My LX200 Modifications
Current Modifications
Below is a list of all the projects/modificaions I've preformed to my LX200 setup. Feel free to do any of these yourself, but PLEASE NOTE: Some of the modifications WILL void your warranty!
To-Do list:
- Make a new Dew Heater to permenently mount to scope (Already started)
"Springy-Thingy"
Strange name, but HIGHLY usefull! This little gadget saves all the troubles of mounting your LX200 onto the tripod. Without this, you would need to carefully hold your telescope up while trying to align the mounting bolt into the center hold in the telescope base, all without dropping the telescope!
This simple idea is available for purchase through several vendors, however it is very simple to make with less than $5.00 worth of stuff from your local hardware store.
- (1) 2" Fender Washer with 1/2" center-hole.
- (3) 5/16" hex head bolts, 1/2" long (or less) and washer for each.
- (2) 1/2" nuts for the threaded rod at 13 TPI. (Mine already had them)
- (3) springs, 2-3/4 to 3" each. Not STRONG springs though
Simply drill 3 small holes 120° apart in the large fender washer. The holes only need to be big enough to thread the end of the spring through. Also drill one hole in each of the washers for the 5/16" bolts.
Assembly is simple. Thread the 5/16" bolts with washer into 3 of the supplied holes under the tripod. Be sure to align the washer with the hole pointing to the center of the tripod. Next, disassemble the main threaded rod from the tripod. You want to assemble that rod with the fender washer and nuts as seen in the picture on the right. Insert this assembly back into the tripod and use a C-Clip to hold it in place for now. Use longnose pliers and carefully thread the ends of the springs into the holes in the washers. One end at the tripod, the other end at the large fender washer. Once threaded, you would remove the C-Clip, and adjust the 1/2" nuts to make the threaded rod sit about 1/2" above the tripod, but will depress easily.
Thats it! Now you can safely set your LX200 down onto the tripod without worry of damaging the underside of the base. The only thing that would make the mounting process even easier is the addition of a "Peterson Mounting Assistant" (which I also highly recommend).
NOTE: The rod in the picture on the left is not bent or crooked. This is just an illusion from the angle the picture was taken. The rod is in fact perfectly straight.