looking for help on meade 416xt on a lx200 10"

No specific questions yet. I will am them once I try it.
Any hints from you experts out there on how to use this 416xt (I just bought used). I have a lx200 (only had it a month). I am willing to take the most basic advice aside from read the manual.

Thanks Sandy

Hi Sandy,

I have used a 416 for some time and it generally works quite well. You can see some of my images at;
http://www.acad.Carleton.edu/curricular/PHYS/Faculty/MClark/index.htm

A couple of suggestions. It is MUCH quicker to use it in SCSI mode rather than with a serial connection. So use SCSI if possible. I use mine with a laptop that has a PCMCIA port.

You need to be careful with the cable where it connects to the CCD. I had some trouble with the cable coming loose while in use and in the process messing up the shutter mechanism, necessitating a return to Meade. To aviod this happening, a friend made me a clip that holds the cable firmly in place. It is made out of light metal and simple passes over the cable and hooks onto the cooling fins.

One of the biggest problems with CCD's is getting good focus. I have found the easiest way is to use a 3-hole mask over the objective. When the camera is out of focus, you see 3 images of the stars. As you get closer to focus, the 3 images get closer together until they merge into one when you have focus.

Have fun. (and don't forget to post some images)

Maurice

I apreciate the information from you and Maurice. Will post results once I get something. Thanks