The LX200 control panel

The control panel of the LX200 permits a significant technological evolution, especially in CCD imaging.

It  is composed of an ammeter, several connectors, of a ON/OFF and North/south button .

From the left:

• AUX : in spite of its presence on all the LX200s. We will use it with the 7" LX200 Matsukov-Cassegrain for its fan.
• RS232: permits to connect a LX200 to a PC but also to the the Field De-Rotater.
• Focuser: used in the case of an electric focusing.
• Reticle: used to power the Meade illuminated reticle eyepiece.
• Keypad: to connect the LX200 keypad.
• Power 18vcc: 18 Volts.
• CCD: used to connect a CCD autoguider, in my case the ST-10XME.
• Dec Motor: used for the connection of the declination motor.

 A full and complete panel for the CCD imaging in Altazimuth mode.

The ALTAZIMUTH mode

To see chapter Field De-Rotater.

The optics and the weight

If you buy, as me, a 12" LX200 you will have a mirror of 12.5" of diameter. The reason is simple, MEADE gives more diameter for all its Schmidts-Cassegrain mirrors . It brings according to MEADE a rate of 10% in brightness. The optics is very good, the corrector plate is in BK7 glass, of very high quality. On the market, only, the MEADE 12" and 16" LX200s possess a corrector plate with this glass.  The LX200s are very good Schmidt-Cassegrains.

The weight is very significant in the LX200s, especially if you observe to several miles from your house. This small detail can appear insignificant, but if you are alone, as me, it is preferable to see if you can carry the telescope without to put it down. Also, think about your back!