 PM

Hello mate.....I had the same discussion with a supplier just 3 days ago.
I have been reading reviews on both scopes and chose the LX90 ACF with GPS.
Why not the LS8......It can't be used without power. There is no way to manually operate it. Has to have batteries or 12v external juice plugged in to be able to use it.

On the other hand, the LX90 can be manually moved through both axis, without the need of power.
No doubt the LS8 would be a great GO TO Scope....does everything for you and is aligned in around 9 min's and your ready to go

If you decide on the LS8....get yourself a decent 12v power pack that you can keep charged.......or go and see your father.....

for a raise in your " pocket money " because, the review says , 3 to 5 hrs.....

on a set of 8 x "C" Cell Batteries.

Hope this helps towards your decision.

Colin. BTW.....I wish someone would give me $3,000. .....

Nightman (Phil) · #3 07-01-2011, 03:07 PM

Hi Colin

Good feedback mate.

I don't have an issue with power to be honest. I have a camper trailer with a battery box that I can use to power the scope all night long.

I am still leaning towards the LS8 unless some other issues pop up in the forum.

Thanks again.

FlashDrive (Poppy) · #4 07-01-2011, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightman

Hi Colin

Good feedback mate.

I don't have an issue with power to be honest. I have a camper trailer with a battery box that I can use to power the scope all night long.

I am still leaning towards the LS8 unless some other issues pop up in the forum.

Thanks again.

Mate....Check this link out.....It reviews the LS6 but you will get a good handle on what the LS8 is capable of......

http://www.robertjdalby.com/?p=374.

Regards....Colin

mozzie (Peter) · #5 07-01-2011, 05:25 PM

hi phil
owning a couple of meade scopes my advice is (and i don't know where your going to buy)speak to an expert try bintel in sydney don or michael there service is excellent....also on iis theres a member andrewj+ he writes programmes and patches for meade scopes and he knows a hell of a lot about the programming.there was a few problems with the new ls series and andrew would know...

AndrewJ · #6 07-01-2011, 05:48 PM

Gday Mozzie

I dont know much re the firmware programming in the LS as it uses another new processor ( and i cant be bothered learning how it works )
However i would say the LS vs LX90 has pros and cons both ways
as does chucking in the LT

When the LS works, its great, but for me personally it has too many limitations for anything more than an alt az visual scope.
All three scopes have good optics.
I believe the drivetrains/gears in the LT/LS are better quality than the LX90 ( by a big way )
but, the LT/LS have no clutches and i find the DEC bearings have too much play. No clutch on RA makes doing a polar spin test to set the OTA to DEC = -90deg very difficult and no DEC clutch makes balancing a pain.
Also you cant use a lower weight rail anyway as it blocks the camera view.

The LS uses a single monolithic circuit board ( which includes the motor drivers etc ) so if anything dies, you replace the lot
The LT uses roughly the same motor cards as the LX90, so cheaper to fix if blown.
The LX90 and LT use the 497, 497EP, 497 Audiostar handbox ( where we know the firmware inside out and can patch as reqd ), whereas the LS has a new unknown firmware and we have no visibility for patching.

The LS also "currently" has no "manual" overrides for many functions
ie you cant manually enter site data, you cant do manual 2 star aligns ( where you pick the stars ) which can cause real grief in enclosed areas,
the ASU updater still wont work with the LS.

The LS now has Audio and visual functions, but the scrolling texts have gone. For most this isnt a great drama, but if yr deaf, you wont get much feedback that you can use.

Sooooooo whats the best choice,???????????????????????
If i could, i'd put the LS6" OTA on my ETX-125 base

Andrew

casstony · #7 07-01-2011, 07:32 PM

If you're observing under light polluted conditions (ie. suburbia) you'll probably be itching to upgrade in no time from an 8" scope. There's a noticable difference moving from 8" to 10".