[webmaster note: vote moved from description of a duplicate entry]

Been awhile since I've given an update on the LXD55 SN10. Skies have been lousy so I'll give you what I have experienced. The mount and scope are well exceeding my expectations. Lunar views with 12mm and 9mm ep's are absolutely incredible. Views of the ring nebula are outstanding. Doubles split easily with both eps's. Field of view is still breathtaking. In short, the optics on this scope with the UHTC package would be hard to beat for the money.

The mount is working flawlessly to date. Only problem I have experienced is that I twisted off one of the tightening bolts on the legs - I called Meade on Monday and on Wednesday I had a new leg assembly on my doorstep - I call that outstanding customer service. I made a few mods to the leg assemblies and the mount seems to be rock solid with about a 2 sec settling time if I rap on the tube. Set up time from "decision to view" to finished polar alignment now takes about 5 - 7 minutes and gives excellent goto's with objects being almost dead center in the 12mm ep. Clear sharp edge to edge views with almost no coloration on edges of stars. Only slight coloration at the very very edge of the field. The screw adjustments for the optical tube axis alignment are a little trickey but no big deal. Once centered in the EP objects stay very well centered for over 45 minutes (longest I have tracked).

I plan on internally flocking the tube within the next week of so - will let you know the results.

All in all, I would give this combo a 9 out of 10. It looks impressive (I constantly have strangers standing in line with their cars double parked in my street) to get a glimpse. Operation and set up are easy. This scope seems to be an excellent value and real bargain. Weakest link is the tripod legs but these can be quicklly beefed up with a couple of hours work and around $20.00 in parts.

I've taken several single shot ccd images of the sun with an inexpensive RCA CDS6300 which I bought from ebay for $150.00. I'm using an Orion Steady Pic camera mount ($34.95) with their 14mm Epic ED eyepiece and Intellivue Solar Filter (full apeture). Internal "grain of sunspots is clearly visible as well as temperature gradient rings surrounding the spots. Color is pure beautiful yellow orange (yes it looks like the sun should look) and clarity is fabulous. Some surface "grain" is clearly visible. As soon as skies allow, I am hoping to try it on the night sky.

Everyone here that has seen the shots says they are great. As soon as my PC at home is up and running again, I will post for all to see.

Overall Rating: 9
Weight: 6
Date: 08/15/2002 07:16:54 am PST

Replies: 4