Grampian Stars 37.11 Sth. 142.36 Est.
	Grampian Stars Explorer Telescope

G.S.E.T. Meade LX-200GPS-SMT-12

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Meade LX-200GPS-SMT-12

The Meade LX200GPS 12" f/10 SCT has a large aperture combined with state-of-the-art LX200GPS-SMT features, including 145,000-object database, Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser, GPS Alignment, and High-Precision Pointing. The large light-collecting 12" aperture of the telescope enable levels of resolution and image brightness that satisfy the advanced requirements of the serious amateurs research programs. The LX200GPS 12" Schmidt-Cassegrain includes the accurate GPS alignment; onboard 145,000-object database accessible in seconds through the Autostar II hand controller; Autostar Suite Software with remote telescope control via internet, the creation of custom tours; 4-speed Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser; High-Precision Pointing to within one arc-minute; and much more.

William Optics ZS-80

The sharp, high resolution ZenithStar 80 comes with 1:10 duel speed microfocuser, rotatable Crayford focuser, and air spaced FD multi-coated lens for extra crisp images. The refractor has a 555mm focal length (f/6.9) resulting in a limiting mag of 11.3.

Saxon ED-80

The sharp, high resolution saxon ED80 refractor contains one element made from ED (Extra-low Dispension) FPL-53 glass. This glass minimizes chromatic aberration, provides higher resolution and superior contrast. Color fringing around objects is completely eliminated with this type of optics. The saxon ED80 refractor has a 600mm focal length (f/7.5) & features a backlash-free 2” Crayford focuser. The focuser wheels contain brushed-aluminum hubs with ridged rubber grip rings.

Mitty Stealth Wedge

I needed a solid vibration free mount for astro-photography and viewing at the eyepiece. Having read on the web about all the problems with the Meade super wedge, I settled for the 2006 Mitty "Stealth" Evolution wedge with new Black Oxide finish from Frank Sperl.

The Mitty stealth wedge is considered by many to be the wedge of choice for the Meade LX200GPS-12". By all accounts, the workmanship and quality is second to none and takes pride of place on the peir supporting the LX200GPS.

Mathis Instruments MI500-F

The ultimate equatorial fork mount for my permenant observatory. The configuration of the Mathis MI500-F is machined for a specific arm separation and is excellent at holding compact tube assemblies, (in my case the 16" LX200). the left fork arm includes the declination gear housing with a fine pitch worm gear, a worm bearing housing, and a DC servomotor. A slip clutch allows one to balance the tube assembly and make fine adjustments. A pair of preloaded bearings in each fork arm supports each flange plate. The telescope tube attaches to these plates and the central hub attaches to the top of the right ascension axis. The MI500-F fork mount the most stable in its class, tracks objects continuously through the meridian and the mount weighs in at a hefty 90 kgs and will be mounted on the permenant pier in the observatory.

AstroPhysics GTO

The MI-500-F mount is supplied with the AstroPhysics GTO computer control. Using high-quality Swiss DC servomotors, this microprocessor-controlled drive system provides smooth tracking to an accuracy of 0.05 arc seconds per step. The GTO has a speed range of 4800:1, which allows 0.25x sidereal for guiding to 1200x sidereal for 5 degrees per second.

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