Jim Stiley asked about my problems with my Meade LX200GPS 12" at Wolf Creek. I sent him this note, actually thinking it was going out to the whole list, but I guess it didn't. So here it is for the list, in hopes you all could respond to an idea I am mulling over about how to get my telescope on my Supewedge, at the end. Okay, true confessions, Jim. I'm turning pink over all my stupid goofs. I used my Superwedge and failed to realize I needed to put it into polar mode to work. Then when Don (I think it was) kindly pointed it out and I took half the night to figure out how to do that, it wasn't working properly because I didn't align it correctly. I misunderstood the instructions when it said not to use the handbox to align it on Polaris, so just aimed at it without using the handbox -- when I should have put it in the "home" position and then aimed at at Polaris by adjusting the mount, not the aim. I believed I compounded everything by getting the correction for magnetic declination on the wrong side of north, so instead of correcting, it made everything twice as far off! Finally, in the morning I discovered that the top bolt was not screwed in at all tight, leaving the base at an angle to the Superwedge, so the latitude had to be off just because of that if for no other reason. That's not to say mislaying my distance glasses and stumbling around in the dark a long time searching for them. These are difficulties that I won't have much trouble overcoming, I believe. What's much, much worse is that the telescope is too darn heavy for me to lift onto the Superwedge. I had no trouble lifting it from the back of the Jeep onto the tripod without the Superwedge, but the wedge adds a lot of height and puts the connection at a bad angle, instead of lying flat on the tripod. I had purchased some big cinderblocks from Buehner Block so I could stand on them and lift them onto the wedge, I thought, but that didn't work. It was still high and I was on the wrong side to lift it easily and I would have had trouble fitting the bolt into the slot with one hand while holding the telescope by the other. In this regard a competing wedge design is far superior as it has a small lip at the bottom, which is apparently where you can set the 'scope in place momentarily. I needed help to lift the telescope onto the wedge. Then I needed more help to put the two other bolts in place, because it was impossible to delicately slide something that heavy, and I needed help to lift it while I aimed it better. Also, I was afraid to try and lift it off. I thought if I loosened the bolt and held it with one hand, as I did with my Celestron 8", it would be too heavy to hold, even though the other hand would be gripping the handle. So I got it down by putting a blanket on the ground and heavy foam packing material on the blanket, then lowering the telescope onto the foam. Once on the ground, it was easy to unbolt. Here's what I am pondering, and I hope it's not a ridiculous idea. Maybe it's wrong and dangerous and I shouldn't do it. But I have been thinking about setting up the tripod and Superwedge, getting them aligned and level, then pounding a bunch of rebar and tent stakes into the ground, against the inside of two of the legs so they won't slide if I tip it. Then I would tip it over onto packing foam on the ground, where I would attach the telescope. Next I'd tip it back upright. If it was too heavy to do by hand, and I doubt it would be, I could use a tow-strap harness and pull it up using the Jeep. How does that sound to you all? Best wishes, Joe PS: Here's a story from today's paper with some quotes by our friends about the delights of star-gazing: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,510036458,00.html Joe Bauman science & military reporter Deseret News bau@desnews.com (801) 237-2169
Joe, shame on you! The backyard is for training and learning how to operate a new scope! You wasted the whole night at a dark-sky site trying to kick-start a GoTo scope? Should have spent an evening in the yard first- an ounce of prevention, and all that... This isn't the first time- I've seen you cussing the equipment before, while the rest of us were at the eyepiece...when are you going to buy a "dumb" scope and start observing? ;) (just kidding!) C. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! http://sbc.yahoo.com
It's just such a hassle to set up that I would as soon do it at a dark site and take my chances that something will go wrong -- again -- than to drag it out just to practice! I don't mind driving and I might luck out and get it going all right -- thanks, Joe
I know, I'm just giving you some good-natured sh- ah, stuff...;) --- Joe Bauman <bau@desnews.com> wrote:
It's just such a hassle to set up
I'd love for the presidents of Celestron and Meade to read that statement! Brent, are you following this? Ha! C. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! http://sbc.yahoo.com
It's interesting. When I was at the recent RTMC, I spoke to Meade about how poor the documentaion and system requirements were for the setting up their GOTO scopes. They all agreed. I suggested a short set-up video or web clip, or some better way to explain. I was told they get a LOT of questions everyday on set up problems due to documentation - they seem to know the problem, but lack a SIMPLE solution, or willing to take the time to maybe make a short, simple demo videotape on ste-up - maybe someone in the local clubs could or would be interested. I remember years ago, Roger Tuthill made several videotapes on use of the C-8 scopes. They had a little bit of amateur element to them, but they were full of good explanations and pointers. I still have them and they were reasonable price and very useful. Hint! Hint! Celestron and Meade!!! Anyone have good insider connections??? OR, the next best thing would be a GOTO scope workshop given periodically by one of the local clubs. What do others think??? Thanks, Jim Stitley Chuck Hards <chuckhards@yahoo.com> wrote: I know, I'm just giving you some good-natured sh- ah, stuff...;) --- Joe Bauman wrote:
It's just such a hassle to set up
I'd love for the presidents of Celestron and Meade to read that statement! Brent, are you following this? Ha! C. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! http://sbc.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!
Jim, the problem is that there is little motivation for the companies to improve their documentation. Prospective buyers don't hinge their decision on the instructions, and those complaining have already given-up their money. An old rule in manufacturing is that if a change doesn't add value (meaning you can charge more money for your product), you don't do it. Perhaps the biggest risk is losing repeat business, but even there, both manufacturers each have their own cheering section and poster-children. The buyers who eventually master their telescope mounts will probably buy another one day regardless, and of those who don't, a large percentage would have probably dropped the hobby sooner or later anyway. Roger Tuthill had the advantage of being a telescope maker and user long before he was a dealer, and I think this experience gave him insight that the big boys lack. Long-time S&T readers will remember his many ATM articles in the "Gleanings" section. Good observations, Jim. Chuck --- Jim Stitley <sitf2000@yahoo.com> wrote:
It's interesting. When I was at the recent RTMC, I spoke to Meade about how poor the documentaion and system requirements were for the setting up their GOTO scopes. They all agreed.
I suggested a short set-up video or web clip, or some better way to explain. I was told they get a LOT of questions everyday on set up problems due to documentation - they seem to know the problem, but lack a SIMPLE solution, or willing to take the time to maybe make a short, simple demo videotape on ste-up - maybe someone in the local clubs could or would be interested. I remember years ago, Roger Tuthill made several videotapes on use of the C-8 scopes. They had a little bit of amateur element to them, but they were full of good explanations and pointers. I still have them and they were reasonable price and very useful. Hint! Hint! Celestron and Meade!!! Anyone have good insider connections???
OR, the next best thing would be a GOTO scope workshop given periodically by one of the local clubs. What do others think??? Thanks, Jim Stitley
__________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Yes, Chuck, I agree. I lived in New Jersey and bought my first C-8 from Roger. I drove to his home and picked it up. He vared about hsi customers. Many of his 'gadgets' looked veyr homemade(because they weer), but served a purpose. Got a lot of support and suggestions from him over the years. After more than 20 years, I was back in NJ, called Roger about ym concern about the collimnation. I took the scope bback to his home and he laser tested and adjusted it - for free and on the spot. I never forgot this. This was back in the 70's. Bought other accessories later from him. Jim Chuck Hards <chuckhards@yahoo.com> wrote: Jim, the problem is that there is little motivation for the companies to improve their documentation. Prospective buyers don't hinge their decision on the instructions, and those complaining have already given-up their money. An old rule in manufacturing is that if a change doesn't add value (meaning you can charge more money for your product), you don't do it. Perhaps the biggest risk is losing repeat business, but even there, both manufacturers each have their own cheering section and poster-children. The buyers who eventually master their telescope mounts will probably buy another one day regardless, and of those who don't, a large percentage would have probably dropped the hobby sooner or later anyway. Roger Tuthill had the advantage of being a telescope maker and user long before he was a dealer, and I think this experience gave him insight that the big boys lack. Long-time S&T readers will remember his many ATM articles in the "Gleanings" section. Good observations, Jim. Chuck --- Jim Stitley wrote:
It's interesting. When I was at the recent RTMC, I spoke to Meade about how poor the documentaion and system requirements were for the setting up their GOTO scopes. They all agreed.
I suggested a short set-up video or web clip, or some better way to explain. I was told they get a LOT of questions everyday on set up problems due to documentation - they seem to know the problem, but lack a SIMPLE solution, or willing to take the time to maybe make a short, simple demo videotape on ste-up - maybe someone in the local clubs could or would be interested. I remember years ago, Roger Tuthill made several videotapes on use of the C-8 scopes. They had a little bit of amateur element to them, but they were full of good explanations and pointers. I still have them and they were reasonable price and very useful. Hint! Hint! Celestron and Meade!!! Anyone have good insider connections???
OR, the next best thing would be a GOTO scope workshop given periodically by one of the local clubs. What do others think??? Thanks, Jim Stitley
__________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! http://sbc.yahoo.com --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!
Joe, Have you been ready and joined the yahoo LX200GPS group? Lots of good help at least for me. Wayne -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Monday, June 30, 2003 9:58 PM To: Astronomy in Utah Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Joe's woes Joe, shame on you! The backyard is for training and learning how to operate a new scope! You wasted the whole night at a dark-sky site trying to kick-start a GoTo scope? Should have spent an evening in the yard first- an ounce of prevention, and all that... This isn't the first time- I've seen you cussing the equipment before, while the rest of us were at the eyepiece...when are you going to buy a "dumb" scope and start observing? ;) (just kidding!) C. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! http://sbc.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
Hi Wayne, no, haven't joined -- sounds interesting. I'll look into it. I assume you start at Yahoo? Thanks, Joe
Joe, Have you been ready and joined the yahoo LX200GPS group? Lots of good help at least for me. Wayne
Joe Bauman science & military reporter Deseret News bau@desnews.com (801) 237-2169
Try http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LX200GPS/ There have been some great help and ideas there the past year and half for me. Wayne -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Joe Bauman Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2003 7:54 AM To: Astronomy in Utah Subject: RE: [Utah-astronomy] Joe's woes Hi Wayne, no, haven't joined -- sounds interesting. I'll look into it. I assume you start at Yahoo? Thanks, Joe
Joe, Have you been ready and joined the yahoo LX200GPS group? Lots of good help at least for me. Wayne
Joe Bauman science & military reporter Deseret News bau@desnews.com (801) 237-2169 _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
participants (4)
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Chuck Hards -
Jim Stitley -
Joe Bauman -
Wayne Reese